Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => Arts and Entertainment => Topic started by: Valiant on 13 August, 2008, 12:03:24 am

Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 13 August, 2008, 12:03:24 am
So what was the last films you watched (cinema/tv/dvd) and did you like it?


Today I watched

Made of Honour - I quited liked it, as rom coms go, it's not bad.
What happens in Vegas... - I liked this too as it was quite funny :)
PS I love you - I really liked this, sadly. It's a proper chick flick but I thought I'd check out what my last gf was on about when she went crazy over the book.
Enchanted - I didn't get on with this film, a bit too Disney for my liking but it served as good background entertainment.
Wristcutters: A Love Story - A weird and surreal film, but a good film to watch I think.
The Spiderwick Chronicles - Brilliant!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alchemy on 13 August, 2008, 05:59:32 am
Are we talking at the cinema or DVD's?

At the cinema it was The Bank Job - violent, very colourful language but I still enjoyed it as a great example of a London heist flick (the British do these really well).

DVD's - ummmm, I haven't watched a DVD in years
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 August, 2008, 06:09:56 am
Mary Poppins.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rapples on 13 August, 2008, 06:43:07 am
Mary Poppins.

Me too.


Which cinema did you watch it in ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mark on 13 August, 2008, 07:10:27 am
Borat: unbelievably vulgar, although there were a few genuinely funny moments. The stereotypical Americans that Sasha Baron Cohen lampoons do exist, but I'm not comfortable with the way he lied to all those people to film the scenes he wanted.

Lord of the Rings (all three in the series): a pretty good retelling of Tolkien's story, but the books tell so much more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Charlotte on 13 August, 2008, 09:07:06 am
Liz and I watched El Orfanato (The Orphanage) last night.  A very spooky and fairly disturbing ghost story, directed by Juan Antonio Bayona. 

There is no truth in the rumour that I enjoy watching scpooky movies with girls, just so they jump into my arms when something scary happens  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 13 August, 2008, 10:15:23 am
What dreams may come

One of Robin Williams' smulchy ones, but rather unexpectedly, I like it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: MSeries on 13 August, 2008, 10:16:10 am
Waynes World II

on TV the other night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: αdαmsκι on 13 August, 2008, 10:23:04 am
On Monday I got back from work to find Million Dollar Baby on the TV, but I missed the start and I gave up watching before it had finished and went to bed.  I saw Chicken Run over the weekend, or rather than last hour but I've seen that before.  Hmm, so the last film I saw in its entirety was Wall-E
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rapples on 13 August, 2008, 10:33:29 am
Million Dollar Baby is worth the effort.  Try to catch it again :thumbsup:

One of the best recent films I've seen, but I don't watch many - see above ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: αdαmsκι on 13 August, 2008, 10:38:57 am
Of what I saw of Million Dollar Baby was good, but I was knackered and the call of bed was too great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 13 August, 2008, 11:42:19 am
The last thing I saw was L'heure d'ete (Summer Hours) which started off well with a superb performance from Edith Scob as an elderly woman left alone with her housekeeper in a house full of memories - except for the increasingly occasional visits of her egotistical family - but unfortunately after her character's death, became another well-acted but tedious French bourgeois family drama.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 13 August, 2008, 11:43:48 am
I'm taking the boys to see Kung Fu Panda today.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 13 August, 2008, 05:21:37 pm
Some random bollywood shit on the hotel tv.  It doesnt matter which one, they are all the same.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 13 August, 2008, 05:39:28 pm
Kung Fu Panda was fun.  Entertaining without being too taxing.  I laughed out aloud a couple of times !!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 13 August, 2008, 06:32:18 pm
Meet the Spartans  - Utter shite,  but quite funny in places, but you need to have seen 300 first

Cloverfield watched on a computer rather than the TV ( not through choice) added to the handheld ambience. Thoroughly fantastic film.

Led Zeppelin The song remains the same. The best guitar based band ever
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 13 August, 2008, 07:26:35 pm

seven years in tibet
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 14 August, 2008, 12:01:16 am
Shawshank Redemption, Film 4 Tuesday night. Top film.  Mind you, I still think Warden Norton looks like Peter Sellers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 14 August, 2008, 10:46:43 pm
Kung Fu Panda was fun.  Entertaining without being too taxing.  I laughed out aloud a couple of times !!

+1 for Kung Fu Panda - "There is no charge for awesomeness".

Also saw Wall-e at the weekend and enjoyed it immensely.

C
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 15 August, 2008, 05:54:09 am
Both boys are walking round making the 'Bdoush' noise - the one Panda does when he does the finger hold technique on Mr Mean Snow Leopard.  ;D

When I pretend to do the Kung Fu moves and make the obligatory Jackie Chan noises of 'whaa' and 'whaa whaa whaa' ( you understand ) I get reminded that "Dad, I don't remember any of the characters having to make that noise in the movie when they did their moves?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 16 August, 2008, 01:43:57 am
Today I've watched

Forgetting Sarah Marshall - A comedy but it's quite good.
St Trinians - Brilliant and silly
Blood Rayne II - Great but not as much as the first.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: cometworm on 16 August, 2008, 02:48:23 am
Batman: The Dark Knight at the Imax cinema. An absolutely rocking way to see it, but I would recommend sitting in a row farther back than C... head hurts now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 16 August, 2008, 02:55:12 am
Absolutely the best way to see it, especially as a few of the city scape scenes were shot on imax stock.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: kyuss on 16 August, 2008, 03:12:10 am
Of what I saw of Million Dollar Baby was good, but I was knackered and the call of bed was too great.

I watched that. Seen it before but it's worth watching at least twice. Brilliant film.

I've got a mate coming round tomorrow with 'REC' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeaUokzE9fI) which looks awesome. Like Guillermo Del Toro meets Blair Witch Project. I cannae wait.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 16 August, 2008, 11:54:01 am
Last film I saw was Wall.E.  Very good.

But you have to watch to the very end of the credits...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 16 August, 2008, 02:02:58 pm
Last film I saw was Wall.E.  Very good.

But you have to watch to the very end of the credits...

Yes you do. I noticed a significant Studio Ghibli influence there too... lovely film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 16 August, 2008, 08:15:48 pm
Have not watched yet - but have in my grubby hands a copy of "The Lives Of Others"

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 17 August, 2008, 03:45:31 pm
The Dark Knight. To say I wasn't impressed is an understatement.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 August, 2008, 03:59:05 pm
I'm watching Dangerous Liaisons just now and thinking they all need a slap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hellymedic on 17 August, 2008, 04:01:27 pm
Kung-Fu Panda last Thursday, The Bucket List a few months ago.
Was KF Panda trying to retell an ill-recalled biblical story or am I just bad on plots?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulF on 17 August, 2008, 04:04:23 pm
Prince Caspian, as good a way as any to while away a transatlantic flight
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 August, 2008, 06:58:10 pm
Prince Caspian, as good a way as any to while away a transatlantic flight
I'm scared to see that, after they made a bit of a mess of TLTWATW.  Cheap CGI looked like Quake II, appalling soundtrack and just didn't manage to capture the soul of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FatBloke on 18 August, 2008, 02:05:25 am
Prince Caspian, as good a way as any to while away a transatlantic flight
Ditto!

I did also try and watch Batman Begins but fell asleep.  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: kyuss on 18 August, 2008, 02:35:11 am
REC was pretty good. I'm not easilly scared but this got me in a couple of places. Really creepy. The hand held camera stuff can be a bit nauseating at times, but it's well worth a look.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 18 August, 2008, 12:25:52 pm
Sin City -  for the first time and brilliant.

Blade Runner  -  for the umpteenth time and also brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulF on 18 August, 2008, 12:43:31 pm
Saw The Kite Runner last night, one of the most powerful films I've ever seen without a doubt
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 August, 2008, 01:55:17 pm
The AristoCats on Saturday night with TLD and Mrs T, and now I have THAT song stuck in my head.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Maladict on 18 August, 2008, 07:09:46 pm
The Girl Next Door (2004) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265208/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 18 August, 2008, 07:14:59 pm
Hellboy, another great film from Guillermo del Toro.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 18 August, 2008, 07:23:43 pm
Hellboy, another great film from Guillermo del Toro.
I am so gonna see Hellboy II - The Golden Army - on the biggest screen I can find...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 18 August, 2008, 07:24:44 pm
Meet the Spartans  - Utter shite,  but quite funny in places, but you need to have seen 300 first

Cloverfield watched on a computer rather than the TV ( not through choice) added to the handheld ambience. Thoroughly fantastic film.

Led Zeppelin The song remains the same. The best guitar based band ever
Fast forwarded through Cloverfield on a plane. Thank god I didn't pay to see it....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 August, 2008, 07:25:39 pm
The AristoCats on Saturday night with TLD and Mrs T, and now I have THAT song stuck in my head.....

Everybody wants to be a cat cos a cat's the only cat who la la la at...

I'm not keen on AristoCats. I love Jungle Book though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 18 August, 2008, 07:30:17 pm
But I think the last film I'll admit to seeing was "Brother" with Kitano Tikashi (yes, I am now a japanese movie byff, not that I'm japanese.

Almost as good as "Battle Royale",  Hai!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 18 August, 2008, 07:43:29 pm
2nd last film I watched  ;)

Oldboy

Oldboy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldboy)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 18 August, 2008, 08:48:08 pm
2nd last film I watched  ;)

Oldboy

A very dark film from a gripping and very wierd sequence...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 18 August, 2008, 08:51:21 pm
But I think the last film I'll admit to seeing was "Brother" with Kitano Tikashi (yes, I am now a japanese movie byff, not that I'm japanese.

Have you seen his version of 'Zatoichi'? Absolutely brilliant... Did you know that very strangely in Japan most people don't even know he's a film director? They just think of him as a (rather crap and overexposed IMHO) TV comedian... whereas everyone over here has very little idea about his 'comedy' and thinks he's this art-house kinda guy...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Maladict on 18 August, 2008, 09:00:17 pm
But I think the last film I'll admit to seeing was "Brother" with Kitano Tikashi (yes, I am now a japanese movie byff, not that I'm japanese.

Have you seen his version of 'Zatoichi'? Absolutely brilliant... Did you know that very strangely in Japan most people don't even know he's a film director? They just think of him as a (rather crap and overexposed IMHO) TV comedian... whereas everyone over here has very little idea about his 'comedy' and thinks he's this art-house kinda guy...

I've seen it.  Brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 19 August, 2008, 08:59:09 am
The AristoCats on Saturday night with TLD and Mrs T, and now I have THAT song stuck in my head.....

Everybody wants to be a cat cos a cat's the only cat who la la la at...

I'm not keen on AristoCats. I love Jungle Book though.

You are as cruel as my wife, who started singing that last night, just as I had managed not to think about about it for more than 5 minutes....

arrrrggggggghhhhh
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 23 August, 2008, 09:16:38 pm
Last Night I watched

Chasing Amy - Didn't like it
Kung Fu Panda - Brilliant!
Sex and Breakfast - Was ok
The Other Bolyen Girl - Was quite good
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 23 August, 2008, 09:28:32 pm
Hellboy - enjoyed this, though it was too long.
Horton Hears a Who! - animation, not too bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 23 August, 2008, 10:03:04 pm
Last night I watched Die Hard 4.0 - I liked it, but I have a very low culture threshold  ;D

I am going to go watch 1408 now. :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 25 August, 2008, 10:12:53 am
The Kingdom.  Duller than ditchwater.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 August, 2008, 12:16:47 pm
Watched In Bruges on DVD last night. Didn't know much about it in advance so wasn't sure what to expect but it's fantastic. Enough swearing and graphic violence to make Tarantino blush. Brutally dark yet utterly hilarious. Nice for the sightseeing, too.

Even Colin Farrell, who I usually can't stand, is excellent in it. Ralph Fiennes is still shit, though - he seems to be trying to emulate Ben Kingsley's Don Logan from Sexy Beast but has all the menace of a teak wardrobe. But even he can't ruin it. Excellent.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 August, 2008, 12:33:20 pm
Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back.

I laughed immoderately, because I am irredeemably shallow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tiger on 26 August, 2008, 01:43:24 pm
I too watched in Bruges. Loved it. Esp as had to endure 3 days there earlier this year.  Watch it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 August, 2008, 02:08:39 pm
I too watched in Bruges. Loved it. Esp as had to endure 3 days there earlier this year.  Watch it!

I also went there earlier this year for a weekend and really enjoyed it - probably because I like gay beer. I understand what the director says in his commentary though, about the way the two main characters reflect his own split reaction to the city: beautiful fairytale stuff on the one hand, really dull on the other.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: epa611 on 26 August, 2008, 02:12:17 pm
Don't mess with the Zohan - very un PC, and quite amusing after a bottle of wine
Dark Knight - Heath Ledger's Joker performance was excellent - dererves the Oscar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: scott on 26 August, 2008, 04:51:42 pm
"Doomsday Machine," a really bad 50s sci-fi movie that somehow managed to be made in the 70s, as riffed upon by Cinematic Titanic (http://www.cinematictitanic.com/), aka most of the original cast of Mystery Science Theater 3000. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Science_Theater_3000)

The Cinematic Titanic episodes can be purchased and downloaded for burning to DVD.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tiger on 27 August, 2008, 01:11:15 pm
The Kingdom last night. Great to have all my prejudices about Arabs confirmed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 27 August, 2008, 11:48:52 pm
My daughter forced me to watch the risible Daddy Daycare on telly the other night. 

Pass the mind bleach :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 August, 2008, 10:33:18 am
Two Bourne movies over two nights, the first one we watched (the second one) was good, as it had fab car chases.

The second one we watched (the third one) was ok, but no where near as good car chases, most of them were on foot!  And the one big chase through New York was just a re-hash of the Moscow chase....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 28 August, 2008, 10:40:51 am
Rewatched Babe on DVD the other day – I still always feel the urge to say “Run Pig, Run!  That’s not a farmer, it’s Dudley Smith!”
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: agagisgroovy on 28 August, 2008, 03:51:33 pm
Wall-E  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 29 August, 2008, 12:05:34 pm
In Bruges last night as I'd suddenly heard a flurry of good reviews.Excellent, dark and funny film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ian H on 29 August, 2008, 02:16:38 pm
No Country for Old Men.  At the Odeon. I hate sitting through trailers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alchemy on 29 August, 2008, 02:31:15 pm
In Bruges last night as I'd suddenly heard a flurry of good reviews.Excellent, dark and funny film.

I think I'm going to go and see this tomorrow night. The trailers looked good
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alchemy on 29 August, 2008, 02:33:00 pm
No Country for Old Men.

One of my films of the year. The bad guy has quite possibly the worst hair cut ever to appear on film  :hand:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 29 August, 2008, 05:51:03 pm
Son Of Rambow

Not perfect but you forgive any faults when you suddenly find yourself remembering 80s stuff

The guide dogs for the blind flying Labrador being a good example

The film does portray the Plymouth Bretheren in a negative light, but hey - they dont watch films so I wont tell them if you dont ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fatmanwithabike on 29 August, 2008, 11:11:11 pm
Wall-e....purely for My daughters sake

Before that Mama Mia! - again for My daughter!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 30 August, 2008, 09:33:08 am
Last night - King Kong - special extended edition.


You know that any film that takes an hour before the main character appears is going to be long - but that was a marathon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mecwales on 30 August, 2008, 10:50:00 am
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Weird. Very, very odd. And seemed constantly on the edge of drifting away. But I really liked it, particularly with the Bowie influence.

Angel-A Genius. But then I'm a sucker for this type of film.

Amelie As above :P - probably my favourite film - the soundtrack's great too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 August, 2008, 10:59:00 am
There Will Be Blood - I was very tired and dropped off halfway through it, then woke up again several hours later and it was still going. Kind of enjoyed it but I'll have to watch it again when I'm less tired. Daniel Day Lewis is... astonishing.

There was a trailer for No Country For Old Men at the start and I have to say I wish we'd watched that instead.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tiger on 01 September, 2008, 12:12:12 pm
Will Smith in I am Legend as the kids insisted.  It is really interesting - not because of the plot which appeasr to have been assembled from teh Hollywood zombie/virus leftovers bin.
What was interesting was spotting the plotlines and characters that had been partially developed and then edited out in the final version.  There is a complete different version of the film on the floor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 September, 2008, 12:28:32 pm
Will Smith in I am Legend as the kids insisted.  It is really interesting - not because of the plot which appeasr to have been assembled from teh Hollywood zombie/virus leftovers bin.
IANAZME
but the book this is based on predates 90% of the Hollywood vampire/zombie/virus films of which you speak.

(The film may still be a pile of crap, but the book was quite good!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 01 September, 2008, 12:34:07 pm
There Will Be Blood - I was very tired and dropped off halfway through it, then woke up again several hours later and it was still going. Kind of enjoyed it but I'll have to watch it again when I'm less tired. Daniel Day Lewis is... astonishing.

Try watching it again, I watched it a while ago, thought I wouldn't enjoy it during the first 30 minutes or so then I really got into it, and DDL's descent is so well done it's unreal.

Oh and seeing a certain person get his comeuppance makes the film worthwhile....

Watch 300 again Saturday night, still as fantastic as the first time I saw it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Otto on 01 September, 2008, 12:38:57 pm
Cloverfield ob SKy Box office...thought it was pants ..the monster looked lie the BFG
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 September, 2008, 01:28:51 pm
DARK KNIGHT (Batman)

A great 90 minute film, just a pity it runs for about 6 hours.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 01 September, 2008, 06:13:28 pm
There Will Be Blood - I was very tired and dropped off halfway through it, then woke up again several hours later and it was still going. Kind of enjoyed it but I'll have to watch it again when I'm less tired. Daniel Day Lewis is... astonishing.

Try watching it again, I watched it a while ago, thought I wouldn't enjoy it during the first 30 minutes or so then I really got into it, and DDL's descent is so well done it's unreal.

Oh and seeing a certain person get his comeuppance makes the film worthwhile....

Totally agree - it is a great film with several outstanding performances. The soundtrack is also quite startlingly good (Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead in his first major motion picture soundtrack - certainly won't be his last on that showing).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 02 September, 2008, 05:58:27 pm
The Fountain

A film which would melt the logic circuits of a lesser droid
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 04 February, 2010, 10:25:16 pm
Reviving this old thread.. we just watched "Into the Wild (http://www.lovefilm.com/film/Into-the-Wild/95655/)" and have to say it's a really good film. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mr endon on 04 February, 2010, 10:35:12 pm
Fishtank. Brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 05 February, 2010, 12:04:52 am
Gran Torino is a brilliant film about a vigilante with a difference.

It's a great story about human realtionships and culture clash with a great moral twist at the end.

Cried buckets. Brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 05 February, 2010, 09:18:40 am
Soylent Green.

"Mmmmmm...Soylent Green"

/Homer
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 05 February, 2010, 09:27:38 am
Probably a bit mainstream for the buffs on this list but Lady M and I went to see the new George Clooney film, Up In The Air the other night and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Worth it just to hear the female lead, whose name I forget, say to GC:  Think of me as you, but with a vagina.

Also has an unexpected ending that doesn't wrap up all the loose ends neatly, which appeals to the dour sod in me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JT on 05 February, 2010, 10:13:12 am
Inglorious Basterds at the weekend.

Loved it. I like Tarantino anyway and there's always something to like in his films even if it's just the soundtrack. Mrs JT, on the other hand, is not a fan - particularly after not finding out what was in the briefcase in Pulp Fiction - but she liked Basterds too.

Christoph Walz must get an Oscar for his role as the Jew Hunter.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 February, 2010, 10:46:51 am
Nordwand - German-language account of the attempt on the North Wall of the Eiger by Andreas Hinterstoisser and Toni Kurz in 1936.  Deeply harrowing stuff even if you already know the outcome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 05 February, 2010, 12:41:56 pm
Last one I watched at the cinema was Avatar in 3D... and it wasn't as bad as I was led to believe.

Last one I watched on telly was 'Deuce Bigelow: Male Gigolo' last night...  :-[*








*It had been a very difficult day at work, with the end of the David Gray inquest...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 05 February, 2010, 02:57:51 pm
Nordwand - German-language account of the attempt on the North Wall of the Eiger by Andreas Hinterstoisser and Toni Kurz in 1936.  Deeply harrowing stuff even if you already know the outcome.
I do know what happened to Kurtz, so as a climber can't watch that film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: thelazycyclist on 05 February, 2010, 02:58:38 pm
I took Lindagordinho to see 'It's Complicated' for her birthday last week.  I'm not a big fan of romantic comedies but I really enjoyed it.  We even laughed out loud a few times.  It was nice to see 2 middle-aged actors in various states of undress rather than a bunch of toned and tanned young people.  Seeing young people at it just makes me feel old and fat.  Meryl Streep / Alec Baldwin / Steve Martin all good.  Not as sickly sweet as some American films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 05 February, 2010, 05:47:44 pm
I just watched 1984 (the version with John Hurt) with my class... nothing like 2 hours of unremitting bleakness on a Friday morning at 8.30!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: kcass on 07 February, 2010, 11:41:35 am
Trading Places - hardly anything happens. My  fond memories must have a lot to do with Jamie Lee Curtis's mammories
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 07 February, 2010, 11:46:40 am
watched Moon last night.  very good, really enjoyed it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 07 February, 2010, 11:47:05 am
Avatar.

You know what the storyline is going to be after ten minutes of the film, but that's ok..the other two and a half hours are like an acid trip in a primeval forest  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ian H on 07 February, 2010, 11:54:14 am
Personally I don't count films watched on television. Not that I have a television. All attempts to lure me to the cinema since we saw Slumdog have failed. Also the Ealing Odeon is a shadow of its former self.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 07 February, 2010, 12:01:31 pm
The Importance od Being Earnest. Vg
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 February, 2010, 12:43:56 pm
Avatar at the cinema last week and Ronin on DVD (£2.99 at TkMax - bargain) on Friday night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 February, 2010, 12:56:47 pm
I seem to see most movies at 30,000 feet (thankfully I'm a metric baby, so all I know about this is that you can't use a ladder to climb back down, and it's inadvisable to open the windows). It does mean I am occasionally forced to watch movies that perhaps I wouldn't choose, which perhaps in no bad thing, since there are only so many movies where shit just gets blown up.

I did enjoy (500) Days of Summer, which I confess I only selected because of the promise of happy little (and potentially adult-rated) thoughts of Zooey Deschanel, which - in my estimation - isn't a bad way to wind through two hours of midair confinement.

It was also blessed with a fine soundtrack, which included the rather lovely 'Us' which I had forgotten to listen to for long time now.

My brain also managed to inadvertently mashup Adventureland and Zombieland into something rather odd that took some subsequent mental disentangling. That said, there's maybe a screenplay deserving of a Hollywood treatment. Boy loves zombie girl, zombie girl doesn't love boy, zombie girl does love boy, zombie girl eats boy's brains, zombie girl gets messily decapitated.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 February, 2010, 04:11:13 pm
The Island

Didn't expect much. Surprisingly good in a mindless sort of action sci fi way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 07 February, 2010, 04:47:09 pm
One of the joys of having a new girlfriend is that I've been to the flicks twice in two weeks.

Haven't seen a thing though ;)

Sadly not true, but I did see The Road last weekend and The Book of Eli last night.
Two rather different views of post-apocalpse and both pretty good.  I'm not sure if I was being sold religion in Book of Eli or not, but it had a couple of good twists, and some blood and guts. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Moloko on 07 February, 2010, 05:10:18 pm

Hopefully it will be Marathon Man which is tonight, if I can keep awake.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 08 February, 2010, 06:53:25 am
Just seen 'Katyn'  if you don't mind subtitles I can commend it highly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 February, 2010, 10:46:00 am
Did a full channel search on the PVR the other day following a software update.  On the plus side, ITV3 and ITV4 are back in their rightful places.  On the minus, doing this scrubs all the timed recordings you've set up, which means I didn't get to see Witchfinder General after all.

Bah!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: microphonie on 08 February, 2010, 10:53:49 am
Suspiria - one of the many unwatched films that have been sitting on the PVR for years.

Not bad at all and a suitably spooky soundtrack by The Goblins too.

Whilst browsing the film list I did notice that the PVR hadn't properly recorded about a dozen films though, so had to delete them  :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 February, 2010, 01:25:45 pm
microphonie, I'm the same - Sky+ box is currently full of Orson Welles films recorded over Christmas.

Watched Citizen Kane the other day. It's all right, I suppose.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 February, 2010, 06:49:44 pm
Slumdog Millionaire and Marley & Me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 08 February, 2010, 06:59:07 pm
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (2005 remake with Martin Freeman as Arthur Dent)

Mostly harmless I suppose but altogether pointless for any fan of any previous incarnation (Book, Radio, TV).

It's too short to do the book justice and I doubt whether any stranger to the book would understand just how clever the book is by watching this.

So, mostly pointless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 08 February, 2010, 07:04:54 pm
The Baader Meinhof Complex, last night.  Awoke old memories of news stories from when I was growing up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 February, 2010, 07:20:41 pm
Cinema - Avatar.
TV - Hannibal
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 08 February, 2010, 08:11:23 pm
Inside Man

A £2 bargain DVD from Oxfam.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 08 February, 2010, 10:25:55 pm
Juno (last one I'm admitting to anyway!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 15 February, 2010, 01:02:02 pm
I can thoroughly recommend this weekend's 2 rentals:

Tropic Thunder
&
Let the Right One In

(if for rather different reasons!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 February, 2010, 01:06:38 pm
Capricorn One
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 15 February, 2010, 02:19:51 pm
Capricorn One

Is it worth watching the sequels?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 15 February, 2010, 05:53:06 pm
The Baader Meinhof Complex, last night.  Awoke old memories of news stories from when I was growing up.
I sought this one out a few months ago as well.

Ulrike Meinhof truly did get herself in over her head with a bunch of mentalists.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 15 February, 2010, 07:25:33 pm
Quicksilver
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 16 February, 2010, 01:35:22 am
Finally got round to seeing Watchmen. It was terrible. The main problem was that is was like watching a live action imitation of the graphic novel, and the director clearly had not courage to do anything interesting, didn't appear to know how things that worked on the page might not work on the screen, and the only thing he did change in the main story (the end) was just a cop out. Oh, and too much CGI (as usual these days). Overall: a complete waste of time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bluebottle on 16 February, 2010, 08:13:52 am
Stop Making Sense.  Sadly not on the big screen, but engaging nonetheless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 16 February, 2010, 11:04:15 am
Stop Making Sense.  Sadly not on the big screen, but engaging nonetheless.
why you little ... Now I have to watch it again :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 February, 2010, 09:11:44 pm
The 70s film of Mozart's Don Giovanni.  Great singing, nice locations, pretty woeful acting (apart from Leporello, who has the right lugubrious sort of face), but that's what you expect.  These days, with CGI, they could really make a meal of the legendary Commendatore scene; the film Amadeus does quite a nice take on it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 17 February, 2010, 09:15:52 pm
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (on Film4 on Monday night)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 17 February, 2010, 11:02:21 pm
Dans Paris.  Recorded from the series of french films shown on BBC4 last month.  I enjoyed it, but needed it explained to me several times by Mrs McB.  :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bluebottle on 17 February, 2010, 11:06:42 pm
Stop Making Sense.  Sadly not on the big screen, but engaging nonetheless.
why you little ... Now I have to watch it again :)

Watch out...


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 February, 2010, 10:27:38 am
In the last month or so I have watched:
Charlie and Boots (an Aussie film about a father and son road trip, starring Paul Hogan in a serious role)
Harry Brown
Gran Torino (this and the previous are basically the same story, just told in different places and a slightly different way)
Inglorious Basterds (very good)
X Men:Origins (mindless fun)

I now have The Lovely Bones to watch as well as Twilight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 February, 2010, 09:12:51 pm
The Damned United.  The book is better, and more sympathetic to Brian Clough, but the film captures the essence of it pretty well.  The main problem is that Michael Sheen doesn't look enough like Clough IMO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 February, 2010, 09:15:27 pm
I did finally get around to watching Inglourious Basterds at the weekend. Pretty disappointing, imho. Whatever gossamer of a plot came apart long before it reached the end of its somnambulant two and half hour run time. The talky, quirky dialogue that was so fresh in Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction seems to have mouldered over time. People don't talk like that and after a while, well, it starts to sound like badly written, contrived dialogue. It's a fine line.

The violence too. OK, it's a trademark and I should expect it, and it's not that it's shocking, it's just that it's cartoony and odd, and somehow vaguely offensive. I can't help the sense that it's all trying too hard to be startling and as a result seeing someone killed with a baseball bat doesn't really have the impact of being hit with a baseball bat. Yet it's still not comfortable because it's an a hollow gesture. It's not imbued with any kind of emotional weight - there's no thrill of vengeance. It's just gratuitous.

What I had hoped was a joie de vivre romp through war-time France kicking some well-deserving Nazi ass, seemed more of exercise in indulgence and Tarantino's paean to moviedom. I know Tarantino loves film, but there are so many nods and mentions to other cinematic tropes that I suspect his head is in serious danger of working loose and rolling right off his shoulders.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 23 February, 2010, 06:31:49 am
Just watched 'Attack on Leningrad'.  Either moving or slow and depressing, depending on your POV.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 23 February, 2010, 07:26:36 am
Up.  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: MSeries on 23 February, 2010, 08:36:32 am
Footloose
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 23 February, 2010, 08:48:00 am
Footloose

The Heather Mills ("it was never about the money") McCartney biography?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 23 February, 2010, 09:22:46 am
Wargames - an unappreciated seminal movie of its time replete with cinematic motifs recycled endlessly by other movies (unless of course, Wargames got them all from somewhere else...)

Pop quiz:
1) What does WOPR stand for
2) How old was Falken when described by Lightman (Broderick) as 'pretty old'
3) What exactually was the female technician walking around the WOPR processor with all the flashing lights carrying a clipboard doing?
4) Why was including Seattle on the list of targets an inherently bad idea?
5) Having 'sealed up the mountain' with massive deadbollted steel doors, how exactly are survivors supposed to get out if (a) the power fails or (b) more likely, bombardment induced shockwaves cause the doors to lose alignment causing the bolts to stick like an IKEA drawer?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 23 February, 2010, 09:25:26 am
Cool film.  A bit fanciful, but good nonetheless.  And you get to see an Avatar 2000 LWB recumbent. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 23 February, 2010, 09:46:43 am
watched Moon last night.  very good, really enjoyed it

Glad to hear that, I just got a copy on DVD on the basis that "It's about space, I'm a rocket scientist, I ought to watch it", and it was cheap(ish). Now I just need to find time to watch it.

;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 February, 2010, 10:33:50 am
Wargames - an unappreciated seminal movie of its time replete with cinematic motifs recycled endlessly by other movies (unless of course, Wargames got them all from somewhere else...)

Pop quiz:
1) What does WOPR stand for
2) How old was Falken when described by Lightman (Broderick) as 'pretty old'
3) What exactually was the female technician walking around the WOPR processor with all the flashing lights carrying a clipboard doing?
4) Why was including Seattle on the list of targets an inherently bad idea?
5) Having 'sealed up the mountain' with massive deadbollted steel doors, how exactly are survivors supposed to get out if (a) teh power failed or (b) more likely, bombardment induced shockwaves cause the doors to loose alignment causing the bolts to stick like an IKEa drawer?

The answer to 1 is 'War Operations Plan Response' (I think).

I think Falken was meant to be something like 45.  I had forgotten that the same actor was the evil prelate in Ladyhawke.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 23 February, 2010, 10:41:55 am
American Flyers, borrowed from the YACF lending library  ;)

Pure '80s madness, especially the Costner 'tache, but I've never seen better footage of a bike race.  It was good to see all those steel bikes in action with their shiny down-tube levers (I still maintain something's been lost with hood-mounted STi's).  And the film captures the joy of riding a bike for the sake of it.

But the film isn't really about cycling.

Much, much better than I expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Moloko on 23 February, 2010, 12:06:58 pm
but I've never seen better footage of a bike race.  

There's a scene in the mountains where a rider goes over the side.   :o (blink and you'll miss it)

This was a genuine mistake whilst filming and the rider luckily snagged on a tree which possibly saved him from a certain death.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 23 February, 2010, 12:39:38 pm
An Education  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 23 February, 2010, 01:03:16 pm
Taxi Driver - Still AWESOME even on the nth viewing :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 23 February, 2010, 05:02:48 pm
Sunshine Cleaning.

Crime scene clean up-tastic. :thumbsup:

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 24 February, 2010, 12:27:01 am
Amerika

Good film I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 24 February, 2010, 12:30:46 am
Sherlock Holmes
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 February, 2010, 10:08:32 am
V for Vendetta

meh. It can't decide what it is. silly film with some good performances.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 24 February, 2010, 12:10:13 pm
Taken

I would have been musing about the uncomfortable underyling (possibly sexist) messages but I kept getting distracted by Liam Nesson brutally killing people.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 24 February, 2010, 03:47:13 pm
Wargames - an unappreciated seminal movie of its time replete with cinematic motifs recycled endlessly by other movies (unless of course, Wargames got them all from somewhere else...)

Pop quiz:
1) What does WOPR stand for
2) How old was Falken when described by Lightman (Broderick) as 'pretty old'
3) What exactually was the female technician walking around the WOPR processor with all the flashing lights carrying a clipboard doing?
4) Why was including Seattle on the list of targets an inherently bad idea?
5) Having 'sealed up the mountain' with massive deadbollted steel doors, how exactly are survivors supposed to get out if (a) the power fails or (b) more likely, bombardment induced shockwaves cause the doors to lose alignment causing the bolts to stick like an IKEA drawer?

Q4 - Seattle was Lightman's home town.

Q5 - See Cheyenne Mountain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheyenne_Mountain#Design)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 24 February, 2010, 09:37:07 pm
Juno.  Very well acted.  Funny and well-made in places.  A bit worried by the messages (it may inadventantly have) given out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Spinners on 24 February, 2010, 10:37:09 pm
Cinema - Sherlock Holmes

TV - Liar Liar
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 24 February, 2010, 11:14:54 pm
Wargames - an unappreciated seminal movie of its time replete with cinematic motifs recycled endlessly by other movies (unless of course, Wargames got them all from somewhere else...)

Pop quiz:
1) What does WOPR stand for
2) How old was Falken when described by Lightman (Broderick) as 'pretty old'
3) What exactually was the female technician walking around the WOPR processor with all the flashing lights carrying a clipboard doing?
4) Why was including Seattle on the list of targets an inherently bad idea?
5) Having 'sealed up the mountain' with massive deadbollted steel doors, how exactly are survivors supposed to get out if (a) the power fails or (b) more likely, bombardment induced shockwaves cause the doors to lose alignment causing the bolts to stick like an IKEA drawer?

Q4 - Seattle was Lightman's home town.

Q5 - See Cheyenne Mountain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheyenne_Mountain#Design)

So Q5, the whole installation was on springs to accomodate shock waves!

Q4 Calling in a nuclear strike on your home town is one thing. Being in your home town at the time is another!

Yes, when you're 17 or so, 41 is pretty old. I know I was shocked when I found out Debbie Harry was more than 20 years older than me!

NOBODY knows what that female techie with the clipboard was doing though....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 24 February, 2010, 11:37:04 pm
NOBODY knows what that female techie with the clipboard was doing though....

Supercomputers mit der blinkenlights ALWAYS have to be attended by someone wielding a clipboard.

It's an ancient charter or something.

Failing that, she is a spy. After all, carrying a clipboard and wearing a serious expression will allow you to infiltrate almost anywhere. ;)

As Tom Lehrer (http://iankitching.me.uk/humour/lehrer/revisited.html#WildWest) once remarked, the staff at Los Alamos was composed almost exclusively of spies...of one persuasion or another.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 25 February, 2010, 12:04:10 pm
Yes, when you're 17 or so, 41 is pretty old. I know I was shocked when I found out Debbie Harry was more than 20 years older than me!
I guess someone has to break this to you ...

She still is. Sorry dude.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Moloko on 25 February, 2010, 12:07:40 pm

Blade Trinity.

Quote
You cock-juggling thundercunt.
  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 25 February, 2010, 04:05:49 pm

Blade Trinity.

Quote
You cock-juggling thundercunt.
  ;D
"I'm sorry...I ate a lot of sugar today"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 25 February, 2010, 05:25:52 pm

Blade Trinity.

Quote
You cock-juggling thundercunt.
  ;D
"I'm sorry...I ate a lot of sugar today"

Mr Welshness watched that last night whilst I was iplayering, it looked like there was some great acting on that film  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 25 February, 2010, 05:40:43 pm
Yes, when you're 17 or so, 41 is pretty old. I know I was shocked when I found out Debbie Harry was more than 20 years older than me!
I guess someone has to break this to you ...

She still is. Sorry dude.



Debbie Harry (whose posters occupied my bedroom wall circa 1978/1979) was born during World War 2.

That's sort of sobering isn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 25 February, 2010, 06:28:08 pm
Debbie Harry (whose posters occupied my bedroom wall circa 1978/1979) was born during World War 2.

I still would. Is that illegal wrong?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 25 February, 2010, 07:15:27 pm
Son of Rambow

most excellent, very feel-good  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 25 February, 2010, 07:18:31 pm
Up

Excellent  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 25 February, 2010, 07:21:11 pm

Blade Trinity.

Quote
You cock-juggling thundercunt.
 ;D
"I'm sorry...I ate a lot of sugar today"

Mr Welshness watched that last night whilst I was iplayering, it looked like there was some great acting on that film  ;D
Blade Trinity is a guilty pleasure.

 :facepalm:

Have you seen Jessica Biel all pumped up and strapped up in leather?

A must see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 February, 2010, 11:10:06 am
Blade Trinity is a guilty pleasure.

 :facepalm:

Have you seen Jessica Biel all pumped up and strapped up in leather?

A must see.

Stealth.

Swimming in a small bikini. Great acting from the bikini.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Moloko on 26 February, 2010, 11:13:08 am
it looked like there was some great acting on that film  ;D

People were exploding into embers. If that's not giving it your all... then I don't know what is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Moloko on 26 February, 2010, 12:57:31 pm

Withnail & I.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 26 February, 2010, 04:34:59 pm
I'm very excited.  I am going to see Single Man.  I have had to promise not to sit at the back of the cinema and say 'phwoar Colin Firth' lots though.  Any hint of a doing that and I am to be sent out  :(

Seriously though, I read the book a few years ago and found it extremely moving.  I hope that the movie does so too.  From reviews, it might well do that.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 27 February, 2010, 12:15:33 am
The Hurt Locker.

Some good performances but I didn't rate the film overall.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 27 February, 2010, 03:04:56 pm
A Serious Man.

Dark. Funny. More than a little painful. Classic Coen Brothers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 27 February, 2010, 03:21:10 pm
Planet 51. Funny, if a bit boring in parts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 27 February, 2010, 03:55:51 pm
Caught a chunk of T2 last night. A real stand up movie 18 years old now. Hasn't dated at all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 27 February, 2010, 06:41:32 pm
Caught a chunk of T2 last night. A real stand up movie 18 years old now. Hasn't dated at all.

I agree, except that I distinctly remember when I saw it at the cinema that the futuristic Cyberdyne labs had computers in the background all showing the very distinctive GWBasic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GW-BASIC_3.23.png) screen with the highlighted function keys along the bottom. Even in 1991 that was rather dated. It seems to have been removed from the TV versions now though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 27 February, 2010, 07:25:49 pm
I tried to watch 10,000 BC last night, but the Bernard Bresslaw caveman accents hurt my brain, and then the moas crashed my computer.  Lucky escape before the pyramids, apparently, but the mammoths were cute.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 27 February, 2010, 09:18:39 pm
Two thirds of Hurt Locker. Just couldn't keep watching, found myself getting too angry and upset.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 27 February, 2010, 11:32:42 pm
Hot Fuzz.

Hilarious
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 27 February, 2010, 11:34:33 pm
Hot Fuzz.

 ;D

Want anything from the shop?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 27 February, 2010, 11:36:34 pm
Cornetto?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 28 February, 2010, 02:29:02 pm
A Serious Man.

Dark. Funny. More than a little painful. Classic Coen Brothers.

I've been thinking about this a bit more and I am not sure it is up with their best. Despite pin-sharp casting, superb performances and perfect period setting, it doesn't really say anything new. Just their usual schtick about human stupidity in a more overtly Jewish setting - which does put it into a clearer cultural context, but that's about all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 February, 2010, 03:17:08 pm
Seraphim Falls.

Odd.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 February, 2010, 04:52:59 pm
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
I think it was intended to be a modern-day ironic homage to Chandleresque film-noir.

It ended up like a Tarantino-scripted Cary Grant movie. But mostly in a good way! I did find myself thinking that the script-writers could have written a REALLY good modern Cary Grant movie if they'd cut the sex-violence-language a bit.

(I'm beginning to like Robert Downey Jr, but his female co-star was probably the weakest thing in the film.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 February, 2010, 05:33:08 pm
I like that film. Val Kilmer ('Gay Perry') playing gay PD, taking the mickey out himself in other roles.  :thumbsup:

R Downey is great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Moloko on 28 February, 2010, 07:41:09 pm


Shine.  (David Helfgott)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 28 February, 2010, 10:23:54 pm
She, a Chinese.

Interesting study in cultural differences.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 01 March, 2010, 09:06:34 am
Crossfire. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 01 March, 2010, 11:23:28 am
Avatar. Mrs B took me last night. Her idea. She regretted it. What a load of tosh! Pretty tosh, but tosh none the less.

I can suspend disbelief for pentadactyl mammalian humanoid aliens (though it's not easy), but some of the rest! The feeble excuse for a plot appeared to be mostly a way of linking together the pictures, plus a bit of very clumsy & extraordinarily naive propagandising about noble savages.

There were a lot of people doing things that just didn't make sense, except to provide Cameron with opportunities to reprise images from other films. There's an awful lot of blatantly & rather tiresomely derivative imagery.

BTW, we both noticed that despite 3D being a large part of the point of the film, Cameron doesn't seem to understand how to use it. I think he can't break out of his training & years of practice in 2D & its conventions. A lot of scenes were very obviously shot according to 2D filmic conventions, which didn't really work in 3D. for example, having only the point of focus in focus doesn't work at all in 3D. Out of focus backgrounds look very wrong indeed when ones mind is telling one your eyes are adjusting their focus for the apparent depth. And things flying towards you (grossly overdone, BTW) should not go out of focus!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 01 March, 2010, 12:42:36 pm
Where the Truth Lies.  It was a very disturbing film, although Mr Deborah enjoy the plethora of naked ladies!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 01 March, 2010, 05:16:51 pm
You have to remember Avatar is the first big/massive step forward in 3D in many years and Hollywood is still learning how to us the new technology.

Just like Jurassic Park was for animation/computer graphic/etc a massive step forward but compared to now it is not that amazing.

This above was paraphrased from an article I read last year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 March, 2010, 09:40:06 pm
Except that it's the 2nd.

Up was out first.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 March, 2010, 10:09:04 pm
Detail is so important.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 01 March, 2010, 10:21:00 pm
City Island (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1174730/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mikeitup on 03 March, 2010, 08:24:00 pm
The Lovely Bones

christing awful!  :sick:

best thing about it was the wife paid  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 03 March, 2010, 10:20:09 pm
I can suspend disbelief for pentadactyl mammalian humanoid aliens (though it's not easy)

The Na'vi were tetradactyl.  The Avatars were pentadactyl, presumably because it would be simpler for the operators to run them without weird phantom finger problems.

Detail is important.   :thumbsup:

(It's still utter bobbins, but in the best way)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 March, 2010, 09:13:38 am
While waiting for wife to get back from meetings, I watched the start of Aliens. Good lord it is good. Comparing it to the likes of Avatar is like comparing Neuromancer  to 'Dick and Jane' books. Yup, 'Dick and Jane' has pretty colours.  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 March, 2010, 05:42:52 pm
The Guns of Batasi.  It's set in 'an East African country' in the early 1960's when the lights were going out all over the Empire.

Having been born in Africa in the 1950's and then been in Cyprus as the British were dealing with EOKA, I thought it was an excellent portrayal of the feeling of those times.  For some reason the DVD has to be bought from abroad and has not been released in the UK.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 07 March, 2010, 05:45:30 pm
Breakfast on Pluto
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FatBloke on 07 March, 2010, 05:46:18 pm
Alice in Wonderland
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 March, 2010, 07:13:48 pm
Children of Men

Far better than I feared. Lots of good elements, but never quite managed to be the TRULY INCREDIBLE film it might have been. Recommended.

[Also features a female Julian.]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 March, 2010, 01:47:11 pm
Breakfast on Pluto
Excellent film  :thumbsup:

Did you recognise Brian Ferry?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 08 March, 2010, 01:53:23 pm
In the loop. Last night. Excellent profanity.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 08 March, 2010, 02:01:30 pm
In the loop. Last night. Excellent profanity.

Hell, no.   Having enjoyed the Thick of It, I set out to watch this last night, and gave up after the first half-hour or so.  It was like watching the same three-minute joke being looped endlessly.  Gave up and went to bed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 08 March, 2010, 02:25:32 pm
Gran Torino last night with Mrs G.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 March, 2010, 01:24:32 pm
In the loop. Last night. Excellent profanity.

Hell, no.   Having enjoyed the Thick of It, I set out to watch this last night, and gave up after the first half-hour or so.  It was like watching the same three-minute joke being looped endlessly.  Gave up and went to bed.

I watched it last night and really enjoyed it - laughed many times. I know what you mean about it being the same joke on a loop but I thought the story was strong enough to carry it through. Lots of very good one-liners.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Moloko on 11 March, 2010, 12:27:04 pm
The Talented Mr. Ripley.

I much prefer the radio play though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 11 March, 2010, 04:09:24 pm
Breakfast on Pluto
Excellent film  :thumbsup:

Did you recognise Brian Ferry?

I didnt. When I saw the film I was in bed kind of semi watching at 2am on a Sunday morning :-[
I have a copy on dvd which I will watch again soon and look for him  :)
Tis a top film btw  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JohnP on 11 March, 2010, 04:18:13 pm
Last film I saw at a Magic Lantern Emporium was Towering Inferno the 1st time around.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 11 March, 2010, 06:02:41 pm
eXistenZ

"Are we still in the game?"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pneumant on 11 March, 2010, 08:20:02 pm
eXistenZ

"Are we still in the game?"

I like this film a lot  - the Chinese restaurant in the forest scene with the 'food' gun is great and the final scenes where all roles are reversed are excellent..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 11 March, 2010, 10:03:18 pm
Cool Runnings
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 March, 2010, 08:46:42 am
Breakfast on Pluto
Excellent film  :thumbsup:

Did you recognise Brian Ferry?

I didnt. When I saw the film I was in bed kind of semi watching at 2am on a Sunday morning :-[
I have a copy on dvd which I will watch again soon and look for him  :)
Tis a top film btw  :thumbsup:
He has a cameo as the slimy creep that tries to strangle the main character.

I find it quite moving for the portrayal of non-violent courage.  Rare in films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 March, 2010, 12:33:04 am
We sat down as a family and watched Stardust this evening. What a treat! A truly magical film, and very funny. It's rare to see a film that works so well for the whole family - I don't mean like Shrek, which has sly grown-up jokes that go over the heads of kids, but jokes that both parents and kids can appreciate equally.

Brilliant cameo by Mark Williams as the human-goat.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 14 March, 2010, 01:26:00 am
I went to see 'Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll' on Thursday night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 14 March, 2010, 07:46:53 am
I went to see 'Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll' on Thursday night.

Any good?

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 14 March, 2010, 08:44:10 am
I really enjoyed it. Serkis plays really great part as Ian Dury and his vocals are excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: αdαmsκι on 14 March, 2010, 11:28:00 am
Micmacs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micmacs_%28film%29), which is directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet who also directed Amélie and A Very Long Engagement. Micmacs was good fun and funny in parts, but I doubt I'll be rewatching it, unlike Amélie and A Very Long Engagement. The main character, Dany Boon, gives some good acting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 14 March, 2010, 11:42:20 am
I really enjoyed it. Serkis plays really great part as Ian Dury and his vocals are excellent.

Thanks, will probably give it a go
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Palinurus on 14 March, 2010, 03:20:55 pm
I've not seen a new film in ages, apart from being sidetracked by borrowing a DVD boxset of The Wire from a friend I'm catching up on a load of stuff I've been wanting to watch for ages and has only recently been issued on DVD. Last one was Patrick Keiller's Robinson in Space.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 14 March, 2010, 07:09:31 pm
Apartment Zero. Very interesting in a different sort of way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 14 March, 2010, 07:12:12 pm
I've not seen a new film in ages, apart from being sidetracked by borrowing a DVD boxset of The Wire from a friend I'm catching up on a load of stuff I've been wanting to watch for ages and has only recently been issued on DVD. Last one was Patrick Keiller's Robinson in Space.
The Wire!

 :facepalm:

It's like crack cocaine in DVD form.

"Shall I go to bed...no lets watch the next one"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Palinurus on 14 March, 2010, 09:29:34 pm
It really is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 March, 2010, 10:47:12 am
TWFKAML, Mr. Sunshine and I saw Män som hatar kvinnor, better known to BRITONS as The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo on Saturday.  I am most pleased to report it to be æxcellent.  With such a fat book they had to leave out or change a few things, but none was any great loss or annoyance.  Practically all the stuff to do with Millennium magazine has been canned, as has Blomkvist's wife & daughter, and he is no longer portrayed as a rampaging fuck-beast which TWFKAML maintains to be no bad thing.  You may, however, find the rape scene somewhat disturbing - one punter sitting in the same row as us walked out at this point.

I trust we will not have to wait another year for one, or more, of the sequels this time >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 March, 2010, 11:04:57 am
You may, however, find the rape scene somewhat disturbing - one punter sitting in the same row as us walked out at this point.

Ah, I wondered why it was an 18...

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: αdαmsκι on 15 March, 2010, 01:01:45 pm
Cheers for the review, Mr. Larrington. I shall attempt to see this film sooon. Shame that Blomkvist is no longer shown as a rampaging fuck-beast because that part of his character interested me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 15 March, 2010, 01:04:56 pm
Moon.

Ver' good.  Parallels to Silent Running and 2001 are obvious.  Gerty rocks.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 March, 2010, 01:19:41 pm
Watch GwtDT on Fri, with MrsCharly. As she finds the lead char rather hot, she decided to dress suitably, in knee-high New Rocks, corset and fishnets. Rather disappointing that none of the rest of the audience joined in the spirit of it.

good film. They've obviously decided to sideline Blomkvist as a character and concentrate on Lisbeth. Very little about her was left out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Moloko on 15 March, 2010, 01:26:57 pm

Revolver. If I'd had one to hand, I'd have done an Elvis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 15 March, 2010, 05:11:43 pm

I saw Burma VJ (http://burmavjmovie.com/) a couple of days ago,  really worth watching.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 15 March, 2010, 06:08:33 pm
I've started a Larsson topic for all GWTDT stuff!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 15 March, 2010, 06:15:47 pm
kite runner.  Very disappointing, I loved the book but the film was a bit 'meh'. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 15 March, 2010, 06:27:07 pm
Blade Trinity

Seen it before, but going through DVd's to educate Mrs Aidan in the way of film ( she tends to fall asleep in the middle of them and hasnt seen hardly anything!)  so we are going through everything we have  one by one
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 March, 2010, 10:11:48 pm
North by Northwest
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 15 March, 2010, 11:00:53 pm
Just finished watching "Waltz With Bashir"....... superb, but horrific.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 16 March, 2010, 12:04:30 am
The Reader. Worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 16 March, 2010, 07:32:58 pm
The Reader. Worth watching.

I read the book a while back, but have yet to watch the film.  MrDeborah is eager to see it, but I think that might have something to do with the presence of a naked Kate Winslett.  I'm pleased to hear that it is worth watching.  You've enticed me to rent the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 16 March, 2010, 10:43:29 pm
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, in frustrating NARROWSCREEN on Channel 5 last night.  I eventually got pissed off with missing half of the film and turned it off.  I couldn't bear to watch the bullfight scene and only be able to see one of the characters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 March, 2010, 09:31:54 am
The Reader. Worth watching.

I read the book a while back, but have yet to watch the film.  MrDeborah is eager to see it, but I think that might have something to do with the presence of a naked Kate Winslett.  I'm pleased to hear that it is worth watching.  You've enticed me to rent the film.

Iris is also a good film. And features Ms Winslett  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 17 March, 2010, 09:39:48 am
I will look out for it. Thanks for the tip.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: starkj73 on 17 March, 2010, 11:08:43 am


Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walk_Hard:_The_Dewey_Cox_Story)


A very nice/silly spoof.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Spinners on 20 March, 2010, 03:43:00 pm
After being nagged by a work colleague for months and months I finally got to see 'The Shawshank Redemption' last night (bought the DVD in HMV for a fiver)

Outstanding.

On that basis, I'll probably watch Avatar in 2026 (not that I fancy it tbh).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 20 March, 2010, 03:45:18 pm
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, in frustrating NARROWSCREEN on Channel 5 last night.  I eventually got pissed off with missing half of the film and turned it off.  I couldn't bear to watch the bullfight scene and only be able to see one of the characters.
PAN AND SCAN old chap

PAN AND SCAN.

And yes it makes good films rubbish, grainy due to the blown up zoom, and missing stuff.

 :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zipperhead on 20 March, 2010, 09:51:34 pm
This afternoon I went to see Hubble 3D at the Imax.

I now feel so incredibly insignificant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 21 March, 2010, 11:08:25 pm
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, in frustrating NARROWSCREEN on Channel 5 last night.  I eventually got pissed off with missing half of the film and turned it off.  I couldn't bear to watch the bullfight scene and only be able to see one of the characters.
PAN AND SCAN old chap

PAN AND SCAN.

And yes it makes good films rubbish, grainy due to the blown up zoom, and missing stuff.

 :sick:

Hmm, my TV probably dates back to the Age of Steam, so I doubt it has that function.

I'll just get the DVD from the library.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 21 March, 2010, 11:57:48 pm
Shutter Island. Chosen by Mrs B, as usual. Cast including Ben Kingsley (though not as good as in Sexy Beast, Max von Sydow, the lovely Emily Mortimer, & some bloke called DiCaprio.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 22 March, 2010, 12:03:26 pm
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, in frustrating NARROWSCREEN on Channel 5 last night.  I eventually got pissed off with missing half of the film and turned it off.  I couldn't bear to watch the bullfight scene and only be able to see one of the characters.
PAN AND SCAN old chap

PAN AND SCAN.

And yes it makes good films rubbish, grainy due to the blown up zoom, and missing stuff.

 :sick:

Hmm, my TV probably dates back to the Age of Steam, so I doubt it has that function.

I'll just get the DVD from the library.
No it's not a feature on the telly.

The ratio format was called pan and scan, it was one used in the days of VHS, particularly when used with crappy US NTSC format.

It was awful, still is awfull.

Pan and scan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_and_scan)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fred the great on 22 March, 2010, 12:21:07 pm
To answer the original post, I think it was called, oh, sorry, I have forgotten.

Pretty sure Elizabeth Taylor was the lead actress though :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 22 March, 2010, 04:54:21 pm
Just watched the Orson Welles version of Franz Kafka's The Trial in a slightly degraded print. I'd never actually seen it before and it was surprisingly effective, with a suitably naive young Anthony Perkins as Josef K. The updated bits worked because they dealt with aspects of bureaucracy not around in Kafka's time, like computers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 22 March, 2010, 04:57:16 pm
Yes, I like it very much.  I was a bit dubious before seeing it, knowing Perkins only from Psycho, and fearing a very Americanised version of a book I live, but it was well handled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 22 March, 2010, 05:34:24 pm
Yes, I like it very much.  I was a bit dubious before seeing it, knowing Perkins only from Psycho, and fearing a very Americanised version of a book I live, but it was well handled.

Lots of veteran European character actors in it... and great locations and sets too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 March, 2010, 11:04:30 am
One day I'll get round to finishing The Trial, which has been lurking half-read for some fifteen of your Earth years.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Moloko on 23 March, 2010, 11:21:29 am
Road to Perdition.
Nice take on the "hitman" film genre.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 24 March, 2010, 08:58:34 pm
Shutter Island. Chosen by Mrs B, as usual. Cast including Ben Kingsley (though not as good as in Sexy Beast, Max von Sydow, the lovely Emily Mortimer, & some bloke called DiCaprio.

Saw that at the Odeon.  Weird.  The film, not the Odeon.

On 2nd thoughts, both.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 26 March, 2010, 08:28:05 pm
The Hurt Locker

A good film ..... but not a great film !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 26 March, 2010, 08:53:18 pm
Charlie Wilson's War. Again. I love this film.

Humans can be brilliant - and then we go and fuck it up...  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 26 March, 2010, 11:28:08 pm
Last night was "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo",  I've not read the book so can't compare the two. An effective, well acted thriller and the leading lady is Hawt!   :P

Tonight was "The Lives of Others",  a view of East Germany's past, or a vision of our future....?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 26 March, 2010, 11:56:23 pm
300.

Grim and awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 27 March, 2010, 12:36:54 am
It might get loud - wonderful
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 27 March, 2010, 11:39:10 am
There Will Be Blood - very good movie, with some astounding scenes and a great, booming soundtrack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 27 March, 2010, 11:18:57 pm
Sherlock Holmes. What a heap of rubbish. I struggled to understand a word of what Robert D-J was saying in his whispery, affected, toffy English accent. Jude Law was as wooden as ever. I was really disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: MSeries on 27 March, 2010, 11:20:29 pm
Above Us The Waves
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 March, 2010, 11:52:01 pm
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs.

Enjoyed it, but I'm about 30 years too old for it - it's definitely one for young kids only, not their parents too. Some laugh-out-loud moments, but it doesn't engage you on an emotional level in the same way as the true classic kids' movies - Snow White, Toy Story etc.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 27 March, 2010, 11:53:47 pm
Just finished watching "Persepolis" , which I'd recommend highly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Noodley on 28 March, 2010, 12:01:46 am
Alice in Wonderland 3D...I had seen it as a chance for a wee sleep but really enjoyed it  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 March, 2010, 09:21:20 pm
Last night was "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo",  I've not read the book so can't compare the two. An effective, well acted thriller and the leading lady is Hawt!   :P
I'm just in from seeing that. Really enjoyed it. Especially when
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 March, 2010, 10:55:11 pm
I was thinking about going to see that tonight while Pingu & Bob were out seeing Jethro Tull, but it was on too late...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 29 March, 2010, 09:12:53 am
They're just living in the past... ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: αdαmsκι on 29 March, 2010, 09:47:55 am
I saw Moon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_(film)) last night. Like Andy says:


Ver' good.  Parallels to Silent Running and 2001 are obvious.  Gerty rocks.  :)

it's very good. Certainly at the start it reminded me of 2001, and to some extent at the start The Shining. Impressive what it's possible with, essentially, one actor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 29 March, 2010, 04:18:34 pm
I saw Moon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_(film)) last night. Like Andy says:


Ver' good.  Parallels to Silent Running and 2001 are obvious.  Gerty rocks.  :)

it's very good. Certainly at the start it reminded me of 2001, and to some extent at the start [iThe Shining[/i]. Impressive what it's possible with, essentially, one actor.
Yes, top class SF.  It had an air of 'Solyaris',
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 March, 2010, 04:32:42 pm
LindaG, you might want to edit your last post to include spoiler tags!

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 29 March, 2010, 07:28:17 pm
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:84ZMrW8oDb_cvM:http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x64/thugz4life8768/MOVIES/28_Weeks_Later_R1_Custom-cdcovers_c.jpg)

This was on Channel 4 last night.  I don't like this sort of film.  Too scary.  Mrs G loved it.  After it finished I warned her that if she tried any funny joke like trying to imitate a zombie or scare me in bed that I might strike out in response  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 29 March, 2010, 08:58:42 pm
I've not watched that film as it contains Vomit. As a copper of course, you'd be immune to that... ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 29 March, 2010, 11:22:14 pm
Up in the air. Pretty good. The airport scenes reminded me too much of my life recently, however.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 30 March, 2010, 05:58:09 pm
Serpico.  Heroic stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 30 March, 2010, 09:03:08 pm
I saw Moon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_(film)) last night. Like Andy says:


Ver' good.  Parallels to Silent Running and 2001 are obvious.  Gerty rocks.  :)

it's very good. Certainly at the start it reminded me of 2001, and to some extent at the start [iThe Shining[/i]. Impressive what it's possible with, essentially, one actor.
Yes, top class SF.  It had an air of 'Solyaris',

Oops, sorry about that; edited.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 30 March, 2010, 09:24:22 pm
I love you Phillip Morris.

Jim Carrey over-acting less than usual, which is positive. Ewan McGregor mis-cast, I think, but making the best of it.

Mrs B has got to stop making me watch films. She's planning to take me to see Cemetery Junction soon. I think I should be exempt. Why do I need to see the flim? I live here.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 April, 2010, 09:15:46 pm
300, which was a lot better than I expected, and certainly an improvement on Kingdom of Heaven.  The Persians were a bit orc-like athough Xerxes was a big jessie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 01 April, 2010, 09:17:26 pm
Mars attacks!

Never seen it before, wished I hadn't bothered  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pancho on 02 April, 2010, 07:31:38 am
Last night: Abre los ojos (Open Your Eyes) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Your_Eyes_%281997_film%29)

Frustrating as some of was very good but so much was too slow and too many aspects weren't developed. Overall - worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rapples on 02 April, 2010, 07:37:22 am
Much the same as the Twilight sequel then ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 02 April, 2010, 03:14:03 pm
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Mrs B's choice, as usual. We both liked it, but Mrs B found some of the violence a little shocking, mostly because of its realism. She appreciated the realism, though.

Tried to follow the Swedish, but with very limited success.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 02 April, 2010, 06:25:12 pm
Zombie Land.

Thank god for red necks!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 02 April, 2010, 07:35:57 pm
Advocate, which stars a sometimes nekid Colin Firth. A little too much excitement for a lady of a certain age and in a delicate condition.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 02 April, 2010, 07:39:44 pm
Last night: Abre los ojos (Open Your Eyes) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Your_Eyes_%281997_film%29)

Frustrating as some of was very good but so much was too slow and too many aspects weren't developed. Overall - worth watching.
It's much, much better than the American remake, Vanilla Sky (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla_Sky).  :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 02 April, 2010, 09:55:12 pm
Memento   quite gripping
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 April, 2010, 11:25:53 pm
The Informant.

On the plus side, it looks great - a very well made movie. And Matt Damon is excellent in the lead role.

However, I agree with a review I read that says it seems caught between two camps - can't make up its mind if it's a comedy or a thriller. And though I'm not familiar with the story, I found most of the plot twists were predictable due to being telegraphed in advance.

It reminded me in some respects of Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind, and in other respects of Quiz Show - two brilliant but very different films. And that perhaps illustrates why it seemed to lack a definitive style. Not nearly as good as either of those films, though.

Still pretty good on the whole, though. Worth watching.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 April, 2010, 03:28:04 pm
Mars attacks!

Never seen it before, wished I hadn't bothered  :facepalm:
:o But Tom Jones saves the world!  ;D

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Mrs B's choice, as usual. We both liked it, but Mrs B found some of the violence a little shocking, mostly because of its realism. She appreciated the realism, though.

Tried to follow the Swedish, but with very limited success.

All the way through I was thinking that Swedish sounds like garbled English, in the same way that Dutch does - it almost sounds like English, but not quite.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 03 April, 2010, 04:45:40 pm
Welll . . . I did learn a bit of Swedish (mostly via Danish), many years ago, so I know some of the things which can't be guessed easily, e.g. that 'et' or 'en' stuck on the end of a word is the definite article, or that god = good & gud (pronounced good, more or less) = god. Still, I couldn't have followed most of it without the subtitles.

When I went to work in the Netherlands, never having studied the language, I felt as you describe, that it sounded like garbled English. Sometimes snatches would be intelligible, but then it'd lapse into gibberish.

The original Swedish Wallander is on BBC 4 on Saturday nights, BTW. Series 2, 21.15. Repeated Thursday 22.00. I prefer it to the English version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 03 April, 2010, 06:52:43 pm
Zombie Land.

Thank god for red necks!
Watching it tonight, banjo boy!

Yew goat a reeull purty brain.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: MSeries on 03 April, 2010, 06:54:01 pm
Carry On Abroad
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 03 April, 2010, 06:56:17 pm
Mars attacks!

Never seen it before, wished I hadn't bothered  :facepalm:
:o But Tom Jones saves the world!  ;D

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Mrs B's choice, as usual. We both liked it, but Mrs B found some of the violence a little shocking, mostly because of its realism. She appreciated the realism, though.

Tried to follow the Swedish, but with very limited success.

All the way through I was thinking that Swedish sounds like garbled English, in the same way that Dutch does - it almost sounds like English, but not quite.  :)
Swedish and Norwegian are tonal languages, where the "singing" is part of the meaning, but Danish isn't. I can read Danish (which isn't a language, but a disease of the throat), but when I try and speak it I get accused of being Norwegian. The vowel sounds in Swedish, at least around Bohuslan, bizarrely remind me of North Welsh...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 03 April, 2010, 08:36:36 pm
Mars attacks!

Never seen it before, wished I hadn't bothered  :facepalm:
:o But Tom Jones saves the world!  ;D

I thought it was some yodelling bloke though  ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 03 April, 2010, 10:27:23 pm
'And When Did You Last See Your Father'. Very moving film. It made me cry like a girlie wuss.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 April, 2010, 11:36:51 am
Howl's Moving Castle

Not as good as Spirited Away. Too long and the story seems a bit incoherent. Beautiful drawing though.

Would like to see it with Japanese voices - Miyazaki's films usually seem to work better with Japanese voices and subtitles.

d. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 04 April, 2010, 11:53:23 am
Watched 'Elizabeth - the Golden Age' a few nights ago, what a pile of poo that was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pancho on 04 April, 2010, 12:10:16 pm
Howl's Moving Castle

Not as good as Spirited Away. Too long and the story seems a bit incoherent. Beautiful drawing though.

Would like to see it with Japanese voices - Miyazaki's films usually seem to work better with Japanese voices and subtitles.

d. 

We watched that too. Perfect lazy, rainy afternoon family viewing. Our fireplace is now known as "Calcifer".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 04 April, 2010, 07:26:16 pm
Watched 'Elizabeth - the Golden Age' a few nights ago, what a pile of poo that was.

I agree, such a shame considering how enjoyable the previous one was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 05 April, 2010, 12:26:07 am
Howl's Moving Castle

Not as good as Spirited Away. Too long and the story seems a bit incoherent. Beautiful drawing though.

Would like to see it with Japanese voices - Miyazaki's films usually seem to work better with Japanese voices and subtitles.

d. 

Yes they do. Sometimes they even change the songs for the English versions too... and I agree on Howl's Moving Castle.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 05 April, 2010, 01:54:46 pm
Just been through a veritable smorgasbord of films over the Easter week-end.

New Moon - I'm Team Jacob.
Shaun of the Dead - enjoyable as usual
Inkheart - OKish
An Education - very good  :thumbsup:

I was going to start watching the Hurt Locker but GeraldC has put me off so I'm going to put on Charlie Wilson's war instead.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 05 April, 2010, 01:56:29 pm
2012 - load of rubbish
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 05 April, 2010, 05:52:48 pm
Zombieland.


 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 05 April, 2010, 07:50:36 pm
Vantage Point ..... entertaining but a bit far-fetched !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: cpjmathieson on 05 April, 2010, 07:55:34 pm
Twilight New moon or was it The Haunting in Connecticut...one of them lol
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 06 April, 2010, 12:44:14 am
Little Voice
I feel all warm now
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 April, 2010, 10:52:02 am
Ghost Town.

Better than I expected - a decent quota of belly laughs. Gervais is not plausible as a romantic lead though.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 06 April, 2010, 02:56:38 pm
Little Red Flowers. Charming chinese film about kindergarden kids.

But oh, oh, what a pants ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 06 April, 2010, 02:59:02 pm
A Few Good Men - Classic :thumbsup:

"I want the truth"
"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 April, 2010, 08:42:45 am
Terminator: Salvation.

Not bad. It's just an action movie, but a lot better than the turkey that was the third movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 07 April, 2010, 10:04:29 am
2001: A Space Odyssey at the Prince Charles, Leicester Square. Stunning and waaaay ahead of its time. Definitely one for the cinema rather than telly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Snazzaroo1845 on 07 April, 2010, 08:35:29 pm
28 Weeks Later - great plot, great zombies  :thumbsup: and a cliffhanger at the end...  ???

It was quite sad though... lots of people died, but then again, it's a zombie horror movie - what can we expect?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 08 April, 2010, 05:52:11 pm
I have no idea what made me do it, but I have suffered 'The LadyKillers'.  Not the Alec Guinness classic but the dire Tom Hanks remake.

It's worse than anything you could possibly imagine.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 April, 2010, 06:12:43 pm
12 Angry Men (yet again).  There are advantages to being at home recovering.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 09 April, 2010, 09:50:25 am
A Boy A Girl And A Bike

Got it through the forum library, and I know there's a queue, so I'll be passing it on shortly, though I want to show Superstoker the bike race bit, now he's into cycle sport.  Unfortunately, my lads are allergic to watching black & white films. :(  To be fair, my monitor doesn't cope with dark films well (much of HP6 was audio only ;D ), and there are quite a few night scenes in this.

I didn't recognise Honor Blackman.  For a girl born in Plaistow (London), she did a pretty fair Yorkshire accent, as did Swindon-born Diana Dors, though with a bit less success.

I was surprised and delighted to see that much of it is filmed in and around Hebden Bridge, so I knew a lot of the locations well, and later action takes place in the southern Dales, which I also know & love.  How that lad managed to run from Bolton Abbey to Malham Cove I do not know ;D

Many beautiful shots of stone wall-lined lanes (and almost no traffic).  Decent film of cycling, with few of the actors being wobbly (except where required by the story).  The bike race sections are a bit hokey, but not bad.  There's even a brief explanation of 'through & off' at one point earlier on, though they don't really ride like that in the event.

Things to look out for: 
Tandem with sidecar
Vintage tents
(background) Interesting tracked tractor.

Good fun.  The studio sets are a bit poor, the plot thin, the acting rather hammy (watch out for the rider with cramp), the class issue a bit one dimensional, and the back-projection creaky, but it's funny and engaging, and the feisty Northern lasses are a treat.  And the bikes are great.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 April, 2010, 09:59:59 am
Inglourious Basterds (sp?, sic) Quentin Tarantino

For some reason it reminded me of 'Allo, allo', scenes from Indiana Jones, Monty Python and the Phantom of the Opera.

Not really in a good way although some of it was amusing, maybe unintentionally.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 April, 2010, 10:43:18 am
Team America: World Police.

I larffed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 09 April, 2010, 02:04:00 pm
Something about Mary. It was on Film 4 a while ago and I recorded it. Never got round to watching it before and it was rather amusing in parts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 09 April, 2010, 02:48:33 pm
I recall when I watched it, I liked some parts.  Most of them belonging to Cameron Diaz.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 10 April, 2010, 04:31:36 pm
Mrs B has bought tickets for Cemetery Junction, apparently on the grounds that we can't miss a film named after where we live.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 10 April, 2010, 06:09:21 pm
24 Hour Party People.

Steve Coogan as Tony (Anthony H) Wilson in the story of the "Madchester" scene of the late 70's and early 80's.

I really enjoyed it.  Very funny and tells that particular story better than any dry documentary I've ever seen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 April, 2010, 06:54:04 pm
Ginger Snaps.

Gory hokum.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 10 April, 2010, 08:05:35 pm
We watched Badlands last night - alienated, doomed lovers go on a killing spree across Dakota.  Visually stunning, there are some wonderfully laconic lines in the script, and a couple of deadpan performances from the leads.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 11 April, 2010, 08:58:19 pm
Gran Torino

Another great film from Clint Eastwood, with music including Jamie Cullum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 April, 2010, 11:00:50 am
Bulletproof Monk.

Nazis, kung fu, explosions, helicopters, Jaime King's bum, etc.  What's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 April, 2010, 11:53:01 pm
2001: A Space Odyssey at the Prince Charles, Leicester Square. Stunning and waaaay ahead of its time. Definitely one for the cinema rather than telly.

I saw Moon at that cinema last year and felt much the same about it. The similarities between the two films are striking. Never seen 2001 on a big screen but would love to, and I imagine the Prince Charles is a particularly nice cinema to see it in.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 April, 2010, 11:26:05 am
Badlands and then True Romance as a road trip killers double bill.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 April, 2010, 12:36:59 pm
Being John Malkovich

I've seen it at least twice before but not for a while and I'd forgotten how very, very dark it is. Also very funny. And brilliant.

We let the nearly-12yo watch with us, which we might not have done if we'd remembered how dark it was. But he seemed to enjoy it, even if there were some bits he didn't really get (doesn't have a clue who John Malkovich is for a start). Some of the language is quite unsuitable for a 12yo, and the action gets a bit steamy at times, but tbh I'd far rather he watched high-quality films with occasional rude words and mild sex scenes than some of the mind-rotting dross that passes for children's entertainment.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 13 April, 2010, 01:15:23 pm
V for Vendetta

I had forgotten it included a scene involving application of a shovel with extreme prejudice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 14 April, 2010, 11:04:57 pm
Azumi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azumi#Azumi_feature_film).

It's a pretty violent film, but it's very well made, and there's some endearing about the assassins and their... well, childlike approach to some things.

Aya Ueto plays the lead part perfectly.

It's a shame that Azumi 2 wasn't anywhere near as good.  I wish I could understand it in the original Japanese, but I think learning Japanese well enough just to watch films in it, is probably beyond my ability to remain that driven!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 14 April, 2010, 11:06:15 pm
V for Vendetta

I had forgotten it included a scene involving application of a shovel with extreme prejudice.
See also - The Evil Dead series.

Groovey.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 April, 2010, 11:31:05 am
Fast Food Nation.

Hungry now.  I can haz cheezburger?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 April, 2010, 08:50:55 am
Baron Munchausen

Uma was really hot at 18.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: numbnuts on 16 April, 2010, 10:25:05 am
I watched Beaches last night, I didn't realises is was a weepy I nearly cried at the end  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 April, 2010, 11:44:11 am
Lone Wolf McQuade.  Helicopters, killin's, Chuck Norris kicking the fuck out of the baddies and Barbara Carrera in jodphurs.  Outstanding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 16 April, 2010, 02:45:35 pm
Being John Malkovich

I've seen it at least twice before but not for a while and I'd forgotten how very, very dark it is. Also very funny. And brilliant.

We let the nearly-12yo watch with us, which we might not have done if we'd remembered how dark it was. But he seemed to enjoy it, even if there were some bits he didn't really get (doesn't have a clue who John Malkovich is for a start). Some of the language is quite unsuitable for a 12yo, and the action gets a bit steamy at times, but tbh I'd far rather he watched high-quality films with occasional rude words and mild sex scenes than some of the mind-rotting dross that passes for children's entertainment.

d.


and then some...  Actually I find the Parent's Guide for <whatever film> at IMDB a good guide to films re children.  The age rating is a reasonable guide, but, I wouldn't even let our now 12yro watch some 12 rated films/programs.

Last film I saw was How to train your dragon - very enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: 2_Flat_Erics on 17 April, 2010, 12:47:00 pm
Harry Brown.

Very similar story to Gran Tourino but much preffered Harry Brown.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: WhizzBang on 17 April, 2010, 01:54:36 pm
Volver
Lives of Others
Schindlers List
Betty Blue

Highly recommend them all
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 17 April, 2010, 11:05:18 pm
The Boat That Rocked.

Not sure why this bombed on general release - it was a Larf.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 17 April, 2010, 11:19:47 pm
Zombieland. Excellent!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 18 April, 2010, 02:01:08 pm
I love you, Man. Some laughs, but generally self-conscious Hollywood tripe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 19 April, 2010, 12:39:03 am
Runaway Train (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_Train_(film))

Not as bad as the title would suggest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 19 April, 2010, 11:04:21 am
Cemetery Junction. I'd never have paid to see it (my little brother's birthday, so his choice), but it turned out to be worth it for the soundtrack alone!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deborah on 19 April, 2010, 11:14:19 am
The English Patient.  I don't know why I have not seen this before.  I quite enjoyed it. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 April, 2010, 11:45:26 am
Runaway Train (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_Train_(film))

Not as bad as the title would suggest.

That's a cracking film - good as a double bill with this:

Emperor of the North Pole - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_of_the_North_Pole)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 April, 2010, 12:56:16 pm
Aguirre, des Zorn Gottes.

In a film shot through with swivel-eyed lunacy, Klaus Kinski demonstrates that he is the master of the genre.  Unfortunately the PVR got bored with five minutes left on the clock, so the last I saw of it was Aguirre proclaiming to a bemused monkey how he was going to marry his daughter and conquer Trinidad, Mexico and one or two other planets he'd noticed on the way >:(  Now I'll have to get the DVD...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 22 April, 2010, 12:58:27 pm
Romeo must Die

That's a very bad film and you can guess the ending from about 5 minutes in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 April, 2010, 11:33:27 pm
Oil City Confidential.

As rock documentaries go... well, quite simply one of the best I've seen. Really good. I've never been a huge Dr Feelgood fan but theirs is a compelling story, and it's a really well made film on top of that. Plus the fact that Wilko Johnson is such a fascinating character. I only started to watch it cos there was nothing else on but I was glued to it from beginning to end. What a very pleasant surprise.  :thumbsup:

And I also realise that I've been missing out on some great music all these years - it seems there was an awful lot more to them musically than the mediocre Milk & Alcohol.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 25 April, 2010, 10:27:31 pm
Valkyrie.

It appears Mr Cruise can act.

I liked it.  I don't usually like war films.  This one has a very good cast including Eddie Izzard and Bill Nighy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 26 April, 2010, 09:30:40 pm
"Lights in the Dusk"  ("Laitakaupungin valot")

I know little about Finland except for the Moomins.  From this film it appears that everyone there is miserable and doesn't do what you'd expect them to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Spinners on 26 April, 2010, 10:35:29 pm
The notorious Bettie Page.

Gretchen Moll FTW  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 26 April, 2010, 10:50:24 pm
Avatar.

Erm. Well. Gosh. Simply stunning, really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 26 April, 2010, 11:08:52 pm
Runaway Train (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_Train_(film))

Not as bad as the title would suggest.

passable film made better by Rebecca de Mornay looking fantastic, if a little overdressed.

I saw Shutter Island with my girlfriend on Saturday night. Di Caprio gives a solid performance but overall it was just a bit too average. Gf had sussed the plot by half way, which was we ll ahead of me...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: groucho on 27 April, 2010, 08:40:16 am
Watched 'Clue' on DVD again, we chose the random ending option!




Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 27 April, 2010, 10:59:05 am
Sexy Beast - Watched on holiday in Shropshire. Fantastic! Not one to watch with your elderly Ma, though...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 27 April, 2010, 02:37:26 pm
Finally saw Up in the Air. Really rather good. And another superb perfomance by George Clooney. I really think that he's one of the few contemporary actors who could have slotted smoothly into the classic era of cinema in the 1950s along with Jimmy Stewart et al. Annoyingly good looking but far more than that. And an excellent director (Syriana) too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 03 May, 2010, 01:12:53 am
Avatar.

Simply brilliant and thought provoking too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 May, 2010, 01:17:31 am
Avatar.

Simply brilliant and thought provoking too.

I'll admit that I hated it but am genuinely curious what you got from it.

I'm assuming from the date of this post that you have seen it on DVD not in the cinema and therefore for you it can't just be the 3D that's wowed you.

I guess that's why I'm especially curious about your opinion on the movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 03 May, 2010, 01:38:01 am
I just thought that the graphics were brilliant, the story was quite thought provoking (in terms of the people coming from a planet being destroyed by mining for minerals etc, and destroying another one for the same thing).  I think that is what it was getting at, but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 03 May, 2010, 08:36:19 am
As an antidote to Avatar I watched Lawrence of Arabia yesterday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zipperhead on 03 May, 2010, 09:41:16 am
Quite by chance, after watching the (recorded) moto GP last night, I saw that Dog Soldiers was on so watched it.

Some very funny lines in there. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 03 May, 2010, 10:57:53 am
Coraline on DVD last night.

Excellent story in a Grimm Fairy tail stylee (Classic Tim  Burton), together with superb animation and visuals.


Although anyone who volunteers to go into stop motion animation to that degree probably needs their bumps feeling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 03 May, 2010, 09:36:33 pm
The men who stare at goats.

Watched it whilst eating dinner. Bad idea - definite choking hazard. Very funny film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 03 May, 2010, 09:49:50 pm
The men who stare at goats.

Watched it whilst eating dinner. Bad idea - definite choking hazard. Very funny film.
Yup there was a few points that I pissed myself but a bit bizarre too
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 04 May, 2010, 11:08:10 am
The Disappearance of Alice Creed.

Big-budget blockbuster - not. Mrs B loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 May, 2010, 11:39:21 am
Genova. Don't bother. Superbly shot, well acted, pointless film.

Brokeback Mountain - saw it at cinema, watched again on DVD. Better the 2nd time round, Heath is really great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 10 May, 2010, 10:26:26 am
Went to see two films this weekend; Hot tub time machine  :-[ and Four Lions.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 May, 2010, 11:33:45 am
I'll admit that I hated it but am genuinely curious what you got from it.
...

I just watched it as well, and I think it's a good movie.  The basic storyline is a bit old hat, it's been done to death on the Earth, essentially big business coming in and and destroying some habitat whilst the noble savage fights against them.  The bod being brought in to help the baddies, and then realising that he's on the wrong side (with the help of an attractive girl) has also been done multiple times.  Having said that the storyline for that is about as good as you could hope for, although inevitably the "baddies" are a bit two dimensional, and don't really have an complex motivation.

The graphics and concepts were done very well however.  It's very easy to become fully immersed in the imagery (even without the 3D), and forget that the vast majority of the filming was done on a computer, and even when people have been acting in person, that probably just made the cgi even harder (ie lots of motion control camera rigs etc).  The animals and machinery are very well done, and look about as real as you would expect, although pretty alien.

It was a little disappointing that the intelligent aliens actually weren't very alien, essentially bipedal with mannerisms very similar to humans.  Given that on this planet, the only species which shows it's teeth to indicate happiness or humour is humans, the likelihood of another alien species using exactly the same mannerisms is small.  Of course all of this was done deliberately to make it easier for the audience to empathise with the Na'vi.  Likewise giving the female Na'vi breasts was a deliberate move to make them more human like, since the Na'vi wouldn't have breasts given their physiology and genetic heritage!  It would have been interesting to have given them six limbs, as some of the animals had, but even in movies like Bugs they didn't do that, since it made the "people" less anthropomorphic.

It was quite impressive that the language they speak is "real".  They actually got a linguist to invent it, and if you look at the Wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Na'vi_language) it's actually pretty complex (far more so than I can understand!).  The wanted something which was different from any existing language, but which both the Na'vi and the humans could speak.  I guess it also has many anomalous irregularities, since some of the mistakes in speech that were made in the film have been brought into the language, so that they are no longer mistakes!

So overall I liked it, the story's a bit old, but done pretty well, and with exceptional "filming".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 May, 2010, 11:37:58 am
Withnail and I :thumbsup:  Recorded off the telly a few weeks back.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 10 May, 2010, 01:13:03 pm
Went to see [...] Four Lions.

Saw this too at the weekend. Very, very funny (helped by a packed audience who would laugh at anything). Note quite as biting as I'd hope from Chris Morris though. Message of the film:

There are two types of people in the world: Stupid people, and stupid people who manipulate even more stupid people.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 May, 2010, 08:54:34 am
Harry Brown

It seemed to be a compendium of people's worst fears of the violence and depression of inner city living.  Nevertheless, if you avoid taking it as a documentary of every day life in such parts of Britain it was not a bad film and I felt that Michael Caine and others played their parts well (the female policewoman was a bit feeble which seemed unlikely in real life!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 11 May, 2010, 10:15:44 am
Four Lions, on Saturday.

I warned Mrs B that Chris Morris is known for comedy of the vicious variety, because The Day Today & Brass Eye were before she moved to this country & she'd had no exposure to them.

She loved it. I was a little less enthusiastic, but enjoyed it. The characters were excellent parodies, for the most part.

Mrs B is now enthusing about the superiority of low-budget (or in the case of Alice Creed, almost non-existent budget) British films over Hollywood blockbusters.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 May, 2010, 09:37:58 pm
Bad Lieutenant

Werner Warthog Starring Nicholas Cage

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 May, 2010, 12:32:03 am
Guadalcanal Diary - WWII Pacific War flag waver, although like other WWII flag wavers made during the war, a lot grittier in places than the war movies that followed after the war.  Nice early performance from Anthony Quinn and some great ensemble parts from 40s character actors.

Would be great as the first part of a double bill with Starship Troopers (the book of ST being very much influenced by the US/Japan WWII theatre and the film deliberately referencing wartime cinema and the 'why we fight' newsreels).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 13 May, 2010, 10:27:11 pm
The Men Who Stare at Goats

'Don't eat the eggs!' PMSL.

Highly recommended. Obviously some characters are composites but you've just GOT to see the Extras for the geezer who was the model for the Jeff Bridges character . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SpaceBadger on 13 May, 2010, 10:29:48 pm
Hot Fuzz.

An all time favourite of mine.

"If you wanna be a big cop in a small town, f**k off up the model village!"

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 13 May, 2010, 10:33:50 pm
Hot Fuzz.

An all time favourite of mine.

"If you wanna be a big cop in a small town, f**k off up the model village!"

 ;D

'Little hand says it's time to go to work!'

'Bring the noise . . . !'

'Oh! F**k off, Grasshopper!'

There's sh**loads of 'em. Brilliant!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 15 May, 2010, 09:36:22 pm
The Boat That Rocked.
The soundtrack is terrific & Bill Nighy does  8) really well
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 May, 2010, 10:19:19 pm
1984

A bona fide classic.

Edit: Still thinking about it this morning and pondering the possibility that it is more relevant now than ever. Marvellous film. But terrifying. I want to get the book out and read it right away - one of those I never got round to before for no excusable reason.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 21 May, 2010, 12:28:57 am
Kick Ass

It's absolutely superhero-tastic.

The best superhero film I've ever seen.

Chloe Moretz is brilliant as the tough as nails, 11 year-old, "Hit Girl" - "OK you c**ts! Let's see what you can do now"! ..as she chops and decapitates her way through a horde of viilains quicker than Bruce Lee in his prime.

Move over Batman, Hit-Girl is here.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 22 May, 2010, 10:52:49 pm
The eclectic assortment of short films by Deaf film-makers that was day 2 of Deaffest 2010 (http://deaffest.co.uk/festival-programme/saturday-22-may/).  Bizarre, moving, hilarious.  And the concentration headache from stretching my piss-poor BSL skills to their limit goes nicely with the one I already had from hayfever.   :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 23 May, 2010, 08:00:40 am
No Country for Old Men.  Best film I've seen in a long time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 May, 2010, 08:10:11 am
Since it was on TV and I was wheelbuilding, The Mummy.  Brilliant effects, reasonable storyline, utterly ruined by John Hannah.  No need to make it as a comedy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rower40 on 23 May, 2010, 09:20:38 am
Because I've just bought an ED-209 T-shirt from "Last Exit to Nowhere" (Shameless Plug), I felt I had to rummage through my VHS collection for Robocop, taped off the telly a long time back.

Some great quotes:
"I'd buy that for a dollar"
"Dead or alive, you're coming with me"
"6000 SUX - A Great American Tradition (8.2 mpg)"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 23 May, 2010, 09:40:27 am
We watched 'Sherlock Holmes' a few nights ago, I thought I would be put off by the high action re-make but I thought it was very well done. Law and Downey Jr are great together.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 May, 2010, 11:28:47 pm
Because I've just bought an ED-209 T-shirt from "Last Exit to Nowhere" (Shameless Plug), I felt I had to rummage through my VHS collection for Robocop, taped off the telly a long time back.

Some great quotes:
"I'd buy that for a dollar"
"Dead or alive, you're coming with me"
"6000 SUX - A Great American Tradition (8.2 mpg)"

"You have 15 seconds to comply."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 24 May, 2010, 05:34:25 am
Sherlock Holmes here too.  We enjoyed it greatly.  The boys especially like the slow motion violence scenes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 May, 2010, 09:03:31 am
The Exorcist.  Linda Blair is terrific.  The film is not.  Whatever was all the fuss about?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 May, 2010, 01:39:11 am
Just seen the latter parts of "Lost" 2004.

The best part of watching this (whilst tapping away on the laptop) was reading this review on IMDB:


Quote
Before Lemke's "Lost" my life was nothing. I was nothing. But after viewing this masterpiece, I have learned things about myself I never before suspected. I haven't been this excited about art since Micheal Curtiz's "The Seahawk". I hope this brilliant young director will continue to shower us with the fruits of his massive wisdom and intellect. Films never transcend life itself, but "Lost" took me to another plane, another level. A place I had never been before, and it has left me with an insatiable hunger--for more Darren Lemke. I pray that I might meet Mr. Lemke one day, and that he might find me to be a suitable mate, and that science might discover a way for two men to procreate, and that we could have glorious and beautiful offspring.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 25 May, 2010, 07:16:00 pm
Ligeia. It's a bit crap but she's pretty so it's all good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 02 June, 2010, 01:16:17 pm
"Streetdance" in 3D.

To my surprise, I quite enjoyed it. I thought the dance scenes in 3D worked well, as did the views of London. The 3D isn't in yer face & over the top, in the way that I've found irritating before.

Low budget, the plot isn't exactly sophisticated, & some of the lead performers are obviously better at dancing than acting. But then . . .  they're not called upon to act outside themselves, so that works, in general. And there's Charlotte Rampling, for nostalgia.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 02 June, 2010, 01:18:49 pm
...Charlotte Rampling, for nostalgia.

'nostalgia'.  That's a new name for it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 June, 2010, 01:38:08 pm
'New Moon'. I'd read the book, so I knew what was coming. Bit tedious compared to first film. Werewolves were a bit too bear like. Real wolves are lean and mean looking - these ended up looking cuddly.

The actor who played Jacob should have got an award for dedication to the part; he put on 30lb of muscle in less than a year (they were going to replace him because he didn't look muscular enough for the 2nd film).

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 02 June, 2010, 02:19:56 pm
...Charlotte Rampling, for nostalgia.

'nostalgia'.  That's a new name for it.
She's getting on a bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 02 June, 2010, 02:23:08 pm
So am I.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 02 June, 2010, 04:12:32 pm
She's getting on a bit.
It was so nice to know you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 02 June, 2010, 04:13:29 pm
We have been working our way through

Taxi 1
Taxi 2
Taxi 3

and have a guess what we are going to watch tonight ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 02 June, 2010, 06:51:34 pm
Aucune idee, mon cheri!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: keepontriking on 02 June, 2010, 08:29:45 pm
Just finished Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll

What a fantastic film with Ian Dury so well played by Gollum Andy Serkis.

Ian Dury was a genius - met him in a loo once at a private function where he played  - a true gent but with a dark side. But what a childhood.

We had some of his lyrics at our wedding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 June, 2010, 10:14:57 am
For Your Consideration

Well, I watched most of it last night, but was shattered so fell asleep before the end. Really liked what I saw of it, though. Very funny. I'll have to give it another go when I'm less tired.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 04 June, 2010, 11:59:02 am
The Road.

Depressingly a lot of the locations were abandoned suburbs, whole communities that have vanished.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 04 June, 2010, 01:24:43 pm
The Boat that Rocked on DVD last night.... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 04 June, 2010, 03:52:18 pm
The Boat that Rocked on DVD last night.... :thumbsup:
Now I heard in the majority of reviews that it was a load of tommy tank...too harsh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 04 June, 2010, 03:53:57 pm
The Boat that Rocked on DVD last night.... :thumbsup:
Now I heard in the majority of reviews that it was a load of tommy tank...too harsh?

Too harsh.

The music was very good and it was a nice light, feel good movie.  Perfect for relaxing after a hard day at work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 04 June, 2010, 03:55:04 pm
It's got Bill Nighy in it.  Most things (Richard Curtis excepted) can be forgiven on that basis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 04 June, 2010, 03:59:03 pm
It's got Bill Nighy in it.  Most things (Richard Curtis excepted) can be forgiven on that basis.

Bill is classic Bill in it.  I'm sure Curtis had Bill in mind as he was writing the part.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 June, 2010, 04:47:45 pm
It's got Bill Nighy in it.  Most things (Richard Curtis excepted) can be forgiven on that basis.

Is having Bill Nighy in it enough to forgive it for the comedy rape scene?

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 04 June, 2010, 05:00:32 pm
Watched 'A Serious Man' (Coen Bros). After about one hour in my husband said 'this is such a load of crap' and I tried to persist with it but I found it dire quite frankly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 04 June, 2010, 05:07:39 pm
It's got Bill Nighy in it.  Most things (Richard Curtis excepted) can be forgiven on that basis.

Is having Bill Nighy in it enough to forgive it for the comedy rape scene?

d.


Comedy rape scene?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 June, 2010, 09:45:52 pm
Bloke lures girl into bedroom then leaves room and sends other bloke in to fuck her, the joke being that cos the lights are off, she won't notice it's the wrong man.

Hilarious. ::-)

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 04 June, 2010, 10:07:14 pm
Room at the Top.  Depressing in many ways but a good insight into the world that produced Thatcher.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bomber on 04 June, 2010, 10:50:44 pm
Primer.  Will have to watch it again soon in an attempt to actually follow the plot:P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 05 June, 2010, 09:53:41 am
Watched District 9 last night.  Amazing film.  I recalled at times  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 05 June, 2010, 08:38:40 pm
Way Of The Gun is a gem.

Wild bunch-tastic. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 05 June, 2010, 10:13:59 pm
District 9 was the best film of last year, I reckon. :thumbsup:

Just watched The Way of the Gun which was ok. Good action scenes (that is, realistic techniques rather than flying through the air cabbying off rounds from your bottomless magazine) and most impressively - Ryan Phillipe isn't totally punchable all the way through. Incredible! ;D

It certainly was different and not what I was expecting which was really refreshing.
Some of the 'wow' factor such as the fingernails and teeth and even the cat food were fantastic.
I particularly liked the special effects of the alien weapons.  The bullet catcher was an amazing idea.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 06 June, 2010, 01:09:12 am
The Prestige. I was bored half way through, but then it livened up.
Yesterday we watched Taxi 4. By the end of the 4th I was just about tuning into the fast marseillais French.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 06 June, 2010, 02:56:53 pm
National Treasure : Book of Secrets.  Good silly escapist fun, although rather too many amazing secrets hidden where any number of people could have stumbled across them!

It always makes me chuckle when they have these fantastic mechanisms, in films like this, and Indiana Jones, where nobody has done maintenance for decades or centuries, and yet they still work!

... and why does Nicholas Cage always get the girl, he looks a bit strange to me, and often tends to act like a jerk. :-\

(Still on iPlayer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00snc7q/National_Treasure_Book_of_Secrets/) until 4-35 tomorrow afternoon).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulF on 06 June, 2010, 04:02:46 pm
Run Spot, Run - with my son :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 06 June, 2010, 10:31:16 pm
Looking for Eric - full of collar-up Gallic magnificence.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 06 June, 2010, 11:25:20 pm
Secret life of bees.

Reasonable feelgood film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 June, 2010, 11:42:50 pm
Double header on telly last night - Batman Begins followed by Hallam Foe.

I really enjoyed Batman Begins first time I saw it, but this time I felt decidedly underwhelmed. I also found the extreme violence somewhat distasteful. I know it's par for the course, but I suspect I'm becoming more sensitive to glamourised depictions of violence.

Hallam Foe was reasonably engaging but ultimately unsatisfying. I can't think how else to put it. It just didn't ring true. The quirkiness was all rather contrived. Pretentious, even. For some reason, I thought it was a Lynne Ramsay film (and it did remind me of Morvern Callar in some respects) but not so according to imdb. Maybe it would have been better if it had been one of hers.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 June, 2010, 09:42:22 am
Fitzcarraldo.  A film about a madman, directed by a madman and starring a madman :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 June, 2010, 10:25:15 am
Little Miss Sunshine

Funnier watching it for the second time, knowing what was coming.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 07 June, 2010, 10:52:38 am
Fitzcarraldo.  A film about a madman, directed by a madman and starring a madman :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

WERNER HERZOG!!! Man could even kill a damn narwhal just by looking at it sideways. Mother****er!

(http://ucalibraryblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/061708herzog.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rapples on 07 June, 2010, 10:56:01 am
A Civil Action, on Film4

Surprisingly watchable, as I'd never heard of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 June, 2010, 11:23:06 am
Fitzcarraldo.  A film about a madman, directed by a madman and starring a madman :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

WERNER HERZOG!!! Man could even kill a damn narwhal just by looking at it sideways. Mother****er!


Which is partly why I got very cross with the video wossname a couple of months ago when it decided that the last five minutes of Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes wasn't worthy of its attention  >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 07 June, 2010, 02:44:38 pm
Which is partly why I got very cross with the video wossname a couple of months ago when it decided that the last five minutes of Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes wasn't worthy of its attention  >:(

What a film! May be my favourite of his, although there are so many great ones: Cobra Verde, the aforementioned Fitzcarraldo, his version of Nosferatu...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 07 June, 2010, 02:45:32 pm
Bloke lures girl into bedroom then leaves room and sends other bloke in to fuck her, the joke being that cos the lights are off, she won't notice it's the wrong man.

Hilarious. ::-)

d.

Except it doesn't happen...

It was also indicative of what is seen (and may not have been the actualite) as being the essence of the 'Swinging 60s'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 07 June, 2010, 02:46:04 pm
National Treasure : Book of Secrets.  Good silly escapist fun, although rather too many amazing secrets hidden where any number of people could have stumbled across them!

It always makes me chuckle when they have these fantastic mechanisms, in films like this, and Indiana Jones, where nobody has done maintenance for decades or centuries, and yet they still work!

... and why does Nicholas Cage always get the girl, he looks a bit strange to me, and often tends to act like a jerk. :-\

(Still on iPlayer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00snc7q/National_Treasure_Book_of_Secrets/) until 4-35 tomorrow afternoon).

I watched that the other day as well....  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 07 June, 2010, 02:54:29 pm
Which is partly why I got very cross with the video wossname a couple of months ago when it decided that the last five minutes of Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes wasn't worthy of its attention  >:(

What a film! May be my favourite of his, although there are so many great ones: Cobra Verde, the aforementioned Fitzcarraldo, his version of Nosferatu...

I prefer his documentaries. Wodaabe, Herdsmen of the Sun, is a good example.
      YouTube
            - Wodaabe
    (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVI914vMHcQ)

A box set would guarantee endless downbeat nights in.
Werner Herzog - Documentaries and Shorts : DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video (http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/34458/werner-herzog-documentaries-and-shorts/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 07 June, 2010, 03:11:08 pm
I prefer his documentaries. Wodaabe, Herdsmen of the Sun, is a good example.
      YouTube
            - Wodaabe
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVI914vMHcQ)

Oh, yeah, they're great too. If you want to be very depressed read some of the comments on that YouTube clip
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: 2_Flat_Erics on 07 June, 2010, 03:15:10 pm
We watched "The Book of Eli" last night.  :thumbsup:

For some reason though I just kept getting the urge to play Fallout 3 .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 June, 2010, 03:38:06 pm
Shutter Island

There is no way on this earth you could getter a bigger pile of pants, not even if you combined the output of the Jockey, CK and Haggard factories.....

That is definately far too long a period of my life I will never ever get back again...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: dkahn400 on 07 June, 2010, 03:51:49 pm

It always makes me chuckle when they have these fantastic mechanisms, in films like this, and Indiana Jones, where nobody has done maintenance for decades or centuries, and yet they still work!


... and after each triggering they reset themselves for another go. That's bloody clever, that.

Quote

... and why does Nicholas Cage always get the girl,


Duh! Because he's famous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 07 June, 2010, 03:53:15 pm
I prefer his documentaries. Wodaabe, Herdsmen of the Sun, is a good example.
      YouTube
            - Wodaabe
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVI914vMHcQ)

Oh, yeah, they're great too. If you want to be very depressed read some of the comments on that YouTube clip

Most revolve around the music choice, which I can understand. It's difficult to know if he just chose it because he would have no copyright problems or if it's supposed to mean something. Wenders is similar in setting a downbeat mood early on, maybe it's just a warning to fidgety viewers to turn off now.


      YouTube
            - Paris, Texas - Wim Wenders - 1984
    (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b44paD20O3M&feature=related)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: dkahn400 on 07 June, 2010, 03:55:14 pm
On telly yesterday: Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 June, 2010, 04:04:17 pm
Except it doesn't happen...

OK, "comedy attempted rape scene". That makes it quite all right, of course.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 07 June, 2010, 10:42:18 pm
Fitzcarraldo.  A film about a madman, directed by a madman and starring a madman :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Yuh. Woz on telly. Was Kinski acting? I thought that was him being himself.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 June, 2010, 10:55:00 am
Fitzcarraldo.  A film about a madman, directed by a madman and starring a madman :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Yuh. Woz on telly. Was Kinski acting? I thought that was him being himself.  ;D

It was a bit restrained for Kinski.  Well I remember him and the lovely Natassja being on stage at some film festival and KK going into a major purple-faced swivel-eyed wobbly because some journo at the back had dared to light a fag in the same room as his daughter.  Compared with that, Aguirre looked like a Church of England vicar at the Queen's garden party ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JT on 08 June, 2010, 11:20:56 am
Rush - Beyond the Lighted Stage

A rockumentary about Rush from the makers of other heavy metal documentaries that I can't remember. Probably for fans only.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 08 June, 2010, 03:01:56 pm
Rush - Beyond the Lighted Stage

A rockumentary about Rush from the makers of other heavy metal documentaries that I can't remember. Probably for fans only.


Or Canadians... I have to be very careful what I say about Rush out here as they appear to be living deities. Best not to mention that I sometimes think that they may be the worst band ever to exist on the face of planet Earth...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 08 June, 2010, 03:06:53 pm
Who you calling Bignose? ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 08 June, 2010, 06:50:27 pm
Alice in Wonderland (2010).

That Tim Burton, eh? Wacky stuff  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 12 July, 2010, 09:10:46 am
Bend it like Beckham, last night after the world Cup Fight.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 July, 2010, 09:52:02 am
Moon.

Second time for me and the missus - we saw it in the cinema last year. But this time we watched it en famille. The 12yo took a while to warm to it, but by halfway through was totally engrossed. And by the end, he was in floods of tears, utterly inconsolable. I felt a bit guilty for subjecting him to such an emotional trauma but he said he loved it.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 12 July, 2010, 08:38:58 pm
Timecrimes.  Spanish sci-fi!  Not harmed by one of the most beautiful actresses I've seen in a long time.  Was on BBC4 a few days ago - watch it before the American version comes out in 2012. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 13 July, 2010, 06:31:12 pm
I am always vegging out in front of something from my DVD collection but the last new film I watched was the unexpectedly good - The Objective.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 16 July, 2010, 01:48:05 am
Oh What a Lovely War
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Oaky on 16 July, 2010, 03:14:54 am
I'd like to say "Fight Club", from my DVD collection, but actually it was "The Princess and the Frog"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: kyuss on 16 July, 2010, 03:18:50 am
Munich. Not bad, but not as good/thought provoking as I'd heard it was. I'd watch it again though.

I saw Moon last week - what a lovely film it is. :)

I watched that too. Brilliant. It will need to be added to my dvd collection I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 16 July, 2010, 05:37:40 am
Unbreakable starring Bruce Willis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: dkahn400 on 16 July, 2010, 10:36:49 am
Beijing Bicycle.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 16 July, 2010, 01:58:36 pm
Clash of The Titans. Mindless entertainment ftw.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 17 July, 2010, 02:49:41 am
It's a wonderful afterlife.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gruff on 17 July, 2010, 03:19:48 am
The Crazies.

It was okay as disposable veg-out entertainment goes, but nothing more.

It sufffers the same irritations that ruin most of these type of films for me though, ie the ridiculous things the characters do to allow opportunities for drama and action. If the world has gone mad and the zombocalypse is upon you, stop splitting up and wandering off individually, FFS! And stay away from those dark, isolated corners with lots of "jumpy out at you" nooks and crannies!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 17 July, 2010, 10:43:41 pm
'Is Anybody there?' - absolutely beautiful, and a mesmerising performance from Michael Caine.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 17 July, 2010, 10:48:05 pm
'Is Anybody there?' - absolutely beautiful, and a mesmerising performance from Michael Caine.  :thumbsup:
Easter Promises is on next.

You may wish to watch it, I won't say why.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 17 July, 2010, 10:55:50 pm
Valhalla Rising. What the buggery chuff was all that about?
He can see into the future.

Your fate is set - Viking belief.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 July, 2010, 10:58:31 pm
Please Give - the latest trademark quirky indie comedy-drama by Nicole Holofcener.

Strange film. Lots of great lines, and Catherine Keener is as captivating as ever. The ending is a bit too neat to be wholly convincing though.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 18 July, 2010, 12:01:22 am
The Titfield Thunderbolt, last week.

I don't watch many films but should do. Got a friend now who'll help me see a few more I hope. She showed me a film about a Chinese collaborator and someone who was part of the resistance in Shanghai recently and I can't remember the title, gripping story though, two word title.  She's into Fellini* and Russ Meyer* films so I'm hoping for some interesting viewing coming up.

*whatever they might be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 July, 2010, 12:11:05 am
The Titfield Thunderbolt, last week.

Classic! Love that film.

Quote
She's into Fellini* and Russ Meyer* films so I'm hoping for some interesting viewing coming up.

Crikey. Sounds like an interesting young lady.

She'll probably like Bigas Luna too. If you want to impress her and show off your own filmic knowledge, get "La Teta Y La Luna" or "Jamon, Jamon" out on DVD. ;)

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 18 July, 2010, 12:16:13 am
I'm not really that knowledgeable about Fellini, but I do know that Russ Meyer was mainly noted for his sexploitation films, such as Valley of the Dolls.  The two aren't really comparable, being involved in quite different types of films.  An interesting juxtaposition of directors.

I'll agree with the citizen though, The Titfield Thuderbolt is a great film. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 18 July, 2010, 12:19:33 am
Is sexploitation a bad thing? It sounds like it should be.

*genuinely ignorant here*

edit: and she's not here to ask, can check tomorrow though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 18 July, 2010, 12:23:15 am
The Return of The King.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 18 July, 2010, 12:24:39 am
Russ Meyer was an interesting chap.

He had been a combat photographer in the Pacific, not a job with the best of survival rates.

I think after that he decided to spend the rest of his life persuing that which made him truly happy. This consisted of drinking, smoking, partying and making films about women with huge boobies.

You can't knock a man for following his dream.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 18 July, 2010, 12:31:01 am
I was trying to work out how to word it, but the start of the Wkipedia entry does a pretty good job:

Quote
Sexploitation or "sex-exploitation" describe a class of independently produced, low budget feature films generally associated with the 1960s and serving largely as a vehicle for the exhibition of non-explicit sexual situations and gratuitous nudity. ...

Which I think pretty well describes what little of Russ Meyer's films I've seen.  They generally seem to involve women with large breasts, and not much in the way of acting ability.  I don't think Russ Meyer would have denied this.  They aren't exactly subtle films, but they don't pretend to be anything other than what they are.  They are certainly a potentially interesting genre, but probably not the sort of thing which would be discussed in the same circles who discussed Fellini, who is a "proper" director. :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 18 July, 2010, 12:36:40 am
Meyer was a proper director.

He was undoubtedly skilled and professional, most of the guys he worked with had been combat photographers with him - that formed the genesis of his production team.

I just think he made films to please himself, the boobies were the loss leader, the thing to entice people in to cinema in the first place.

Meyer was not stupid by a long way - but rare for the trade he was not one to vanish up his own art house backside either, he knew how to apeal to the lowest common denominator in order to trick them into watching something that may contain other more subversive themes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 18 July, 2010, 02:12:54 am
Just watched "My Name is Khan"

I think it's made it onto my all time top ten. Superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 18 July, 2010, 09:36:58 am
Thanks Zoidburg and Tim, I was half expecting it to be the actresses/actors that were exploited.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 July, 2010, 10:20:09 am
Fwiw, I totally agree with Zoidburg's assessment of Russ Meyer. There's an awful lot more to his films than big boobies if you care to look for it (or if you can avoid being distracted).

Tinto Brass is another in similar vein.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 July, 2010, 10:23:43 am
Talking of boobies, the opening of Please Give includes lots of close-ups of mammograms being performed. Weird.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 18 July, 2010, 10:41:36 am
Meyer was a proper director. ...

That was why I put proper in quotes, there's a perception that directors like Fellini make real artistic and valuable films, whereas Meyer only made soft porn, which isn't really fair to either director.

It's difficult to outline this in a short post on here, especially since I don't claim to be an expert on either director, so my original post was just trying to give a flavour of things.  We probably need to start an entirely different thread!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 18 July, 2010, 04:56:27 pm
Thanks Zoidburg and Tim, I was half expecting it to be the actresses/actors that were exploited.
Other way round - the film exploits a certain cross section of the viewing public.

Blackploitation - A 70's market that tapped the previously ignored black audience in the US who felt ignored by the mostly white Holywood machine. The US black community were becoming upwardly mobile which meant there was money to be made.

Another example of an exploitation genre are the Twilight films which are aimed at middle class teenage girls, the themes fit perfectly for a purpose - they have lots of disposable income given to them by their parents so they will go and see films like Twilight.

I don't know if the Harry Potter films were purposely intended to exploit 32 year old IT workers that still live with their parents and read too much potboiler fantasy - but it does seem that way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 July, 2010, 11:24:23 am
The Damned United.  Jolly good apart from Michael Sheen's accent, which wandered back to Wales whenever he got excited.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 20 July, 2010, 11:30:45 am
The Boat That Rocked

Not great but some funny parts ! Over long at 2 hrs 10 mins !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 20 July, 2010, 11:07:00 pm
Sherlock Holmes (with JD Jr) - pretty good; an obvious set up for Sherlock Holmes II to VIII.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 20 July, 2010, 11:15:24 pm
Better Off Dead.  1980s John Cusack vehicle.

I love him.

But I don't love this movie.  Sorry John.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 July, 2010, 08:27:26 pm
Toy Story 3

Superb. Really wonderful. Wife and son were blubbering like babies by the end. And I think I must have got a speck of dust in my eye.

There was a feeling of seen it all before at times, and it's not quite as good as TS2, but still lots of brilliantly funny moments and definitely a must-see. 

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 24 July, 2010, 09:07:13 pm
Green Zone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 24 July, 2010, 09:55:11 pm
I've just watched Edge of Darkness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 25 July, 2010, 01:06:36 am
Finally got round to watching Synecdoche New York - and it was actually rather moving and featured some superb performances. Dreams within dreams within dreams.

Then I watched a documentary about the life of Townes Van Zandt, Be Here to Love Me. A wonderful songwriter who never really recovered himself after electroshock treatment... very sad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: microphonie on 26 July, 2010, 06:18:11 pm
I missed the opening 20min or so but got drawn into watching the rest of Die Welle (The Wave) last night. It has a bit of an obvious ending but is well worth watching. It's still available on  iPlayer  (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00t6xzz/The_Wave/)


Plot:

"When Rainer Wegner, a popular high school teacher, finds himself relegated to teaching autocracy as part of the schools project week, he's less than enthusiastic. So are his students, who greet the prospect of studying fascism yet again with apathetic grumbling: The Nazis sucked. We get it. Struck by the teenagers complacency and unwitting arrogance, Rainer devises an unorthodox experiment. But his hastily conceived lesson in social orders and the power of unity soon grows a life of its own.

In probing the underpinnings of fascism, The Wave is far from a social-studies lesson. As with his previous film, Before the Fall, director Dennis Gansel fashions an energetic, gripping drama that cuts through superficial ideological interrogatives and goes straight for the veins--the human psychologies and individual behaviors that contribute to collective movements. In unpeeling the emotional layers and contradictions of his characters (the need to belong, to be empowered, to escape social distinctions), Gansel offers a humanistic perspective on the terrifying irony that these students may welcome the very things they denounce.

And lest we too easily dismiss this cautionary tale, its noteworthy that the true story that prompted Todd Strassers novel The Wave (from which the film was adapted) did not take place in Germany, but at a high school in Palo Alto."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 26 July, 2010, 09:24:55 pm
Yesterday, I watched Mon Oncle again for the first time in years.  Marvellous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 July, 2010, 12:07:29 am
Green Zone last week on DVD, fascinating to see the way it was filmed with ex soldiers filling quite a few of the parts.


Robin Hood, seen tonight on the back of a lorry. Gladiator with arrows and swords.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 27 July, 2010, 12:10:21 am
Saw Avatar on DVD. Not seen it before.  CGI not bad. Storyline meh. Glad I didn't go to see it in the cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 July, 2010, 10:30:09 am
Enigma.  Not that good, really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 27 July, 2010, 08:53:58 pm
Seven Pounds.

An enjoyable film starring Will Smith and Woody Harrelson
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 27 July, 2010, 08:57:07 pm
Micmacs

A Jeunet film.  Great fun  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rapples on 28 July, 2010, 07:18:45 am
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

Somehow I've never managed to see the whole thing before, but I enjoyed it.  (They don't make films like that anymore :D )

Two surprises....

1.  How badly actors in the 60's ran

2.  5 miles is a long distance :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 28 July, 2010, 08:20:56 am
Matrix on the laptop.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 29 July, 2010, 09:13:04 am
Clash of the Titans. Switch brain off and enjoy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 29 July, 2010, 10:17:40 am
28 days later
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 29 July, 2010, 01:44:22 pm
I don't think I could switch off my brain for 28 days.


Oh, I see.  IGMC.   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 29 July, 2010, 01:45:20 pm
I'll just get in a bit early - Watchmen director's cut is on the menu tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 29 July, 2010, 01:49:34 pm
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, I was very very tired but still was gripped enough to stay awake all the way through it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 31 July, 2010, 04:43:57 pm
Toy Story 3 (in Glorious Retro 2-Dee !)

Great entertainment, again. No.2 is still my favourite, and I think with Andy off to college they really ought to let this thing die on a high note!

(They're in danger of letting the CGI take over from the characterisation - too many photo-realistic but dull kids.)

that baby was creepy!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 31 July, 2010, 08:40:35 pm
Raiders of the Lost Ark  :thumbsup:

My (approx.) 15th time of seeing it, but my seven year old son's 1st.  He loved it - he loves films where the baddies are the Nazis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 01 August, 2010, 06:13:24 pm
"The Core" on Channel 4 at the moment.

All persons involved in the making of this turd - cast, crew, the studio execs - should be rounded up and publicly flogged.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 04 August, 2010, 12:30:28 am
Inception. Loved it. We also discovered during the movie that our old college library and its oldest lecture theatre were used as locations, cue animated discussions in the cinema about which exact staircase they were filming at.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 04 August, 2010, 10:35:40 am
Julie/Julia

Loved this movie. Good performances and fantastic looking food.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 04 August, 2010, 06:56:44 pm
Le Prophete. Hard work for my small brain, but very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 04 August, 2010, 08:23:32 pm
"In The Electric Mist"

We watched it by accident and were glad we did.  Tommy Lee Jones on form.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mikeitup on 06 August, 2010, 11:01:46 pm
The Wolfman (2009) Bloody awful! The transformation effects were great.
 Acting wooden. the cast should be shot!  :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 07 August, 2010, 09:28:16 am
The Wolfman (2009) Bloody awful! The transformation effects were great.
 Acting wooden. the cast should be shot!  :sick:

... or possibly staked through the heart? ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 07 August, 2010, 04:30:37 pm
Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tc29d/Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Time_Travel/), which is still on iPlayer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tc29d/Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Time_Travel/), and available for a couple more days.

A quite amusing take on time travel, and fairly rigorous about it, so not too many stupid exceptions to buggering about with time, really just one and that was necessary for the story.

... oh and it's got Anna Faris in it. :thumbsup:

If you do watch it, continue to watch the credits all the way through. ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 07 August, 2010, 08:19:07 pm
Thanks for the heads up TimO that was well good, we both enjoyed that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bobb on 08 August, 2010, 09:46:40 am
Yesterday I watched "Get him to the Greek"

It was pretty funny in parts, but was nowhere near as good as all the hype around the film suggests. Enjoyable, but not that great.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 08 August, 2010, 03:10:54 pm

Inception, a film with Dicaprio that I found really good, a thing that's very rare
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 10 August, 2010, 12:33:55 am
Restless Natives.  Always a joy to rewatch, partly for the fabulous Highland scenery, partly for the gentle comedy and partly for the Big Country soundtrack.  Full of win.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 10 August, 2010, 09:25:07 am
Knight and Day. Everythign I expected but funnier and sillier. Sit back, add plenty of suspension of disbelief and bubble along with it.

..d
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mikeitup on 11 August, 2010, 06:34:55 pm
The Wolfman (2009) Bloody awful! The transformation effects were great.
 Acting wooden. the cast should be shot!  :sick:

... or possibly staked through the heart? ;D

Err, No. That's vampires!!

Shot with a silver bullet would be more suitable (also applies to vampires in wolf form)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 11 August, 2010, 06:37:16 pm
Legion.

A load of hilarious wank but highly entertaining hilarious wank that they have clearly put a lot of time and effort into, I liked it for the same reason I keep rewatching Dune.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 11 August, 2010, 06:39:44 pm
'Saving Private Ryan'

Still the same rather horrid gore-fest/celebration of american heroes dressed up in anti-war guise as it was when I first saw it on release.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 11 August, 2010, 07:07:53 pm
Legion.

A load of hilarious wank but highly entertaining hilarious wank that they have clearly put a lot of time and effort into, I liked it for the same reason I keep rewatching Dune.

Hmm.  Would you be a fan of The Prophecy (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114194/)?  Christopher Walken as a mean Archangel Gabriel, Viggo Mortensen as Lucifer...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 12 August, 2010, 09:49:19 am
Toy Story 3.

Good, but didn't live up to the billing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 12 August, 2010, 09:55:56 am
Re-visited Team America: World Police last night....

Fan-bloody-tastic!!!!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 12 August, 2010, 10:13:19 am
Bucket List. It was good therapy for me - I needed a reality check. And a larf. And a cry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 12 August, 2010, 12:11:25 pm
Toy Story 3.

Good, but didn't live up to the billing.

I didn't hear much about it so it didn't need to beat any hype.  I thought it was excellent.

The CGI "lighting", especially during the sad Clown's monologue, is wonderful and the "friends 'til the end" hand-holding near the end I found quite moving.  It's what Pixar are so good at.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 12 August, 2010, 12:59:53 pm
Toy Story 3.

Good, but didn't live up to the billing.

I didn't hear much about it so it didn't need to beat any hype.  I thought it was excellent.

The CGI "lighting", especially during the sad Clown's monologue, is wonderful and the "friends 'til the end" hand-holding near the end I found quite moving.  It's what Pixar are so good at.
I had heard too many near perfect reviews of it. Still certainly a good and well made film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 12 August, 2010, 07:25:21 pm
The Green Zone - better than I thought it was going to be, tbh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: thelazycyclist on 13 August, 2010, 05:13:55 pm
District 9. 

Absolutely fantastic.  Set in South Africa with a cast I've never heard of and half the main characters are Prawns. 

A bit like a cross between Independence Day and Starship Troopers but a lot less Hollywood.  Would definitely recommend it. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 13 August, 2010, 09:53:35 pm
Lost in Translation.

It really captures that "out of place" feeling you get when you land in a country the other side of the world.

"Mista Hareesss.... you Lip My Stockings."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 14 August, 2010, 09:06:04 am
Precious.

took me a while to get into it but quite enjoyed it (if that's the right expression for something with rape, incest, poverty and maria carey)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 15 August, 2010, 09:08:15 pm
Dead Snow - Norweigan film about Nazi zombies.  Can't have too many Nazi zombie films.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 15 August, 2010, 09:13:36 pm
Watched a few films this weekend:

'The Informant', with Matt Damon. Highly recommend it.

'Inglorious Basterds' - better than I thought it was going to be, and refreshing to have the majority of the film to be in the French and German language.

'Eclipse' the latest Twihard offering. Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Martin on 15 August, 2010, 09:14:56 pm
Babel;

in theory a routine story about getting stuck in the back of beyond in Morocco with a life threatening injury; with two other almost completely unconnected side stories on the other side(s) of the world;

very odd but brilliant, although they should have deleted the entire Japanese bit as it detracted from the story
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 16 August, 2010, 12:54:53 pm
Not strictly a film and not even watched yet but I have in my grubby mitts the series one DVD boxset of the "Sons Of Anarchy" which is worth a look just for the Ron Perlmeister and Henry Rolllins.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 16 August, 2010, 01:03:04 pm
Not strictly a film and not even watched yet but I have in my grubby mitts the series one DVD boxset of the "Sons Of Anarchy" which is worth a look just for the Ron Perlmeister and Henry Rolllins.

It is indeed brilliant, but Mr Henry "Black Flag" Rollins doesn't appear 'til series two!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 16 August, 2010, 01:23:24 pm
Not strictly a film and not even watched yet but I have in my grubby mitts the series one DVD boxset of the "Sons Of Anarchy" which is worth a look just for the Ron Perlmeister and Henry Rolllins.

It is indeed brilliant, but Mr Henry "Black Flag" Rollins doesn't appear 'til series two!
I can't see it being more violent than the actual real bike gangs. ;D

They closed the scrappers down the road once because they found human "mince" in a car shredder.

Spookily enough the club house of a well known large MC is just across the road.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: newtoncap on 16 August, 2010, 01:31:07 pm
District 9. 

Absolutely fantastic.  Set in South Africa with a cast I've never heard of and half the main characters are Prawns. 

A bit like a cross between Independence Day and Starship Troopers but a lot less Hollywood.  Would definitely recommend it. 

We could never be cinema buddies Crusty....I walked out of this film, it was awful!!!!  However I did go and see 'Eclipse' with Daisyhill and Mrs Obi last night...and boy did we laugh!  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 16 August, 2010, 01:46:23 pm
Dead Snow - Norweigan film about Nazi zombies.  Can't have too many Nazi zombie films.  :thumbsup:

It's in my collection - great film!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 16 August, 2010, 02:10:09 pm
District 9.  

Absolutely fantastic.  Set in South Africa with a cast I've never heard of and half the main characters are Prawns.  

A bit like a cross between Independence Day and Starship Troopers but a lot less Hollywood.  Would definitely recommend it.  

We could never be cinema buddies Crusty....I walked out of this film, it was awful!!!!  However I did go and see 'Eclipse' with Daisyhill and Mrs Obi last night...and boy did we laugh!  ;D
Newtoncap got it about right. Nominally District9 was tailor made for me but it rather collapsed under the weight of apartheid allegories, trendy fake documentary styling and paper thin characters. V.Disappointing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 16 August, 2010, 08:31:12 pm
Spookily enough the club house of a well known large MC is just across the road.

That used to be my office upto 1994.The occupier next door was not happy to have such new neighbours
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: border-rider on 16 August, 2010, 08:38:35 pm
Newtoncap got it about right. Nominally District9 was tailor made for me but it rather collapsed under the weight of apartheid allegories, trendy fake documentary styling and paper thin characters. V.Disappointing.

 Not for me.  I thought it was ace :)

if you think those were worthy apartheid allegories, you've missed the exact point
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 17 August, 2010, 11:21:08 pm
'The Counterfieters' - a rather fantastic fillum set during one of the concentration camps in WW2. It could have been cloying but it was not. Highly recommended  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 18 August, 2010, 01:32:30 pm
Synechdoche New York about 1/2 of it.

(In an alternative universe somewhere, our DVD player is still working and we watched it all the way through).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 20 August, 2010, 06:04:01 pm
Moon.  Not finished yet, because I went to bed.  So far, I love it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 20 August, 2010, 06:34:56 pm
Death Note (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758742/) (on Film 4 the other night)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 20 August, 2010, 07:17:47 pm
Transporter 3, which although a fairly violent film, at least does this in a fairly cleanly goody beats up baddies way, most of the time.

It also includes a bit where Frank is cycling a bike in the way he normally drives a car, ie incredibly fast and somewhat irresponsibly!  (It's only a film, please don't have a stroke about it :)).

I do quite like the way that this sort of anti-hero does what he does incredibly competently and according to his own set of moral standards and rules (which he frequently bends and occasionally breaks).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 22 August, 2010, 01:39:28 am
Road Trip. Note quite so thought provoking as Moon. But a better choice for having on in the background whilst I wrestle code into shape.

And the snake feeding scene is brilliant, though I don't reckon the mouse thought much of it. Was it faked, though?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 22 August, 2010, 07:25:46 pm
It has been out for a couple of years now but yesterday I watched Cloverfield on the recommendation of a friend.

After what felt like an hour the 'story' finally got going. The characters were all hideous, completely unbelievable: big monster that eats people over there? Then lets all run towards it… the monsters like dark places? Hey, I've got a great idea! Lets walk through unlit subway tunnels… etc.

The entire cast was so irritating I ended up rooting for the monsters and cheering whenever a character met their demise.

Not recommended. Unless you enjoy really bad films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 22 August, 2010, 08:13:33 pm
Death Note (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758742/) (on Film 4 the other night)

Great film  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 22 August, 2010, 08:40:27 pm
I started watching Cloverfield a while back, but like you found the characters so utterly irritating and the story dragged on so with no revelations, that I just got fed up and stopped watching it.

It takes a lot for me not to finish a film or book, it's only ever happened a couple of times in both cases.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 22 August, 2010, 08:47:43 pm
Transporter 3, which although a fairly violent film, at least does this in a fairly cleanly goody beats up baddies way, most of the time.

Is it about a bridge in Wales?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 22 August, 2010, 11:11:17 pm
Transporter 3, which although a fairly violent film, at least does this in a fairly cleanly goody beats up baddies way, most of the time.
Is it about a bridge in Wales?

Not exactly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transporter_3).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 August, 2010, 11:28:25 pm
Finally got round to watching Slumdog Milliner this evening.

I thought it was a brilliantly well-made film, great storytelling, but very hard viewing, deeply unpleasant at times, quite harrowing. I'm astonished that it could ever have been described as a "feelgood movie".

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 22 August, 2010, 11:30:32 pm
Finally got round to watching Slumdog Milliner this evening.

Yup, twas a great fillum. But I don't remember anything about hats.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 August, 2010, 12:31:36 am
It's all in the host's pronunciation. "Who wants t'e a millin-ah!"

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 23 August, 2010, 12:48:00 am
Quantum of Solace. I continues to like the new Bond.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 23 August, 2010, 11:04:49 am
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo  (Swedish version).  Enjoyed. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 August, 2010, 01:50:24 pm
In Bruges - last night on the telly. Very good. Excellent dialogue and great cinematography. Colin Farrell redeems himself after his terrible turn in Alexander.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 29 August, 2010, 04:37:12 pm
in Bruges is on tape for tonight, looking forward to it.


I have just accidentally watched the Venice canal chase from Moonraker. dear Lord - I always loved the humour in the Bond films, but were they always that cheesy? Visibly speeded up action, gondola-turned-hovercraft in St Mark's square ... the Craig movies start to look good again ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ed_o_brain on 29 August, 2010, 04:54:26 pm
Disney's Cars.
As much as I hate seeing cars personified, quite enjoyed it. Kid's certainly did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 29 August, 2010, 05:03:57 pm
in Bruges is on tape for tonight, looking forward to it.


I have just accidentally watched the Venice canal chase from Moonraker. dear Lord - I always loved the humour in the Bond films, but were they always that cheesy? Visibly speeded up action, gondola-turned-hovercraft in St Mark's square ... the Craig movies start to look good again ...
The ideas mill had seriously run low by then.

They just kept going back to the Thunderball format with the big frogman battle - except the shoot out was on a huge submarine eating oil tanker, or a space station.

If you are an evil henchman in a private army or a navy commando then you are not going to live to see the closing credits.

I am now watching Moonraker with childish glee.

 :facepalm:

The set design for the spacey bits is fantastic though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 29 August, 2010, 05:59:54 pm
Just seen "Shutter island" I found it surprisingly good
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 29 August, 2010, 08:28:09 pm
In HMV a few days ago I found a film called "The Big Red One," a film by Samuel Fuller from 1980, which has been restored to its shooting script version - I get the impression that the release version was significantly cut.  Lee Marvin as a grizzled sergeant with history dating to WWI, shepherding four rookies (including a post-Star Wars Mark Hamill) in the US 1st Infantry Division through Algeria and the Kasserine Pass, Sicily, Normandy Omaha Beach and then through Belgium and finally into Czechoslovakia.  A recurring theme throughout is whether 'killing' can be different from 'murder?'

Apart from matters of pace and timing (which are largely fashion in the film industry), a number of things struck me.  The episodic nature of the film (it crosses 1918, and then WWII from the North African landings onwards) reminded me of All Quiet On The Western Front, as it's a story mainly about surviving what happens, rather than being part of something.  Private Ryan owes a lot to this film, but more pointedly the dramatisation of Stephen Ambrose's book Band of Brothers appears to have drawn on it too.  There's much in the film that is clearly directly from Fuller's own experience:  A Sicilian boy doing a deal with the GIs, trading knowledge of a hidden artillery piece (turns out to be a tank) for a decent burial for his mother; a Belgian woman spotting an infiltrator from something as simple as the way he holds his knife whilst eating, losing a squad member to a sniper who turns out to be a child, and the liberation of Flossenburg.  Other episodes are well known in more general histories, and are included (I guess) so that the roadmap is complete.

Some points are laboured, and whilst the cast aren't all brilliant, Marvin is very good.  It's worth seeing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 30 August, 2010, 08:46:10 am
'American Gangster'- I thought it was quite good, I've never seen Denzel Washington play that violent a role before. Russell Crowe was meh.

'Centurion' - waste of money and I wish I had borrowed this from the library for free! Wonderfully shot but the script was awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 30 August, 2010, 11:00:42 am
Underworld - utter tosh, but more entertaining than what had been done to The Dark Is Rising on another channel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 August, 2010, 10:53:17 am
Scum.  All a bit meh by 2010 standards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 31 August, 2010, 11:18:52 am
Watched The Book Of Eli yesterday. Never again. Pseudo religious claptrap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 02 September, 2010, 04:15:41 pm
Finally saw Avatar on DVD at a friend's. Technically brilliant, but otherwise a disappointment :-\.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 04 September, 2010, 08:33:53 pm
The Reader

Starring Kate Winslet & Ralph Fiennes.
Hadn't read anything about it....so was pleasantly surprised at how good it was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 September, 2010, 12:54:45 pm
Mutant chronicles

Surprisingly good, although there are plot holes you can drive a steam-powered airship through. Good steampunk stuff - steam-powered airships, steampunk guns.

zombieland

Oh, just fun. Although I don't know how the heck this got a 15 rating - it's extremely gory, and not always in a funny way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 05 September, 2010, 01:46:04 pm
The Soul Eater.  Quite silly and a bit disjointed, but enjoyably atmospheric. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 05 September, 2010, 09:49:22 pm
The Secrets in Their Eyes.  Argentinian thriller.  Retired investigator remembers/reinvestigates 25 year old rape & murder case.  Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: MercuryKev on 05 September, 2010, 09:52:49 pm
Hot tub time machine.  Not the original arthouse French version though  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 06 September, 2010, 09:48:41 pm
Hot tub time machine.  Not the original arthouse French version though  ::-)
Watched this last night.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 08 September, 2010, 07:15:48 pm
Today I've watched:

The Exploding Girl
An American in China

and now watching God Killer. It's brilliant! Tis the best part of coding. Watching films lol.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 08 September, 2010, 07:44:31 pm
Terminator Salvation  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 09 September, 2010, 06:34:05 am
Last night, Knowing. Hollywood really has a hard-on for 'end of times' religious claptrap at the moment.  ::-)


… and the CGI was appalling, I've seen better in a game.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 09 September, 2010, 08:10:59 am
Shutter Island: You knew about 15 minutes in what was going to happen.

Kick Ass: Coolest movie of the year so far :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 10 September, 2010, 11:37:28 pm
Kick-Ass. A Perfect Movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 11 September, 2010, 12:19:54 am
District 9
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nutkin on 11 September, 2010, 11:08:09 am
Wall Street.

Hadn't seen it for years. Strangely, watching it now, the storyline seems far stronger than the 'excess'. Possibly because a lot of that excess was tied up in the technology, which of course now just looks dated - think brick-like mobile phone.



Just waiting to see Wall St 2...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bomber on 11 September, 2010, 10:53:30 pm
Four Lions.  Very very funny ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 12 September, 2010, 07:02:20 pm
Mulholland Drive.

 :-\  :o

To be fair, after the first half hour I had the i-Pod on and was reading a book because I was so bored.  I looked up to see BOOBS everywhere.  Crusty seemed to like it though.

A bit too clever for me. 

Just tell me a story, and tell it well.  Put in some explosions, massive natural disasters as a bonus, maybe a bit of science.  That'll do.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 12 September, 2010, 07:12:47 pm
The original Airport (often claimed to be the first disaster movie).  Much better than the so-bad-they're-good sequels, and should really be seen in order to understand all the parodies in Airplane, e.g. the nuns.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 12 September, 2010, 10:10:24 pm
Notes on a scandal, on BBC2 now.  Really good, Judy Dench is absolutely fantastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 September, 2010, 01:19:05 pm
Kick Ass on DVD.  Enjoyed it just as much as the first go round in the cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ed_o_brain on 13 September, 2010, 06:18:35 pm
Goodfellas

really really enjoyed
loved the way the story is told and the way it evolves over the decades
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 13 September, 2010, 06:33:07 pm
Robin Hood. Thoroughly enjoyable :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 September, 2010, 02:46:46 pm
Goodfellas

really really enjoyed
loved the way the story is told and the way it evolves over the decades

What a cracker of a film that is, one of the few films that I have lost count of how many times I have seen it – famously it lost out to Dances with Wolves for the best picture Oscar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 14 September, 2010, 02:51:06 pm
LOTR II The Two Towers extended.

I feel better now.  No boobs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JT on 14 September, 2010, 03:27:32 pm
Mulholland Drive.

 :-\  :o

To be fair, after the first half hour I had the i-Pod on and was reading a book because I was so bored.  I looked up to see BOOBS everywhere.  Crusty seemed to like it though.

A bit too clever for me. 

Just tell me a story, and tell it well.  Put in some explosions, massive natural disasters as a bonus, maybe a bit of science.  That'll do.

I love Mulholland Drive but then I like most David Lynch stuff.


Goodfellas

really really enjoyed
loved the way the story is told and the way it evolves over the decades

What a cracker of a film that is, one of the few films that I have lost count of how many times I have seen it – famously it lost out to Dances with Wolves for the best picture Oscar.

Did it? Crikey that's an appalling decision, Goodfellas is superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 September, 2010, 04:06:33 pm
Mulholland Drive.

 :-\  :o

To be fair, after the first half hour I had the i-Pod on and was reading a book because I was so bored.  I looked up to see BOOBS everywhere.  Crusty seemed to like it though.

A bit too clever for me. 

Just tell me a story, and tell it well.  Put in some explosions, massive natural disasters as a bonus, maybe a bit of science.  That'll do.

I love Mulholland Drive but then I like most David Lynch stuff.


Goodfellas

really really enjoyed
loved the way the story is told and the way it evolves over the decades

What a cracker of a film that is, one of the few films that I have lost count of how many times I have seen it – famously it lost out to Dances with Wolves for the best picture Oscar.

Did it? Crikey that's an appalling decision, Goodfellas is superb.


It’s not uncommon, the Academy Awards being a beauty contest rather than a measure of quality  – although I know nothing, I confidently expected Avatar to win best picture this year (not because I thought it was any good but because it had generated lots of business for the cinema and with a boost for 3D film technology, provided a possible counter to some industrial piracy/downloading). 

I was very surprised when The Hurt Locker won instead, which I thought was an awful film, most especially the ‘bomb-disposal-experts-as-mavericks-on-the edge’ schtick which I imagine is as far from the truth as is possible.  Also, when your pacifist Quaker girlfriend criticises the military authenticity of a film, you know it’s really, really bad.

Apologies for drifting OT, in other news I saw First of the Few the other day for the first time, not quite sure how I got to be 40 and had not seen it yet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 15 September, 2010, 01:35:38 pm
Oil City Confidential : Dr Feelgood   (finally)

Before i watched it I knew 2 songs and the name 'Wilko', but I like most blues-rock-n-roll-whatever.

A good story, not quite the cliched rockumentary, but with some standard elements! i really like the interweaving of scened from B&W movies. And Wilko is a real character (too interesting to be an english teacher).

The disadvantage with these things is that you always finish wishing you'd been to see them in their pomp ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 September, 2010, 02:33:16 pm
Goodfellas

really really enjoyed
loved the way the story is told and the way it evolves over the decades

What a cracker of a film that is, one of the few films that I have lost count of how many times I have seen it – famously it lost out to Dances with Wolves for the best picture Oscar.

Did it? Crikey that's an appalling decision, Goodfellas is superb.


As long as you don't get the ruined-for-TV version...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 September, 2010, 04:12:22 pm
As long as you don't get the ruined-for-TV version...

Melon-farmers!

(I know that was Repo Man but are we talking about the same kind of bowdlerisation?)

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 September, 2010, 04:32:53 pm
Burn after reading
(better than MrsCharly thought it would be)

Gattaca
Slow, slow paced, with a non-hollywood ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 27 September, 2010, 04:47:53 pm
Millers Crossing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: border-rider on 27 September, 2010, 05:42:27 pm
300, which was a lot better than I expected, and certainly an improvement on Kingdom of Heaven.  The Persians were a bit orc-like athough Xerxes was a big jessie.

I watched it again last night. I saw it the first time on a plane, and made Mrs MV endure it last night. Funny what tricks altitude, wine and memory can play.  It was awful, trite, tedious shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 27 September, 2010, 06:32:34 pm
Mr Nobody. A mess. A big sprawling, badly edited, didactic, Jonze/ Kaufamnn-influenced mess with some rather beautiful bits in it, but still, a mess.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 28 September, 2010, 08:39:22 pm
The Ghost

Starring Ewan Mcgregor and Pierce Brosnan, directed by Roman Polanski.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 28 September, 2010, 10:15:57 pm
The North Face.  A German movie about early attempts to scale the north face of the Eiger.  It was excellent - the climbing scenes were superb, there was a beautiful, coy romance between the two main characters, and it dealt well with the audience's knowledge of where else German pride and nationalism led the world and its young men, apart from to scale mountains (though the fat, rich Jew was perhaps a tad overdone).  One of the best films I've seen in a while, and quite a tonic when compared to...

Trans-Siberian, a tedious, grey movie where none of the characters were believable, least of all the female lead - supposed to be a religious do-gooder with A Past, but she was too anodyne to be plausible as either.  To be fair to the actress, the script didn't help, as we had to believe that she was a former wild child, but still naive enough to wander off with the Italian ne'er-do-well.  It was just a rather dull movie, except for a horrible, gratuitous torture scene (from which the party involved made a full, if not miraculous, recovery).  I don't know why I persisted with it.  Well, I do - I was hoping that the female characters might get their kit off, but this being Siberia, there was little enough of that either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 September, 2010, 10:49:20 pm
300, which was a lot better than I expected, and certainly an improvement on Kingdom of Heaven.  The Persians were a bit orc-like athough Xerxes was a big jessie.

I watched it again last night. I saw it the first time on a plane, and made Mrs MV endure it last night. Funny what tricks altitude, wine and memory can play.  It was awful, trite, tedious shite.

I saw 10 minutes of it stopped watching; I thought it was rather odd. High contrast sepia stuff with low budget acting and scene-setting.

I'm glad I only saw the last 10 mins.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 September, 2010, 02:34:26 pm
Robin Hood.  I was disappointed :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 29 September, 2010, 06:19:22 pm
We watched the original 'Wall Street' last night, it was really good. I reckon it must have looked pretty amazing when it first came out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pancho on 29 September, 2010, 07:11:52 pm
Children of Men

We liked it. Thriller. Future dystopia. Fantastically atmospheric presentation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 29 September, 2010, 07:17:51 pm
Avatar. A good effort though somewhat predictable/formulaic/stereotypical plotlines and characters. Maybe I'm getting old.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 29 September, 2010, 10:35:34 pm
Children of Men

We liked it. Thriller. Future dystopia. Fantastically atmospheric presentation.

Brilliant isn't it? One of my favourite films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 30 September, 2010, 10:21:38 am
Children of Men

We liked it. Thriller. Future dystopia. Fantastically atmospheric presentation.

Brilliant isn't it? One of my favourite films.

Yes, it is good.  But the book is so much better. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 30 September, 2010, 10:35:07 am
Children of Men

We liked it. Thriller. Future dystopia. Fantastically atmospheric presentation.

Brilliant isn't it? One of my favourite films.

Yes, it is good.  But the book is so much better. 

Oooh thanks am going to have to read that one after my Booker quest  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 30 September, 2010, 05:03:07 pm
Children of Men

We liked it. Thriller. Future dystopia. Fantastically atmospheric presentation.

Brilliant isn't it? One of my favourite films.

Yes, it is good.  But the book is so much better. 

And Greybeard by Brian Aldiss, which P.D.James stole the idea from (but of course here is Not SF, oh no) is even better (and much weirder).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 30 September, 2010, 05:23:00 pm
How To Train Your Dragon, with a very poorly TLD today, fun film, passed the time nicely, took here mind off her achyness
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 30 September, 2010, 05:23:53 pm
That's one dragon that's very challenging to train! ;)

Hope she gets well soon :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 30 September, 2010, 11:27:33 pm
Tamara Drewe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 01 October, 2010, 08:15:49 am
Tamara Drewe.

Oooh what was it like? I hear that the divine Tamsin Grieg is in it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 October, 2010, 08:33:59 am
It has Gemma Arterton in hotpants. What more do you need to know? ;)

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 01 October, 2010, 09:38:18 am
Underworld, Rise of the Lycans
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 01 October, 2010, 11:41:10 am
Tamara Drewe.

Oooh what was it like? I hear that the divine Tamsin Grieg is in it!
Correct. And she's rather good. The bored village girls are also quite entertaining. I enjoyed it, & Mrs B loved it. She's got rather keen on British films.

It has Gemma Arterton in hotpants. What more do you need to know? ;)

d.
She appears in a lot less than hotpants. A bit of make-up & tousled hair, in one scene.  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 October, 2010, 12:14:47 pm
Tamara Drewe.

Oooh what was it like? I hear that the divine Tamsin Grieg is in it!

I started a thread on this after seeing it the other week:

Tamara Drewe (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=38199.0)

It's only my opinion but Tamsin Grieg delivered the best performance in it by far.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 October, 2010, 01:32:37 am
Riding in cars with boys.

rather good. very very funny in parts. grim in others. Watch for rosie perez playing a blinder of a bit part.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 October, 2010, 11:34:20 am
Inglourious Basterds

As is often the case with Kinematic Celluloids these days, it was this: about half an hour too long.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 04 October, 2010, 11:45:27 am
Made in Dagenham

Followed by explanation by Mrs B of how it is superior to the products of Hollywood. ;)

Not bad. I enjoyed it. Very good evocation of the period, I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 04 October, 2010, 11:59:21 am
Ridley Scott's Robin Hood.

The film moves all over the country, which is handy as so does Russell Crowe’s accent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 04 October, 2010, 10:59:29 pm
Keeping Mum. A witty comedy with a cracking cast and a smart twist at the end . . .

It also haz Kristin Scott Thomas and that's all I'm saying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Androcles on 04 October, 2010, 11:36:27 pm
Brother Where Art Thou on DVD at the weekend.

I'd seen snippets of it before but this was the first time I'd seen it all the way through, which I'm glad I did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 05 October, 2010, 12:06:02 pm
Keeping Mum. A witty comedy with a cracking cast and a smart twist at the end . . .

It also haz Kristin Scott Thomas and that's all I'm saying.
But what about her (character's) daughter?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 05 October, 2010, 09:16:21 pm
OMEN III - The Final Conflict

On TV last week so I recorded it for old time's sake.
I've seen it before, I think I may have paid to see it.

There's never been a worse film made, equally bad maybe, but not worse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 05 October, 2010, 09:26:13 pm
Tron (DVD arrived today). Just as good today as it was 28 years ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 05 October, 2010, 10:31:43 pm
The quite wonderful Moon.

Also, we started to watch Public Enemies, which I only bought cos it reminded me that I've been after the seventies movie Dillinger, starring Warren Oates, for ages.  It's not terrible, but Johnny Depp seems horribly miscast, so he simply can't carry it.  There's an enjoyable turn by Billy Crudup as a  slimy, mendacious J Edgar Hoover, and Christian Bale as his sidekick.  Hopefully there'll be more of that, but judging by what's gone so far, it won't be worth the effort.  

Still, it reminded me to have another look for Dillinger, which is finally available on region 2 DVD :thumbsup:  I hope it's worth the wait.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: αdαmsκι on 05 October, 2010, 10:47:46 pm
Last night I saw The Wildest Dream (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wildest_Dream) at the cinema. This is a documentary film looking at the life of George Mallory who, along with Sandy Irvine, died near the summit of Mnt. Everest in 1924. It's never been proven if the pair died on the assent or descent of the mountain. The story is taken up by an American climber (Anker) who found Mallory's body and his attempt, along with British climber Leo Houlding, to climb Everest. I remember reading a BBC news (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6752731.stm) article about the successful attempt of this particular climb in 2007, but I wasn't aware it was as part of a film.

The story of Mallory and Irvine is a bit dry, but the film makes up for that with stunning shots of the beautiful mountain vistas, esp. above 8,000 m, and it also shows the suffering Houlding and Anker go through to reach the summit of Everest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 October, 2010, 10:52:45 pm
Layer Cake on TV last night when I was staying in a hotel, It past the time nicely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 October, 2010, 09:40:26 am
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

Totally and utterly barking and very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 06 October, 2010, 10:38:27 pm
Land and Freedom.

I've got issues with certain aspects of the film but some scenes hit me just as hard as the 'Play the Marseillaise" scene in Casablanca, the "Time to die" scene in Bladerunner (and, probably just me, but the bit where the Clown and the Wolfman head off for the last time in Restless Natives).

Magic stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 06 October, 2010, 11:56:51 pm
Currently watching One Night. It's a bit shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 07 October, 2010, 01:34:14 pm
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

Totally and utterly barking and very funny.

Brilliant, isn't it? I luurrve Nathan Fillion....and of course Doogie Howser boy!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 07 October, 2010, 09:29:39 pm
Land and Freedom.

I've got issues with certain aspects of the film but some scenes hit me just as hard as the 'Play the Marseillaise" scene in Casablanca, the "Time to die" scene in Bladerunner (and, probably just me, but the bit where the Clown and the Wolfman head off for the last time in Restless Natives).

Magic stuff.

You've reminded me that I bought the dvd on ebay to rewatch this.  I saw it on the tv at around the time Manic Street Preachers released "If You Tolerate This..." (1998?).  I remember loving the film (although I don't remember many specifics) and went on to read a few books about the Spanish Civil War (Homage to Catalonia included). 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 07 October, 2010, 10:04:09 pm
Iron Man 2.  Fun.  The Monaco sequence was a pure delight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 07 October, 2010, 10:58:55 pm
Just finished watching 'Prince of Persia'. It was atrocious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 October, 2010, 10:42:49 am
Hellboy.  100% Stupidz and utterly splendid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 08 October, 2010, 02:01:28 pm
My Best Friend's Girl
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 08 October, 2010, 03:15:45 pm
Just finished watching 'Prince of Persia'. It was atrocious.

Tell me about it! (in fact, don't - there was nothing redeeming about it at all).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 09 October, 2010, 09:09:24 am
God alone knows why but I watched 'Babysitter Wanted'.  So dire I thought it was a pastiche in the 'Scary Movie' mould.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 09 October, 2010, 01:55:38 pm
'All Quiet on the Western Front'

 :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 09 October, 2010, 08:06:12 pm
Hellboy.  100% Stupidz and utterly splendid.

Fantastic Film  :thumbsup:

wasn't so keen on the sequel, but dont let my view put you off
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: welshwheels on 09 October, 2010, 08:13:00 pm
i watched alfie with michael caine  then get carter !! the man from the elephant at his best  :thumbsup: "I dont know what's it all about "
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 October, 2010, 10:22:13 pm
I thought Hellboy 2 was much better than 1!

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 10 October, 2010, 11:27:18 am
It's probably not the same film, but with a similar plot, Con Air is the only film I have ever walked out of in the cinema because it was so utterly dire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 10 October, 2010, 07:02:15 pm
It's probably not the same film, but with a similar plot, Con Air is the only film I have ever walked out of in the cinema because it was so utterly dire.

Ahh no, Con Air is a fabulous film. Switch off brain, thats what you need to do  :)

Today I watched properly for the very first time 'Ferris Bueller's day off', it was very good indeed!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 11 October, 2010, 06:37:44 pm
It's probably not the same film, but with a similar plot, Con Air is the only film I have ever walked out of in the cinema because it was so utterly dire.

Con Air is a spoof, or at least it is very, very ironic. Do people not realize this? It's one of the most deliberately over-the-top films ever made, and absolutely filled with movie references and in-jokes. I guess if you watched it thinking it was going to be a serious action film then you might be disappointed...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 11 October, 2010, 11:12:58 pm
Con Air is a spoof, or at least it is very, very ironic. Do people not realize this? It's one of the most deliberately over-the-top films ever made, and absolutely filled with movie references and in-jokes. I guess if you watched it thinking it was going to be a serious action film then you might be disappointed...

Thanks for that interpretation Mr Monkey. Yes I went into the cinema realising that it wasn't intended to be a "serious action film". That's precisely what got my goat. A film that cynically pretended to be knowing, but actually was just formulaic drivel hiding behind a facade of irony. I may have entirely misjudged the film as I never made it to the end, so perhaps something happened in the last half hour that would have turned my preconceptions upside down.

The computer that spits out all those 'scary movie' type spoofs creates product that is over the top and full of movie references, but it doesn't mean that it's at all clever, entertaining or making a point of any value.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 October, 2010, 10:20:35 am
I'm with Jo on this. Con Air was just loud and splodey, with some dull quiet bits in between. I could sit through it, but would resent actually paying to!

The Hot Shots! movies were proper action spoofs (there may be others that I can't think of right now, but they are rare). Pretty much all modern action movies are some mixture of action, sex and jokes, with the emphasis on the action. If the jokes aren't great, it better have some impressive/original action. Thrillers are a different beast (although you can have an action-thriller, but I don't think anyone's claiming this of Con-Air!).

If you want to BE a spoof, you have to be spoofing something. You can't have people pointlessly killing each-other and just claim it's ironic. It's like spoofing gratuitous nudity by fliming ... gratuitous nudity.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 12 October, 2010, 03:00:59 pm
Surrogates with Bruce Willis and some blonde that Crusty likes.  It was all right.  I wondered if it was inspired by 'Second Life'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 12 October, 2010, 06:32:38 pm
Hot Tub Time Machine
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 13 October, 2010, 10:39:17 am
It's like spoofing gratuitous nudity by fliming ... gratuitous nudity.
What's wrong with that?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: onb on 13 October, 2010, 01:11:37 pm
made in Dagenham good stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 13 October, 2010, 01:22:10 pm
Watched 'Ghost' last night with Pierce Brosnan and Ewan Macgregor. Good film, and a great ending too  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 13 October, 2010, 01:31:25 pm
Well I was going to watch Pitch Black last night whilst doing my Anfractuous accounts in the front room but it seems the DVD player has packed. I noticed this on my last trip to Tesco a 20" flat screen TV with integrated freeview and DVD for £169 which struck me then as a good replacement for our CRT TV*, FreeviewBox and DVD, even better now the DVD has packed.

*Yeah, I know, its like the dark ages round here...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 13 October, 2010, 01:40:16 pm
Well I was going to watch Pitch Black lat night whilst doing my Anfractuous accounts in the front froom but it seems the DVD player has packed. I noticed this on my last trip to Tesco a 20" flat screen TV with integrated freeview and DVD for £169 which struck me then as a good replacement for our CRT TV*, FreeviewBox and DVD, even better now the DVD has packed.

*Yeah, I know, its like the dark ages round here...

My lodger has bought one of these, seems ok, but the tuner is a bit sensitive, so ensure you have a good TV signal, or else you will get Jack....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 13 October, 2010, 01:54:02 pm
If you want to BE a spoof, you have to be spoofing something. You can't have people pointlessly killing each-other and just claim it's ironic. It's like spoofing gratuitous nudity by fliming ... gratuitous nudity.

That's because it's not doing what you are claiming. The 'something' it is being ironic about are the Die Hard-type films of which Hollywood had become so fond.  It's not Hot Shots! and parody does not have to so obvious. Sure, if you like your humour with a big signpost saying 'this is funny, laugh now' then fine, but the whole point of Con Air is that it is completely slick, done with an entirely straight face, and yet totally ridiculous. The very fact that a lot of people can't distinguish it from a conventional Hollywood action film goes a long way to demonstrating its point, but also that perhaps these films are so far gone as to be un-spoofable... I certainly didn't say that Con Air was successful in its irony, but I like the fact that it tries and I like the references. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 13 October, 2010, 03:06:53 pm
I have to say I didn't see ConAir as a spoof, but then it's often difficult to tell when the OTT Holywood action blockbusters tend to be derivative to vary degrees.  So perhaps case of unsubtle derivation blurring into 'spoof'?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 13 October, 2010, 04:50:40 pm
I just thought that Con Air was camp and brilliant fun!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 13 October, 2010, 04:57:18 pm
If you find 'Con Air 'to cerebal there is always 'Snakes on a Plane'.

But if you like your tripe airborne then I offer you 'Airforce One'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 October, 2010, 05:26:02 pm
perhaps these films are so far gone as to be un-spoofable...

Having watched the magnificently preposterous Under Siege on telly recently, I would say this is the obvious conclusion.

Con Air is weird. I wouldn't call it a spoof as such, more a film that's aware of the ridiculousness of its premise and plays up to it. Straight-faced? Really? John Malkovich for one is camping it up to the max from the off. The whole thing is very knowingly OTT. I get it, but I'm with Jo - it's all just a bit too self-indulgent for my liking.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 13 October, 2010, 11:17:09 pm
De Ja Vu on BBC3 tonight.  Pretty dull, though Denzel Washington gave good integrity, as he always does.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 13 October, 2010, 11:17:21 pm
De Ja Vu on BBC3 tonight.  Pretty dull, though Denzel Washington gave good integrity, as he always does.  Preposterous plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 14 October, 2010, 09:08:54 am
So good you watched it twice?

Damned repeats.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 October, 2010, 09:49:30 am
De Ja Vu on BBC3 tonight...

I have a strange feeling I've seen this post before.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 14 October, 2010, 11:05:26 am
If you find 'Con Air 'to cerebal there is always 'Snakes on a Plane'.
Now that's a film that knew what it was doing!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 14 October, 2010, 12:20:26 pm
So good you watched it twice?

Deano's in more than one time line.  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 14 October, 2010, 01:26:54 pm
perhaps these films are so far gone as to be un-spoofable...
Con Air is weird. I wouldn't call it a spoof as such, more a film that's aware of the ridiculousness of its premise and plays up to it. Straight-faced? Really? John Malkovich for one is camping it up to the max from the off. The whole thing is very knowingly OTT. I get it, but I'm with Jo - it's all just a bit too self-indulgent for my liking.

I'd agree entirely. Mind you lots of films are like this, I suspect because, until the more recent rise of indie film conventions in the mainstream it was just about the only way you could express any critique from within the system.  If you read William Gibson's piece on adapting his short story, Johnny Mnemonic, as a screenplay, he just gave up trying to do what he wanted and gave Hollywood what they wanted and more until it was utterly ridiculous. And they loved it. The audiences however, could see it was ridiculous. That's what I don't quite always get - that the audiences seem sometimes to be more intelligent than they are estimated to be by the producers, yet sometimes vastly less so...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 14 October, 2010, 08:12:37 pm
De Ja Vu on BBC3 last night.  Pretty dull, though Denzel Washington gave good integrity, as he always does.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 October, 2010, 12:03:47 am
And how did you find the plot?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 16 October, 2010, 02:09:10 am
And how did you find the plot?

It seemed like I'd seen it somewhere before...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 October, 2010, 05:09:05 pm
Gilda. Completely melodramatic, but Rita Hayworth is great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: cpjmathieson on 17 October, 2010, 05:32:45 pm
Book of Eli... what a great film..you must see it, if you haven't already!! :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 17 October, 2010, 07:21:40 pm
Silent Movie.  How have I managed to never see this film before?!  Not the best of Mel's films, but thoroughly entertaining in the usual silly way.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 17 October, 2010, 07:57:35 pm
Solaris. This time I was sober. It made some sense.

Still a Bit Weird though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 17 October, 2010, 07:59:09 pm
2012

What a hilarious wank fest.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 October, 2010, 09:55:05 pm
Me too.  What an enormous steaming pile of shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 October, 2010, 10:57:00 am
Me too.  What an enormous steaming pile of shite.

Do you mean that like Zoidburg you also saw 2012? Or did you see the recent Spanish film that's known in its original language as Yo Tambien (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1289449/)?

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 18 October, 2010, 07:59:47 pm
Day Breakers.

Set brain in neutral and enjoy the ride.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: darkpoint on 19 October, 2010, 08:21:28 am
Dukes of Hazard.

Well i only made it to the first ad break before I gave up and deleted it.

I liked the show as a kid, but the movie just felt wrong and was rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 19 October, 2010, 09:00:36 am
Bad Boys II

Whatcha gonna do?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 19 October, 2010, 10:24:06 am
Edge of Darkness. Gibson & Winstone.  It's too long since I've seen the Bob Peck BBC series.  I thought MG was pretty good in this adaptation, but RW just didn't seem that 'believable' in his role.  Dialogue was physically quite hard to hear at times.  I thought in general - OK, some good moments; but must watch the original again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zoidburg on 19 October, 2010, 01:05:32 pm
The Losers.

Had it's moments I supose but it was aimed at the wrong audience and dumbed down from the source material.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulR on 19 October, 2010, 01:30:58 pm
Bicycle Thieves as part of the BFF (and a wedding anniversary treat). 

Depressing but excellent film.   Little actor (Enzo something) aged 7 who went on to become a maths teacher - what a star!  The chap who played his dad was brilliant too; I gather he was a lathe operator and, some years later when he was laid off, he went back to acting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 19 October, 2010, 01:34:46 pm
Martyrs, a horror film.

A grim experience, very well done.

And The Counterfeiters-about Jews who were forced to make forged British banknotes in the knowledge that they were aiding the Axis powers, the last scene is fantastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 19 October, 2010, 10:13:37 pm
And how did you find the plot?

It was preposterous ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 21 October, 2010, 07:49:39 pm
I can't remember, nor am I sad enough to check thru umpty ump pages of posts, if I mentioned The Men Who Stare at Goats . . .

On DVD check the extras and see the man that Jeff Bridges based his character on - scary. So much of it is factual. Worth buying for the scene where Kevin Spacey is off his face on LSD.

Not much is making me smile at the moment but this did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 21 October, 2010, 09:21:03 pm
American Beauty.

What. A. Film.  :thumbsup:

"You wanna see the most beautiful thing I ever filmed?"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 22 October, 2010, 10:31:34 am
American Beauty.

What. A. Film.  :thumbsup:

"You wanna see the most beautiful thing I ever filmed?"

I saw this film first time round, shortly after being made redundent. Cheered me up no end*!

K-Pax is another Spacey (sic) winner.

Edit: Apart from the being shot in the head bit, obviously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mr endon on 23 October, 2010, 12:46:03 am
Born & Bred (Nacido y Oriado).
Really rather good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 24 October, 2010, 06:43:10 pm
Friday night. Saving Private Ryan on one of the 4s.

Never seen it previously. Not what I expected at all. I guess I shouldn't have watched it cos it left me on a real downer all weekend.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 24 October, 2010, 09:04:36 pm
The White Ribbon, another great film by Michael Haneke.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 25 October, 2010, 08:19:16 am
'Good Night and Good Luck'- astonishingly good. Fabulous cast too  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 October, 2010, 10:17:17 am
The Quatermass Xperiment.  Now Quatermass was supposed to be a genius - and a BRITON, but we'll let that pass - which explains how he rocked up at the crash site in a VW Microbus, opened the engine bay and revealed a radio rather than an air-cooled flat-four.  I imagine it was actually powered by dilithium crystals or something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 25 October, 2010, 10:28:48 am
North by Northwest when we got back from the pub yesterday afternoon.  Hitchcock is a genius, some of the filming is jaw-droppingly good (compared to the special effects, which look a little dated ;))  and cary grant is fantastic, Eva Marie Saint is gorgeous and James Mason has a voice like butter dripping through a toasted scone. 

Great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 25 October, 2010, 10:57:57 am
The Quatermass Xperiment.  Now Quatermass was supposed to be a genius - and a BRITON, but we'll let that pass - which explains how he rocked up at the crash site in a VW Microbus, opened the engine bay and revealed a radio rather than an air-cooled flat-four.  I imagine it was actually powered by dilithium crystals or something.
Flux capacitor?


Anyway, this week's surprise was Be Kind Rewind.

Really not as expected. The story was as advertised, and there was lots of fun stuff. But it had a very odd tone. The dialogue was almost gag-free, and lacked any zing.
You felt that if Jack Black had improvised his part it would have been a lot funnier.

Odd. Worth watching, just not as good as it could have been.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rig of Jarkness on 25 October, 2010, 07:03:14 pm
East is East on telly at the weekend.  Didn't get it.  ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 25 October, 2010, 07:09:12 pm
In parallel with the Cool Wall, we have established the YACF movie compass:

North by Northwest: jaw-droppingly good
East is East: Didn't get it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 October, 2010, 07:37:21 pm
Has anyone seen Song Of The South lately?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 October, 2010, 07:38:36 pm
Monty Python's Life of Brian - in the company of a respectable lady who had never seen it before.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rig of Jarkness on 25 October, 2010, 07:44:21 pm
Has anyone seen Song Of The South lately?

And isn't there a West is West out just now ?   :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 25 October, 2010, 08:02:39 pm
East is East is brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 25 October, 2010, 09:19:48 pm
Return of the King.

As well as the Hidden Fart - there is quite a lot of crying.

And an unnecessary number of endings. At least 6 by my count.

Still fun to watch though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 October, 2010, 11:08:08 pm
Police Academy.

The 12yo loved it, bless him. I didn't find it as funny as I remembered it. In fact, I didn't find it funny at all. But then I was probably not much older than 12 when I last saw it.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 25 October, 2010, 11:13:00 pm
The Iron Petticoat - Katherine Hepburn & Bob Hope. Excellent period piece.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 October, 2010, 09:39:12 am
First Strike.  Jackie Chan kicks people  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 26 October, 2010, 11:36:00 am
First Strike.  Jackie Chan kicks people  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

As ani fule kno, people only really watch Jackie Chan films for the snuff stunt-gone-badly-wrong outtakes during the closing credits.  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 27 October, 2010, 08:46:46 am
The Blind Side.

Sandra Bullock.

In some ways I found this film challenging.  Based on a true story,
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 27 October, 2010, 11:39:11 pm
(http://www.peeble.com/kim.jpg)(http://www.peeble.com/carlos.jpg)

The story of Kim's double, Ilich Ramirez Sanchez aka Carlos .   Not too bad, and a memory jog for those of us of a certain age,  but nowhere near as well done as Der Baader Meinhoff Komplex.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 October, 2010, 12:42:26 pm
Witchfinder General.  Difficult to take seriously after reading of the Witchfinder Army in Good Omens, or that episode of Blackadder with the Witchsmeller Pursuivant in it.

Mr Larrington's Theory of Horror Fillums, which is mine and belongs to me, is that they have a half-life of about ten years.  Thus any episode of The League Of Gentlemen featuring Papa Lazarou is way scarier than Witchfinder GeneralThe Exorcist had people tied in knots when it was first released, but when I finally got round to watching it circa 2001, it was just tedious.

The exception to this rule is, natch, The Blair Witch Project.  One early hype review featured a fillum critic coming out of a screening at the Cannes Film Festival looking as though a North Korean Secret Policegoon had just hit her over the head with a board.  "Wowsa!", TWFKAML and I said, " This we must see!".  It proved slightly less scary than seeing one's grandad wearing a hand-knitted jumper and smoking a pipe.

Tonight there will be more kung-fu.  No hype, no controversy, just Oriental types beating laughably unrealistic shit out of each other.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 October, 2010, 01:13:09 pm

The story of Kim's double, Ilich Ramirez Sanchez aka Carlos .   Not too bad, and a memory jog for those of us of a certain age,  but nowhere near as well done as Der Baader Meinhoff Komplex.

3hr or 5hr version?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 28 October, 2010, 03:44:40 pm

The story of Kim's double, Ilich Ramirez Sanchez aka Carlos .   Not too bad, and a memory jog for those of us of a certain age,  but nowhere near as well done as Der Baader Meinhoff Komplex.

3hr or 5hr version?
3 hour version, I didn't know about the 5 hour version till I got home and googles for reviews.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 30 October, 2010, 01:00:36 pm
Up, funny in places, take-it-or-leave-it in others.

TLD enjoyed it tho, as she is currently enjoying Step Up (she is on a real danciing kick at the mo, just like any 6 yr old girly girl should be :) )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 30 October, 2010, 06:27:02 pm
3 hour version, I didn't know about the 5 hour version till I got home and googles for reviews.

Lightweight ;)

Actually you're probably lucky - ignorance is bliss. If I watch either it will be the 3hr, but I'm bound to worry that I'm missing something that was in the 5hr version!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 30 October, 2010, 08:26:42 pm
Even Dwarfs Started Small (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065436/). This is absolutely crazy German director, Werner Herzog, at his most completely mental. Disturbing, compulsive, bizarre, brilliant. What can I say? If you haven't seen it, you don't know just how messed up movies can be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 31 October, 2010, 06:35:21 pm
MicMacs, which was a quite clever and fun film.

Whilst I don't mind subtitled films, it's very easy if you get distracted by something, and then to miss a whole mass of important stuff.  I'll need to watch it again, more carefully, since various odd and sods happened whist I was watching it.

That aside, definitely worth seeing. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 31 October, 2010, 06:44:50 pm
Sharktopus. :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 31 October, 2010, 06:55:15 pm
A double bill - RED followed by Burke & Hare.  I enjoyed both.

The first probably isn't a great film but was worth it for the performances (served with generous portion of ham).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Julian on 31 October, 2010, 07:38:45 pm
Burke & Hare last night.  It was really very good indeed, and the film reviewer at the Metro "newspaper" who slated it is Simply Wrong.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 31 October, 2010, 10:46:40 pm
Pushing Tin.

Billy Bob Thornton.   John Cusack.

Oh yes.   Much totty.  Some good aeroplane shots.  And the 'stand behind a 747 and see what happens'.  I love that.

Oh, and it's good to see someone else get burned out by their job   ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: cyclone on 31 October, 2010, 10:51:54 pm
SAW 7 3D - nowhere near as chilling as the first ones. Stylised gore... :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 03 November, 2010, 02:12:48 am
Jonah Hex. I quite liked it for mindless entertainment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 November, 2010, 09:47:59 am
Extraordinary Rendition.  A fillum which tends to make one very cross with governments.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 03 November, 2010, 08:03:40 pm
The Children of Men.  A film to make you think hard about a number of things, not least how much you'd be willing to risk for other people.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 November, 2010, 11:46:12 am
A film to make you think hard about a number of things, not least...

Will Julianne Moore ever be mine?

Sigh.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 04 November, 2010, 11:59:42 am

Will Julianne Moore ever be mine?


Hug that Boogie Nights DVD close.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 14 November, 2010, 11:40:06 pm
Brazil, for the first time in quite a few years.  Probably Terry Gilliam's most complete and successful film.  Much as I love it, every time I watch it, it makes me so sad.  Wonderful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 15 November, 2010, 09:24:33 am
It is wonderful.  And wonderfully sad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 15 November, 2010, 10:06:05 am
Another Year.

Good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulR on 15 November, 2010, 10:12:05 am
Another Year

Very good indeed.  Jim Broadbent is a fabulous actor but Mike Leigh is a genius.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 November, 2010, 04:37:43 pm
The missus and I have the night off this Saturday, since the offspring is sleeping over at his mate's house, so we thought we might go and see Another Year.

Shame nearly every single sodding cinema screen within two hours' drive will be showing Harry bleedin' Potter ad nauseam this weekend. Surely the whole point of multiplexes is to show lots of different films rather than the same film 12 times at once? >:(

The only cinema that's showing something I might actually want to watch is the arty-farty cinema at the university (they have The Arbor on, which I want to see because a] I'm a fan of Andrea Dunbar, and b] I know the director). I dare say they'll get Another Year eventually, but probably for one night only, and probably on a night I can't go.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 16 November, 2010, 10:25:20 am
The nearest & most accessible cinema for us isn't showing it. That chain will only show it in a few metropolitan cinemas.

Beautifully observed. I think there's some stereotyping, for ease of recognition, but it's not taken too far: the characters are all believable. I've met Mary, Ken, & Carl.

Mrs B reckons that the teenagers who most films are aimed at wouldn't appreciate it, because they haven't lived enough to understand the characters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 16 November, 2010, 06:09:14 pm
The Odd Angry Shot (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079652/)

As recommended by Wascally Weasel, it came across as an Aussies in Vietnam version of Milligan's earlier war diaries. More bawdy humour and beer than bullets, and worth it just for the scene where the shoebox contraption is presented to the padre.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: teethgrinder on 16 November, 2010, 07:15:29 pm
Surely the whole point of multiplexes is to show lots of different films rather than the same film 12 times at once? >:(


No. The purpose of multiplexes is to sell grossly overpriced popcorn and suchlike to as big a captive audience as they can muster, hence why they don't allow you to bring your own. Hence why I wear a puffy coat with an inside pocket, large enough to fit a half bottle of wine and my own supermarket bought snacks. :smug:
Anyway, that's why they show Harry Potter non stop. Because lots of people want to see it on the big screen. They won't sell so much overpriced junk food if there are fewer mugs customers to but it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 November, 2010, 12:03:17 pm
No. The purpose of multiplexes is to sell grossly overpriced popcorn and suchlike to as big a captive audience as they can muster, hence why they don't allow you to bring your own.

Indeed. And this will be why they've done away with separate ticket desk and "food" counter - if you want to buy a ticket, you have to join the same queue as for the buckets of popcorn and half-gallon vats of luridly coloured fizzy pop. (This is why I always book tickets online and use the automated ticket machine.)

Quote
Hence why I wear a puffy coat with an inside pocket, large enough to fit a half bottle of wine and my own supermarket bought snacks. :smug:

Ha! Good work.

I tend not to bother - I can usually last a couple of hours without feeling the need to fill my face - but if I want to take a drink or snacks in with me, I'll hide them in my wife's handbag.

Quote
Anyway, that's why they show Harry Potter non stop. Because lots of people want to see it on the big screen. They won't sell so much overpriced junk food if there are fewer mugs customers to but it.

Fortunately, I've found a cinema that's showing Another Year on Saturday evening so we're going there instead. And a very lovely cinema it is too (http://www.kinodigital.co.uk/) - it's a bit of a trek, but it'll be worth it. It's a proper grown-up cinema - I don't think they sell popcorn, but they do offer home-made cakes and pastries.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 November, 2010, 12:22:06 pm
"Jean de Florette" and "Manon des Sources" double DVD just arrived from Play.com. (only £6.29)

I know what the next films I shall be watching are.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: urban_biker on 17 November, 2010, 12:31:04 pm

No. The purpose of multiplexes is to sell grossly overpriced popcorn and suchlike to as big a captive audience as they can muster, hence why they don't allow you to bring your own.  <snip>

I've not seen that in my two local multiplexes. In fact I've often been surprised that they don't have that kind of policy. I've often openly carried in food and drinks bought elsewhere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 19 November, 2010, 11:38:35 pm
I went to see Harry Potter tonight. I enjoyed it. My "chocolate" raisins weren't very nice though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 20 November, 2010, 09:23:39 pm

No. The purpose of multiplexes is to sell grossly overpriced popcorn and suchlike to as big a captive audience as they can muster, hence why they don't allow you to bring your own.  <snip>

I've not seen that in my two local multiplexes. In fact I've often been surprised that they don't have that kind of policy. I've often openly carried in food and drinks bought elsewhere.
My two local multiplexes have signs saying no food or drink bought outside may be consumed in them.

But - nobody's ever searched me or Mrs B & found the cans or bottles we usually take in. ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 November, 2010, 11:43:27 pm
Another Year.

Stunning. One of Mike Leigh's best yet. Lesley Manville is astonishing. As is Jim Broadbent. So glad we made the effort to see it. And I want to see it again!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 November, 2010, 11:13:10 am
Into The Wild.  Pretty harrowing even if you've read the book and know how it's going to end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 22 November, 2010, 07:42:05 pm
No Country for Old Men.  Best film I've seen in a long time.

Ditto. Some very tense scenes, and a plot that surprised me a few times. I'd put it in the better half of the Coen brothers portfolio.

My only tiny criticism was the sometimes incomprehensible drawl of characters such as the sheriff. This was the first time I've ever wanted subtitles in a US movie!

(click to show/hide)

Completely OT, but looking into the cast afterwards I found out about this guy:
Charles Harrelson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Harrelson)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Blade on 22 November, 2010, 07:52:08 pm
Quicksilver. Been trying to track down a copy of this film for quite some time as I'm gradually building up a collection of films which have a cycling theme.

The film stars Kevin Bacon as a bicycle messenger and has quite a lot of footage featuring cycling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tail End Charlie on 22 November, 2010, 09:49:14 pm
Not a film but my wife and I for the last week have been watching two episodes of Colditz each night which we've recorded.
Excellent acting and the variety of story lines, given that it's pretty much all in one place, is great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 22 November, 2010, 11:28:43 pm
Toy Story 3.

 :'(

and

 ;D :D :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 23 November, 2010, 10:24:50 am
Edge of Darkness (series).  BBC 1986.  Not seen it for many years, so that I'd forgotten most of details.  Very atmospheric, worth watching again.  Tim McInnery has changed a bit since then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 23 November, 2010, 02:08:30 pm
A. I. Artificial Intelligence
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 23 November, 2010, 07:41:09 pm
I finally got round to seeing Inception properly. It was actually surprisingly bad, Matrix-y stuff, which relied largely on rehreated sf ideas, technical gimmicks, star-turns and action set-pieces in place of character and plot development or anythign genuinely thought-provoking. Oh and the 'cliffhanger' at the end was the oldest and most predictable one in the book. Hollywood has done Christopher Nolan no favours.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 25 November, 2010, 11:26:31 am
Harry Potter and the Everlasting Franchise.

Gods, that was dull! :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 November, 2010, 11:56:17 am
Commando.  Formulaic plot and dialogue so wooden it makes HMS Victory look like Oscar Wilde.  But it's got loads of explosions an' killin's.  Someone with more time on their hands than is strictly good for them reckons that Arnie kills 81 baddies.

I have just discovered that a remake is in the pipeline, in which case the number of murdered studio executives will exceed the body count of the original by at least 30%.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 25 November, 2010, 12:18:50 pm
Commando is a near-death experience if you play the Arnie drinking game.   :thumbsup:

Me, I've watched End of Evangelion and am now equally baffled, squicked and consumed by existential despair. Yay!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 25 November, 2010, 03:34:11 pm
Kick Ass

It was.  :thumbsup:
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 25 November, 2010, 04:15:55 pm
Jean de Florette.

Just superb.

Tonight it's part 2, Manon des Sources.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 26 November, 2010, 01:26:26 pm

Tonight it's part 2, Manon des Sources.

ooh... Emmanuelle Beart nekkid  ;D Not a bad film either, although not, IMHO as good as the first one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 November, 2010, 11:12:58 am
Brideshead revisited. Rather good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nightfly on 28 November, 2010, 08:46:01 pm
North By Northwest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 28 November, 2010, 10:59:47 pm
2012
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike r on 29 November, 2010, 12:24:07 am
North By Northwest.

I watched  that a few days ago, fantastic film!!
Then I was dragged to see Harry Potter... most boring film I've watched in years, closest I've ever come to walking out the cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 29 November, 2010, 11:14:27 am
Things We Lost In The Fire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 November, 2010, 01:36:44 pm
Harry Potter and the Everlasting Franchise.

Gods, that was dull! :sick:

Saw it on Saturday. I managed to stay awake for the duration but it's very unevenly paced. Loads of action in the first 20 minutes, then a long dull section interspersed with a few action sequences, then a non-ending. And for a film that's so long and only covers half the book, it's amazing how much detail they managed to leave out.1 It's more like a collection of loosely linked set pieces than a coherent story, and very much assumes that the viewer will be able to join the dots. Which is true for much of the audience, but that's not the point - it means that if you haven't read the book, the film must be very hard to follow.

I liked the animated shadow play though.

d.

1.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: vorsprung on 29 November, 2010, 01:55:32 pm
This weekend I saw the new Studio Ghibli "Ponyo" which is excellent.  Usual stuff about fish princesses but great characters, drama, fantastic artwork.  Recommended for kids and adults.  Ponyo | Now On Blu-ray & DVD  | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment  (http://disneydvd.disney.go.com/ponyo.html)

Also saw "The Devil Wears Prada".  It started off ok but then nothing happened except the main protagonist is a stupid American.  Tame and lame.  Don't waste your time
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: newtoncap on 29 November, 2010, 02:05:07 pm
North By Northwest.

I watched that yesterday too and loved it!   It's one of those films that i've seen bits of over the years, and thought I had seen it all but hadn't.  Isn't Cary Grant such a gentleman?

Last night I watched 'Beowolf' on Ch5........AWFUL!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: border-rider on 29 November, 2010, 02:15:09 pm
In Bruges. (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4628.0)

Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 30 November, 2010, 12:42:39 pm
OSS 117: Le Caire, nid d'espions (2006) - IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0464913/)

Best Bond parody I've seen yet (although David Niven came pretty close). A pleasant surprise, as I can't recall enjoying any french comedies ever before! (it did have a faint trace of Carry On Spying, but that's OK ... )

Anyone seen the sequel? (Lost in Rio - 2009)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 November, 2010, 01:07:45 pm
The Fifth Element.  Brain-buggeringly daft and as camp as a row of tents.  However, were Santa to give me a machine that could generate a fully-functional Milla Jovovitch in fifteen of your Earth minutes, I should not be disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 30 November, 2010, 02:09:37 pm
I've been working on that one for years, but I can't get the right bracket.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 30 November, 2010, 02:21:51 pm
I've been working on that one for years, but I can't get the right bracket.

Hmm... "bracket" - is that what they're calling it these days?

Chris Tucker - Ruuuuuubeeeee Rodd. Super Green...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 30 November, 2010, 04:26:07 pm
I watched Avatar again. I was able to enjoy it more 2nd time around. I'd let my guard down and wasn't bothered by a good white man coming to lead the noble but savage natives fight against the greedy white man.
Halfway through Tron (will finish it tonight). It's been years since I've watched it. People had very strange thoughts on operating systems. Still it's nice to hear the sound of solid computer keyboard again. I'll have to watch Wargames again soon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 02 December, 2010, 10:29:22 am
A single man - with Colin Firth & Julianne Moore.  Well filmed and acted, but not really my cup of tea.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 02 December, 2010, 11:18:36 am
Mesrine - L'Instinct de Mort

And tonight shall be Mesrine - L'ennemi public no1

Then I shall move on from French to Russian, I think and watch the NightWatch and DayWatch films...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 02 December, 2010, 02:23:48 pm
Mesrine - L'Instinct de Mort

And tonight shall be Mesrine - L'ennemi public no1

Ah, those look like fun... and I love Vincent Cassel
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steve GT on 02 December, 2010, 02:33:25 pm
Zombieland.
A great laugh.
Woody Harrelson was just excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 02 December, 2010, 05:20:19 pm
Akira   ;D

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 02 December, 2010, 05:43:43 pm
Not strictly a film per se but Believe is a by turns serious, funny, intense and moving account of Eddie Izzard's life and career to date.

It includes the bizarre but true story of his show featuring on Watchdog along with his 'comeback' tour in 2003 and finishes with his marathon epic, strangely in the end titles . . .

I'm a fan (so I'm biased) but it made me cry, just a little . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 02 December, 2010, 06:31:24 pm
Tim Burton's Sweeny Todd. It was rather good, I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 05 December, 2010, 07:59:24 pm
A single man - with Colin Firth & Julianne Moore.  Well filmed and acted, but not really my cup of tea.

Watched it last night - not my cup of tea either !!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 05 December, 2010, 08:06:09 pm
Flash  ahaaaa Gordon, with Ming and his merciless Ring.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 05 December, 2010, 08:20:35 pm
Percy Jackson, the Olympians and the Lightening Thief.
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 December, 2010, 10:41:31 am
Swordfish.  Deeply silly but loads of killin's an' splosions :thumbsup:
Barbarella.  Woo!  What drugs were they on when they wrote that?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 December, 2010, 11:25:41 am
Invictus

Not bad. Not over dramatised. Interesting watching it with the kids; the youngest of which couldn't stop thinking the film was fiction. The eldest found it odd watching a 'historical' film and listening to mum and Dad commenting on what it was like when Mandela was released, etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 06 December, 2010, 05:23:49 pm
The Muppet Christmas Carol  ;D

Like so many 'childrens' films it works brilliantly on both levels . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 December, 2010, 05:33:48 pm
The eldest found it odd watching a 'historical' film and listening to mum and Dad commenting on what it was like when Mandela was released, etc.

This reminds me of the time I told my dad we were learning about the second world war in history at school and he said, "That's not history!"  ;D

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 December, 2010, 05:40:07 pm
Grease, for the nth time.  I'm always amazed at the level of sexual innuendo and how I never noticed any of it in 1979.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 06 December, 2010, 05:51:39 pm
Were you too engrossed getting some slap&tickle on the back row? ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 December, 2010, 06:16:59 pm
I was 9.

That didn't actually answer your question, did it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 06 December, 2010, 06:39:02 pm
No,it didn't :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 06 December, 2010, 06:57:34 pm
Yes Man.

I read the book in 2007 or so.  It's a shame they had to Americanise it, but it was nonetheless very good and somewhat thought provoking.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 08 December, 2010, 12:27:38 am
The eldest found it odd watching a 'historical' film and listening to mum and Dad commenting on what it was like when Mandela was released, etc.

This reminds me of the time I told my dad we were learning about the second world war in history at school and he said, "That's not history!"  ;D

Invictus. A good effort, I thought. Mrs Manotea will like it. I was home when Mandela was released, with the TV on waiting for hime to walk down that road.

As a young lad I watched so many contemporary WWII films I could almost remember it. Then again, I also watched so many american musicals that I thought it was normal for people to spontaneously launch into song and dance routines.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 08 December, 2010, 12:38:43 am
I thought the 'brutal' rugby in 'Invictus' rather poorly done.

Now, the last two films I watched were 'Primeveal' on i-Player, which was extremely silly (giant croc in Burundi);

And 'The Book of Eli' (T*sco cheapy). Intriguing, up to the point where the nature of the book is revealed and the whole film is shown up to be utter and complete tosh. Mind you, it does have a pair of redneck machine-gun-totin' cannibals played by Michael Gambon and Frances de la Tour.
Yes, really!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 08 December, 2010, 07:59:27 am
Mesrine - L'Instinct de Mort

And tonight shall be Mesrine - L'ennemi public no1

Ah, those look like fun... and I love Vincent Cassel

They are brilliant, and I can whole heartedly recommend them both, but you do need to see both of them (IIRC they wanted to make one film, but realised that the public just wouldn't sit through ~4 hours of film, so made two). As film 1 opens where film 2 ends.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 09 December, 2010, 07:55:08 am
The Devil's Backbone.

 :thumbsup:

Kind of a cross between Lost Hearts and Lord of the Flies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 December, 2010, 11:54:09 pm
The Chaser

A Korean film subtitled. Apparently, if the rave reviews on IMDB are true, a great example of Korean film making.

Unfortunately I missed the first 15mins of the film, so it took me a while to work out what was actually going on.

Which was gritty murder stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 11 December, 2010, 12:05:52 am
The Opposite of Sex.

Great promise but didnt quite fully engage. But my, Wednesday is all growed up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 11 December, 2010, 11:28:57 am
The Wolfman.
exactly wotitsed on the lid :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 December, 2010, 12:09:58 pm
The Tourist.

Simplistic and banal. Angelina Jolie glides through without a change of expression. Jonny Depp plays his age!  My god that's a shock to see him with wrinkles and saggy face bits. Good part.

Fun lightweight film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 11 December, 2010, 12:45:57 pm
Swordfish.  Deeply silly but loads of killin's an' splosions :thumbsup:
Barbarella.  Woo!  What drugs were they on when they wrote that?

Not enough.  You have to be on drugs yourself to find it interesting for more than 5 minutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 December, 2010, 03:05:25 pm
The Third Man..

..again. 

Who needs CGI?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 December, 2010, 04:32:08 pm
Night at the Museum. Tee hee hee.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rower40 on 11 December, 2010, 04:39:16 pm
Ice Cold In Alex.
Flash Gordon.

An unusual juxtaposition by ITV4 this afternoon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 December, 2010, 04:42:16 pm
Gordon's aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: border-rider on 12 December, 2010, 06:14:12 pm
Transformers

I'm not entirely sure why; I just kind of got sucked into it.  God, it's boring.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 12 December, 2010, 06:21:29 pm
The Fellowship Of The Ring.

Mrs Z and I did a Beavis and Butt-Head and added a running commentary.  Still not sure whether Aragorn was right to plump for Liv Tyler rather than the blonde Rohan chick.  Personally, the pointy ears are a right turn-off (and Steven Tyler would almost certainly pop into your head at inopportune moments).  On the other hand, blonde chick has a very high forehead and doesn't look overly clean.

Also wondered why Saruman's powers don't extend to eagle-zapping and why, if the Balrog throws his toys out of the pram every time the orcs have a hoedown, the paths and bridges out of Moria weren't trashed a long time ago.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 12 December, 2010, 06:38:19 pm
I don't understand why they didn't just give the Ring to the eagles and get them to fly to Morrrrdorrrrrrrrrrrrr and drop it in the volcano.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 12 December, 2010, 06:47:18 pm
Because it would have made a bloody boring story.

I've just been on two long haul flights, so have been forced to watch a number of films to stop my head exploding. However, watching them on a 6 inch screen is a good way to kill a film.

I watched.
Salt - OK
Inception - Will be brilliant when I re-watch it on a decent screen.
Killers - bloody awful

On the way back, choice was becoming limited.
Eat, Pray, Love - a chick flick lifted by the presence of Julia Roberts.
Going the distance - a chick flick lifted by the presence of Drew Barrymore
The Last Airbender - actually OK for a kids film, if you can ignore the slightly dodgy title.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 12 December, 2010, 06:50:09 pm
I don't understand why they didn't just give the Ring to the eagles and get them to fly to Morrrrdorrrrrrrrrrrrr and drop it in the volcano.
Now that would have cut out 200-300 pages of battles.

See JRRT had seen the future, if he had written the book with that bit in. Firstly there might have be a chance that I would have read the book to the end, instead of me getting tired/bored after reading 50 + pages about Frodo waking through a forest. Secondly there would never have been three fantastic movies and the massive tourist industry in New Zealand.

See he is thinking ahead :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 December, 2010, 06:55:28 pm
I don't understand why they didn't just give the Ring to the eagles and get them to fly to Morrrrdorrrrrrrrrrrrr and drop it in the volcano.
Tune in Next week, when Kirst explains how to escape from Daleks*.

;)

*old-style ones, obviously
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 12 December, 2010, 08:04:53 pm
I finished watching Walk The Line this afternoon, we turned it off a couple of weeks ago as it was getting late.
There was only five minutes left!

It was surprising to see him portrayed in such a negative light as I didn't know his background. Really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 12 December, 2010, 08:22:50 pm
Four Lions.  Funny and full of things that only Chris Morris could get away with, but a little disappointing for all that.  Not sure if he was aiming higher and missed or if he just didn't aim high enough.  Hard to believe he thought this was all that could be made of the subject.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 12 December, 2010, 10:12:24 pm
OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies

A French 007 spoof. Never heard of it before but came across it channel hopping last week. Very funny and the costumes and cinematography etc were brilliant, captured the feel of early Bond films perfectly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rhys W on 12 December, 2010, 10:15:06 pm
I just watched Elf tonight on C4. Fantastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 December, 2010, 08:59:33 am
Finally got round to watching The Damned United, which I've had knocking around for ages. Very good. The 12yo, who's too young to know anything about Brian Clough, was totally absorbed by it. :thumbsup:

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 13 December, 2010, 02:20:05 pm
HP7

Was good, I thought. I was expecting less, after the last film, which I thought was poor. I also thought that Hermione was way better - not hamming it up like in previous outings.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 13 December, 2010, 02:28:17 pm
I don't understand why they didn't just give the Ring to the eagles and get them to fly to Morrrrdorrrrrrrrrrrrr and drop it in the volcano.

Because the Eagle in charge would have suddenly come over all nasty and started crapping on my car (and suchlike) instead of ditching said Ring.

It's a fairly intrinsic part of the story that it's a difficult thing to get rid of.

I've not seen the films for a while now but I may dig out Part 1 and re-watch the death of Boromir chapter.  I think it's a simply stunning piece of cinema (although it does start to cross into Monty Python's "Black Knight" ("tis but a scratch") territory)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 13 December, 2010, 02:38:36 pm
I just watched "Bad Day and Black Rock".

I've seen various parts of it over the years but never sat down with the intention of watching it.

It really is very good.  A masterpiece of creating something from very little.

I read that it's supposed to say something about post-WWII/Cold-War America but that may be reading too much into it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 December, 2010, 04:15:31 pm
HP7

Was good, I thought. I was expecting less, after the last film, which I thought was poor. I also thought that Hermione was way better - not hamming it up like in previous outings.
Amazing that she's one of the highest earning actresses in the world yet she can't act.

And, for the record, I wouldn't.  She looks too much like my sister at the same age  :hand:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 December, 2010, 05:19:42 pm
Toy Story 3 is on .... again.

Andy's mom is pretty hot considering she must be, like, 45.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 December, 2010, 05:50:42 pm
Andy's mom is pretty hot considering she must be, like, 45.

You have more of a problem with her being 45 than with her being a cartoon? Sick freak. ;)

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 13 December, 2010, 07:10:50 pm
Finally got round to watching The Damned United, which I've had knocking around for ages. Very good. The 12yo, who's too young to know anything about Brian Clough, was totally absorbed by it. :thumbsup:

d.

Good film.  mini citoyen can't be too sensitive to use of the f-word then, from what I remember...  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 13 December, 2010, 08:17:22 pm

Because the Eagle in charge would have suddenly come over all nasty and started crapping on my car (and suchlike) instead of ditching said Ring.

It's a fairly intrinsic part of the story that it's a difficult thing to get rid of.

I've not seen the films for a while now but I may dig out Part 1 and re-watch the death of Boromir chapter.  I think it's a simply stunning piece of cinema (although it does start to cross into Monty Python's "Black Knight" ("tis but a scratch") territory)
I went to see the first two films with my then bloke. He hadn't read the books and even though the first film starts with all the back story about Isildur and all that and how the Ring is really bad, and then they get to Rivendell and decide to destroy the Ring and Frodo says he'll go and the others say they'll go with him, at the end of the first film he wasn't really clear about what was happening so I talked him right through it. A year later we went to see the second film. A couple of weeks before we were going to see the third one, he asked me "Kirst, you know in Lord of the Rings? Where's Frodo going with the Ring?"

 ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 13 December, 2010, 08:23:32 pm

Because the Eagle in charge would have suddenly come over all nasty and started crapping on my car (and suchlike) instead of ditching said Ring.

It's a fairly intrinsic part of the story that it's a difficult thing to get rid of.

I've not seen the films for a while now but I may dig out Part 1 and re-watch the death of Boromir chapter.  I think it's a simply stunning piece of cinema (although it does start to cross into Monty Python's "Black Knight" ("tis but a scratch") territory)
I went to see the first two films with my then bloke. He hadn't read the books and even though the first film starts with all the back story about Isildur and all that and how the Ring is really bad, and then they get to Rivendell and decide to destroy the Ring and Frodo says he'll go and the others say they'll go with him, at the end of the first film he wasn't really clear about what was happening so I talked him right through it. A year later we went to see the second film. A couple of weeks before we were going to see the third one, he asked me "Kirst, you know in Lord of the Rings? Where's Frodo going with the Ring?"

 ::-)

Cash Converters
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 13 December, 2010, 08:25:44 pm
I went to see the first two films with my then bloke. He hadn't read the books and even though the first film starts with all the back story about Isildur and all that and how the Ring is really bad, and then they get to Rivendell and decide to destroy the Ring and Frodo says he'll go and the others say they'll go with him, at the end of the first film he wasn't really clear about what was happening so I talked him right through it. A year later we went to see the second film. A couple of weeks before we were going to see the third one, he asked me "Kirst, you know in Lord of the Rings? Where's Frodo going with the Ring?"

 ::-)

Many years ago, I went to the to a propah operah house somewhere in london to see Rigoletto with the Mrs Manotea. Whilst perambulating home we discussed the performance. "I thought the guy with the limp was very good", I said, sagely. "You mean, Rigoletto?", said Mrs Manotea.

I may not know much about art but I know what I like.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 13 December, 2010, 08:28:19 pm
The other problem with the Eagle plan is that the ending would be too much like the end of Star Wars, with Frodo in the R2D2 role, strapped to the back of the Eagle/X-Wing.


If you think the business with the crack of doom is silly, listen to the BBC Radio version of it - it's not really a scene that works well purely with sound!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 15 December, 2010, 07:37:38 pm
Over the last couple of days I have had chance to catch up on a few films, in preparation for the festive season (which is all about eating too much then falling asleep in front of a good film, tinny in you hand :) ), thus:

Salt : OK
Smokin Aces : didn't get to see much of it, must re-visit...
Invictus : Morgan Freeman plays a fantastic Nelson, but no way is Matt Damon a rugby player
RED: Stupid funny trash, I loved it....

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 December, 2010, 03:48:24 pm
Good film.  mini citoyen can't be too sensitive to use of the f-word then, from what I remember...  ;)

I didn't think the language was that bad, tbh - just a light smattering of anglo-saxon, which feels quite "natural" in the context.

Besides, I generally have more of a problem with sex and violence in films. I caught a bit of X-Men on telly the other night and found it quite unpleasant. I don't think I would let him watch that.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 16 December, 2010, 09:38:00 pm
I've just got in from watching   Of Gods and Men (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Of_Gods_and_Men_%28film%29) , the story of a group of French Cistercian monks who choose not to leave their Algerian monastery when violence erupts around them

A beautiful, brilliant film.

Good review here (http://gerryco23.wordpress.com/2010/12/11/of-gods-and-men-3/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 17 December, 2010, 08:28:01 am
Have started, and failed to finish, twice to watch Smoking Aces...

Which is strange for me as it is slap bang in the middle of my favourite gendre of films....

Oh well, to balance out the universe I think I will watch "Once Upon A time In America" at the weekend, all 4 hours of it! :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 December, 2010, 08:26:22 pm
Crazy Heart.

It was OK.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 18 December, 2010, 10:00:29 am
Event Horizon on Blu-ray!   :thumbsup:  Forgot how good a film this is since I last watched it years ago on ye olde worlde dvd.
Still jumped at the frighty bits though!   :o   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 December, 2010, 10:19:13 am
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, which was on telly last night and I've never seen it before so...

What a load of tosh.

The Mad Max films seem to get progressively more silly as the budget gets bigger. I still love the first one though - it's a bona fide classic revenge movie. With car chases.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 19 December, 2010, 12:14:29 am
Severance, on last night.

Loopy plot and good knifework.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Psychler on 19 December, 2010, 12:34:32 am
just watched "Flame and Citron", just about to do "Guns of Navarone".  I've got "Das Boot" and "Downfall" for afterwards [thanks Sky Plus] if insomnia really kicks in.

Strangely, having been an avid war film fan for ever, I've never watched "Guns..."

ps  No work tonight....  snowed in.....  well enough not to work anyway.....  and the wine rack is over stocked


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Psychler on 19 December, 2010, 12:35:57 am
....... and "The Colditz Story" is on tomorrow morning [11 am, Film 4]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 December, 2010, 12:37:33 am
It's A Wonderful Life.

I was going to go to bed but I started watching and couldn't tear myself away. Doesn't matter how many times I've seen it, it always gets me.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 19 December, 2010, 01:31:23 pm
HeartBreaker

A choice of Mrs Dinamo, after she'd seen a preview on BBC Breakfast.
I wasn't that optimistic but was pleasantly surprised.
A very funny film, starring Vanessa Paradis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 December, 2010, 08:24:37 am
Tron legacy

The 3d doesn't add anything to the film, but is decent.

Some good performances. Story is right - it follows on well from the first film. Nothing special, tho'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 20 December, 2010, 09:01:42 am
Tron legacy

The 3d doesn't add anything to the film, but is decent.

Some good performances. Story is right - it follows on well from the first film. Nothing special, tho'

Also saw this Friday night. For me it was well worth the 28 year wait. I thought it added to the original story filling out the 'what Flynn did next' question, and also created a setting for sequels and possibly a TV series with the isomorph plotline.

I found the much vaunted 3D a major disappointment. If this is what 3D is like then why bother? Mostly it felt like looking at a pop-up book with layers of 2D one behind the other. Very poor.

As for the cinema itself, what an appalling experience. Our showing (Southend Odeon) was on the second floor, not a problem until you discover you have to go all the way back to the ground floor for any refreshments etc. because the kiosk on the 2nd floor is closed. We booked 'Premier' seats. 'Premier'? The only difference from standard seating was they were a couple of inches wider than normal with a higher back. They were still rock bloody hard, too upright and uncomfortable as hell.

 I am no longer surprised that cinema is losing its audience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 December, 2010, 09:42:22 am
You should try a cinema with THX certification. This guarantees decent seating (as well as sound and vision) - the Picturehouse in York is brill. A 2year old can see clearly over a 6footer in front of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 December, 2010, 09:54:11 am
I am no longer surprised that cinema is losing its audience.

Except it isn't.

"In the nine years from 2000, cinema admissions have averaged 162.3m a year, up from 119.2m in the 1990s and just 77.5m in the 1980s.Despite the upward trend there are signs that growth is stagnating, with 2002 still the best year in modern times."

Report from last year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 20 December, 2010, 10:24:22 am
I am no longer surprised that cinema is losing its audience.

Except it isn't.

"In the nine years from 2000, cinema admissions have averaged 162.3m a year, up from 119.2m in the 1990s and just 77.5m in the 1980s.Despite the upward trend there are signs that growth is stagnating, with 2002 still the best year in modern times."

Report from last year.

I'm just going by what I saw, maybe twenty people in our auditorium, and no more than that emerging from others while we were in the lobby.

Rip-off refreshment prices, seats that left me with backache, overhyped 3D. That was the biggest disappointment, the 3D was piss poor, not just in the main feature, but through the entire evening. It has made my mind up that buying a 3D television would be a complete waste of money.

Going by my experience on Friday it will take something seriously special to get me in a cinema again anytime soon. Especially when I can wait for the DVD/Blu-ray, sit in a comfortable chair at home, and eat and drink without being bled dry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 December, 2010, 10:36:54 am
In my very limited access of cinemas over the last few years I think I've noticed that old, uncomfortable. badly equipped cinemas fare worse than more modern ones.

This could just be because in a crappy cinema the lack of proper bass, the wobbly seats and poor viewing angles etc. make it look less used.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 20 December, 2010, 11:13:45 am
In my very limited access of cinemas over the last few years I think I've noticed that old, uncomfortable. badly equipped cinemas fare worse than more modern ones.

This could just be because in a crappy cinema the lack of proper bass, the wobbly seats and poor viewing angles etc. make it look less used.

The Southend Odeon is a relatively new multiplex.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 December, 2010, 11:19:33 am
Southend (like all coastal locations) only has half a catchment area, a fact quite often overlooked by the people planning these things, who may fail by only looking at populations.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 20 December, 2010, 11:48:17 am
My last experience of a UK multiplex cinema was pretty much the same as Clandy's.

On the other hand, my favourite city centre art cinema in Newcastle, the Tyneside (which I really miss now I have moved away), reopened last year after expanding its number of screens. It runs an excellent and massively varied program which still manages to be popular, it's comfortable and has two proper bars as well as possibly the best cinema cafe in Britain.

The difference between the two experiences couldn't be greater. On the one hand you have overhyped, overloud, overpriced forced entertainment, and on the other, something actually worthwhile.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 21 December, 2010, 12:39:07 pm
Ironman 2.

Made the first 'Ironman' film look like Shakespeare...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 21 December, 2010, 09:48:31 pm
Ironman 2.

Made the first 'Ironman' film look like Shakespeare...

I totally agree  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 22 December, 2010, 02:02:00 am
I just saw 'Taking Sides' on the TV for the second time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taking_Sides_(film)
I still don't know what to make of it. I enjoyed it though
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 22 December, 2010, 09:06:45 am
Watched Tora! Tora Tora!

It was on Film4 on Saturday, I think, so likely to be repeated.

Very good perspective of a) how incompetent the septics were in the lead up to Pearl Harbour and b) how reluctant many Japanese were to enter into a war against the septics.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 22 December, 2010, 09:20:50 am
Hopefully the septics were rebuilt afterwards and thus worked better?  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 December, 2010, 09:28:21 am
Hot Fuzz.

What pile of mindless idiocy. I laughed, sometimes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nightfly on 22 December, 2010, 07:12:39 pm
Lawrence of Arabia last Christmas. I'm due to watch it again some time on Christmas Day. Then NorthbyNorthWest on Boxing Day afternoon/evening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 22 December, 2010, 10:30:13 pm
"Control"

A bio-pic of Ian Curtis and Joy Division.

Despite being the perfect age and location (at the time) to be a Joy Division fan I never even heard of them until after Ian Curtis was dead (at 23) I thought this film was a real insight into the period (I worked in Macclesfield at precidely the time the film was documenting).

Exceptional lead performance to the point I've just checked Youtube to compare the actor's stage performance with the real Ian Curtis, it really is superb.

Highly recommended to anyone remotely interested in, or aware of, the origins of the Madchester music scene.


"On the 6th day God created Manchester"

7/10 on the LEE scale
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 23 December, 2010, 12:42:09 am
I am no longer surprised that cinema is losing its audience.

Except it isn't.

"In the nine years from 2000, cinema admissions have averaged 162.3m a year, up from 119.2m in the 1990s and just 77.5m in the 1980s.Despite the upward trend there are signs that growth is stagnating, with 2002 still the best year in modern times."

Report from last year.

I'm just going by what I saw

Repeat after me: "There is at least one sheep in Scotland, at least one side of which is black."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mr endon on 23 December, 2010, 01:15:27 am
I've not seen the films for a while now but I may dig out Part 1 and re-watch the death of Boromir chapter.  I think it's a simply stunning piece of cinema..

Watch again. Watch the Uruk-Hai uber orcs racing towards the melee. They swarm over some ruins, down a flight of stone steps, but one extra in his orc suit isn't so light on his pins. My gran could make a better fist of purposeful descending of stairs, even after her stroke.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 23 December, 2010, 04:37:34 am
Watched The Commitments.  It's just brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 23 December, 2010, 09:28:13 am
Logan's Run.

 :thumbsup: Jenny Agutter
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 23 December, 2010, 11:26:29 am
'Let's take our clothes off before they freeze to us'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 23 December, 2010, 11:36:11 am
Taking Sides. A film about Willhelm Furtwangler and the de-Nazification process in post war Germany. I've now seen it a couple of times and I disagree with the general view of Harvey Keitel's central performance. A very good international cast.
Istvan Szabo's Taking Sides: the true story of Wilhelm Furtw&auml;ngler starring Harvey Keitel and Stellan Skarsg&aring;rd (http://www.guerilla-films.com/takingsides/cast.htm)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 December, 2010, 11:54:14 am
I am no longer surprised that cinema is losing its audience.

Except it isn't.

"In the nine years from 2000, cinema admissions have averaged 162.3m a year, up from 119.2m in the 1990s and just 77.5m in the 1980s.Despite the upward trend there are signs that growth is stagnating, with 2002 still the best year in modern times."

Report from last year.
I don't have any figures to hand, but IIRC the gains are mainly in teenage boys. Hence the mulitplexes show nothing but teenage boy fodder.

If you own your own place, watcing a DVD with loved one is quite appealing; if you live with your parents, escaping to the flicks with your mates is more attractive.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 23 December, 2010, 01:22:15 pm


 :thumbsup: Jenny Agutter


+1  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 December, 2010, 01:28:02 pm
I am no longer surprised that cinema is losing its audience.

Except it isn't.

"In the nine years from 2000, cinema admissions have averaged 162.3m a year, up from 119.2m in the 1990s and just 77.5m in the 1980s.Despite the upward trend there are signs that growth is stagnating, with 2002 still the best year in modern times."

Report from last year.
I don't have any figures to hand, but IIRC the gains are mainly in teenage boys. Hence the mulitplexes show nothing but teenage boy fodder.

If you own your own place, watcing a DVD with loved one is quite appealing; if you live with your parents, escaping to the flicks with your mates is more attractive.

Getting youth to engage in a supposedly dying medium is a triumph, surely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 23 December, 2010, 03:49:56 pm
I watched 'The Other Boleyn Girl' last night. I quite enjoyed the Philippa Gregory book, so I tuned in. It was shockingly awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 23 December, 2010, 03:56:45 pm
I saw Eyes Wide Shut last night. It was an ITV2 version, so I suspect cut a little, though it's been 10 years since I first saw it.

Dr Strangelove is pure genius. EWS is pure shite. Sorry Stanley, Kieslowski bowed out in a much better way than you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 23 December, 2010, 04:07:16 pm
I watched 'The Other Boleyn Girl' last night. I quite enjoyed the Philippa Gregory book, so I tuned in. It was shockingly awful.

yes, we watched that too.  I gave up and went to bed after 20 minutes, Mrs Mike stayed up out of stubbornness and hated it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: arry_b on 23 December, 2010, 04:15:52 pm
"The Brain that wouldn't die" on Showcase (channel 201).

B+W fifties horror starring a telepathic head in a baking tray. What's not to love?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 23 December, 2010, 07:06:17 pm
Armageddon. What a roller-coaster ride of Complete Bollocks and One Liners that is  :thumbsup:.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 24 December, 2010, 12:25:13 pm
300… haven't seen that much homo-eroticism since the volleyball scene in Top Gun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 24 December, 2010, 12:31:08 pm
300… haven't seen that much homo-eroticism since the volleyball scene in Top Gun.

There is a minor cult for setting 300 to It's Raining Men. I encountered it because I thought of doing a treatment of the wet PBP footage, honest. This is a short version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONRUwwLrAa0&feature=fvw
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 24 December, 2010, 01:01:43 pm
Armageddon. What a roller-coaster ride of Complete Bollocks and One Liners that is  :thumbsup:.

I watched that again.  Steve Buscemi is a bit of a hoot  'Guess what guys, it's time to embrace the horror!'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 24 December, 2010, 01:08:04 pm
300… haven't seen that much homo-eroticism since the volleyball scene in Top Gun.

There is a minor cult for setting 300 to It's Raining Men. I encountered it because I thought of doing a treatment of the wet PBP footage, honest. This is a short version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONRUwwLrAa0&feature=fvw

"I was just doing research" is what Pete Townsend used...unsuccessfully.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 24 December, 2010, 01:17:40 pm
300… haven't seen that much homo-eroticism since the volleyball scene in Top Gun.

There is a minor cult for setting 300 to It's Raining Men. I encountered it because I thought of doing a treatment of the wet PBP footage, honest. This is a short version.

    YouTube
      - Broadcast Yourself.
   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONRUwwLrAa0&feature=fvw)

"I was just doing research" is what Pete Townsend used...unsuccessfully.

It has been said that the LEL video has camp elements, I must be channeling my Mother's innate theatricality, but it originated with a suggestion of 'Over the Rainbow' from on here.
LEL Yad Moss on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/6454997)
I've just found a copy of Yes Remixes in a shop in Preston, so look foward to techno-prog background music.
Yes Remixes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes_Remixes)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 24 December, 2010, 01:32:04 pm


There is a minor cult for setting 300 to It's Raining Men. I encountered it because I thought of doing a treatment of the wet PBP footage, honest. This is a short version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONRUwwLrAa0&feature=fvw

Reminds me of this (http://www.koreus.com/video/wow-village-elves.html), for some reason.  (Recoverying WoW player, been clean for 3 years now).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 26 December, 2010, 03:02:03 pm
Toy Story 3

My Daughter got it on DVD so we just watched it again.  It's just a superb film, PIXAR get it spot on don't they? Story is everything but their attention to detail is incredible, from the shadows on individual blades of grass at a technical level, to Woody putting a sheet of toilet paper on the seat before climbing onto it at a storyline level.  Things you don't necessarily see on first viewing and things you wouldn't really miss if they weren't there, but they are, and it shows what PIXAR think about their films.

9/10 on the LEE scale
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 26 December, 2010, 05:03:31 pm
Inception… just now. Going to make a cup of tea and watch it again shortly, try to unravel the macramé plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 27 December, 2010, 09:34:12 am
Revolver.  Guy Ritchie has done some self indulgent crap in the past but this takes the biscuit.

It seems to me he was trying to emulate the infinitely superior ' The Usual Suspects' and has failed utterly.  

Is there some unwritten law somewhere that he cannot make a film without  Jason 'Cuprinol' Statham in it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 December, 2010, 09:36:41 am
Halfway through "The Blue Max" at the moment.  It's rather good.

Was Manfred von Richthofen the coolest person ever?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 27 December, 2010, 10:22:42 am
Local Hero. Brilliantly understated humour. I always know when the lemon squeezing scene is coming and I always can't help laughing.

I watched Three Colours Red the day before yesterday, and I'm coming to the conclusion that Blue is by far the best in the trilogy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 27 December, 2010, 11:13:38 am
High Society.

Crosby, Sinatra, Kelly, Armstrong.

My Christmas has finally started.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 December, 2010, 04:28:36 pm
Stranger Than Fiction - with Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Dustin Hoffman

A classic lightweight rom-com for christmas. (And Dustin Hoffman dressed as Bilbo baggins).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 December, 2010, 05:56:23 pm
Revisited the wonderful Short Cuts last night. Didn't mean to stay up until the end (it finished at nearly 1am) but got drawn in.

The unintentionally hilarious imdb parental guide serves as an excellent plot summary: Short Cuts (1993) - Parents Guide (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108122/parentalguide)

d.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 27 December, 2010, 06:13:11 pm
This afternoon Forbidden Planet on BluRay. Brilliant piece of classic sci-fi. Tonight will be The Day The Earth Stood Still. (the Michael Rennie original, not the appalling Canoe Reeves remake). That will be followed by The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 27 December, 2010, 08:08:33 pm
not the appalling Canoe Reeves remake

Almost anything with him in it is bad.  He's not an actor, he's a plank of wood.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 27 December, 2010, 08:19:21 pm
This afternoon Forbidden Planet on BluRay. Brilliant piece of classic sci-fi. Tonight will be The Day The Earth Stood Still. (the Michael Rennie original, not the appalling Canoe Reeves remake). That will be followed by The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Can I come over to your place, Clandy? :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 27 December, 2010, 08:24:19 pm
That does sound like a good schedule.  Last one we saw was Holy Grail last night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 27 December, 2010, 08:31:54 pm
Armageddon. What a roller-coaster ride of Complete Bollocks and One Liners that is  :thumbsup:.

Yup, but there's no doubting that Liv Tyler is fully hot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 27 December, 2010, 09:52:12 pm
I'm about to watch "Nude Nuns with Big Guns" my guess is it's going to be every bit as great as Bitch Slap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 28 December, 2010, 10:06:11 am
Inception… just now. Going to make a cup of tea and watch it again shortly, try to unravel the macramé plot.

It's not that difficult... the only baffling thing about it is why so many people think it is such a clever film (or even any good).

I saw The Illusionist the other night (the one with Edward Norton). Quite well done all round, I thought. Bonus points for the superb mustaches.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 28 December, 2010, 10:49:24 am
Armageddon. What a roller-coaster ride of Complete Bollocks and One Liners that is  :thumbsup:.

Yup, but there's no doubting that Liv Tyler is fully hot.
Mrs Z and I are of the opinion that she is a Bit Odd Looking and has poor bone structure.  But that's just being picky; the real problem is that Steven Tyler would pop into your head at inopportune moments  :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 28 December, 2010, 09:44:48 pm
Clash of the Titans.   :hand:

The 1981 Ray Harryhausen version was much better despite the wibbly wobbly stop motion animation! 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 December, 2010, 09:58:25 am
/Because/ of the wobbly wobbly stop-motion animation, surely?

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 December, 2010, 10:32:01 am
Since I was watching "Brief Encounter" yesterday, here's the rather brilliant Victoria Wood version: 
    YouTube
        - Victoria Wood - Brief Encounter parody
   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajC4Az4wscc&feature=related)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 29 December, 2010, 01:52:18 pm
I saw Time Bandits again yesterday. I was under the impression it was a lot of fun having seen it ages ago, but really it wasn't, it was a big unwieldly dull mess. Like a lot of Gilliam's films really. Give me a proper Ray Harryhausen film instead...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 December, 2010, 06:09:34 pm
"Up".  And I cried  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 29 December, 2010, 06:14:43 pm
"Up".  And I cried  :'(

Nothing to be ashamed of. So did I.

And now #2 son has learned the theme on the piano...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 December, 2010, 07:52:26 am
Still working through the more obscure war films.  Last might's was "Twelve O'Clock High" about the first US bomber groups in England.  Basic moral: through harsh management you can make people deliver whatever you want, but in the end it will catch up with you. 

The USP of this film is that (probably for cost reasons) all the combat footage is genuine.  It works better than it should although you're left with the uncomfortable feeling, as another Focke-Wulf 190 explodes, that this is a snuff movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adam on 30 December, 2010, 08:45:47 am
Last night I watched The boy in the Striped pyjamas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boy_in_the_Striped_Pyjamas_%28film%29) which my daughter got me for Christmas, as she'd read the book some time ago.

Sadly, I could see which way the film was going to end, but it was an extremely powerful film and very well made. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 30 December, 2010, 10:20:22 am
Taken
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 30 December, 2010, 10:58:46 am
Last night was RED, two nights ago, Knight and Day.

Both great, mindless fun :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 30 December, 2010, 11:39:21 am
/Because/ of the wobbly wobbly stop-motion animation, surely?

d.

You are probably correct!   :thumbsup: wibbly wobbly stop motion ftw!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 30 December, 2010, 06:01:03 pm
2 long haul flights in the past month resulted in the following viewings

Scott Pilgrim vs the World : brilliant
Expendables: meh
Animal Kingdom: very good
The American: very good
The social network : very good
Salt: good
Tomorrow, When the War Began: pretty dire

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 30 December, 2010, 07:22:25 pm
"Off with their heads!"  Alice in Wonderland http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0164993/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0164993/)   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 30 December, 2010, 07:27:06 pm
Meet Me In St Louis.

Didn't like it really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 30 December, 2010, 08:19:00 pm
The boat that rocked. Not a bad film if a little long and overplayed in places.

Cracking sound track however.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 30 December, 2010, 09:51:41 pm
Just tried to watch Spielberg's War of the Worlds. Since I slated it when I saw it at the cinema, I thought I'd give it a second chance.


It's still rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 30 December, 2010, 10:00:06 pm
Just tried to watch Spielberg's War of the Worlds. Since I slated it when I saw it at the cinema, I thought I'd give it a second chance.


It's still rubbish.

I'm waiting for someone to make a film that bears any resemblance to the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 30 December, 2010, 11:07:46 pm
Just tried to watch Spielberg's War of the Worlds. Since I slated it when I saw it at the cinema, I thought I'd give it a second chance.


It's still rubbish.

I'm waiting for someone to make a film that bears any resemblance to the book.

Apart from the Spielberg film, there were two other WOTW films released in 2005 - the one produced by Pendragon Pictures was actually set in Victorian England rather than present-day America. It spent some time in development hell before going straight to DVD release, garnering somewhat negative reviews.

Wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.G._Wells%27_The_War_of_the_Worlds_(2005_film))
Official movie website (http://www.pendragonpictures.com/WOTWKEY.html)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 December, 2010, 11:12:59 pm
Four lions. Reasonable.
Kick Ass. Much fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tail End Charlie on 01 January, 2011, 04:09:03 pm
Watched Casablanca yesterday. Not the first time I'd seen it, nor will it be the last, it is such a great film. Ingrid Bergman is so feminine in it, if she looked at you and smiled, it would make even the Pope go weak at the knees.
One of my top films ever. Miles ahead of any modern crap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2011, 04:16:59 pm
Kick Ass. Much fun.

We watched it (finally) last night. Great fun! Quite a lot of dodgy motivation issues for certain characters that stopped it being a classic, but it really was very good entertainment. And young Chloe stole it. [why on earth was there any fuss about allegedly sexy costumes?!?]

It's amazing that after game-changing films like this (and the Matrix), Hollywood still churns out formulaic stereotypical po-faced turgid action/martial arts movies, and people still pay to see them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 02 January, 2011, 06:20:10 pm
Zulu.

Welsh Men Will Not Yield!

Bloody hell it's good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2011, 06:34:42 pm
The Enemy Below.  Should have stuck with the original ending where the Americans and Germans all end up in the sea together, brawling.

"Das Boot" explains the destroyer/U-boat tradeoff better:

- the U-boat can hide, but can't move fast underwater
- the destroyer can use ASDIC to find the U-boat but not while directly overhead or when depth charges are exploding, which gives the U-boat a small opportunity to change course
- the destroyer, for obvious reasons, can only depth-charge when steaming fast
- depth charges have to get very close to a U-boat to sink it, and the deeper uit goes the closer they have to be.
- the destroyer can ram the U-boat but not vice-versa.

Generally the destroyer has the upper hand as long as it doesn't lose the U-boat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hummers on 02 January, 2011, 06:43:04 pm
The Tourist.

Simply dreadful.

H
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 02 January, 2011, 07:54:46 pm
Iron Man, just now.  Completely preposterous, but great fun, apart from a slightly crap denouement.

"TONY STARK MANAGED TO BUILD THIS IN A CAVE OUT OF A PILE OF SCRAP!"


;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 January, 2011, 09:45:23 pm
The A-Team have been doing that for years.  :D

North by Northwest. I love Cary Grant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 02 January, 2011, 09:53:33 pm
Quote
This afternoon Forbidden Planet on BluRay

A classic  :thumbsup:

Into The Wild, the story of Christopher McCandless

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_McCandless (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_McCandless)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 02 January, 2011, 10:10:46 pm
I watched 'War Bride' last night on iplayer. It was actually not that bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 02 January, 2011, 11:54:08 pm
Just completed a one day marathon of all three Lord of the Rings films (extended editions of course).

It really does take all day, about 13 hours all told, with a bit of faffing time included. I enjoyed it but am not in a hurry to repeat it.

Massive deprogramming to follow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 03 January, 2011, 12:00:54 am
Just completed a one day marathon of all three Lord of the Rings films (extended editions of course).

It really does take all day, about 13 hours all told, with a bit of faffing time included. I enjoyed it but am not in a hurry to repeat it.

Massive deprogramming to follow.

Great way to spend a lazy day. I find it is helped by a good single malt and plenty of 'picking' food on hand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 03 January, 2011, 12:07:39 am
Taken

Impressive body count that film has.

Very good though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 03 January, 2011, 12:09:28 am
Watched Casablanca yesterday. Not the first time I'd seen it, nor will it be the last, it is such a great film. Ingrid Bergman is so feminine in it, if she looked at you and smiled, it would make even the Pope go weak at the knees.
One of my top films ever. Miles ahead of any modern crap.

Oh yes. I bought that on HD DVD just before Toshiba ditched it.  >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 03 January, 2011, 12:12:06 am
The Tourist.

Simply dreadful.

H

Just got back from watching that. Not dreadfull I thought, but not that good either. It DID have Angelina in. Yum Yum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 January, 2011, 12:57:05 am
Just completed a one day marathon of all three Lord of the Rings films (extended editions of course).

It really does take all day, about 13 hours all told, with a bit of faffing time included. I enjoyed it but am not in a hurry to repeat it.

Massive deprogramming to follow.

Great way to spend a lazy day. I find it is helped by a good single malt and plenty of 'picking' food on hand.

I spread it out over three nights with my lad when the girls were away. Great fun. He didn't get any whisky though.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 03 January, 2011, 02:16:17 am
Love Actually.
Soppy trash.
I loved it ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SandyV on 03 January, 2011, 02:55:06 am
Inglourious basterds - I hated it - both the underlying premise and the gratuitous and graphic violence

(Much preferred Strictly ballroom and Filth - about Mary Whitehouse which were on tv last night)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 03 January, 2011, 09:40:42 am
Inglourious basterds - I hated it - both the underlying premise and the gratuitous and graphic violence

(Much preferred Strictly ballroom and Filth - about Mary Whitehouse which were on tv last night)

I enjoyed Filth, very good casting too  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 03 January, 2011, 09:44:40 am
Love Actually.
Soppy trash.
I loved it ;D

Chick flick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 03 January, 2011, 03:51:49 pm
Woman of the Year - Katharine Hepburn (much the better Hepburn) and Spencer Tracey.  It hasn't really dated: Hollywood production companies today would still be very nervous about creating a female character as strong and independent as Tess Harding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tail End Charlie on 03 January, 2011, 05:05:14 pm
Not a film, but I've been watching my Xmas present from 2009 - the boxed set of
I, Claudius. Superb. Just how Governments should be run. It's fun trying to see the actors/resses who later featured in something else (Nursie in Blackadder 2 for one).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Simonb on 03 January, 2011, 05:07:14 pm
Solaris (the Tarkovsky one). Bit slow and boring.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 03 January, 2011, 10:02:30 pm
We went to the pictures and saw Burlesque yesterday, it gave us a few laughs afterwards.

Then we watched The Lives of Others at home, not many laughs afterwards but it was the better of the two films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 04 January, 2011, 09:13:50 am
Iron Man on TV the other night. Excellent a proper silly action film. Good pace and excellent one liners. The little robot with the fire extinguisher was my favourite bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 04 January, 2011, 09:18:09 am
Over Xmas we have watched:

Knight and Day (pants)
Salt (ok, to a point)
Up (fun)
Dispicable Me (again, fun)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 04 January, 2011, 09:24:24 am
I also watched Conan The Destroyer. It was pants. Conan the Barbarian is a classic film but the follow-up was just rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 04 January, 2011, 01:05:08 pm
Conan the Barbarian is a classic film

Classic in a very "The director is on even more steroids and monkey gland extract than Arnie" kind of way, but yes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 04 January, 2011, 01:07:35 pm
I saw all 3 Godfather films over the last three nights.

I bet they are dissected and analysed in film studies courses as they all use different methods of telling the past.

I enjoyed them, but...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 04 January, 2011, 01:11:58 pm
(Much preferred Strictly ballroom and Filth - about Mary Whitehouse which were on tv last night)
Having seen brief snatches of ballroom dancing on TV, I appreciate Strictly Ballroom much more now than when I first saw it. I can see them doing all the crap the film takes the piss out of.

Talented bloke, Baz.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 January, 2011, 09:46:38 pm
2001.  Mrs Z has given me a "that's 2 hours of my life I'll never get back" look  ;D

I love the way the end credits finish with "THE END" but the Blue Danube Waltz carries on afterwards for another 10 minutes or so.

Best bit is when Bowman breaks into the airlock without his spacesuit - brilliantly realistic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 07 January, 2011, 10:15:11 pm
Finally got around to watching Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street yesterday as I was travelling up to Glasgow.  I really enjoyed it.  :thumbsup:
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: kyuss on 08 January, 2011, 04:41:10 am
Watched Sherlock Holmes which is great. Then Crazy Heart. There wasn't much else on and I didn't hold out much hope for it, since it's about a country singer and I'm not into country music at all. But it was brilliant. Jeff Bridges is just awesome. Definitely watch again. Fantastic film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 January, 2011, 11:53:06 am
I started watching 'Ticker' last night. I idly looked it up on IMDB then rapidly switched it off. There's no way I'm going to spend time on a movie rated at 3.3  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 08 January, 2011, 04:57:03 pm
The Green Mile. Sublime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 08 January, 2011, 06:49:39 pm
Currently watching Alpha and Omega, TLD is loving it...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 08 January, 2011, 10:02:32 pm
Inception. Excellent! Best watched sober if you want to know WTF is going on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 08 January, 2011, 11:56:45 pm
Stranger Than Fiction, for the third time.

Straight after watching 'Taking Lives' with Angelina Jolie.

STF was far superior and a real 'feel-good' film.

The Jolie film was pretty mediocre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 09 January, 2011, 01:03:35 am
Just been out to see 127 Hours.

IMO Brilliantly executed film. One of the best I've seen in ages.

And the sight of a whole cinema curling up in their seats in agony (including me) and watching through fingers at "the" moment was sort of amusing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 09 January, 2011, 02:00:37 am
The Green Mile. Sublime.

I presume you are joking... aren't you?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ray 6701 on 09 January, 2011, 02:15:03 am
Lonesome Jim on bbc 2 & quite good it was too  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 09 January, 2011, 09:39:19 am
The Green Mile. Sublime.

I presume you are joking... aren't you?

No, I'm not. In my opinion The Green Mile is an absolutely superb film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 09 January, 2011, 11:41:51 am
Spirited Away.  I've seen it half a dozen times by now, but somebody else had never seen it.  Never going to object to watching it, though; if you've ever seen it, you'll know why.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 January, 2011, 11:43:54 am
I prefer My Fiend Totoro.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 January, 2011, 05:52:30 pm
I'm watching Grease just now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 09 January, 2011, 06:00:59 pm
I'm watching Grease just now.

The husband won't let me watch it  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 January, 2011, 06:07:10 pm
Tell him the days of husbands owing wives are over and you can watch it if you like, and while you're watching it, he should make you a cup of tea.  ;D

They've just done Beauty School Drop-out and now it's an ad break.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 09 January, 2011, 06:16:19 pm
I'm watching Grease just now.

That reminds me, think I'll watch Saturday Night Fever tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 09 January, 2011, 06:34:09 pm
The King's Speech.

Mrs B wanted to watch from professional interest. I liked it. Colin Firth was good. I'm not sure about the casting of Timothy Spall, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 09 January, 2011, 07:17:40 pm
The Green Mile. Sublime.

I presume you are joking... aren't you?

No, I'm not. In my opinion The Green Mile is an absolutely superb film.

I agree. Cracking movie. Makes me cry when I'm drunk.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 09 January, 2011, 07:35:34 pm
I prefer My Fiend Totoro.

Does he take you to see good films, then?

The Green Mile. Sublime.

I presume you are joking... aren't you?

No, I'm not. In my opinion The Green Mile is an absolutely superb film.

I agree. Cracking movie. Makes me cry when I'm drunk.

I'm with Flying Monkey on this one; Green Mile is simplistic, sentimental mush.  It's not just that it is as emotionally manipulative as any of Spielberg or Capra's drippiest output; it's the kind of film which pretends to address serious issues (racism, capital punishment) but which is actually so synthetic and dishonestly comforting (e.g. only one of the prison guards is racist and violent, while the rest are all noble and kind) that it reassures the uncritical viewer into feeling that the problems aren't really that hard and are already being tackled by reasonable people.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 09 January, 2011, 08:14:19 pm
I prefer My Fiend Totoro.

Does he take you to see good films, then?

The Green Mile. Sublime.

I presume you are joking... aren't you?

No, I'm not. In my opinion The Green Mile is an absolutely superb film.

I agree. Cracking movie. Makes me cry when I'm drunk.

I'm with Flying Monkey on this one; Green Mile is simplistic, sentimental mush.  It's not just that it is as emotionally manipulative as any of Spielberg or Capra's drippiest output; it's the kind of film which pretends to address serious issues (racism, capital punishment) but which is actually so synthetic and dishonestly comforting (e.g. only one of the prison guards is racist and violent, while the rest are all noble and kind) that it reassures the uncritical viewer into feeling that the problems aren't really that hard and are already being tackled by reasonable people.


Goodness me - I never got any of that. I thought it was a film about how we (people) sometimes miss the obvious and throw away something that's fundamentally good. Ah well...  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: noisycrank on 09 January, 2011, 08:43:44 pm
Kick Ass - what it says on the tin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 09 January, 2011, 09:14:29 pm
Kick Ass - what it says on the tin.

Indeed  :thumbsup:

The husband and I are watching 'The Hunt for Red October'. The husband is claiming that its the extended version. I think he is making it up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 09 January, 2011, 09:16:57 pm
I prefer My Fiend Totoro.

Does he take you to see good films, then?

The Green Mile. Sublime.

I presume you are joking... aren't you?

No, I'm not. In my opinion The Green Mile is an absolutely superb film.

I agree. Cracking movie. Makes me cry when I'm drunk.

I'm with Flying Monkey on this one; Green Mile is simplistic, sentimental mush.  It's not just that it is as emotionally manipulative as any of Spielberg or Capra's drippiest output; it's the kind of film which pretends to address serious issues (racism, capital punishment) but which is actually so synthetic and dishonestly comforting (e.g. only one of the prison guards is racist and violent, while the rest are all noble and kind) that it reassures the uncritical viewer into feeling that the problems aren't really that hard and are already being tackled by reasonable people.


If the film was about those problems I would agree, but it isn't, it's a fantasy based in a fictional thirties death row. If you wanted a hard hitting anti-racism/capital punishment film perhaps you should have found a documentary to watch. I maintain it is a superb film which achieves perfectly what it sets out to do: entertain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 09 January, 2011, 10:33:20 pm

If the film was about those problems I would agree, but it isn't, it's a fantasy based in a fictional thirties death row. If you wanted a hard hitting anti-racism/capital punishment film perhaps you should have found a documentary to watch. I maintain it is a superb film which achieves perfectly what it sets out to do: entertain.

I disagree with you about the first part; I don't think it's so easy to disassociate the trivial purpose of the film from from it's subject matter.  But even if I agreed with you on that, I wouldn't bother with you because of my first criticism of the film; that it is emotionally manipulative rather than creating worthwhile characters or plot which can genuinely engage your real emotions.  This is something a fantasy can do - something that Spirited Away, mentioned earlier, certainly does.  Green Mile is schlock.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 09 January, 2011, 10:35:35 pm

If the film was about those problems I would agree, but it isn't, it's a fantasy based in a fictional thirties death row. If you wanted a hard hitting anti-racism/capital punishment film perhaps you should have found a documentary to watch. I maintain it is a superb film which achieves perfectly what it sets out to do: entertain.

I disagree with you about the first part; I don't think it's so easy to disassociate the trivial purpose of the film from from it's subject matter.  But even if I agreed with you on that, I wouldn't bother with you because of my first criticism of the film; that it is emotionally manipulative rather than creating worthwhile characters or plot which can genuinely engage your real emotions.  This is something a fantasy can do - something that Spirited Away, mentioned earlier, certainly does.  Green Mile is schlock.

In your opinion. In my opinion it is an extremely good film that accomplishes its purpose: to entertain. The mark of a good film is it is over too soon. The Green Mile is over three hours long, but it feels much shorter.

As for Spirited Away, a cartoon? Be serious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 09 January, 2011, 11:01:29 pm
As for Spirited Away, a cartoon? Be serious.

And with that you lost all credibility as a film critic...  ;)

Seriously though, do you really think that animation can't produce films that are beautiful and worthwhile? Have you seen Waltz with Bashir, Persepolis, or Grave of the Fireflies? And those are just three examples. The latter, by the way, was also produced by Japanese outfit, Studio Ghibli, who did Spirited Away. It is one of the best war films ever made. The Japanese don't have the same cultural prejudice against 'cartoons'...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 09 January, 2011, 11:04:18 pm
Well I find the unrequited friendship between Squidward and Patrick and Spongebob quite moving...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 January, 2011, 11:06:41 am
Hot Fuzz.  It helps to watch while relatively sober so you can get the references and notice that there are two sergeants played by Bill Bailey.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 January, 2011, 11:07:03 am
'Immortal' by Enki Bilal

Visually and conceptually stunning. Amazing mix of live action and animation. Every single frame of the film is a work of art.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 10 January, 2011, 11:20:14 am

As for Spirited Away, a cartoon? Be serious.

You called Green Mile a fantasy, so I compared it to another one.  Green Mile doesn't show a fraction of the imagination, narrative skill, emotional honesty or respect for the intelligence of its audience.  What it does do, in spades, is ttreat its audience as emotional simpletons.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 10 January, 2011, 11:28:27 am

As for Spirited Away, a cartoon? Be serious.

You called Green Mile a fantasy, so I compared it to another one.  Green Mile doesn't show a fraction of the imagination, narrative skill, emotional honesty or respect for the intelligence of its audience.  What it does do, in spades, is ttreat its audience as emotional simpletons.


Ah well... I like it.

Yours
An emotional simpleton  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 10 January, 2011, 11:40:22 am

Ah well... I like it.

Yours
An emotional simpleton  :)

Oh, it doesn't mean you are one.  Just means you aren't so phased by being treated like one ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 10 January, 2011, 11:43:50 am
The Long Kiss Goodnight. Sub-Bourne hokum but Davis is easy on the eye.

I'm bored silly with Samuel L. Jackson playing exactly the same role/character in every single movie he's in, though.

Also caught up with Resident Evil: Afterlife. More hokum but overall a tighter movie. At least it doesn't have SLJ in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 10 January, 2011, 12:15:00 pm

As for Spirited Away, a cartoon? Be serious.

You called Green Mile a fantasy, so I compared it to another one.  Green Mile doesn't show a fraction of the imagination, narrative skill, emotional honesty or respect for the intelligence of its audience.  What it does do, in spades, is ttreat its audience as emotional simpletons.


Isn't that what visual entertainment media is for? So we can switch off and just enjoy?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 January, 2011, 12:18:23 pm
If it's any consolation, I thought both The Green Mile and Spirited Away were utter bobbins.  This is likely because I am irredeemably shallow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 10 January, 2011, 12:23:38 pm

As for Spirited Away, a cartoon? Be serious.

You called Green Mile a fantasy, so I compared it to another one.  Green Mile doesn't show a fraction of the imagination, narrative skill, emotional honesty or respect for the intelligence of its audience.  What it does do, in spades, is ttreat its audience as emotional simpletons.


Isn't that what visual entertainment media is for? So we can switch off and just enjoy?

You did describe it as "sublime", which is quite a large claim.

FWIW I thought it was OK, apart from being about an hour too long.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 10 January, 2011, 12:28:28 pm
Last night, we had the marvellous double-header of Wall-E and The Men Who Stare at Goats. 

Wall-E was a lovely movie, though they did clag on the mush towards the end.  The first half hour was beautiful.  Good spork action, too.

The Men Who Stare at Goats was a bit disjointed (it was probably spoilt for me by my having read the book, so the journalist's story always felt tacked-on), but at times hilarious.  Gnarly trained killers practicing oogy-woogy new age mumbo jumbo :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 10 January, 2011, 01:08:39 pm
Last night.  I watched most of 'Priceless' (Audrey Tatou, subtitles) which was frothy but quite fun.

Also watched the first half of Slither - reminded me a bit of "Tremors", b-movie-ish.  Pretty funny, gory FX.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 10 January, 2011, 01:15:34 pm
Last night, we had the marvellous double-header of Wall-E and The Men Who Stare at Goats. 

Wall-E was a lovely movie, though they did clag on the mush towards the end.  The first half hour was beautiful.  Good spork action, too.

The Men Who Stare at Goats was a bit disjointed (it was probably spoilt for me by my having read the book, so the journalist's story always felt tacked-on), but at times hilarious.  Gnarly trained killers practicing oogy-woogy new age mumbo jumbo :thumbsup:

Wall-E was a brilliant film for so many reasons, here are a few:

1) I *do* like a bit of robots-who-aren't-evil sci-fi and Disney/Pixar design robots almost exactly how my imagination does.
2) It carried a strong message about looking after what we have got
3) There was a brilliant moment when the woman in the chair stopped looking at her screen and looked at her surroundings

There are more, but I have outstayed my lunchbreak

Top movie though :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 January, 2011, 03:14:08 pm
Last night I watched "District 9" (MoFo big Alien ship appears in the sky above Johannesburg and the aliens within take up residence in a township (District 9). 20 years later the locals are getting hacked off with the aliens (known locally as Prawns) lowering the property values etc. so embark on a programme of enforced relocation to a new camp 200 KM away.....

Peter Jackson film with a very different slant on Apartheid style policies.

I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 10 January, 2011, 03:20:24 pm
I too enjoyed District 9 but couldn't help wondering how it is that aliens with technology so much superior to ours end up living in slums under our control IYSWIM.
Perhps I need to suspend belief
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 January, 2011, 03:23:52 pm
Because most of them were the alien equiv of unemployable uneducated thickos who can barely spell.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 10 January, 2011, 03:26:57 pm
Well, there's fan speculation that they're a hive-mind separated from their Queen, either by mistake or on purpose.  Or just scum: a prison transport or somesuch.  It doesn't take much for modern humans to sink into open sewers and tin shacks, technology or not.

Last film here: National Treasure 2.  Almost delightfully stupid, but, in the end, too stupid to delight.  The first half is more Fortean trope-spotting fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 10 January, 2011, 03:29:20 pm
I too enjoyed District 9 but couldn't help wondering how it is that aliens with technology so much superior to ours end up living in slums under our control IYSWIM.

Because they cannot use can openers? It's the only reason cats hang around...  
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 January, 2011, 03:31:55 pm
I too wondered about the fine detail (though didn't let it spoil my enjoyment ;) )

My contribution to the pot of possible scenarios were that they were all tentacledressers or telephone sanitisation engineers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: groucho on 10 January, 2011, 03:32:45 pm
Frantic mainly because of Emmanuelle Seigner  :o and not Mr. Ford.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 11 January, 2011, 02:04:47 pm
Taking a break from working through Kermode's top 2010 picks (I know - we should get out more) we are 1/2 way through "The Illusionist" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443543/). It coincided (almost) with some Derren Brown repeats, all of which raised the question: how can a film-maker suspend disbelief enough to convince the filmgoer that an illusion in a story is "real" enough to fool the audience in the story?

I loved Edward Norton in "Fight Club" and elsewhere but here...I get the idea that he's smirking behind his moustache because he knows no-one will be convinced by the preposterous plot. Gorgeous cast and costumes though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 11 January, 2011, 03:18:54 pm
Windtalkers
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 11 January, 2011, 04:48:07 pm
Frantic mainly because of Emmanuelle Seigner  :o and not Mr. Ford.

I beg to differ on that.

Very good film tho'.  There's something very edgy about it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 11 January, 2011, 05:45:59 pm
I loved Edward Norton in "Fight Club" and elsewhere but here...I get the idea that he's smirking behind his moustache because he knows no-one will be convinced by the preposterous plot. Gorgeous cast and costumes though.

But isn't it wonderfully preposterous? I really enjoyed The Illusionist, although I thought Norton was the weakest in terms of facial hair. I am definitely going to go for that Rufus Sewell combo at some point.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 11 January, 2011, 06:22:46 pm
Tonight I will be watching all three hours of Stephen Poliakoff's Shooting The Past. A brilliant drama made in the late 90s with Timothy Spall and Lindsay Duncan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jellied on 11 January, 2011, 06:30:21 pm
Matrix 3, 2 hours of my life I won't see again .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 January, 2011, 07:13:50 pm
The Damned United (again).  I think Timothy Spall was miscast (Peter Taylor was actually quite sinister in demeanour,and rather taller) but Colm Meaney absolutely nails Don Revie.

The best bits are when Clough is in the Leeds boardroom being unbelievably obnoxious and arrogant.  They deserve it, though.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 11 January, 2011, 07:28:18 pm
Normally I would avoid any film concerning the Royal Family like the plague: they do not interest me in the slightest. However, as a favour to female friend (her husband said he would rather have his legs cut off then attend….), I saw  “The Kings Speech” yesterday….

Now, I thought I would be bored but what an excellent film: funny, endearing and extremely well acted. Awards ahoy I think.

A couple of slight niggles however. I really doubt every day in the 30’s and 40’s were foggy and Timothy Spall hammed it up terribly a Churchill.  :facepalm:

One final thing… people of N1: please treat the cinema with some respect! The total mess (pop corn and empty wrappers everywhere) was a real disgrace.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 January, 2011, 10:24:00 pm
I too wondered about the fine detail (though didn't let it spoil my enjoyment ;) )

My contribution to the pot of possible scenarios were that they were all tentacledressers or telephone sanitisation engineers.

Either way, it's a corker of a film, which someone from this forum had a hand in. Jakob?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 12 January, 2011, 08:51:29 am
I too wondered about the fine detail (though didn't let it spoil my enjoyment ;) )

My contribution to the pot of possible scenarios were that they were all tentacledressers or telephone sanitisation engineers.

Either way, it's a corker of a film, which someone from this forum had a hand in. Jakob?

Did he? Well done that yacfer!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 12 January, 2011, 08:54:08 am
The Damned United (again).  I think Timothy Spall was miscast (Peter Taylor was actually quite sinister in demeanour,and rather taller) but Colm Meaney absolutely nails Don Revie.

The best bits are when Clough is in the Leeds boardroom being unbelievably obnoxious and arrogant.  They deserve it, though.



SWMBO got it for Christmas. We watched it the other evening. I thought it was a great film. Brought back some fond memories of watching footy on the black and white tele and, after a halfs play in a wet winter, not being able to tell the home side form the away side cos the mud had turned both kits the same shade of monochrome ;D

There were some frightening reminders of the 'robust' tackles that were allowed in the good old days though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 12 January, 2011, 08:59:17 am
Another :thumbsup: for The Kkkkkkkings Speech

There seems to be a theme developing that Timothy Spall is miscast quite a lot....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: eck on 12 January, 2011, 09:07:17 am
Tonight I will be watching all three hours of Stephen Poliakoff's Shooting The Past. A brilliant drama made in the late 90s with Timothy Spall and Lindsay Duncan.
:thumbsup:
We still have that on VHS.
A great story, superbly done, excellent music and, oh my, Lindsay Duncan.  :-*  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 January, 2011, 10:53:54 am
I too wondered about the fine detail (though didn't let it spoil my enjoyment ;) )

My contribution to the pot of possible scenarios were that they were all tentacledressers or telephone sanitisation engineers.

Either way, it's a corker of a film, which someone from this forum had a hand in. Jakob?

Yup (District 9 has its own thread):

Well, we did beat Avatar in one category at the VES awards!

VES Announces 2010 Winners of the VES Awards | Visual Effects Society (http://www.visualeffectssociety.com/file/ves-announces-2010-winners-ves-awards)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 12 January, 2011, 10:32:25 pm
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Definitely the weakest of the first three movies (I haven't seen the fourth one), partly cos he's saddled with a cheesy child sidekick and an incredibly shrill love interest, but mainly owing to the careless use of Indian and Chinese stereotypes.  They seemed much more comfortable with the French and German stereotypes in the other two movies.

It's still a great romp, with some marvellous set-pieces, especially the high-kicking Chinese nightclub opening, the chase through the mine on fragile carts, and the rope bridge finale.  More recent Hollywood action movies don't match this standard, sadly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Martin on 12 January, 2011, 10:36:58 pm
The King's Speech; just now (Orange Wednesday preceded by 'spoons, what a cheap date  ;))

I'm not a great royalist or even that up on the history of it all but all the main characters, Bertie, Liz, Edward VIII, Simpson the slapper and Churchill are just brilliant.

expect it to Hoover up at the Oscars
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 January, 2011, 12:58:52 pm
"Electric Dreams", a 1984 period piece.  Lenny van Dohlen (also the Nazi cop in "the Red Dwarf episode "Back to Reality") can't act.  Virginia Madsen is hawt.  The computer gets the best lines.  "Don't pick up on the first ring."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 January, 2011, 05:30:03 pm
Where The Wild Things Are - started off well, got boring quite quickly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 16 January, 2011, 07:24:48 pm
The Girl Who Played With Fire.  Swedish version.  Great.  Not interested in what I've heard of the US versions.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 January, 2011, 09:41:41 am
Knowing on DVD last night.

Typical Nicholas Cage fare. Quite good for the first 2/3's- 3/4's wit a bit of tension being built up by the discoveries of what the code meant and the attentions of "The Whispering Men" but a standard schmaltzy Hollywood feel good about the chidlers ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 January, 2011, 11:42:27 am
The Hunt For Red October.  I'm afraid that Shir Shean as a Lithuanian stretches my credulity beyond its elastic limit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: keepontriking on 17 January, 2011, 04:49:44 pm
127 hours.
Not a film that you say you can 'enjoy'. Intense.
Had my daughter (17) in tears.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 January, 2011, 06:34:38 pm
The Hunt For Red October.  I'm afraid that Shir Shean as a Lithuanian stretches my credulity beyond its elastic limit.
Give her two pingsh on the bowsh Mr Vashshily.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 17 January, 2011, 09:56:02 pm
Casino Royale, third viewing, so a number of plot holes visible.

Still winced at the chair bit though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 17 January, 2011, 09:57:18 pm
Watched Green Hornet 3D. Thoroughly enjoyed it  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 17 January, 2011, 10:02:55 pm
The Book of Eli
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 January, 2011, 10:13:38 pm
Wall-E was a brilliant film for so many reasons, here are a few:

1) I *do* like a bit of robots-who-aren't-evil sci-fi and Disney/Pixar design robots almost exactly how my imagination does.

It reminded me a lot of the Robot in "A Grand Day Out" in its character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 17 January, 2011, 10:18:06 pm
The King's Speech; just now (Orange Wednesday preceded by 'spoons, what a cheap date  ;))

I'm not a great royalist or even that up on the history of it all but all the main characters, Bertie, Liz, Edward VIII, Simpson the slapper and Churchill are just brilliant.

expect it to Hoover up at the Oscars

ditto.  

Thought the queen mum (as we now know her) was played rather too sympathetically and a little more modern than would have been the case but as an insight into what it must be like to have to live in that environment and have to overcome one's personal demons for 'the good of the country' it was brilliant. Irrespective of your views on the monarchy, you have to feel some sympathy for the man.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 17 January, 2011, 10:49:58 pm
The Hunt For Red October.  I'm afraid that Shir Shean as a Lithuanian stretches my credulity beyond its elastic limit.

But the soundtrack Mr Larrington! It's bloody gorgeous  :) And seeing that chap from Spooks I always find a surprise!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 17 January, 2011, 11:23:22 pm
I loved Edward Norton in "Fight Club" and elsewhere but here...I get the idea that he's smirking behind his moustache because he knows no-one will be convinced by the preposterous plot. Gorgeous cast and costumes though.

But isn't it wonderfully preposterous? I really enjoyed The Illusionist, although I thought Norton was the weakest in terms of facial hair. I am definitely going to go for that Rufus Sewell combo at some point.

OK - I confess! It was really good. In the end.

Now for Inception.

...which somehow reminds me:  Synechdoche New York is on TV (FilmFour) just now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 January, 2011, 10:28:33 am
The Hunt For Red October.  I'm afraid that Shir Shean as a Lithuanian stretches my credulity beyond its elastic limit.

But the soundtrack Mr Larrington! It's bloody gorgeous  :) And seeing that chap from Spooks I always find a surprise!
Is this the one where, pre-embarkation, they all line up and sing* on the dock by the sub, in the dark and rain? I find that scene incredibly moving (assuming it's the right sub film!)

*For Those In Peril On The Sea, IIRC
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 18 January, 2011, 10:38:13 am
The Hunt For Red October.  I'm afraid that Shir Shean as a Lithuanian stretches my credulity beyond its elastic limit.

But the soundtrack Mr Larrington! It's bloody gorgeous  :) And seeing that chap from Spooks I always find a surprise!
Is this the one where, pre-embarkation, they all line up and sing* on the dock by the sub, in the dark and rain? I find that scene incredibly moving (assuming it's the right sub film!)

*For Those In Peril On The Sea, IIRC

It's the right film Mattc and yes I think its the right scene. Plus when they are in the sub, and after Sean Connery's speech they all start singing off-cuff and then disappear off the American's radar's, but just before they go the radar chap swears that he heard singing.. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 January, 2011, 10:41:26 am
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll

Judged on its technical merits, it's totally brilliant. And Andy Serkis is superb. As is Bill Milner. But it's not an awful lot of fun.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 January, 2011, 10:49:43 am
The Hunt For Red October.  I'm afraid that Shir Shean as a Lithuanian stretches my credulity beyond its elastic limit.

But the soundtrack Mr Larrington! It's bloody gorgeous  :) And seeing that chap from Spooks I always find a surprise!
Is this the one where, pre-embarkation, they all line up and sing* on the dock by the sub, in the dark and rain? I find that scene incredibly moving (assuming it's the right sub film!)

*For Those In Peril On The Sea, IIRC

I think that film is Crimson Tide, where the Captain is Gene Hackman and the boat is the USS Alabama.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JStone on 18 January, 2011, 10:52:41 am
127 hours.
Not a film that you say you can 'enjoy'. Intense.
Had my daughter (17) in tears.

Intense indeed - we went on Sunday. I may be a total wimp, but it's the first film I've seen where I've had to watch the floor and judge when to risk a quick glance at the screen from the reactions of the audience (shrieks / groans / gasps). Mrs JStone was less squeamish - but then she used to be a nurse and is hardened to blood & gore.

... and he wasn't wearing a h*lm*t during the ride-in  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 January, 2011, 10:58:06 am
Fuzzy may be right. I only remember the singing and the ambience, not the actors (or boat name).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 January, 2011, 11:01:37 am
Watched two films this weekend. Tropic Thunder and Don't mess with the Zohan.

My stepson has really really lousy taste in films.

The best that can be said about 'Don't mess with the Zohan' is that it makes Tropic Thunder look good.

Stepdaughter said, in agonized tones "Why did I watch that? I could have done homework; it would have been more fun."

Tropic Thunder is truly pathetic bilge, with scarcely a laugh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 January, 2011, 11:08:12 am
Tropic Thunder is truly pathetic bilge, with scarcely a laugh.

There must be something seriously wrong (or juvenile- or both) with me as I thought Tropic Thnder was a real hoot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 18 January, 2011, 11:17:03 am
Watched Green Hornet 3D. Thoroughly enjoyed it  ;D

I thoroughly enjoyed Mark Kemode's review which I caught on the radio. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIjMOfM5OHQ)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 January, 2011, 11:19:35 am
There must be something seriously wrong (or juvenile- or both) with me as I thought Tropic Thnder was a real hoot.
+1   

has to be good for me and N to enjoy an american action movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 January, 2011, 11:29:26 am
Maybe it's the presence of Ben Stiller that made it so unbearable.

The trailer for 'Satan's Alley' at the beginning is brilliant - then it goes downhill in humour and style like a dungball down a waterfall; it stinks and falls to pieces.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 18 January, 2011, 11:32:10 am
American History X. I don't know how but this slipped by me and I've only just seen it for the first time. It was ok, predictable in parts. Edward Norton was excellent, the man is a chameleon!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 18 January, 2011, 12:24:14 pm
Watched two films this weekend. Tropic Thunder and Don't mess with the Zohan.

My stepson has really really lousy taste in films.

The best that can be said about 'Don't mess with the Zohan' is that it makes Tropic Thunder look good.

Stepdaughter said, in agonized tones "Why did I watch that? I could have done homework; it would have been more fun."

Tropic Thunder is truly pathetic bilge, with scarcely a laugh.

Well, it was nearly worth it to see Steve Coogan get his head blown off, but otherwise I agree.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 January, 2011, 12:55:45 pm
American History X. I don't know how but this slipped by me and I've only just seen it for the first time. It was ok, predictable in parts. Edward Norton was excellent, the man is a chameleon!

I was made to watch that by my (now ex-) GF.  I enjoyed it, but she did not seem to enjoy Romper Stomper, which I made her watch straight after....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 21 January, 2011, 09:53:51 pm
THE KILLER SHREWS!!!!!

1959 bargain basement B movie!!!!!!  Scientists trapped on an island surrounded by dogs dressed up as giant killer shrews!!!!!  Continuity errors!!!!! 
Dodgy acting!!!!  Lots of fun for all!!!!!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 21 January, 2011, 11:27:53 pm
The Bishop's Wife followed by Hobson's Choice.  ::-)  ::-)

There's a reason we don't make films in B&W with mono soundtrack anymore.  :hand:
It's because they're shite!

If she puts 'A Taste of Honey' on there'll be a divorce FFS!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 22 January, 2011, 01:56:00 am
The A-Team. It was surprisingly enjoyable and very well made.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 January, 2011, 07:18:55 pm
I started watching Short Cuts but gave up after 20 minutes. So much background noise in every scene, I couldn't hear the dialogue.  >:(

Now I'm watching The Lovely Bones. I usually quite fancy Stanley Tucci, but not in this.  :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 22 January, 2011, 11:00:49 pm
The Black Swan (as in Natalie Portman, ballet, Tchaikovski).

Intense. Melodramatic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 22 January, 2011, 11:32:04 pm
The Black Swan (as in Natalie Portman, ballet, Tchaikovski).

Intense. Melodramatic.

I wanted to like it, but there was a lot I didn't like about that film. It was unintentionally funny in parts for a start. And I just wanted to feed Natalie Portman some pies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 22 January, 2011, 11:39:02 pm
How To Train Your Dragon, which was quite amusing.

Toothless is so based upon a domestic cat, I can see so many of the ways he behaves in my moggy!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 22 January, 2011, 11:59:56 pm
2012.  Very silly indeed.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: border-rider on 23 January, 2011, 12:03:16 am
John Cusack as the world's least likely action hero...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 January, 2011, 12:20:16 am
And I just wanted to feed Natalie Portman some pies.

I've always wanted to do that too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike r on 23 January, 2011, 04:01:36 am
I found the last half hour of Black Swan to be the most amazing and intense cinematic experience. You have to relax and immerse yourself in the film, don't worry about what is happening, just allow yourself to experience her emotions. I could watch it several times...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: newtoncap on 23 January, 2011, 06:20:54 am
Morning Glory - amazing film, exceeded expectations; made me cry with laughter  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 23 January, 2011, 12:48:14 pm
Saw "Salt" and "Narnia; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" yesterday. The later was superior to the first mentioned
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 23 January, 2011, 01:50:06 pm
Point Break

Stayed up Friday night 'til 1.30 watching this !
Excellent film I've seen it many times before still think its great  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: teethgrinder on 23 January, 2011, 01:54:34 pm
127 hours.
Not a film that you say you can 'enjoy'. Intense.
Had my daughter (17) in tears.




I thought they did a very good job of that, considering that they made a film based on being stuck for 127 days. Just as I'd imagine it to be in that situation.

You might want to go and see, "The Way Back."
Not quite so gory and more of a story to it. Worth seeing on the big screen to capture the lanscape better. The landscape is a significant part of the story because they are crossing it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 24 January, 2011, 11:24:47 am
The Book of Eli

I enjoyed this film- Denzel Washington knows his stuff and thought the cinamatography was great. The atmosphere created by the skies and the washed out colour was perfect.

Hollywood ending though- Natch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 24 January, 2011, 11:53:24 am
Control (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421082/).

Well, actually I'm only about half-way through as I took a copy to watch on a train journey over the w/e. Just got up to the bit where JD signed to Factory. Sam Riley's portrayal of Ian Curtis performing "Transmission" was superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 24 January, 2011, 01:35:47 pm
The Tree of Wooden Clogs... beautifully acted 3-hour Italian neo-realist drama about tenant farmers at the turn of the Twentieth Century. And ultimately as depressing as one might expect...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: gordon taylor on 24 January, 2011, 05:09:35 pm
The King's Speech; just now (Orange Wednesday preceded by 'spoons, what a cheap date  ;))

I'm not a great royalist or even that up on the history of it all but all the main characters, Bertie, Liz, Edward VIII, Simpson the slapper and Churchill are just brilliant.

expect it to Hoover up at the Oscars

Mrs G and I  usually have diametrically opposite tastes in films, but we both loved The King's Speech. A film about a speech therapist and his patient seems an unlikely hit, but the audience's response at the end was loud and positive.

Beautiful, brilliant, spellbinding. IMHO, of course.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mobbsy on 25 January, 2011, 01:07:37 pm
Inception

Quite good story, well made but unlike Mark Kermode def. not my favourite film of 2010
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 25 January, 2011, 02:39:27 pm
"La Jetee"

The basis for Terry Gilliam's "12 Monkeys".  A man stuck in a time-loop.

26 minutes of black & white photos with a narrator.  More a slide show than a movie.

Score out of 10?  I really don't know, it's so different, so minimal. 

OK, 6/10.  Worth watching if you liked the (excellent) Gilliam adaptation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 25 January, 2011, 10:22:15 pm
"La Jetee"

The basis for Terry Gilliam's "12 Monkeys".  A man stuck in a time-loop.

26 minutes of black & white photos with a narrator.  More a slide show than a movie.

Score out of 10?  I really don't know, it's so different, so minimal. 

OK, 6/10.  Worth watching if you liked the (excellent) Gilliam adaptation.

Never seen that, on my list.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 26 January, 2011, 12:15:14 am
Bloody Sunday, just now.  I remember being intrigued at the time it first came out by the involvement of Simon Mann.  A former Scots Guards officer and mercenary playing OC 1 Para in that film? 

When he turned up in the news (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7458274.stm) a few years later, I was amazed.  Recognised the name as soon as it was mentioned.  Very interesting bloke.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 January, 2011, 11:01:52 am
Black Swan - wow!

I was a bit worried early on; that if there was much more of the self-harm stuff I would have to walk out, it was that painful to watch. Thankfully it shifted focus.

Wow.

And I just wanted to feed Natalie Portman some pies.

I've always wanted to do that too.
Well, yeah, she did need a feed. But then I guess it would have been less convincing with an actress that didn't look like a real ballerina. At least they cast someone who's always been skinny, and with a petite build, rather than forcing someone to lose 3 stone for the part  :hand:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 26 January, 2011, 01:26:44 pm
"La Jetee"

The basis for Terry Gilliam's "12 Monkeys".  A man stuck in a time-loop.

26 minutes of black & white photos with a narrator.  More a slide show than a movie.

Score out of 10?  I really don't know, it's so different, so minimal. 

OK, 6/10.  Worth watching if you liked the (excellent) Gilliam adaptation.

Chris Marker's things are all like this... as a film, 12 Monkeys is far superior. As a piece of art... who knows?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 26 January, 2011, 06:17:39 pm
"Fast and the Furious : Tokyo Drift" on the box last night.

An unappreciated modern classic. IMO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steve Kish on 26 January, 2011, 10:16:15 pm
'Le Serpent'.  French revenge thriller - very tense.  This is an 'edit out the commercials and keep-er' for me. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 26 January, 2011, 11:21:54 pm
'Face', under-rated British crime drama.  Gets better each time you watch, one of the few good performances by Ray Winston but it reminds you that he can act when he isn't just shouting.

Warning: Product contains Damon Albarn (who is fine).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 27 January, 2011, 08:38:03 pm
Dogtooth - Greek dark comedy / drama.  Very good.  Very strange.  I understand that it's up for an Oscar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 January, 2011, 03:06:09 pm
'Highlander', with the young 'un.

What a disappointment. Made me realise how much sword and fantasy films have improved.  Well, except that the Princess Bride did it better than any film before or since ("My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die").

Sure the story is good (well apart from the naff last 45 seconds). The action scenes are pure crap. The 'clangy clangy' swords hitting one another sound ridiculous and the sound doesn't sync with the action.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 January, 2011, 03:41:01 pm
'Highlander', with the young 'un.

What a disappointment. Made me realise how much sword and fantasy films have improved.  Well, except that the Princess Bride did it better than any film before or since ("My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die").

Sure the story is good (well apart from the naff last 45 seconds). The action scenes are pure crap. The 'clangy clangy' swords hitting one another sound ridiculous and the sound doesn't sync with the action.



Stone Him!

Highlander disappointing? s' a great film. One of the paradoxes about the film however is a Frenchman trying to do a Scottish accent playing opposite a Scot who can't do a Spanish accent ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 January, 2011, 04:06:40 pm
If you'd asked me yesterday I'd have said it was great.

Re-watching it destroyed my illusions. It's just the fight scenes that really ruin it, most of the dialog is great.

Maybe it's because since I was 15 and first watched it, I've done a bit of fencing. I'd hamstring that Kurgan and have his head off in about 30s. And I'm not even good with a sword :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 January, 2011, 04:54:48 pm
'Highlander', with the young 'un.

What a disappointment. Made me realise how much sword and fantasy films have improved.  Well, except that the Princess Bride did it better than any film before or since ("My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die").

Princess Bride is (like Kickass and Airplane)  a bit of a genre-breaker; it's hard to take seriously any subsequent film you see in a similar genre!

But "sword and fantasy films have improved"? Have there been any this century?!?

(LOTR is the exception - but their budget was about eleventy times those who came before)

I'm not a fan of Highlander, but IIRC it looked quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: harvey on 28 January, 2011, 11:03:36 pm
'The Mechanic', new version with Jason Statham.  Had all the proper ingredients of a fast paced action thriller - contract killer.  What's with these murder for hire types listening to classical music before the big moment?  Remember Max Van Sydow in 'Three Days of the Condor' while he painted lead soldiers or something like that?  Loved Jason's valve stereo amp and turntable.  the XKE is nice too.  Definitely worth seeing on the big screen if you're into that genre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike r on 28 January, 2011, 11:18:58 pm
What's with these murder for hire types listening to classical music before the big moment? 


Also the bad guy from Leon (Gary Oldman i think)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 29 January, 2011, 11:10:19 am
Le Diner de Cons.  Old fashioned farce. Hilarious.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 29 January, 2011, 09:15:26 pm
Le Diner de Cons.  Old fashioned farce. Hilarious.  :thumbsup:

It is a great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 January, 2011, 08:41:09 am
The Men Who Stare At Goats

Not at all what I was expecting and all the better for it. Very good.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 30 January, 2011, 09:17:04 am
The Indestructible Man!  300,000 Volts of Horror!  So shockingly bad, its actually good!  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049363/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049363/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 30 January, 2011, 07:22:31 pm
Aftershock

A film by Xiaogang Feng

....story from the Tangshan earthquake in 1976.

Well worth watching, a great film  :thumbsup:
I wont say anymore as dont want to ruin it for anybody
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 30 January, 2011, 08:13:54 pm
Surrogates.  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulF on 31 January, 2011, 05:49:11 am
Tangled. Disney's take on Rapunzel. My six year old enjoyed it but unlike some modern children's films (Shrek, the Toy Stories etc.) this had little to offer adults.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 31 January, 2011, 05:44:54 pm
We spent 7 hours yesterday watching La meglio gioventù (The Best of Youth) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0346336/) and eating and drinking - a great way to pass a winter's day with friends! If you haven't seen this Italian film, you should...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 31 January, 2011, 05:46:49 pm
I've seen some of that v.good. It's on my list of DVDs to buy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 01 February, 2011, 11:15:14 am
Lost in Translation.

In the category of "Films where nothing whatsoever happens" this is definitely my favourite. It's top TV wallpaper to fall asleep in front of, beside a blazing wood burner, on a cold winter's night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 01 February, 2011, 11:19:58 am
Watched The Patriot at a friend's last night. What a steaming pile of bullshit. There's a couple of hours of my life I'm never getting back. You owe me Gibson you short-arsed tosser.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 01 February, 2011, 12:42:43 pm
I watches a bit of "Cockles And Muscles" the other night when it was on TV. Went to sleep 15 minutes in as I was tired and has seen it before. If you haven't seen it it's worth watching. It's a French farce about a family spending summer at a holiday villa by the sea. Maybe I like it just because Valeria Bruni Tedeschi is in it ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 01 February, 2011, 12:55:08 pm
'Wall Street II - Money Never Sleeps' - it was OK, there were some good bits but the ending was so mawkishly ah-everyone-makes-up that it seemed crass. Michael Douglas still has that je ne sais crois about him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 February, 2011, 02:03:21 pm
I watches a bit of "Cockles And Muscles" the other night when it was on TV. Went to sleep 15 minutes in as I was tired and has seen it before. If you haven't seen it it's worth watching. It's a French farce about a family spending summer at a holiday villa by the sea. Maybe I like it just because Valeria Bruni Tedeschi is in it ...

I started watching it but gave up after half an hour when I'd had enough of its smug middle-class egotism. I really couldn't bring myself to care about any of the characters. For me, it epitomised everything that is bad about French cinema.

YMMV.  ;)

d.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 01 February, 2011, 02:11:00 pm
'Wall Street II - Money Never Sleeps' - it was OK, there were some good bits but the ending was so mawkishly ah-everyone-makes-up that it seemed crass. Michael Douglas still has that je ne sais crois about him.

You don't know that you believe... ?  You can't believe you're watching such a ham?  You can't quite fathom how he could be such a blurry and diminished reflection of his father?  I know how you feel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 01 February, 2011, 03:26:42 pm
'Wall Street II - Money Never Sleeps' - it was OK, there were some good bits but the ending was so mawkishly ah-everyone-makes-up that it seemed crass. Michael Douglas still has that je ne sais crois about him.

You don't know that you believe... ?  You can't believe you're watching such a ham?  You can't quite fathom how he could be such a blurry and diminished reflection of his father?  I know how you feel.

Ahh I think he is great! What I meant to say is that he has presence  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 February, 2011, 03:28:28 pm
So does an overripe Camembert.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 01 February, 2011, 05:54:14 pm
So does an overripe Camembert.

Blimey Charlie  :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 02 February, 2011, 01:12:10 am
The Kings Speech.

Incredibly simple movie, but very well done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 February, 2011, 11:02:23 am
So does an overripe Camembert.

Blimey Charlie  :o
I'm saying his 'acting' comes with a thick layer of cheese; which is fine, as long as the actor acknowledges it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 02 February, 2011, 10:09:16 pm
Withnail and I. 

Haven't seen it for years and forgotten how good it was.  Mrs Zep wouldn't watch it with me as Richard E Grant turns her stomache apparently.  This is also why I'm not allowed to play Bowie in the house.  ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Psychler on 03 February, 2011, 12:51:31 am
"Treasure Island" with John Laurie as Blind Pew.  Oh! ... and Robert Newton...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 February, 2011, 09:09:17 am
Layer Cake.  Pretty good, an' loads o' killin's, but I'm going to take back some of the rude things I've said about Keanu Reeves being a big piece of wood.  I thought that Daniel Craig's tree-like interpretation of Bond James Bond was, well, acting, but he plays Mr. X with exactly the same range of emotions, which is to say none.  And he didn't get to shag Sienna Miller.  Michael Gambon is splendidly villainous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: harvey on 03 February, 2011, 09:38:58 am
Michael Gambon is a national treasure.  Saw him a few months ago in Beckett's 'Krapp's Last Tape' - brilliant.  I enjoyed Layer Cake.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 03 February, 2011, 12:49:01 pm
No Country For Old Men. It was okay-ish, but didn't half drag on at times.  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 February, 2011, 07:00:59 pm
Lost in Translation.

In the category of "Films where nothing whatsoever happens" this is definitely my favourite. It's top TV wallpaper to fall asleep in front of, beside a blazing wood burner, on a cold winter's night.
Oh, I love that. It's all so subtle and tragic. And I love Bill Murray in just about anything.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 03 February, 2011, 08:45:06 pm
Lost in Translation.

In the category of "Films where nothing whatsoever happens" this is definitely my favourite. It's top TV wallpaper to fall asleep in front of, beside a blazing wood burner, on a cold winter's night.
Oh, I love that. It's all so subtle and tragic. And I love Bill Murray in just about anything.
Mrs B thought it was very Japanese. Lots of unspoken emotion. She liked it. So did I, but I wasn't sure she would, so was pleased.

Yeah, Bill Murray's good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 February, 2011, 01:27:05 pm
The Men Who Stare At Goats.  Engagingly daft but on no account should anyone ever require Ewan Macgregor to do an American accent.  Doubly so if he has to say "fuckin'".

Murphy's War.  Peter O'Toole 1 - 0 Kriegsmarine.  I am hunting up the money for a remake with swearing in it.  Brad Pit as Murphy, sienna Miller as Doctor Hayden,  Jean Reno as the swarthy FOREIGN and Penelope Cruz as the not-required-by-the-plot local girl who gets her blouse ripped off by a German sailor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 04 February, 2011, 02:10:56 pm
Mrs B thought it was very Japanese. Lots of unspoken emotion. She liked it. So did I, but I wasn't sure she would, so was pleased.

Interesting. Mrs FM (also Japanese) thought it was a racist and ignorant heap of crap (although she expressed these sentiments in far more subtle way!). Most Japanese people I know who have seen it (and it didn't do very well in Japan so not that many have) seem to have thought it was either offensive or funny (and not for the right reasons).

To be honest, Bill Murray sleepwalks through films these days. He doesn't act, he just does 'Bill Murray'. That said, I thought this worked in The Life Aquatic and Broken Flowers more than Lost in Translation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 04 February, 2011, 02:15:02 pm
The Last Samurai. Had potential to be a very good film. Shame about the leading man.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 04 February, 2011, 02:34:53 pm
Bob Bon El Perro - really lovely film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 04 February, 2011, 02:47:27 pm
Mrs B thought it was very Japanese. Lots of unspoken emotion. She liked it. So did I, but I wasn't sure she would, so was pleased.

Interesting. Mrs FM (also Japanese) thought it was a racist and ignorant heap of crap
I didn't say she thought it was an accurate or sympathetic portrayal of Japan, but the Japan of the film is mostly background, an alien environment to point up the loneliness of the characters. Its strangeness is exaggerated to enhance that effect.

I wonder if the reception in Japan (& from Mrs FM) is partly based on resentment at a foreign film mocking things Japanese, even if their own opinion of the things mocked is low. For example, the ridiculous TV show was a parody, but one Mrs B greatly enjoyed. There are such silly shows, & Mrs B is full of scorn for them, & thinks they deserve to have the piss taken out of them. She thought the parody showed a keen understanding of the more ludicrous aspects of such shows. Some other Japanese people might react differently.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 04 February, 2011, 08:32:30 pm
Mrs B thought it was very Japanese. Lots of unspoken emotion. She liked it. So did I, but I wasn't sure she would, so was pleased.

Interesting. Mrs FM (also Japanese) thought it was a racist and ignorant heap of crap
I didn't say she thought it was an accurate or sympathetic portrayal of Japan, but the Japan of the film is mostly background, an alien environment to point up the loneliness of the characters. Its strangeness is exaggerated to enhance that effect.

I wonder if the reception in Japan (& from Mrs FM) is partly based on resentment at a foreign film mocking things Japanese, even if their own opinion of the things mocked is low. For example, the ridiculous TV show was a parody, but one Mrs B greatly enjoyed. There are such silly shows, & Mrs B is full of scorn for them, & thinks they deserve to have the piss taken out of them. She thought the parody showed a keen understanding of the more ludicrous aspects of such shows. Some other Japanese people might react differently.

I think that the cultural context and the fact that it is just background is actually the important thing. My wife says that there is plenty of understanding of the ridiculousness of TV in Japan (and indeed many of the shows are ironic and self-mocking anyway in ways that many 'look at those crazy Japanese'-type commentators don't appear to get). In this case, all of the film is simply stereotyped exotic walpaper, not so much that it's 'gaijin' doing the mocking, but that what is being mocked is not even that important, or that it is only important in how it serves the egos of the white main characters. This BTW is not unique to LiT, it is a really common trope in many westerners' stories about their experiences in Japan, or indeed other 'exotic' locales.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 04 February, 2011, 11:09:25 pm

....

To be honest, Bill Murray sleepwalks through films these days. He doesn't act, he just does 'Bill Murray'. That said, I thought this worked in The Life Aquatic and Broken Flowers more than Lost in Translation.

Probably for Bill murray it's just Groundhog Day all over again....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 05 February, 2011, 09:53:57 am
The bone collector - in which Angelina actually gets to show she can act.

A good film, but loses it a bit at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 February, 2011, 01:40:20 pm
Try Girl, Interrupted.

She's very impressive in that, as is Winona Rider.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 05 February, 2011, 07:19:35 pm
Try Girl, Interrupted.

She's very impressive in that, as is Winona Rider.

Yes, recommended (Jolie got an Oscar for it).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 05 February, 2011, 09:19:02 pm
Star Wreck: In the Pirkining

http://www.archive.org/details/StarWreckInThePirkining (http://www.archive.org/details/StarWreckInThePirkining)

In Finnish with english subtitles!

An interesting spoof of Star Trek / Babylon 5

Quote
Ne'er mind that, she's gaun tae blow!
The twist core just breuk and thare's antimaterial gas awgates

Quote
Commander Dwarf: Plingon warriors do not take showers!

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 February, 2011, 09:46:09 pm
Another  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: for The King's Speech. It's mesmerising. And very moving. From the first minute I was filled with sympathy for Bertie. Colin Firth was absolutely superb. He and Geoffrey Rush both deserve Oscars for their performances.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 05 February, 2011, 09:47:57 pm
Withnail and I. 

Haven't seen it for years and forgotten how good it was.  Mrs Zep wouldn't watch it with me as Richard E Grant turns her stomache apparently.  This is also why I'm not allowed to play Bowie in the house.  ???

Watched this last weekend — an excellent film.  :thumbsup:
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 05 February, 2011, 09:59:56 pm
my lad is a film buff and Cambridge film festival reviewer so gets a bit ecoteric around here.......we have dvds of films no one has heard of. He interned for a major agency for many months this year but true to form they screwed and exploited him on minimum wage. Amazing what a first gets you these days.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 05 February, 2011, 10:11:27 pm
Dare I say that the last film I watched was 'Twilight'  :-[

Not voluntarily, mind - SWMBO put it on when I was round at her place and despite being determined to just listen to it in the background, I ended up watching most of it.

I've seen better, and I've seen a lot worse, but if you slip your brain into neutral and just go with the flow then it seems to work quite well. Also, the female lead looks a lot like a younger version of Sigourney Weaver to these eyes.

To make amends, I watched "Serenity" for the nth time when I got home :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jezzasnr on 05 February, 2011, 11:07:46 pm
went to see 127hrs,
passed out....
won't be going back there for a day or two!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike r on 07 February, 2011, 09:12:18 am
I saw 127 hours a week ago, it's a great film, but I didn't see what all the fuss was about regarding the 'gore'. The worst part fro me was when he realised he was trapped and the rest of the film is preparing you fro the inevitable. Great acting by Franco!
As a climber I was much more horrified the moment when Joe Simpson broke his leg in the film Touching the Void
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 February, 2011, 11:00:06 am
Mr Nice.  Understandably a lot was excised from the book but then again, one multi-million pound dope deal is very much the same as another.  Rhys Ifans looks spookily like the younger Howard Marks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 February, 2011, 01:14:43 pm
I saw 127 hours a week ago, it's a great film, but I didn't see what all the fuss was about regarding the 'gore'. The worst part fro me was when he realised he was trapped and the rest of the film is preparing you fro the inevitable. Great acting by Franco!
As a climber I was much more horrified the moment when Joe Simpson broke his leg in the film Touching the Void
I don't know if it's still on iPLayer, but the recent Horizon about pain was jolly interesting. There was a chap who had the "127 hours" dilemma - but in his basement!

Anyway, after many hours contemplation, he hacked off the offending limb, and reported no notable pain. (although it was still traumatic to be cripplin himself). Scientists think this is something the body can just do for you - you know you have to do this for your long-term survival, so the pain signals never reach the conscious brain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 February, 2011, 12:54:48 pm
The Abbys

I love that film :thumbsup:

"Virgil, you weiner!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 February, 2011, 10:38:36 pm
Black Swan, tonight. I thought it was ridiculous and over the top and melodramatic but I really enjoyed it. And Natalie Portman was amazing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 09 February, 2011, 11:18:55 pm
Black Swan, tonight.
Likewise.

Thought it deserved a razzie for worst on set catering - clearly not enough pies handed out to the cast.

All a bit fightclub though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2011, 11:20:22 pm
Mrs. Wow and I are going for a rare treat on Friday - a visit to the Odious in Saarfend to have a look at that Mr. Firth getting above his station.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 10 February, 2011, 10:21:45 am
Black Swan, tonight.
Likewise.

Thought it deserved a razzie for worst on set catering - clearly not enough pies handed out to the cast.

All a bit fightclub though.


I enjoyed the special effects - very subtle.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 February, 2011, 10:49:39 pm
Dez I watched "In the Loop". I'm not sure what I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 February, 2011, 12:29:30 pm
Lemmy.  A bit of a mess, really.


And so on.  The number of people who only get a mention in the DVD extras, if at all, is quite large too.  You'd think that Lucas Fox, Larry Wallis, Brian Robertson and Wurzel didn't exist.

Edit: And Pete Gill.

Poor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 12 February, 2011, 12:01:11 am
"Casablanca" , I'm 46 and have somehow never seen it before........ Good Film  :thumbsup:

How long til the re-imagined version ....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 12 February, 2011, 12:12:21 am
watched a DVD of Frost & Nixon, or was it Nixon & frost with mrs manotea and master manotea back from college forca few days, a rare treat.

anyway, great performances all round I thought
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ray 6701 on 14 February, 2011, 01:35:42 am
Expired on BBC2.

Samantha Morton is cute  :-*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 February, 2011, 09:42:56 am
La Vie en Rose on the telly at the weekend. Edith Piaf had a shit life ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulF on 14 February, 2011, 09:52:29 am
Yogi Bear with my son. Was hilarious, laughed ot loud at times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 February, 2011, 12:36:12 pm
Found myself getting drawn in to Four Weddings And A Funeral on Film4 on Saturday evening. It's some years since I last saw it and I have to say I enjoyed it much more than my memory has led me to expect. Though it is a little dated - Hugh Grant looks so young! (Even though he was apparently in his mid-30s when it was made.)

"Casablanca" , I'm 46 and have somehow never seen it before........

I would comment on this but there are plenty of classic films I haven't seen... Anyway, I've lost count of how many times I've seen Casablanca. Such a great film.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JStone on 15 February, 2011, 05:01:08 pm
'Never let me go', at the weekend. I hadn't read the book, so had full benefit of the creeping realisation of what was happening. Deeply disturbing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 15 February, 2011, 05:11:36 pm
'Never let me go', at the weekend. I hadn't read the book, so had full benefit of the creeping realisation of what was happening. Deeply disturbing.

Was it good? I read the book last year and found myself increasingly frustrated at the FAIL of the science to the detriment of my enjoyment.  :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 15 February, 2011, 06:36:40 pm
Playing by Heart (1998) - IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145734/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 February, 2011, 06:50:13 pm
Night at the Museum 2, because my imaginary secret husband is in it. I laughed enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JStone on 15 February, 2011, 08:09:02 pm
'Never let me go', at the weekend. I hadn't read the book, so had full benefit of the creeping realisation of what was happening. Deeply disturbing.

Was it good? I read the book last year and found myself increasingly frustrated at the FAIL of the science to the detriment of my enjoyment.  :-[

The science is largely unexplained, other than a reference right at the start to a medical breakthrough that took place in 1952. It's all seen from the viewpoint of the main characters, for whom there's no choice - other than a possible deferral of the inevitable. Someone said afterwards - why didn't they just run away? But the details of tagging, medication & control are left mainly to the imagination.
It's more of a 'what if' story, in which scientific accuracy / plausibility is less important than the relationships & the morality of what society chooses to do. The science might have been stretched but - given that it's fiction - I didn't think it was too unbelievable.

So yes, I thought it was very good. But I'd naively assumed that it was a just trad love triangle story of 3 children at boarding school and their later relationships as adults, so it came as something of a surprise. Of the 5 of us who went, 2 had read the book (apparently it's standard book group fare) and both enjoyed the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 15 February, 2011, 08:23:08 pm
How to train your Dragon.

My kind of film. I just love computer animated pap.

The main theme has a Sigur Ros twang to it (which is hardly surprising: Jón Þór Birgisson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B3n_%C3%9E%C3%B3r_Birgisson#Go_.282010.29)). TimO was right, the main character dragon is part Our Cat, part Salamander.

Most of all though. This film gets 10/10 for Beardology.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 February, 2011, 12:49:00 pm
Coogan's Bluff.  Clint doesn't even kill anyone.

Very poor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 19 February, 2011, 03:05:55 pm
Coogan's Bluff.  Clint doesn't even kill anyone.

Very poor.

Yebbut isn't this the film where he comes out with "drop the blade punk or you won't believe what's happening even while it's happening" ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 19 February, 2011, 03:08:19 pm
I have just been press ganged into watching 'Love, Eat, Pray'. 

So far up its own arse it's not true and to make matter worse we watched the interminable Directors cut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 19 February, 2011, 03:21:04 pm
The Steve Coogan version of "Around the World in 80 Days"

I don't recall there being Jackie Chan style choreographed chop suey in the orginal novel by Jules Verne.

Still, not a bad movie for a wet afternoon....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 February, 2011, 03:58:32 pm
Yesterday I saw Paul.  After seeing that I nipped out today and bought CE3K to follow up.

Ms Weasel asked "What are we having for dinner today?"

"Something with mashed potato"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 19 February, 2011, 09:16:40 pm
Paul, just now. Very funny, and Woolly laughed himself silly (and loudly).  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 February, 2011, 11:37:53 pm
Sigur Ros - Heima on Sky Arts just now. One for fans only, but if you like their music, you'll utterly love the film.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 19 February, 2011, 11:44:08 pm
Sherlock Holmes (the 2009 version).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 19 February, 2011, 11:46:33 pm
Persepolis after a recommendation from this thread. Very good! Am going to get lent the comic/book soon.

We have watched a couple of Bigas Luna films on your recommendation Citoyen. Jamon, jamon being preferred to Huevos de oro.
Some ending!

Lola has been decided as not up my street. Or so I'm told.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 20 February, 2011, 12:19:28 am
The Ruins. Creepy Mayan man-eating creeper.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FatBloke on 20 February, 2011, 04:30:37 pm
"Inception"  I haven't got a scooby-doo what it was about. Another 2 hours of life wasted.   :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: delthebike on 20 February, 2011, 04:32:57 pm
"Inception"  I haven't got a scooby-doo what it was about. Another 2 hours of life wasted.   :-\
It's only 10 mins in the real world.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FatBloke on 20 February, 2011, 08:14:13 pm
"Inception"  I haven't got a scooby-doo what it was about. Another 2 hours of life wasted.   :-\
It's only 10 mins in the real world.  :thumbsup:
That's all right then!   :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 20 February, 2011, 08:28:14 pm
Kings speech for the second time in a week last night. (Took Ms TC who is back from uni for the weekend after taking Mrs TC last weekend.)

I enjoyed it just as much the second time - possibly more.

Brilliant film - and tragic in some respects:

Quote
"What are friends for?"
"I wouldn't know"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 20 February, 2011, 09:46:35 pm
Sigur Ros - Heima on Sky Arts just now. One for fans only, but if you like their music, you'll utterly love the film.

d.

Just watched it.  I utterly loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 21 February, 2011, 07:38:05 pm
S O B.

Finally got a copy after a matey found it on the net a nd burnt me a disc.

Julie Andrews bares her boobies, Robert Vaughan plays a transvestite studio exec, Robert Preston as a Hollywood quack. A cynical look at the movie business with a real tongue-in-cheek storyline. Proper funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 21 February, 2011, 07:40:10 pm
Dorian Gray.

It was so-so.  Lots of stuff lifted from The Pearl, I suspect, but not very well.

Always good to see Colin Firth, even with facial hair.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 21 February, 2011, 10:08:50 pm
Alien Resurrection.

Man... the laboratory scene is weird shit, and no mistake  :hand:.

Excellent one liners though. "Must be a chick thing..."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 21 February, 2011, 10:24:38 pm
Hot lesbot action.

Alas, I watched Babylon, AD.  Which means I spent two hours watching Vin Diesel doing a Keanu "woah" and being trolleyed from plot point to plot point and then just when it was getting interesting (after the dreary dystopian road movie with the chosen one) the bloody credits rolled.

It was like the first half of Until The End Of The Tape, only with Sam Neill fed lots of red meat.

I hate these movies that have a "this will change everything!" hook, but quit out before showing it happening.  This is bloody SF, you useless nerks, you have limitless powers of depiction: SHOW ME THE OMGWOW OR GTFO. Wusses! >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 21 February, 2011, 11:18:56 pm
Alien Resurrection.

Man... the laboratory scene is weird shit, and no mistake  :hand:.

Excellent one liners though. "Must be a chick thing..."

"I'm the monster's mother"
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tigerrr on 22 February, 2011, 01:57:00 pm
'I spit on your grave'.
I think the characterisation of smalltown Deep South American was maybe a bit thin.  They can't be completely inhabited by inbred retarded freaks and sex crazed rapists yet apparently that is the case.  Plus the storyt seems a bit incoherent in parts - I can't se how she managed to get out of the river and find her clothes again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 22 February, 2011, 02:38:57 pm
Dorian Gray.

It was so-so.  Lots of stuff lifted from The Pearl, I suspect, but not very well.

Always good to see Colin Firth, even with facial hair.

I think I've got a video of that in the attic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 22 February, 2011, 03:12:42 pm
Right now I am watching Knight and Day - right now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ludwig on 22 February, 2011, 04:52:49 pm
Restrepo. Shocking
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 22 February, 2011, 05:04:05 pm
'I spit on your grave'.
I think the characterisation of smalltown Deep South American was maybe a bit thin.  They can't be completely inhabited by inbred retarded freaks and sex crazed rapists yet apparently that is the case.  Plus the storyt seems a bit incoherent in parts - I can't se how she managed to get out of the river and find her clothes again.


It's a documentary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 24 February, 2011, 08:08:11 am
127 Hours, the film based on the book "Between a Rock and a Hard Place", which in turn is the real life recounting of Aron Ralston's 127 hours trapped down a canyon after he slips and falls, a rock trapping his arm against the canyon wall....

127 Hours (2010) - IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1542344/)

Quite good actually...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 24 February, 2011, 07:45:43 pm
Last night I went to see "Inside Job" , a very slick documentary/polemic on the US financial meltdown.  Lots of interviews with bankers and financiers. Very little about UK events, it's almost entirely focused on the US, where they put the fox in charge of the henhouse, and the chickens came home to roost with a vengeance... scary thing is, lots of the foxes are still in situ...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/feb/17/inside-job-review (http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/feb/17/inside-job-review)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 24 February, 2011, 10:35:30 pm
Fistful of Dollars.

1. Really shit dubbing - 9/10.
2. Weirdest ricochet sounds evah- 6/10
3. Most whistled choons per minute - 7/10

4. Totally f***ing cool? 11/10  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 24 February, 2011, 11:59:43 pm
Right now I am watching Knight and Day - right now.

I remember the trailer - looked like fun until I understood the central premise which is:

Tom Cruise abducts and brainwashes women.

So I thought Knight & Day must be a documentary of some sort...

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 25 February, 2011, 09:10:22 am
Started watching Burke and Hare last night, then remembered that Simon Pegg bores me to deth....

So managed 25 minutes of it whilst doing other stuffs then put it off and returned to my ebook....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 26 February, 2011, 11:16:57 pm
Despicable Me.

OK - so the youngest family member is almost 18 - so what? We larfed  :thumbsup:.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 27 February, 2011, 01:06:09 am
We are watching Troy. It is quite awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 27 February, 2011, 08:22:23 am
Resident Evil: Afterlife.

Yes, I am one of those people who keep this series of films alive by watching them.  Films based on videogames are invariably poor.  That the Resident Evil films are vaguely mediocre elevates them above the pack.  Decent SFX and sound effects though.  Pity about the story (poor) and acting (lame).  Sometimes, though, a brain dead flick is ideal at the end of an intense week at work.  And no worse for the IQ than getting smashed on fermented barley products.

It was also a bit of light relief after watching Mon Oncle earlier in the week.  All I can say is that France in the 1950s must have been fecking miserable if that was the paradigm of comedy back then.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 27 February, 2011, 02:12:41 pm
Cloverfield

Thoroughly enjoyed it ! A monster attacks New York !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloverfield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloverfield) for more details.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 27 February, 2011, 05:09:01 pm
Cloverfield

Thoroughly enjoyed it ! A monster attacks New York !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloverfield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloverfield) for more details.

I remember watching that ages back, and got bored with it.  By the time I gave up, the monster (monsters?) had not actually appeared, and I had no sympathy or empathy with the main characters who just really annoyed me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 February, 2011, 07:45:22 pm
It was also a bit of light relief after watching Mon Oncle earlier in the week.  All I can say is that France in the 1950s must have been fecking miserable if that was the paradigm of comedy back then.

Philistine.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 February, 2011, 09:36:12 pm
Wild Target

Daft fun. Some very funny bits.

Oh, and Emily Blunt is really hot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 27 February, 2011, 11:19:54 pm
Hancock

Not bad, but kinda fell apart towards the end.  I preferred the alcoholic, bad-tempered, destructioneering superhero to the rubbish pseudo-mythology they tried to build out of it. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 February, 2011, 11:55:58 am
Stanley Kubrick's Boxes - a 2008 documentary by Jon Ronson.

Basically, after Kubrick's death, Ronson goes to his house to root through his thousands of archive boxes and pick out some of the more interesting material, then intersperses his analysis with interviews. It doesn't sound like much of a premise, but I really rather enjoyed it - especially the crank letters. And it's quite revealing - you do begin to get an understanding of what made Kubrick so great as a director.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 28 February, 2011, 12:09:24 pm
Cloverfield

Thoroughly enjoyed it ! A monster attacks New York !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloverfield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloverfield) for more details.

I remember watching that ages back, and got bored with it.  By the time I gave up, the monster (monsters?) had not actually appeared, and I had no sympathy or empathy with the main characters who just really annoyed me.

I watched it whilst trapped on a plne. Let's say I made full use of fast forward.

FWIW Watchmen remains just about the best film I've seen for years. Well, I liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 01 March, 2011, 12:14:18 pm
The Girl Who Played with Fire. Not as good as Dragon Tattoo, but not bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 02 March, 2011, 01:26:49 am
Paul. It's brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rhys W on 02 March, 2011, 11:51:22 pm
I just cracked open a beer and watched The Human Centipede on SyFy.

Better than I expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 03 March, 2011, 01:50:45 am
I've got that on my system waiting to be watched but was never sure if I should
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 03 March, 2011, 04:17:12 pm
James Cameron's "The Abyss"  :thumbsup:   Just a shame it was on ye olde worlde DVD and not in blu-ray. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 03 March, 2011, 07:02:45 pm
James Cameron's "The Abyss"  :thumbsup:   Just a shame it was on ye olde worlde DVD and not in blu-ray. 

My house has tried several times to kill me. It very nearly succeeded one night by asphyxiating us with Carbon Monoxide - whilst I was watching The Abyss. Rather fitting really - given the film's subject matter.

Great movie. Michael Biehn does the twitchy eyed psycho rather well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 06 March, 2011, 07:01:36 pm
Kick-Ass.  Good concept, well executed.  But let down by the weak characterisation of the local crime boss and the increasingly unrealistic weaponry towards the end of the film.

Hit Girl is the best female superhero I've seen to date (which is a comment on the strength of the character in the film, helped by some good acting, against the comparative superficiality of traditional female superheros).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 09 March, 2011, 10:20:36 am
The Social Network. I thought it was good. Mark Zuckerberg is an oddball. Not likeable at all, as demonstrated rather well in the opening scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 09 March, 2011, 04:31:18 pm
Lolita.  The Jeremy Irons one.

Brilliant.  Nearly as good as the book.

But the previous version of the film did the comedic aspects better.

I don't know why, but it's one of my favourite books.  Definitely a guilty pleasure.  Nabokov knows his evil.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 09 March, 2011, 09:34:07 pm
Howl's Moving Castle.  115 minutes of wonderful animated movie!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 March, 2011, 09:51:08 pm
Oddly enough, it's better than the book, considerably.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 12 March, 2011, 03:59:32 pm
Scott Pilgrim vs the World.

This is what happens when videogames and popcorn movies collide.  Cool shit.  In all senses.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 12 March, 2011, 06:13:16 pm
Mic Macs.

French satire on the arms industry.  Directed by the chap who did Amelie and Delicatessen.  Which is apparent from the cinematography, sound engineering etc.  On the whole, diverting but quite forgetable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jellied on 12 March, 2011, 06:21:58 pm
Unknown. Rather jolly for it's kind.

Sucker punch looked oddly watchable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 12 March, 2011, 10:40:47 pm
The Bridges of Madison County.

Never seen it before. Enjoyed it, but can't understand why they cast someone as old as Clint Eastwood opposite Meryl Streep. I mean, I have a certain fondness for the older gentlemen myself, but there's nothing attractive about him in this film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clandy on 13 March, 2011, 08:02:18 am
but can't understand why they cast someone as old as Clint Eastwood opposite Meryl Streep.

You did notice who the director was?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 13 March, 2011, 08:47:35 am
Taken.

What a nasty, stupid film.  More plotholes than my commute in January.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 13 March, 2011, 02:37:44 pm
Mic Macs.

French satire on the arms industry.  Directed by the chap who did Amelie and Delicatessen.  Which is apparent from the cinematography, sound engineering etc.  On the whole, diverting but quite forgetable.

Have to agree there. It was fun, with all his usual trademark eccentricity, but I had already forgotten that I'd ever watched it until you mentioned it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 13 March, 2011, 07:27:30 pm
Save the Green planet completes my weekends film viewing.  South Korean.  A f**ked up version of Misery.

This one was memorable, in the "jesus, no" way that South Korean films tend to force on you - Audition being a prime example of the nasties they squirt into your eyeballs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 15 March, 2011, 09:24:32 am
I caught the last hour or so of V for Vendetta the other night.

I haven't made my mind up about it yet though am all for the Natalie Portman content.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 March, 2011, 10:32:00 pm
I caught the last hour or so of V for Vendetta the other night.

I haven't made my mind up about it yet though am all for the Natalie Portman content.

I don't hate it, I reckon if I had never read the source material I would have thought the film was fantastic, as it was I thought it wasn't bad overall. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 March, 2011, 10:40:01 pm
Yesterday I watched The Assassination Bureau (on a Region 1 DVD import as it isn't available in the UK).

I've always had great affection for it, and not having seen it for ten to fifteen years was pleasantly surprised that it was pretty much as I remembered it.

The last time I saw it Oliver Reed was still an unreconstructed (but alive) drunk, so what I took away this time was the sorrow (for him) at what might have been.  He was a great physical actor with a deft touch for comedy - there is this lovely double take to camera Reed does right at the end of the film which is priceless.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 16 March, 2011, 09:37:25 am
I watched 'The Long Good Friday' last night.  I'd forgotten how stunning Helen Mirren was in that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 16 March, 2011, 10:28:15 am
I don't hate it, I reckon if I had never read the source material I would have thought the film was fantastic, as it was I thought it wasn't bad overall. 

That's interesting, because I've never been very impressed by the original comic.  Alan Moore may bring more intellectual substance to comics than many, but that's not actually saying much, given the competition.  He's always seemed to me to be all style and very little substance.  Nothing wrong with style and he does have lots of that, but there's very little actual meat.

I was surprised and a little worried to find out that he sees V as serious political commentary; as flashy fun, I enjoy it but it's essentially an anarchist version of Rambo with all the dubious morality that implies, with a large amount of adolescent self obsession and posturing thrown in.  Oh, and the use of brainwashing and torture to communicate V's points to his apprentice.  So treat it as a bit of stylish nonsense (and thence don't worry about the adaptation).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 March, 2011, 10:57:33 pm
'My Name is Joe'.  It was a Wednesday, Ms Weasel was away out on her usual Wednesday night thing, I got a curry and say down to watch a DVD as usual.

I was totally mesmerised, shocked, moved and emotional from start to finish.  I'm a fan of some of Ken Loach's work and have had this on the shelf for a wee while, this was an incredibly powerful film.  Rarely (I feel) this was a film that dealt with certain powerful issues without being patronising.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 March, 2011, 08:21:48 pm
The Truth About Cats And Dogs.

Chick-flick-rom-com nonsense.  Most excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 March, 2011, 08:47:13 pm
49th Parallel by Powell and Pressburger.

There's something weird about hearing the Nazis talking in posh English accents.  In fact the whole cast sounded a bit Cholmondely-Warner but once I got over that it was quite enjoyable and I liked the ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 17 March, 2011, 10:17:04 pm
49th Parallel by Powell and Pressburger.

There's something weird about hearing the Nazis talking in posh English accents.  In fact the whole cast sounded a bit Cholmondely-Warner but once I got over that it was quite enjoyable and I liked the ending.

Eric Portman is head Nazi isn't he?  I love the scene with the US Canadian deserter right at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 March, 2011, 07:34:34 am
Yes, Eric Porter. His Nazi sneer more than made up for the accent.  Indeed, the final scene was excellent (Ironic, but I think the deserter was actually a Canadian!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 18 March, 2011, 11:05:09 am
Yes, Eric Porter. His Nazi sneer more than made up for the accent.  Indeed, the final scene was excellent (Ironic, but I think the deserter was actually a Canadian!)

Porter is also excellent in The Bedford Incident in which he plays an ex-nazi sub captain as a NATO advsior abouar a US warship.

Of course, the deserter was Canadian not US - USA not actually being in the war which was the whole point. D'oh. Now edited.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 19 March, 2011, 01:50:52 pm
Borat.

I presume the attempted kidnap of Pamela Anderson was staged, right?  It'd have been a very easy way to get shot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 20 March, 2011, 09:30:46 pm
Ordet.  An 50s Danish movie exploring the meaning of faith.  Heavy going but ultimately an interesting, thought provoking film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 March, 2011, 09:37:12 pm
Sleepless in Seattle. Blimey, it was dreary. Not that much rom and even less com.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 March, 2011, 10:05:48 pm
After the FNRttC yesterday I dozed through The Long Kiss Goodnight, today I slept through Swashbuckler (AKA The Scarlet Buccaneer) but finally woke up enough this evening to enjoy Bronco Billy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 March, 2011, 12:42:19 pm
Skyline.

Fairly so-so CGI flick - apparently made on a small budget. it looked nice on the smaller screen, but that was all it was, a vehicle for special effects. Very derivative special effects, you've seen them elsewhere.

Not much of a story either, they evidently didn't save any cash for a screenplay. Followed the the recent theme of having main characters that you wanted to see have a grisly demise (à la Cloverfield). They probably gave the aliens indigestion. A shame really, a little invested in character development and writing would have made for a decent movie.

Very short movie too, it kind of just went pop after about 80 minutes.

Oh, it was OK. Preferred Monsters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 22 March, 2011, 09:18:16 pm
"The Dark".  Sean Bean spooky story set in Wales.  I recorded this last year sometime and the way it was described on the freeview box made it sound like "Don't Look Now", but it's not.  Quite good, although we had to discuss what the ending meant, but not in a good way IYKWIM.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 23 March, 2011, 10:03:19 am
Tron Legacy

CGI-amoungous, but enjoyable none the less....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 March, 2011, 10:23:57 am
Kick-Ass

Loved it. Astonishingly violent but in a kind of cute way. Hit Girl rocks.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 March, 2011, 10:27:35 am
Kick-Ass.  Good concept, well executed.  But let down by the weak characterisation of the local crime boss and the increasingly unrealistic weaponry towards the end of the film.

I thought it was a bit bizarre - but in a good way - that he was portrayed as a "realistic" villain rather than a Batman-style comedy villain. And making him bald was a nice touch.

The jetpack was slightly jumping the shark though.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: noggy on 23 March, 2011, 07:49:22 pm
The Straight Story :thumbsup:

What a very simple story well told


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 March, 2011, 11:36:26 pm
Amercian Flyers (again).  I bought it this time rather than borrowing it from the yacf library.

It might be cheezy cornball hokum but it's cycling cheezy cornball hokum and lots of fun.

It does actually explain stage racing concepts pretty well too.  It's still doing the rounds on the lending library thread AFAIK if you fancy it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 24 March, 2011, 12:21:54 am
Just watched that soppy tosh....Love Actually.
just loved it ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 24 March, 2011, 12:27:56 am
The Straight Story :thumbsup:

What a very simple story well told


A lovely film.  There's an awful lot going on below the surface of that simple story though - left for you to extrapolate, rather than just tell you (which I respect massively as a storytelling style).

"...and I love Deer!"

/angrywomanwhokeepsrunningoverdeer
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 24 March, 2011, 12:30:17 am
Kickass. Teared up a bit when
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 24 March, 2011, 07:53:51 am
Made in Dagenham

Pretty good, a bit strange seeing a Sheriff playing a school teacher, but hey, the rest of it was good!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 March, 2011, 11:35:36 am
Good film:  The Transporter.  Explosions, car chases, blokes going through windows and the Stath with a machine pistol.  What's not to like?

Bad film: The pointless remake of The Flight Of The Phoenix.  Even the presence of the fragrant Miranda Otto could not prevent this from being a tedious pile of poo.  Watch the original instead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 March, 2011, 11:49:27 am
The Straight Story :thumbsup:

What a very simple story well told


A lovely film.  There's an awful lot going on below the surface of that simple story though - left for you to extrapolate, rather than just tell you (which I respect massively as a storytelling style).

Glad you said that because I feel much the same about it. But I'm slightly bewildered by most of the reviews I've read of the film. It seems most viewers can't look beyond the superficially sweet, sentimental tale and see its dark, dark heart. I found it quite disturbing. (But in a good way, like most other David Lynch films.)

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 24 March, 2011, 03:15:34 pm
"Forgetting Sarah Marshall"

A word of warning...

Never, ever, ever watch this film.  You'll never get that time back and you can't sue for "wasted life".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 24 March, 2011, 03:16:58 pm
"Forgetting Sarah Marshall"

A word of warning...

Never, ever, ever watch this film.  You'll never get that time back and you can't sue for "wasted life".

I couldn't agree more, I don't think I have ever seen a bigger pile of pants....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 26 March, 2011, 05:52:30 pm
Clubbed.  British film about self-respect, against the background of club bouncers in a working class area in the 80s.

Strange little film that might have worked as part of a wider story on TV, but just didn't click as a film.  Mediocre in all departments, the denouement left me incredulous.  Can't decide whether it was the script or the acting or the direction that made me feel it was just going through the motions, with events not emerging naturally and a sense of having no sympathy with the characters.  Quite a disappointment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jasmine on 27 March, 2011, 01:28:49 pm
A boy, a girl and a bike. 1949 B&W film about a Northern cycling club.  It was quite good - some moments of cycling humour that have aged very well.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 29 March, 2011, 11:08:54 pm
The Medusa Touch - thriller/chiller starring Richard Burton.  Great fun.  Haven't seen it for 15 years.  About the same as I remembered which was good (no better no worse).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Martin on 31 March, 2011, 10:41:38 am
Brighton Rock; apparently nearer to the Greene novel than the Dicky Attenborough original, despite being brought forward to 1964;

very dark and moody, shame I missed the first 10 mins due to it having to be wedged in before another later film on the same screen (it apparently has had very little airing since release because of The King's Speech and other Oscar names, a shame), lovely period setting as well (it was filmed in Eastbourne which hasn't changed since the 60s)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 31 March, 2011, 10:30:30 pm
The League of Gentlemen - the 1960 film not the TV series.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 April, 2011, 01:37:49 am
Red, which is a not bad bit of escapist nonsense.  It's got a commentary track, supposedly by a retired CIA field officer, which I haven't listened to yet, although I imagine that it should be along the lines of "This bit isn't realistic, and this is just ridiculous.  This on the other hand is wildly insane, and it would never happen like that ...."

A surprisingly good cast, probably better than the film deserves, but heah, if you're going to have a silly film with lots of people being killed, blown up, and shot, then you may as well have good actors, who can do dark dry comedy and wit well.  I rather liked Brian Cox's part as Ivan, and Helen Mirren's frustrated assassin doing flower arranging and baking. ;D

Oh, and I can lust after Mary-Louise Parker without being creepy, since it turns out she's older than me. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: harvey on 02 April, 2011, 10:22:01 am
Source Code... Groundhog Day all over again with SF saving the world twist.  Spectacular views of Chicago.  Action thriller with a touch of romance.  Catch it on the big screen if you like this sort of thing.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 02 April, 2011, 10:26:07 am
Collateral Damage
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 02 April, 2011, 10:30:29 am
Red, which is a not bad bit of escapist nonsense.  It's got a commentary track, supposedly by a retired CIA field officer, which I haven't listened to yet, although I imagine that it should be along the lines of "This bit isn't realistic, and this is just ridiculous.  This on the other hand is wildly insane, and it would never happen like that ...."

A surprisingly good cast, probably better than the film deserves, but heah, if you're going to have a silly film with lots of people being killed, blown up, and shot, then you may as well have good actors, who can do dark dry comedy and wit well.  I rather liked Brian Cox's part as Ivan, and Helen Mirren's frustrated assassin doing flower arranging and baking. ;D

Oh, and I can lust after Mary-Louise Parker without being creepy, since it turns out she's older than me. :)

He gets bloody everywhere (http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/3/6/1267910078007/Dr.-Brian-Cox-001.jpg)

Helen Mirren... Ahhh (http://www.ahhxsilk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Helen-Mirren-photo.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 April, 2011, 02:26:27 pm
Hot Tub Time Machine

Ok, so I didn't have high expectations but I really didn't imagine it would be quite so excruciatingly awful as it turned out to be. I gave up after about 40 minutes - I was clinging to the hope that it might improve but it just seemed to be getting worse. Beyond crass.

I wouldn't have minded so much but it wasn't funny either. Didn't even smirk, never mind laugh.

Has to be one of the worst films I've seen in a very long time.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 April, 2011, 02:56:02 pm
He gets bloody everywhere (http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/3/6/1267910078007/Dr.-Brian-Cox-001.jpg)

Luckily not that damn Brian Cox.  Bloody Physicists, they get everywhere. ;D

Helen Mirren... Ahhh (http://www.ahhxsilk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Helen-Mirren-photo.jpg)

Didn't one of the channels do a programme where they decided that she was the British Actress who had got her kit off most frequently in films?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 02 April, 2011, 03:32:35 pm
'Smoke' last night then 'The Red Badge of Courage' this afternoon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 02 April, 2011, 09:11:38 pm
Helen Mirren... Ahhh (http://www.ahhxsilk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Helen-Mirren-photo.jpg)

Didn't one of the channels do a programme where they decided that she was the British Actress who had got her kit off most frequently in films?

I would posit that that acolade goes to the never knowingly fully dressed Greta Scacchi.

But I do not mind any disrobing of la Mirren.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 April, 2011, 07:22:12 pm
I think that would be Kate Winslet, whose very impressive jubblies are never hidden (in a film).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 03 April, 2011, 09:23:23 pm
Let Me In

Remake of the Swedish film, a contemporary coming of age film about a bullied boy and a peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire.

If you like vampire films you will love this, I thought it was a brilliant film, may even watch it again tomorrow night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 03 April, 2011, 09:41:58 pm
Let Me In

Remake of the Swedish film, a contemporary coming of age film about a bullied boy and a peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire.

If you like vampire films you will love this, I thought it was a brilliant film, may even watch it again tomorrow night.

Watch the Swedish version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 04 April, 2011, 09:53:51 am
Bucket List on ITV last night.

Don't know about anyone els but I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 04 April, 2011, 10:22:44 am
Bucket List on ITV last night.

Don't know about anyone els but I enjoyed it.

I have to skip the (inevitable) v*mit scene, but it's a brilliant film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 05 April, 2011, 01:37:55 am
I watched "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and "The Sum of all Fears" while doing other stuff.  The latter was boring but Gentlemen was atrocious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 April, 2011, 05:49:23 am
Neds, my copy came with subtitles in Catalan, Spanish or Castillian, I think I might have understood the dialogue a bit better if I had used the subtitles :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 05 April, 2011, 08:20:15 am
Carry On Again Doctor

It was everything I expected.  ;D
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 05 April, 2011, 08:26:23 am
The boy with the striped pyjamas.

We watched this on DVD on Sunday night, I knew of it and knew the ending was challenging, but wasn't prepared for an ending that left us all in silence.

I know it has been criticised for historical inaccuracies, however it wasn't meant to be a documentary and for our kids it probably had more effect than a documentary ever could have.

Bruno, the German boy was acted exceptionally well in my opinion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 05 April, 2011, 06:17:39 pm
The boy with the striped pyjamas.

We watched this on DVD on Sunday night, I knew of it and knew the ending was challenging, but wasn't prepared for an ending that left us all in silence.

I know it has been criticised for historical inaccuracies, however it wasn't meant to be a documentary and for our kids it probably had more effect than a documentary ever could have.

Bruno, the German boy was acted exceptionally well in my opinion.

The book is well worth a read.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 05 April, 2011, 06:20:03 pm
Batman - The Dark Knight

A great film with a fantastic cast, Heath Ledger as the Joker is awesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 April, 2011, 06:40:34 pm
Batman - The Dark Knight

A great film with a fantastic cast, Heath Ledger as the Joker is awesome.

One of my favourites, and inspiration for my outfit for my birthday BBQ last year (yes there are pictures, one of which lurks on this here forum)

Tonight I am watching "The Killer Inside Me", sort of like Spartacus (the series) in the MidWest (i.e. lots of shagging and killing)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 05 April, 2011, 06:50:45 pm
Batman - The Dark Knight

A great film with a fantastic cast, Heath Ledger as the Joker is awesome.

One of my favourites, and inspiration for my outfit for my birthday BBQ last year (yes there are pictures, one of which lurks on this here forum)


The Joker or Batman ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 April, 2011, 06:53:37 pm
@Dinamo, the Joker, of course :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 05 April, 2011, 08:38:06 pm
And very impressive it was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: welshwheels on 05 April, 2011, 08:41:49 pm
Sleuth with michael caine and laurence olivier i really enjoyed it  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 05 April, 2011, 08:56:23 pm
Sleuth with michael caine and laurence olivier i really enjoyed it  :thumbsup:

Excellent  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: YahudaMoon on 05 April, 2011, 10:11:27 pm
Ive not been out for a film in years except with the kids. This looks like a good film though Im on the fence when it comes to climate change, it would be interesting to hear what these hippy;s have to say about it though and there looks like cake could be involved



(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5592860631_ccc572413a_z.jpg)

Just a quick reminder about the Pete Postlethwaite film "The Age of Stupid" that a group of us have organized at the Inspire Centre next Thursday, on the subject of climate change. We really want this to be a welcoming and enjoyable social occasion so we've sorted for there to be a cafe run by volunteers selling snacks before the showing and a discussion after it on what we thought of the film and how we can act on climate change both as individuals and communities.  We'd love you to come and details are:

 

Date - Thursday, April 7th 2011

Time - 7pm screening but cafe from 6pm

Cost - £3 (to cover cinema hire, licence and publicity)

Venue - The Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Road, M19 3AR

 

Hope you can make it!

 

Thanks!

Katherine

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 06 April, 2011, 03:19:23 pm
Sleuth with michael caine and laurence olivier i really enjoyed it  :thumbsup:

Excellent  :thumbsup:

I love that film (because I didn't guess the ending)...duh
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 06 April, 2011, 04:32:39 pm
Easter Parade. Screened at the care home where what's left of my mum currently resides.

Great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 06 April, 2011, 05:36:51 pm
Megamind, which was somewhat silly, but enjoyable.

It's got some good humour, probably as not as much as it could have, but it's not too bad.  It was certainly better than Despicable Me, which was adequately fun itself, and in a similar vein, but not as well done as Megamind.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 06 April, 2011, 05:38:10 pm
Eden Log.

It's a cross between Pandorum and Silent Running. In French.

I had to look up the wikipedia entry afterwards to see what it was about.

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 06 April, 2011, 05:41:50 pm
Easter Parade. Screened at the care home where what's left of my mum currently resides.

Great film.

How weird that a Jew, Irving Berlin, wrote songs about the two most important Christian festivals and focused on a hat and the weather.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 06 April, 2011, 05:43:33 pm
Tonight's entertainment is "Lucky Number Slevin", might finish watching "The Green Hornet" later, should really be out on the bike, but R&R are more important right now :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 06 April, 2011, 06:33:58 pm
How weird that a Jew, Irving Berlin, wrote songs about the two most important Christian festivals and focused on a hat and the weather.

He was far from the only Jewish guy to have written contemporary Christian songs...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 April, 2011, 11:44:07 pm
Cave of Forgotten Dreams

Definitely not an action movie.

dang interesting if you are into art. These caves have been sealed away for 10's of thousands of years.

They contain, amongst other things;

A drawing of a minotaur

Cubisim, in the early picasso sense.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 April, 2011, 07:51:59 pm
Voyage of the DawnTreader

I liked it...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 07 April, 2011, 08:01:30 pm
Inception.

It was OK - I'm not sure what all the fuss was about, really.  It wasn't that hard to follow, or especially clever.  A diverting couple of hours, and certainly more involving than something like Transformers II, but that's about it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 07 April, 2011, 09:47:56 pm
Charlie Wilson's War. Again.

I'll keep watching this - until we wake up to what we've done to ourselves. Fucking hell. For a supposedly intelligent species - we sure are thick sometimes.

"...and then we fucked up the end game"
Charlie Wilson
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 07 April, 2011, 11:03:40 pm
Back and Forth, about the Foo Fighters, going right back to Nirvana.

Followed by a playthrough of the new album, Wasting Light.

A very good night at the pictures   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 07 April, 2011, 11:25:38 pm
Charlie Wilson's War. Again.

I'll keep watching this - until we wake up to what we've done to ourselves. Fucking hell. For a supposedly intelligent species - we sure are thick sometimes.

"...and then we fucked up the end game"
Charlie Wilson


+ 1. Aaron Sorkin is a fantastic writer  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 09 April, 2011, 07:27:41 pm
Eagle Eye.  Reminded me of the videogame Portal, set in contemporary Washington.

Half decent tech thriller, provided you ignore the rediculous premise.  Although I suspect if I hadn't have been in the mood for something easy, I might have come to a harsher view.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 April, 2011, 01:18:07 pm
The Gumball Rally, which whilst not bad, I don't think is quite as good as the later Cannonball Run (both films being loosely based on the early 1970s actual Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash).  It's a long time since I originally saw either film, but I think The Cannonball Run wins out through really not taking itself at all seriously, and being just that little bit more zany.

On the plus side, The Gumball Rally does have the classic quote by Raul Julia playing Franco Bertollini;

    And now my friend, the first-a rule of Italian driving.
    What's-a behind me is not important.


Made whilst ripping the rear view mirror off of the windscreen and throwing it away.  It's a little more amusing since Raul Julia is actually Puerto Rican, and not Italian!

Gumball ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 11 April, 2011, 10:51:30 pm
Let Me In

Remake of the Swedish film, a contemporary coming of age film about a bullied boy and a peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire.

If you like vampire films you will love this, I thought it was a brilliant film, may even watch it again tomorrow night.

Watch the Swedish version.

Let the Right One In

The Swedish version as recommended by itsbruce.
Wish I'd seen this one first, both films are excellent, both with great soundtracks too.
Just bought the (second-hand) paperback from Play.com for £2.76  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 April, 2011, 11:14:49 pm
Source Code

Quite fun, you can think past the plot-holes into the wtf ending.

Christine had a nice nose.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 11 April, 2011, 11:21:47 pm
Slapshot! Fabtastic. The Hanson Bothers...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 April, 2011, 11:53:32 am
The Proposition - with Ray Winstone and Guy Pearce. (on telly a few weeks ago)

Somewhat grim, but overall quite enjoyable. (Does Winstone ever get jolly parts? Apart from ones where he is violent and jolly, that is.)

Oh and a cracking small part for John Hurt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 12 April, 2011, 12:06:34 pm
Hurt Locker on DVD.
Thought provoking.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 12 April, 2011, 12:19:11 pm
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 12 April, 2011, 12:22:18 pm
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  :thumbsup:

Watched it last night too.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 13 April, 2011, 09:24:27 am
Walking Tall (The Rock and Johnny Knocksville).

World Wrestling Federation/ Jackass does Rambo First Blood- with sticks- then guns.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 13 April, 2011, 09:28:39 am
Sleeper.
Diane Keaton's still got it, but in the early 70s she was drop-dead gorgeous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 15 April, 2011, 10:46:32 am
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  :thumbsup:

Watched it last night too.

(click to show/hide)

I watched it (whilst on Turbo Trainer) and it (re)confirmed to me that they are all the same.  

Seriously I can't spot any difference in any of the films apart from the height of the principle actors.

They should just call it "Harry Potter and the English Actors Pension Fund"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 15 April, 2011, 10:59:45 am
Jonah Hex.

Actually better than Solomon Kane, although the pacing was a bit weird in places and the narrative suffered from stylistic intervention.

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 15 April, 2011, 11:05:42 am
I watched 2012 and I absolutely loved it.

I did turn my brain off before I pressed play so as not to ruin my enjoyment.

It's like the Day after Tomorrow meets the Poseidon Adventure meets Independence Day.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 15 April, 2011, 11:09:50 am
Love Story...again.
It's still a bit of a  :'( jerker 40 years on
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 15 April, 2011, 11:23:17 am
Legally Blond...............

Sorry to say (being a hard bloke who eats kittens for breakfast), that I actually enjoyed it!!! It was quite funny and fluffy in a not too serious way!

Right, out to scare some babies  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 15 April, 2011, 11:33:30 am
Zardoz. Period post apocalypse sci-fi hokum, complete with pyschedelia and girly wobbly bits.

Sean Connery for the girls, Charlotte Rampling for the boys. Sean shows a bit more flesh than Charlotte though. Not fair, I thought we were all equal in the future.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 15 April, 2011, 12:15:44 pm
Zardoz is hilarious.

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulR on 15 April, 2011, 12:20:47 pm
Zelig.  An odd, self-indulgent film but still very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 16 April, 2011, 08:04:47 am
Harry Potter and the Cynical Cash-In By Splitting One Of The Shorter Books Into Two Films Because The Producers Realise The Cash Cow Is Running Dry.

...and that's two hours of my life I'll never get back, although Hermione's tardis-like tent is quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 16 April, 2011, 09:27:16 am
Green Zone.  I do like Matt Damon's acting style.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 16 April, 2011, 09:52:17 am
I can never take him absolutely seriously, after watching Team America.  As a reminder...


    YouTube
        - Matt Damon in Team America
   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWTzyU5MFgM)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 16 April, 2011, 11:19:49 am
In the last week, onna plane:
Hairy Potheed and the 2nd last bit (pretty much as you would expect)
Another Year (pretty standard Mike Leigh people deconstruction)
Tron Legacy (ghastly)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 16 April, 2011, 02:06:11 pm
Just watched "Outlander".  Man falls from space and then joins up with some vikings to take down something akin to Beowulf.  An interesting concept that the film fails to live up to.  Average.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 April, 2011, 02:08:39 pm
Hermione's tardis-like tent is quite good.

Is that in the 18 rated version?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 April, 2011, 02:10:15 pm
Zardoz is hilarious.

Sam

Haven't seen that one in years, was thinking of it the other day curiously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 16 April, 2011, 03:34:08 pm
The Matrix.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 16 April, 2011, 10:53:29 pm
There were no sequels.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 16 April, 2011, 11:00:10 pm
I seem to be going 80's nostalgic at the moment. In the last week:

Mona Lisa

The Long Good Friday ,,,    Cut 'im.....

Close My Eyes,  Clive Owen & Saskia Reeves having an incestous affair, Alan Rickman as the bemused husband.  I remember my then girlfriend complaining that Clive Owens's cock was always discreetly out of shot  :)



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 April, 2011, 11:37:11 pm
There were no sequels.

I know - it would have been brilliant if someone had made one, or maybe even two sequels.  I was watching Inception a while back and thought that it was just a poor attempt at a Matrix sequel - I mean if anyone had made a Matrix sequel it would have been way better than that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 April, 2011, 10:02:12 am
Full Metal Jacket.  Much better than I was expecting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FatBloke on 17 April, 2011, 10:16:34 am
"Harry Brown" quite bleak, violent, but nevertheless enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 April, 2011, 02:15:17 pm
A lot of, but not all (due to the need to hit the sack) of Apocolypto.

Wow.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 April, 2011, 02:18:16 pm
Did the entire Millennium trilogy back to back on Saturday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 20 April, 2011, 02:58:47 pm
I just watched Resident Evil Afterlife, which was no spectacular classic, but a perfectly acceptable action movie, in the running away from zombies, and nasty big corporation genre.

It seems to have been a bit slated by the critics, and I'm not sure why exactly.  It's all about dashing around, and shooting/stabbing people and things, so I can't say I expected detailed character development or insightful plots.

Ah well, I enjoyed it for what it is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 April, 2011, 03:09:00 pm
Blithe Spirit. Recorded on the Sky digibox.

An entertaining yarn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 20 April, 2011, 04:10:54 pm
I watched 2012 and I absolutely loved it.

I did turn my brain off before I pressed play so as not to ruin my enjoyment.

It's like the Day after Tomorrow meets the Poseidon Adventure meets Independence Day.
There are two 2012 films. One describes itself as a "Christian epic"


Oh dear....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 20 April, 2011, 04:21:36 pm
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows.

Much too long and protracted in parts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 20 April, 2011, 09:02:24 pm
I just watched Resident Evil Afterlife, which was no spectacular classic, but a perfectly acceptable action movie, in the running away from zombies, and nasty big corporation genre.

It seems to have been a bit slated by the critics, and I'm not sure why exactly.  It's all about dashing around, and shooting/stabbing people and things, so I can't say I expected detailed character development or insightful plots.

Ah well, I enjoyed it for what it is.

It is spectacular in 3D.  My chum was foolish enough to buy a 3D telly and it left me drooling like a zombie in a labotomy lab.  Mmmm, brains.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 20 April, 2011, 09:05:26 pm
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows.

Much too long and protracted in parts.
Did you spot Hermione and Harry sort of in the buff?  As the old Birmingham Midshires TV ads used to say, "I never expected that!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 April, 2011, 10:51:00 pm
'Went the day well' Thora Hird killing nazis.  What's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 20 April, 2011, 10:55:09 pm
I'd like to tell you, but it's a secret (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=19893.msg921125#msg921125).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 20 April, 2011, 10:56:56 pm
Red.  Wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it sounded interesting.  Silly fun, I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 20 April, 2011, 11:00:06 pm
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows.

Much too long and protracted in parts.
Did you spot Hermione and Harry sort of in the buff?  As the old Birmingham Midshires TV ads used to say, "I never expected that!"

As Kenny Everett (the well-known nazi/tory) would have said: "All done in the best (fuzzy) possible taste", but yes, it was a moment to rewind - purely for reason of research, obviously...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 21 April, 2011, 11:04:51 am
I just watched Resident Evil Afterlife, which was no spectacular classic, but a perfectly acceptable action movie, in the running away from zombies, and nasty big corporation genre.

It seems to have been a bit slated by the critics, and I'm not sure why exactly.  It's all about dashing around, and shooting/stabbing people and things, so I can't say I expected detailed character development or insightful plots.

Ah well, I enjoyed it for what it is.

It is spectacular in 3D.  My chum was foolish enough to buy a 3D telly and it left me drooling like a zombie in a labotomy lab.  Mmmm, brains.

My BluRay player is supposedly 3D compatible (but I suspect most of them are/can be), but I haven't quite been tempted to spend the £1000 or so currently needed for a cheap 3D TV. :o

I'd also have to start buying 3D BluRay discs, which are even more expensive than the noticeably more expensive than DVDs, non-3D BluRay discs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 21 April, 2011, 01:09:07 pm
I just watched Resident Evil Afterlife, which was no spectacular classic, but a perfectly acceptable action movie, in the running away from zombies, and nasty big corporation genre.

It seems to have been a bit slated by the critics, and I'm not sure why exactly.  It's all about dashing around, and shooting/stabbing people and things, so I can't say I expected detailed character development or insightful plots.

Ah well, I enjoyed it for what it is.

It is spectacular in 3D.  My chum was foolish enough to buy a 3D telly and it left me drooling like a zombie in a labotomy lab.  Mmmm, brains.

My BluRay player is supposedly 3D compatible (but I suspect most of them are/can be), but I haven't quite been tempted to spend the £1000 or so currently needed for a cheap 3D TV. :o

I'd also have to start buying 3D BluRay discs, which are even more expensive than the noticeably more expensive than DVDs, non-3D BluRay discs.

I would be more careful than I was.  Too much left-right eye crosstalk for my liking on my LCD/LED TV with active shutter technology.  It's just about tolerable on natural scenes, but on high contrast stuff, it's annoying.

Plasma is supposed to be much better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 21 April, 2011, 02:03:58 pm
Last night I watched both Rollerball movies.

The 1975 version is, IMO, a dystopian sci-fi classic, even though James Caan's performance makes you want to look for splinters. The 2002 'remake' made me want to gouge my eyes out with tyre levers and stick titanium tent-pegs into my living brain after about 15 minutes.

Remember the scene from "A Clockwork Orange" where Malcolm McDowell has his eyelids clamped open and is made to watch war films etc.? It was a bit like that. Really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 21 April, 2011, 03:19:41 pm
... mutterings about 3D TV ...

I would be more careful than I was.  Too much left-right eye crosstalk for my liking on my LCD/LED TV with active shutter technology.  It's just about tolerable on natural scenes, but on high contrast stuff, it's annoying.

Plasma is supposed to be much better.

Plasma is mostly supposed to be better than LED backlit LCD (which is probably the best option for LCD TVs), but even Plasma has issues with the current generation of TVs (mostly still relating to crosstalk and brightness).

I think I'll wait quite a bit before considering going down the 3D screen route, unless it's a minor increase over the purchase price of an otherwise 2D screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 21 April, 2011, 05:49:20 pm
I have one eye.

3D is an expensive waste of time.

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 21 April, 2011, 08:40:20 pm
At the moment it is a gimmick.

Still, only a year or so until Star Wars comes out in 3D.  (although it starts with Jar Jar fucking Binks)

For now, have 3-O


    YouTube
        - Star Wars in 30 Seconds
   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj1j-Fl0ixo&feature=related)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 22 April, 2011, 10:28:57 am
Trainspotting.  It being on Film4 and no need to get up for work today meant I could indulge.  First time I've seen the film in around 15 years (is it really that long?) Absolutely chuffing marvellous film.  So vibrant and gutter laugh funny before the descent into the bleak ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 23 April, 2011, 08:13:40 am
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 23 April, 2011, 08:15:10 am
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)

Ooh, goody!  I know what I'm doing tonight then, crusty can snore away beside me after his 200k today.

We watched Tamara Drewe last  night, and rather enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 23 April, 2011, 08:15:30 am
Clash of the Titans.

Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: eck on 23 April, 2011, 08:19:12 am
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)
I see No Country For Old Men is also on tonight, Film 4
Is it worth watching?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 April, 2011, 09:25:55 am
It's better than True Grit, but not as good as some of their other stuff. And Burn After Reading it ain't. ISTR it doesn't really have an ending though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: eck on 23 April, 2011, 09:39:17 am
. ISTR it doesn't really have an ending though.
Thanks for that, Mrs P. Mrs eck would tell you that a film not really having an ending is never a problem for me, as I've usually fallen asleep by then.  :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 23 April, 2011, 09:49:05 am
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)
I see No Country For Old Men is also on tonight, Film 4
Is it worth watching?

I enjoyed it.
I reckon the viewing experience would be improved by the consumption of beer & bridies :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 23 April, 2011, 09:50:16 am
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)

Ooh, goody!  I know what I'm doing tonight then, crusty can snore away beside me after his 200k today.

We watched Tamara Drewe last  night, and rather enjoyed it.

how on earth can a man fall asleep in such company? :o
 :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 23 April, 2011, 11:04:56 am
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)

Ooh, goody!  I know what I'm doing tonight then, crusty can snore away beside me after his 200k today.

We watched Tamara Drewe last  night, and rather enjoyed it.

We really enjoyed it - the graphic novel is excellent btw  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 23 April, 2011, 11:16:13 am
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)

Ooh, goody!  I know what I'm doing tonight then, crusty can snore away beside me after his 200k today.

We watched Tamara Drewe last  night, and rather enjoyed it.


how on earth can a man fall asleep in such company? :o
 :D

So, so smooth, jogler   :thumbsup:

 :-*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 April, 2011, 05:38:52 pm
"Withnail and I", watched with the kids.

They all enjoyed it, much to their surprise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 April, 2011, 05:52:57 pm
The Blue Lagoon.

Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 April, 2011, 06:43:42 pm
"Withnail and I", watched with the kids.

They all enjoyed it, much to their surprise.
I regret I didn't, except for

Quote
We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 23 April, 2011, 07:01:06 pm
This was linked to in the b3ta newsletter.  It is awesome.


    YouTube
        - Vader & I - Part II (Withnail & I vs Star Wars)
   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3EVuoOo3kA)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andyf on 23 April, 2011, 07:56:56 pm
saw 'The way back' last night comes recommended :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: eck on 23 April, 2011, 09:05:24 pm
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)
I see No Country For Old Men is also on tonight, Film 4
Is it worth watching?

I enjoyed it.
I reckon the viewing experience would be improved by the consumption of beer & bridies :)
:hand: We will not be watching No Country For Old Men.
Mrs eck has just informed me that we've already seen it.  ??? :-[
We've just watched P'tang Yang Kipperbang though. That was good.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 April, 2011, 09:13:34 pm
God, I've not seen that since I was about 12!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 24 April, 2011, 12:49:05 am
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)
I see No Country For Old Men is also on tonight, Film 4
Is it worth watching?

I enjoyed it.
I reckon the viewing experience would be improved by the consumption of beer & bridies :)
:hand: We will not be watching No Country For Old Men.
Mrs eck has just informed me that we've already seen it.  ??? :-[
We've just watched P'tang Yang Kipperbang though. That was good.  :thumbsup:

We watched No Country for Old Men, it was bloody brilliant  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 24 April, 2011, 02:37:04 am
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)
I see No Country For Old Men is also on tonight, Film 4
Is it worth watching?

I enjoyed it.
I reckon the viewing experience would be improved by the consumption of beer & bridies :)
:hand: We will not be watching No Country For Old Men.
Mrs eck has just informed me that we've already seen it.  ??? :-[
We've just watched P'tang Yang Kipperbang though. That was good.  :thumbsup:

We watched No Country for Old Men, it was bloody brilliant  :thumbsup:
Sorry but I found it one of those movies where not a lot happens, very slowly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonyh on 24 April, 2011, 05:20:15 am

Final 20 minutes of "Shane". Includes Scenery.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SpaceBadger on 24 April, 2011, 06:29:40 am
Chasing Legends. A birthday present DVD. I missed it at the cinema last year. It was worth the wait.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 April, 2011, 08:33:55 pm
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)
And Last Crusade is on just now. I might skip Kingdom of the Shouldn't Have Bothered tomorrow though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 25 April, 2011, 01:04:33 am
Today have seen Scre4m and Tron Legacy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 25 April, 2011, 07:51:59 pm
"The Happening"   :o

Hard to tell what's worst about it: the acting the script or the basic idea.  Even the special effects were terrible.  How did guff like this get beyond "the pitch"?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pingu on 26 April, 2011, 12:45:19 am
Err...that's 99.999% of all films, shirley?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 26 April, 2011, 08:28:13 am
Raiders of the Lost Ark. A bit tedious TBH. I did wonder how they got away with certain scenes; e.g. Jones shooting the scimitar wielding Arab & him torching the snakes, but overall it just felt like the last gasp of an industry that had survived for 50+ years by belittling smaller people.

Camera Buff by Kieslowski tonight might redress the balance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 April, 2011, 12:08:04 pm
Hellboy (again).  Recorded the other week.  I can never get tired of this movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 26 April, 2011, 02:08:54 pm
We're trying "PG" films out on the kids (5yr old BOY and 10 year old girl). We've observed:

5 YOB still hides for all screen kisses (even in Toy Story 3)
10 YOG absorbed the (we hope) positive lessons in "Juno" whilst still enjoying the film. (NB was after 5YOB's bed-time, before anyone rings Social Services)

Indy Jones series on BBC3 recently is too violent for kids; + too violent, racist & misogynistic for entire family (makes me & Mrs g. hide behind sofa + kids walk out of room).

The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus caused brief mayhem, then lingering boredom before being paused permanently in its 16th minute...I think I liked it a bit, though.



the research continues...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 26 April, 2011, 02:55:15 pm
Burn After Reading Burn After Reading - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn_After_Reading)

Watchable, but shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 26 April, 2011, 04:06:32 pm
"The Empire Strikes Back"

The original version, that is, not the super-duper-mega-Han-shot-first version that George released later as part of his determined effort to piss the remaining goodwill of his fans up the wall.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 27 April, 2011, 12:37:51 pm
"The Blues Brothers"  for the nth time.   This time I was struck by the casting: Bobb is Elwood Blues!  Lose the pink hat, Bobb!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 27 April, 2011, 06:40:38 pm
"The Blues Brothers"  for the nth time.   This time I was struck by the casting: Bobb is Elwood Blues!  Lose the pink hat, Bobb!

We're on a mission from Bobb
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 27 April, 2011, 10:00:26 pm
Raiders of the Lost Ark. A bit tedious TBH. I did wonder how they got away with certain scenes; e.g. Jones shooting the scimitar wielding Arab

Famously there was to be an epic fight between IJ and the scimitar weilding arab.  The whole cast & crew had disentery at the time of filming, Ford felt terrible, wasn't up for filming action sequences and said, "Look, why don't I just shoot him?".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 27 April, 2011, 10:04:58 pm
Err...that's 99.999% of all films, shirley?

Lately I've found that true of American films.  :(  Enjoyed a lot of French, Spanish & Scandinavian films though.

Mrs Zep and I have for the first time in about 4 years an evening/night without any childen to put to bed etc.   :thumbsup:  We've been to the cinema for a non-children's film once in this entire time.  Anything worth watching at the pictures this weekend?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gattopardo on 27 April, 2011, 10:36:57 pm
Jackass 3
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: YahudaMoon on 27 April, 2011, 10:39:48 pm
Black Cat White Cat

&

Little Otic

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 27 April, 2011, 11:13:11 pm
Centurion. Rather amusing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 28 April, 2011, 12:08:47 am
Source Code. I liked it; Tim didn't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 April, 2011, 08:33:15 am
Black Cat White Cat
I *loved* that film. Last watched a bad copy on VHS.  Where did you get it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 28 April, 2011, 10:04:48 am
Source Code. I liked it; Tim didn't.
They should have done a lot better than they did with that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 29 April, 2011, 04:26:50 pm
The Wind that Shakes the Barley.  Very good.

Liking that Film4 are showing a decent range of films at the moment.  Wish they would reach back into their back catalogue though - when was the last time a Peter Greenaway film was on, for example.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 29 April, 2011, 09:40:56 pm
Direktøren for det hele (The Boss of It All) - Lars von Trier. One of Mrs B's library rentals. She's moved on from British to assorted European, so I now have a French comedy to watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 30 April, 2011, 12:15:24 am
Tron Legacy. Finding out how many slugs will fit in my eye socket would have been only marginally less entertaining

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gattopardo on 30 April, 2011, 12:16:14 am
Jackass 3 again
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gattopardo on 30 April, 2011, 12:26:39 am
Tron Legacy. Finding out how many slugs will fit in my eye socket would have been only marginally less entertaining

Sam

Now you are sooooooo wrong, the bit with the ducati police chase was cool.

Did you edit the eye socket from she socket?  As I was going to ask what a she socket was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gattopardo on 30 April, 2011, 12:29:32 am
I watched Grand prix before that the death grand prix bbc 4 documentary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 30 April, 2011, 12:30:21 am
Quote from: Lynx link=topic=6884.msg928487#msg928487

Now you are sooooooo wrong, the bit with the ducati police chase was cool.

Did you edit the eye socket from she socket?  As I was going to ask what a she socket was.

Typing on the phone is a challenge.

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gattopardo on 30 April, 2011, 12:33:14 am
Quote from: Lynx link=topic=6884.msg928487#msg928487

Now you are sooooooo wrong, the bit with the ducati police chase was cool.

Did you edit the eye socket from she socket?  As I was going to ask what a she socket was.

Typing on the phone is a challenge.

Sam

Thats alright, thought my mind was playing tricks
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 April, 2011, 12:34:09 am
The great escape.

Quite pedestrian by today's standards, but still a film worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 30 April, 2011, 02:48:08 am
Just watched Fast Five, ie Fast and the Furious 5: Rio Heist

If you like cars, street races, shit loads of action and some great one liners then this film is amazing. The whole film is one big testosterone fest with the stand out characters from the first few films with Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) put in for good measure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 30 April, 2011, 12:31:27 pm
Enema at the Gates: And it WAS a pile of shite. Jude Law was on auto-pilot and what could have been a half decent story was woefully let down by some half-hearted performances. At the end - and yes, I managed to stick it out - I didn't care who lived or died, but the Rachel Weisz "revival" was soooooo predictable...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 02 May, 2011, 08:13:42 am
Aces High.  An excellent British made WW1 films more for the acting and storyline rather than the flying scenes - I'm no expert but there seemed to be a lot of Tiger Moths used!

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 May, 2011, 03:13:47 pm
Football Factory

I'm glad I wan't Watching with Mother ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bomber on 02 May, 2011, 03:16:09 pm
Dogtooth - Greek dark comedy / drama.  Very good.  Very strange.  I understand that it's up for an Oscar.

Saw this on film4 the other night.  Beyond weird, but very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Zipperhead on 02 May, 2011, 03:21:51 pm
I went to see TT3D: Closer to the Edge (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1698010/) last night.

The film starts by pinning you to your seat! It excited me, it made me laugh (and shed a tear) and tells a great story.

Next month, this opens (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1424432/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 02 May, 2011, 05:02:53 pm
Thor last night. Has hunky chap for the ladies, Natalie Portman for the gents, (or vice versa), plus some great one-liners. Made much better by being next to my luvverly girlfriend.  :-*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 02 May, 2011, 05:13:52 pm
The Usual Suspects. Sunday morning around 5 am. Insomnia is good sometimes.

Beautifully written, staged and acted, with some fantastic and memorable lines. It leaves you seething at Kevin Spacey's deception. Made for buttons too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 02 May, 2011, 05:15:30 pm
Tron Legacy. Finding out how many slugs will fit in my eye socket would have been only marginally less entertaining

Sam

Pretty, yes.  Plot, who needs a plot?

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 02 May, 2011, 05:42:25 pm
Dante 01. Intriguing French science-fiction that becomes inexplicably messianic in the last ten minutes. Truly strange.

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 02 May, 2011, 05:53:21 pm
Eventually saw Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom the other night.  Quite a lot of racial stereotypes, Indy!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 02 May, 2011, 06:57:09 pm
Tron Legacy. Finding out how many slugs will fit in my eye socket would have been only marginally less entertaining

Sam

Pretty, yes.  Plot, who needs a plot?

I quite enjoyed it, but it's a ballet set to Daft Punk, not a film.  Plus, having re-watched the original just before seeing the new one, I didn't expect there to be a plot...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: YahudaMoon on 02 May, 2011, 06:58:55 pm
Black Cat White Cat
I *loved* that film. Last watched a bad copy on VHS.  Where did you get it?

Freinds laptop hardrive thingy me bob gadget.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 02 May, 2011, 09:05:38 pm
Le Placard - another one of Mrs B's rentals. French comedy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 02 May, 2011, 10:23:19 pm
Chloe, dir by Atom Egoyan.  Erotic thriller, quite predictable but it did remind me that Julliane Moore is a good actor.  Must remember to get my mitts on the recent film she did with Annette Benning.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 02 May, 2011, 10:31:37 pm
"The Ruling Class" (1972), with Peter O'Toole.  Very much in the vein of Laurie Anderson's "If" (also with Arthur Lowe) and a fine cast including Alastair Sim and Diana Rigg.

Gets a bit weird near the end but a fascinating dark satire on the British class system of the period, including some truly funny dialogue:

"I didn't expect to see my husband riding a three-wheeled bike on his wedding night".

 Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: YahudaMoon on 02 May, 2011, 11:30:21 pm
Dead Mans Shoes. Its just started on Film 4. Sad though a funny film in parts
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 03 May, 2011, 09:13:22 am
Inception.

Not dicaprio's finets work :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 May, 2011, 10:23:22 am
The Bank Job.

Meh. For some reason, my wife wanted to watch this so I sat through it with her. I don't think it was quite what she was expecting.

Supposedly based on a true story, but I have a hunch they may have taken a few liberties - I don't know what it is, but there's just something about the way an unarmed Jason Statham beat up a load of armed gangsters single-handed at the end that didn't ring quite true.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 May, 2011, 02:51:13 pm
The Lord Of The Rings.  All three extended edition DVDs in succession.

I do not need to set eyes on another hobbit for quite some time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 04 May, 2011, 04:00:37 pm
The Lord Of The Rings.  All three extended edition DVDs in succession.

I do not need to set eyes on another hobbit for quite some time.

Ha! The husband and I have just finished that last night. We both wanted to see hobits in servitude and Saruman getting his just desserts in the Shire, as opposed to him stupidly falling from Orthanc  >:(

Am currently watching Brief Encounter. It gets me every single time  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 04 May, 2011, 06:16:00 pm
Million Dollar Baby.  Expected a vaguely uplifting Rocky type story (poor waitress takes on the boxing world and wins).  Which it was until the last half hour when it became a much darker film and was all the better for it.  Disappointed it took me so long to get round to watching it (my typical bias against Oscar winning films).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 05 May, 2011, 12:06:14 am
Thor as a 3D spectacular. I recommend the purchasing loaves of bread from your local conglomerate, let them go stale then treat your local ducks - it will be far more rewarding than sitting through that dross. Further suggestions for better ways to spend your money will be proposed in the morning.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 05 May, 2011, 12:17:24 am
Thor as a 3D spectacular. I recommend the purchasing loaves of bread from your local conglomerate, let them go stale then treat your local ducks - it will be far more rewarding than sitting through that dross. Further suggestions for better ways to spend your money will be proposed in the morning.

I'm curious - will further suggestions be of a piscine nature?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 05 May, 2011, 09:50:26 am
Thor as a 3D spectacular. I recommend the purchasing loaves of bread from your local conglomerate, let them go stale then treat your local ducks - it will be far more rewarding than sitting through that dross. Further suggestions for better ways to spend your money will be proposed in the morning.

I'm curious - will further suggestions be of a piscine nature?
Not so mouch a piscine nature but here are my five suggestions for better ways to spend your money than upon a ticket to see Thor.

At 5:
Get a ticket to ride the underground.

At 4:
Buy your own hammer and some china tat from a charity shop. Smash the tat!

At 3:
It's a bottle of coke and a packet of menthos.

At 2:
Give away espresso shots to small children

And our number 1:
Purchase a tube of superglue and get the rest of the money in coins. Superglue the coins to the pavement and watch in merriment as passers by scrabble to try and pick them up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 05 May, 2011, 11:45:55 am
The good news is that he's finally stopped whinging about District 9.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 May, 2011, 12:00:48 pm
I suggest he watches Tropic Thunder.  That will add perspective.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 05 May, 2011, 12:01:56 pm
Tropic Thunder is a far far better film than either Thor or District 9.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 May, 2011, 12:15:27 pm
Oh good lord almighty, now I doubt for your sanity. Tropic Thunder's only virtue is that it made 'Don't mess with the Zohan' look good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 May, 2011, 12:51:11 pm
Ha! The husband and I have just finished that last night. We both wanted to see hobits in servitude and Saruman getting his just desserts in the Shire, as opposed to him stupidly falling from Orthanc  >:(

That confused me when I saw it in the cinema, but I imagine Return Of The King was long enough already.  The DVDs are worth watching with the commentary by Billy Boyd & Dominic Monaghan, if you're not already hobbited-out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 05 May, 2011, 01:16:52 pm
Oh good lord almighty, now I doubt for your sanity. Tropic Thunder's only virtue is that it made 'Don't mess with the Zohan' look good.
It delivered about as much as you could expect it to - a set of actors hamming it up with a handful of decent lines. Keep in mind that the relative ranking I gave it was against two very poor films.

I can't call you on Don't mess with the Zohan - should I add it to the list of films I ought to see before I die?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 05 May, 2011, 02:02:37 pm
Tropic Thunder was crap, but has a place in my heart for blowing Steve Coogan to bits.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 08 May, 2011, 07:50:39 am
Tron Legacy!   :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Although the movie did finish remarkably quickly after a dramatic build up.  Also possible plot ends left open for a possible sequel?

 :o at those Sirens!   :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I must say the CG faced young Jeff Bridges looked a bit creepy peculiar at the start of the movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 May, 2011, 10:59:31 am
The Abbys (again) which is a great film, followed by The Devil Wears Prada- another good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 May, 2011, 11:08:35 am
The Abbys (again) which is a great film

A swashbuckling tale of mediaeval church wars?  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 May, 2011, 11:21:14 am
Bitten - last night on TV.

Not a very good film but Erica Cox who plays the vampire - oh my !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 May, 2011, 12:45:33 pm
Terminator Salvation.  Not very good, but way better than The Abyss, which I watched on Saturday.  How to make a seventy million dollar movie look like $3.98.  Before that was Assault On Precinct 13 - the John Carpenter one, not the pointless remake.  How to make a good film on a budget which wouldn't pay the catering bill on a modern production.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 09 May, 2011, 06:12:14 pm
Ae Fond Kiss was on late last night and was a very funny, moving story of a muslim lad and catholic girl. Some extremely fruity bits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 09 May, 2011, 09:13:14 pm
The Kite Runner.  Mrs Zep liked it a lot, but I thought it predictable American propaganda.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 15 May, 2011, 06:15:05 pm
Blokey comedy type weekend.

I Love You Man.  Best summarised as a chickflick with balls.  Worth having on in the background, but a little bit forgettable.

40 Year Old Virgin.  I've only ever caught bits of it on ITV2 and the like, always flicking over to something else.  Watched it on Blu Ray, based on a recommendation.  Laughed out loud.  Good way to spend a lazy Sunday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 15 May, 2011, 06:18:25 pm
"tell no one" on bbc4 last night. One of the best films we've seen, very good indeed.  In French with subtitles but had Kristen Scott Thomas, so on balance, a win.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 May, 2011, 06:24:53 pm
2010 (again).  Nothing like 2001, and Helen Mirren is a very unconvincing Russian, but the effects are very good and Chandra's final scene with HAL9000 is excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 15 May, 2011, 07:47:02 pm
Naked Guns 1 and 2 back to back.

I like to have my laughter muscles exercised.

Bit sad how much of the dialogue I know.  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 May, 2011, 09:36:56 am
Last of the Mohicans.

Never seen it before. Started out promising a bit of depth, but rapidly became just an action movie.  Epic fight sequence near the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 May, 2011, 12:51:36 pm
Jar City.  Icelandic crimething.  Not bad at all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 16 May, 2011, 06:19:53 pm
The Spy Who Loved Me on telly.  Possibly the most representative Bond film, if not the best.

Snow?  Check.
Underwater action? Check.
Amazing gadgets? You can't beat an amphibious Lotus Esprit.
Nukes? Check.
Mad foreign villain? Check.
Sexual innuendo?  I think this trumps all the other films.
Rampant sexism? A whole scene on women drivers, as well as the usual cleavages and bums.
Stock Bond drinking game phrases?  Oh yes.  Even "I've been expecting you" and "Goodbye, Meester Bond" which are normally Blofeld's motif.
Nasty 70s suits and flares? Unsurpassed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 May, 2011, 12:25:26 pm
Were there blatant helichopters?  You can't have a Bond James Bond fil without blatant helichopters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: keepontriking on 17 May, 2011, 03:36:12 pm
Just got around to watching Apollo 13.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 17 May, 2011, 03:54:02 pm
Just got around to watching Apollo 13.

I've seen it too many times, but still a great film...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: noggy on 17 May, 2011, 07:49:53 pm
"tell no one" on bbc4 last night. One of the best films we've seen, very good indeed.  In French with subtitles but had Kristen Scott Thomas, so on balance, a win.

+1 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rower40 on 17 May, 2011, 08:29:53 pm
Life of Brian

Not really sure why I'm watching it - I can recite it verbatim.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 17 May, 2011, 08:37:51 pm
Life of Brian

Not really sure why I'm watching it - I can recite it verbatim.

"He's not the Messiah.  He's a very naughty boy!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 May, 2011, 09:40:16 pm
The King's Speech.  Very good, although Michael Gambon should have held out for the apocryphal "Bugger Bognor!" line.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike r on 17 May, 2011, 09:48:55 pm
13 Saumrai

It's very good, but you might have to look hard to find it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 18 May, 2011, 12:50:52 pm
Megamind

It was rubbish. Nowhere near as good as "Despicable Me".

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 May, 2011, 01:15:13 pm
Can't watch the megamind trailers without thinking of a classic:

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GOTPd3ujXJ4/S_pPzkZreGI/AAAAAAAAACM/04XHopBTUPk/s1600/megamind.jpg)

(http://www.whattofix.com/images/MarsAttacks.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 19 May, 2011, 09:42:27 pm
THX 1138

 ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 19 May, 2011, 09:52:32 pm
My Neighbour Totoro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Neighbor_Totoro), with FirstBorn.  Ace and beautiful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 May, 2011, 10:48:53 pm
Thats my favorite animated film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 19 May, 2011, 11:39:01 pm
THX 1138

 ???

I KNO, RITE?

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 20 May, 2011, 09:12:54 am
Black Sheep (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0779982/).  This is the sort of film I used to watch while getting drunk with mates on a Saturday night.  Translation: no artistic value, lots of laughs (unintended).  The top two tags for this film should be sheeple and zombiepocalypse.
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 21 May, 2011, 11:05:53 am
Jar City.  Icelandic crimething.  Not bad at all.

Watched this last night (recorded from BBC last week). I liked it a lot - I've been going off films lately, preferring the 12+ part TV series approach (like Spiral, The Killing, The Wire etc.), just so that they have enough time to tell a nice, complex story.  I felt that this film though managed to get a decent story of grown-up complexity in a 90 minute film without felling stupidly rushed.  Nicely done, though I won't be zooming off to Iceland to sample the cuisine.  :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 21 May, 2011, 11:45:59 am
Love Actually.
For the nth time.So  :sick: in a  ;D way.Enjoy it every time.So many truetotolife scenareos(sp) mixed in with rom-com gems.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 May, 2011, 10:35:47 pm
Moonraker.

"I think he's attempting re-entry, sir."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 21 May, 2011, 11:32:57 pm
Bobb and I went to see Attack the Block tonight. Really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 22 May, 2011, 10:51:28 am
Sanctum.

People stuck in some flooding caves, shouting a lot and drowning one another.  Like you do.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 22 May, 2011, 04:44:32 pm
Bobb and I went to see Attack the Block tonight. Really enjoyed it.

Yebbut, was the fillum any good?  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 22 May, 2011, 04:48:03 pm
I saw Hanna on Friday with my delightful lady friend. We both enjoyed the film, though the plot was a little vague and only really explained near the end, and some of the camera effects reminded me of the odder bits in Dirty Harry. Good soundtrack by Teh Chemical Brothers.

Overall I award it 7/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 22 May, 2011, 08:45:52 pm
Babette's Feast - at last.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 22 May, 2011, 08:50:18 pm
Another excellent weekend at Deaffest (http://deaffest.co.uk/), culminating in a repeat of the NSFW comedy Hands Solo (http://hands-solo.com/index1.html).

That'll be my film-watching quota for the summer, then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 May, 2011, 12:06:45 am
Does it contain a lot of "sign language"?

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 May, 2011, 01:33:38 pm
Does it contain a lot of "sign language"?

That's exactly the sort of humour it's parodying.   ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 23 May, 2011, 09:37:04 pm
Max Manus
A Norwegian film about the occupation. A hero with PTSD, no easy answers, but an ending happier than I had hoped for.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 24 May, 2011, 08:24:02 pm
Confessions

Story of a school teacher whose 4 year old daughter is found dead.
And her attempt to find who is responsible for her death.

A recommendation from Film 2011, very good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 25 May, 2011, 10:07:54 pm
Capote.  Nearly as stunning as the book it documents.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Simonb on 25 May, 2011, 10:12:10 pm
Amores Perros (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245712/) -- life's not particularly pleasant, or fair.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 26 May, 2011, 07:31:14 am
Pure Country 2.

It was the only film there I could use for background viewing!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 28 May, 2011, 02:06:47 am
Miami Vice

Bought it a while ago for £1 from Sainsburys !
Good soundtrack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 29 May, 2011, 10:03:50 pm
The Line, The Cross and The Curve.

Good Soundtrack.  :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 May, 2011, 10:01:36 am
The King's Speech.

No one told me it is a weepy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 30 May, 2011, 09:32:19 pm
Female Agents.

Very good French film: female SOE agents parachuted in to France in the days before D-Day.  Sort of inspired by real events rather than a true story, the main character (played by Sophie Marceau  :thumbsup: ) was a real SOE hero.  Mrs Zep enjoyed it even although it is a "war film".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 30 May, 2011, 10:04:13 pm
Yesterday Family G went to see Pirates of the Caribbean 4 and now we have just watched Harry Potter TDH Part 1.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 31 May, 2011, 07:37:45 am
Kill Bill, vol. 1.

In one word: excellent!  It's been ages since I've watched a film and thought "that was fun!".  Yes, OTT and silly in places, but I enjoyed it.
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 31 May, 2011, 12:06:21 pm
Once again: "Remember the 5 Ds – Dodge, Dip, Dive, Duck, and er, Dodge!"

Yes! Dodgeball!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 31 May, 2011, 12:44:34 pm
Once again: "Remember the 5 Ds – Dodge, Dip, Dive, Duck, and er, Dodge!"

Yes! Dodgeball!

I watched last night also.

Some excellent one liners from Patches, though many were deffo NSFW and prolly very un PC as well-

Son, you're about as useful as a sh1t flavored lollipop!

It's like watching a bunch of retards trying to f**k a doorknob out there!


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 31 May, 2011, 12:46:19 pm
Was it shit flavoured, or cock flavoured?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 31 May, 2011, 12:48:23 pm
"Well, I guess if a person never quit when the going got tough, they wouldn't have anything to regret for the rest of their life. But good luck to you Peter. I'm sure this decision won't haunt you forever" said by You Know Who.

And of course, "Here at Globo Gym, we understand that "Ugliness" and "Fatness" are genetic disorders, much like baldness or necrophilia, and it's only your fault if you don't hate yourself enough to do something about it."

Tokyo Sonata. Something to look forward to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Phil on 31 May, 2011, 12:57:59 pm
Kill Bill, vol. 1.

In one word: excellent!  It's been ages since I've watched a film and thought "that was fun!".  Yes, OTT and silly in places, but I enjoyed it.
 

Me also! I enjoyed it so much I watched the second one as well. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 31 May, 2011, 01:15:33 pm
Blazing Saddles last night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 31 May, 2011, 01:31:24 pm
Spinal Tap.

Well, I say I watched it.  Actually, TGL was watching it, and listening on headphones.  But each time I looked up, I laughed, because I knew exactly where we were and the key lines...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 31 May, 2011, 02:42:06 pm
Was it shit flavoured, or cock flavoured?

Well done that man.

Cock flavoured of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 31 May, 2011, 05:01:49 pm
Hangover 2

Whatever your impression of Hangover, you should be confident of receiving the same viewing experience with Hangover 2. Luckily for me that meant that I laughed a lot. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 31 May, 2011, 09:56:28 pm
The husband and I are watching 'Babylon AD' with Vin Diesel. Am quite enjoying it actually  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 June, 2011, 01:53:44 pm
I made a terrible discovery on the weekend.

MrsCharly and I don't share the same taste in films.

We started watching 'Little Fish'. I was really enjoying it for the characterisation and the slow build up. She made it plain she was utterly bored and thought the film was pointless.

So we switched to 'Queen of the Dammed'. She seemed to enjoy that, whereas I thought it was dross only one level above 'Twilight'.

 ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 01 June, 2011, 06:31:53 pm
I'm half way through Total Recall.

If I remember, I'll watch the rest tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 01 June, 2011, 06:45:33 pm
I made a terrible discovery on the weekend.

MrsCharly and I don't share the same taste in films.

We started watching 'Little Fish'. I was really enjoying it for the characterisation and the slow build up. She made it plain she was utterly bored and thought the film was pointless.

So we switched to 'Queen of the Dammed'. She seemed to enjoy that, whereas I thought it was dross only one level above 'Twilight'.

 ???
Whilst I cannot comment on 'Little Fish' I can confirm that 'Queen of the Dammed' is utter dross but would add that it makes 'Twilight' seem like 'Hamlet' (or should that be 'Romeo and Juliet'?).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 June, 2011, 08:59:56 am
I made a terrible discovery on the weekend.

MrsCharly and I don't share the same taste in films.

We started watching 'Little Fish'. I was really enjoying it for the characterisation and the slow build up. She made it plain she was utterly bored and thought the film was pointless.

So we switched to 'Queen of the Dammed'. She seemed to enjoy that, whereas I thought it was dross only one level above 'Twilight'.

 ???

At least you can go to the cinema in peace ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 02 June, 2011, 09:05:48 am
POTC IV - No real Spoilers below if you've read the press publicity

TGL and I wanted to do something a bit special to celebrate our Family Day (anniversary of his coming to live with us, and roughly the anniversary of his brother doing the same the previous year).  So we decided to go to the Kinematographic Picture House (OK, Empire Sutton, the world's smallest multiplex AFAICT ;D ).  Attack The Block was on a bit late, so we opted for POTC (2D rather than 3D, since I thought my double vision might be an issue).

Had plenty of time to eat a nice dinner together, then went & bought faaaar too much popcorn and a large bucket of drink each* and waited until the cinema had 'been cleaned'.  Yeah, right, it was still completley manky when we went in.  Usual dreary adverts and trailers for a lot of crappy films, then the feature itself.

I think this was a big improvement on the last film, and some of the characters have definitely been filled out.  Depp steps back from the wrong side of the line of caricature, and depicts Sparrow as a witty, permanently drunk and slightly fey hero.  Rush has improved Barbosa from a two dimensional sketch into a much more complex character, though it doesn't seem it from the first few scenes.  The lightweight comedy characters who just seemed to be there to vary the pace and mark time a bit have been replacd by a new chap - Scrum, I think, who is allowed to be more real, and play a more central role in events.  Keira Knightley is not much missed, with Penelope Cruz playing a much feistier leading woman, less full of contradictions, though her ending was a bit poor.  Actually, TGL disagrees with this, and thinks KK was better.

The biggest improvement was Gibbs, who has moved from being a cartoon pirate into being a wily operator himself, and a good foil for Sparrow.

Weaknesses: The preacher character, we agreed, was trying too hard to be Orlando Bloom.  Not necessary, even if he is a bit buff with his top off.  The opening gag with Sparrow was far too obvious, aimed at thick USians, I guess.  They could have been a lot more subtle with the reveal.  Palm trees and fire issues, of course.  And deeply implausible fight scenes, natch, but that's part of the fun.  Zombie aspect seemed a bit redundant, but I suspect this is explored further in deleted or unfilmed scenes.

Amusing to find Hampton Court appeared to be near Temple ;D  But the various escape scenes were suitably swashbuckling and fun.  There are several small throwaway moments which are returned to a bit later in a number of scenes.  Worth watching out for.

I was wrongfooted by what the Spanish wanted, but I won't say more than that, except that TGL had worked it out from the first reaction of the fishermen in the opening.

Good fun, and a return to form.  Not great cinema, by any means, and a bit overladen with effects and CGI, but it was much more coherent than the last one, and worth the trip.


* If you have a weak bladder, do not have a huuuge drink, as, towards the end of the long film, they discover the fountain of youth (I hope I'm not spoiling it for anyone, since this much will have been obvious since the last film), and there is a distinct trickling noise, followed by the sound of men of a certain age shifting uneasily in their seats, and wondering whether they can last till the denouement before having to rush out.  Fortunately, I was not a sufferer, but I think this must have been a deliberate joke by the filmmakers. ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 02 June, 2011, 02:39:32 pm
Orphan

Recorded from C4 the other evening.
A horror about a family who adopt an orphaned Russian girl.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 02 June, 2011, 03:21:04 pm
I made a terrible discovery on the weekend.

MrsCharly and I don't share the same taste in films.

We started watching 'Little Fish'. I was really enjoying it for the characterisation and the slow build up. She made it plain she was utterly bored and thought the film was pointless.

So we switched to 'Queen of the Dammed'. She seemed to enjoy that, whereas I thought it was dross only one level above 'Twilight'.

 ???

At least you can go to the cinema in peace ;)

I liked Queen of the Damned, but then I've read the books, all of which I enjoyed.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 June, 2011, 03:27:58 pm
Blazing Saddles.  Made oi larrff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 02 June, 2011, 09:59:52 pm
Orphan

Recorded from C4 the other evening.
A horror about a family who adopt an orphaned Russian girl.



I watched that alone, but explained the story to Mrs Zep the next morning.  She thought that I was joking about the ending/secret  ;D  even though I guessed it 1/3 of the way though. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 June, 2011, 09:53:41 am
Enter The Dragon.  Worth the price of admission just for the insane squeaking noises Bruce Lee makes when he's kicking someone's face off.  Serious biff and a few helichopters at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 June, 2011, 12:27:29 pm
Enter The Dragon.  Worth the price of admission just for the insane squeaking noises Bruce Lee makes when he's kicking someone's face off.  Serious biff and a few helichopters at the end.

I still think that the early scene where they make Lee pronounce the name Mr Braithwaite was a bit cruel, couldn't they have called him Mr Green or Smith or something?

Some years back I finally got the 'uncut' version and found that the cut nunchuck scene that people had been banging on about for ages was only a few seconds long.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 June, 2011, 02:04:56 pm
Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

Proper enjoyable tosh.

Mila HoHoHoHo(Jovo)vich dishing out some serious zombie whupass, complete with artillery, blades and stomp.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 03 June, 2011, 04:50:56 pm
Enter The Dragon.  Worth the price of admission just for the insane squeaking noises Bruce Lee makes when he's kicking someone's face off.  Serious biff and a few helichopters at the end.

He also gets to beat Chuck Norris and Sammo Hung, which is always good to watch. Oh, and you also get a whole blaxpoitation / dude with a massive afro bit as well. What more do you want in a film?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 05 June, 2011, 11:42:54 pm
Rambo (2008)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 06 June, 2011, 12:50:09 am
Skyline. Very, very silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 06 June, 2011, 09:29:23 am
Soldier.

Kurt Russell, Jason Scott Lee, Sean Pertwee, Jason Issac and Connie Nielsen.

Russell plays Todd, a selected at birth Super Soldier, all emotion bred out of him. A few years and campaigns down the line finds he is obsolete, he and his comrades being replaced by squad of gentically engineered hyper soldiers.

Todd fids himself injured and dumped on a waste disposal world where a group of colonists struggle to survive after crashing on the planet en route to other worlds. Todd is taken in by the group and made well until he is banished after scaring the crap out of a member of the group during a flashback.

In typical Hollywood fashion, Todd is invited back to the fold after an incident involving a young child and a snake makes members of the group relaise they were wrong. This redemption coincides with the Hyper Soldiers arriving on the planet, with oreders from their commander that any person present is illegaly on the world and therefore hostile.

Battle ensues and our hero makes good........

Not a film to tax the mind.

Not bad though.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 06 June, 2011, 10:47:39 am
It’s (very loosely) set in the same fictional universe as Blade Runner – with implications that the new soldiers are some form of replicant.

There are a few direct allusions to Blade Runner such as mention of the battle of Tannhauser Gate.

Favourite quote: “I’m going to kill them all sir”.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 June, 2011, 11:06:05 am
X-men first class.

That was a lot better than the previous films, apart from the fight scenes. To much posturing.

Fassbender makes a great Nazi-hunter. James Macavoy is a good sleazy rich telepath.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 06 June, 2011, 11:13:11 am
It’s (very loosely) set in the same fictional universe as Blade Runner – with implications that the new soldiers are some form of replicant.

There are a few direct allusions to Blade Runner such as mention of the battle of Tanhauser Gate.

Favourite quote: “I’m going to kill them all sir”.


I got the Tannhauser Gate link (I had to rewind on the Sky+ as it just caught my attention as his 'battle honours' scrolled past on the computer).

'Soldiers deserve Soldiers, sir'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 June, 2011, 01:52:18 pm
LA Confidential.  No helichopters but loads of killin's.  I was mildly surprised that Russell Crowe turned out not to have been deaded after all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 06 June, 2011, 06:34:50 pm
LA Confidential.  No helichopters but loads of killin's.  I was mildly surprised that Russell Crowe turned out not to have been deaded after all.

Great film I think.  Weren't Russel Crowe and Guy Pearce both in the Aussie soap "Neighbours"?

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 07 June, 2011, 12:44:51 pm
going through a good patch:

Tsotsi (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tsotsi/) ...which was shocking and heartbreaking.

And on Sunday night's TV:  "The Damned United" (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/damned_united/)



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: urban_biker on 08 June, 2011, 11:28:19 am
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Part II

A wet bank holiday Monday while we were away camping with the family meant we ended up in the cinema watching the above.

A kids film - U certificate - and surprisingly funny. I was actually crying with laughter at one point.

An excellent family film.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 08 June, 2011, 11:33:19 am
LA Confidential.  No helichopters but loads of killin's.  I was mildly surprised that Russell Crowe turned out not to have been deaded after all.

Great film I think.  Weren't Russel Crowe and Guy Pearce both in the Aussie soap "Neighbours"?



They were - although Russell Crowe had a teeny tiny part in it.

I loved LA Confidential - the books are pretty good too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Charlotte on 08 June, 2011, 11:44:14 am
The Dark Knight, round at Wascally and Ms Weasals' home cinema and den of iniquity.

I've not enjoyed a DVD as much for ages.  It was deliciously fucked up and nothing like the other Batman movies in the franchise.  For the first time, you get a sense of the real horror of Gotham City's evil.  Heath Ledger's Joker is so disturbingly believable - he doesn't want power or money, he just wants to watch it all burn...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 June, 2011, 12:32:24 pm
Grow Your Own.

Lightweight Britflick about refugees on an allotment. Enjoyable but a bit flimsy, hackneyed and lacking originality. Stars every B-list British actor you've ever seen on TV or in any similar film in the last ten years.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 08 June, 2011, 12:57:40 pm
The Dark Knight, round at Wascally and Ms Weasals' home cinema and den of iniquity.

I've not enjoyed a DVD as much for ages.  It was deliciously fucked up and nothing like the other Batman movies in the franchise.  For the first time, you get a sense of the real horror of Gotham City's evil.  Heath Ledger's Joker is so disturbingly believable - he doesn't want power or money, he just wants to watch it all burn...

That bit with the pencil made me jump out of my skin  :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 June, 2011, 01:43:00 pm
The Dark Knight, round at Wascally and Ms Weasals' home cinema and den of iniquity.

I've not enjoyed a DVD as much for ages.  It was deliciously fucked up and nothing like the other Batman movies in the franchise.  For the first time, you get a sense of the real horror of Gotham City's evil.  Heath Ledger's Joker is so disturbingly believable - he doesn't want power or money, he just wants to watch it all burn...

That bit with the pencil made me jump out of my skin  :o
That bit with the pencil made me write a complaint to the BBFC. The film wasn't, IMO, a 12A.

I went to see it at the cinema, a Vue multiplex. Its the first time I've seen a cinema put up multiple posters warning people that a 12A is not suitable for children.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 June, 2011, 05:17:28 pm
That bit with the pencil made me write a complaint to the BBFC. The film wasn't, IMO, a 12A.

I agree. I didn't go as far as writing to the BBFC but several moments in that film did make me question their judgment.

I'm pretty liberal about what I'll let my almost-13yo watch but I increasingly find myself recoiling in distaste at some of the extreme violence in what are ostensibly family films. I find it far more troubling than the occasional F-word, and it boggles the mind when Made In Dagenham is given a 15 while films like The Dark Knight get a 12A. But that's the power of the Hollywood dollar for you.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 June, 2011, 07:01:57 pm
Billy Elliot was a 15.

I think it's anything that shows lefty union stuff gets a higher rating. Don't want the children picking up socialist tendencies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 09 June, 2011, 07:22:53 pm
Kung Fu Hustle, which is good silly, albeit quite violent in places, fun.  The goodies do win, and the baddies lose, so it all works out in the end. ;D

Apparently Kung Fu Hustle 2 is in production, but that's fairly minimal information from IMDB.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 09 June, 2011, 07:36:10 pm
Currently watching the remaking of 47 Ronin, in which I'm appearing as an extra  ;D  Some more filming to do in July, and then it will be out Nov 2012 in 3D.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 11 June, 2011, 07:48:21 am
Dark Star  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Star_%28film%29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Star_%28film%29)   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 June, 2011, 09:14:53 pm
Rear Window. Hadn't seen it before. Liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jellied on 11 June, 2011, 09:34:09 pm
127 hours. Glad it wasn't actually that long.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 June, 2011, 10:45:04 pm
Up in the Air.

Another weepie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 14 June, 2011, 09:29:08 pm
I'm very sad....  :-[

I've just relived my teenage years by watching the biggest schlock movie going...

Elvira! Mistress of the Dark.


Cracking movie - had me laughing out loud   :thumbsup: ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tourist Tony on 14 June, 2011, 11:12:38 pm
On iPlayer, Witchfinder General.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 14 June, 2011, 11:50:48 pm
Brazil.  I watched it many years ago and found that I didn't remember much of the story, but the atmosphere and "feel" was just as I remembered it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 15 June, 2011, 09:10:44 am
Rango. Very surprised how risky it was (for a feature animation). Some of the technical stuff was also superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 15 June, 2011, 10:45:56 am
French Connection. Had it recorded for months & finally watched it last night. It's shorter than I was expecting and if made today would be a lot longer. I don't think a bit of character padding would have done any harm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 15 June, 2011, 04:28:39 pm
Brazil.  I watched it many years ago and found that I didn't remember much of the story, but the atmosphere and "feel" was just as I remembered it.
Brazil as well. I find so many little titbits in there it's worth rewatching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 15 June, 2011, 09:08:00 pm


Elvira! Mistress of the Dark.


Cracking movie - had me laughing out loud   :thumbsup: ;D

How does that dress stay attached?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 16 June, 2011, 03:04:06 am
Paul.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 June, 2011, 11:56:13 am
‘The Outfit’; Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker taking on the mob to avenge Duvall’s brother who was murdered after robbing a mob fronted bank in the Mid-West.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 16 June, 2011, 01:48:36 pm
‘The Outfit’; Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker taking on the mob to avenge Duvall’s brother who was murdered after robbing a mob fronted bank in the Mid-West.

Made into film from the book of the same title from Donald Westlake, writing under the nom de plume Richard Stark with a superb series of Parker novels.

And I don't hesitate in including these reviews from others:

"Whatever Stark writes, I read. He's a stylist, a pro, and I thoroughly enjoy his attitude." - Elmore Leonard
"Westlake knows precisely how to grab a reader, draw him or her into the story, and then slowly tighten his grip until escape is impossible."
- Washington Post Book World
"Donald Westlake's Parker novels are among the small number of books I read over and over. Forget all that crap you've been telling yourself about War and Peace and Proust - these are the books you'll want on that desert island."
- Lawrence Block"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 June, 2011, 03:08:21 pm
‘The Outfit’; Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker taking on the mob to avenge Duvall’s brother who was murdered after robbing a mob fronted bank in the Mid-West.

Made into film from the book of the same title from Donald Westlake, writing under the nom de plume Richard Stark with a superb series of Parker novels.

And I don't hesitate in including these reviews from others:

"Whatever Stark writes, I read. He's a stylist, a pro, and I thoroughly enjoy his attitude." - Elmore Leonard
"Westlake knows precisely how to grab a reader, draw him or her into the story, and then slowly tighten his grip until escape is impossible."
- Washington Post Book World
"Donald Westlake's Parker novels are among the small number of books I read over and over. Forget all that crap you've been telling yourself about War and Peace and Proust - these are the books you'll want on that desert island."
- Lawrence Block"

The back of the DVD mentions the book and also says that Point Blank was written by the same author.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 16 June, 2011, 03:12:14 pm
Indeed it was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 16 June, 2011, 03:59:27 pm


Elvira! Mistress of the Dark.


Cracking movie - had me laughing out loud   :thumbsup: ;D

How does that dress stay attached?

Magic of course (or most of the worlds supply of Tit Tape).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 16 June, 2011, 11:45:47 pm
‘The Outfit’; Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker taking on the mob to avenge Duvall’s brother who was murdered after robbing a mob fronted bank in the Mid-West.

Made into film from the book of the same title from Donald Westlake, writing under the nom de plume Richard Stark with a superb series of Parker novels.

And I don't hesitate in including these reviews from others:

"Whatever Stark writes, I read. He's a stylist, a pro, and I thoroughly enjoy his attitude." - Elmore Leonard
"Westlake knows precisely how to grab a reader, draw him or her into the story, and then slowly tighten his grip until escape is impossible."
- Washington Post Book World
"Donald Westlake's Parker novels are among the small number of books I read over and over. Forget all that crap you've been telling yourself about War and Peace and Proust - these are the books you'll want on that desert island."
- Lawrence Block"

The back of the DVD mentions the book and also says that Point Blank was written by the same author.

Point Blank/The Hunter is damn good.  Hardboiled? Youbetcha. Just don't ever watch the Mel Gibson movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 June, 2011, 11:48:19 pm
‘The Outfit’; Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker taking on the mob to avenge Duvall’s brother who was murdered after robbing a mob fronted bank in the Mid-West.

Made into film from the book of the same title from Donald Westlake, writing under the nom de plume Richard Stark with a superb series of Parker novels.

And I don't hesitate in including these reviews from others:

"Whatever Stark writes, I read. He's a stylist, a pro, and I thoroughly enjoy his attitude." - Elmore Leonard
"Westlake knows precisely how to grab a reader, draw him or her into the story, and then slowly tighten his grip until escape is impossible."
- Washington Post Book World
"Donald Westlake's Parker novels are among the small number of books I read over and over. Forget all that crap you've been telling yourself about War and Peace and Proust - these are the books you'll want on that desert island."
- Lawrence Block"

The back of the DVD mentions the book and also says that Point Blank was written by the same author.

Point Blank/The Hunter is damn good.  Hardboiled? Youbetcha. Just don't ever watch the Mel Gibson movie.
This is excellent advice which also applies equally well to 'Edge of Darkness' (The TV original of which also stars Joe Don Baker to bring this back full circle.).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 16 June, 2011, 11:51:01 pm
Reminds me, I must make an effort to see Edge of Darkness (original).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 17 June, 2011, 12:02:54 am
Reminds me, I must make an effort to see Edge of Darkness (original).

If you want, I might have the original VHS tapes knocking about (I haz replaced with DVD)?

To be honest though, the VHS crops scenes between start and end titles of episodes and the DVD is available cheap online (and well worth it).

I regularly rewatch it and aspects of it are starting to date but the core elements remain fresh, strong and powerful (and disturbing).  My favourite scene is still Craven and Jedburgh cooking up dinner in the nuclear shelter/timecave in Northmoor.  In fact just the word Northmoor still sends a shiver down my spine.

Out of stupid curiousity I did watch the new version when it came out - it totally flaked out on what I thought were some of the core scenes, in that they didn't have the break in and escape from Northmoor.

They also unsurprisingly totally lost the issues over the ambiguously close relationship between Craven and his daughter (the kissing the dildo scene being a case in point).   That stuff just gets more WTF every time I rewatch. 

I genuinely didn't notice that when I first saw it on its run on TV when I was a teenager.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 17 June, 2011, 12:16:50 am
Very kind, WW, but I don't have a VHS player anymore :)

I'll chase it up on DVD.

But I'm pretty sure I have The Hunter/Point Blank in paperback somewhere, if you fancy reading it. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 June, 2011, 11:38:20 pm
127 hours. Another weepie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 18 June, 2011, 11:54:49 pm
Paul. Laughed myself sick.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 19 June, 2011, 12:58:39 am
Paul. Laughed myself sick.  ;D

Great film... I watched it the other and laughed myself silly.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 19 June, 2011, 07:41:23 am
Paul. Laughed myself sick.  ;D

Great film... I watched it the other and laughed myself silly.   :thumbsup:

We watched Paul last night. Very, very funny. some true nerdy moments too :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 19 June, 2011, 09:05:19 am
Inception.  SALT is part finished as the concert finished before I did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 19 June, 2011, 06:09:27 pm
I just watched Paul too, and it was very good, although I had to look up the odd reference to things like the Black Mailbox, which I'd not come across before (I know, I'm clearly not much of a conspiracy nut).

It's different from some of their previous stuff, like Hot Fuzz, and Shaun of the Dead, but I think it works pretty well. :thumbsup:

Quote
Three tits, that's awesome ...

;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 19 June, 2011, 06:26:47 pm
I loved the 'Don't touch my junk' reference.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 June, 2011, 12:42:04 pm
I just watched Paul too, and it was very good, although I had to look up the odd reference to things like the Black Mailbox, which I'd not come across before (I know, I'm clearly not much of a conspiracy nut).

(http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk/Leftpondia/Holibobs2005/images/57_BlackMailbox.jpg)

When I took that photo there were two dead cows within a hundred yards of the mailbox, but I suspect trucks were more likely to be the cause than the Lizard Alliance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 June, 2011, 06:33:25 pm
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels.

Spawned a host of inferior British Gangster flicks.

Guy Ritchie peaked at his first attempt. 

Violent, stylish, clever plot line and, most importantly, funny.

8/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 20 June, 2011, 06:43:45 pm
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels.

Spawned a host of inferior British Gangster flicks.

Guy Ritchie peaked at his first attempt. 

Violent, stylish, clever plot line and, most importantly, funny.

8/10

Snatch came pretty close to being as good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 20 June, 2011, 06:56:43 pm
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels.

Spawned a host of inferior British Gangster flicks.

Guy Ritchie peaked at his first attempt. 

Violent, stylish, clever plot line and, most importantly, funny.

8/10



I've seen a better film on coffee. Beating up a traffic warden, how illuminative and original. Sexy Beast is the only good British gangster film since The Long Good Friday.

I'm not crying, it's hay fever, mmmk?


    YouTube
        - ‪Will - Trailer  (2011)‬&rlm;
   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kICnVozGKc)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 June, 2011, 10:09:24 pm
I've seen a better film on coffee.

Try seeing one with no caffeine.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 20 June, 2011, 10:22:48 pm
Inglourious Basterds.

Patchy at best.  Hans Landa (played by Christoph Waltz) was a wonderfully sadistic Nazi, and the scenes with him were tense, if a bit long.  I also really enjoyed how Tarantino's dialogue seemed as dense and laced with references as usual, even in French with subtitles.

But the rest of it was shite.  Brad Fucking Pitt was awful.  The sub-Dirty Dozen crap was dire.  It was just incoherent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 20 June, 2011, 10:29:02 pm
Age of the Dragons.  Danny Glover devours the scenery in the iron land-barge Pequod as Ahab; Vinnie Jones tries not to corpse as Stubb, and what starts as a So Bad It's Good fantasy remake of Moby Dick (white dragon, vitriol trade, the whole schlemiel) is ruined by two things:

Hollywood have to dick around with plots to staple on a pretty girl and a silly bit.

It's a freaking LAND BARGE.  All the psychological weirdness and compulsion that works in Moby Dick makes no sense at all when the protagonists can just WALK AWAY.   :facepalm:

Shoulda had dirigibles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 20 June, 2011, 10:36:32 pm
I've seen a better film on coffee.

Try seeing one with no caffeine.

Guy Ritchie couldn't direct traffic on The Isle of Wight with a Belisha Beacon stuck up his arse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 June, 2011, 10:38:33 pm
I've seen a better film on coffee.

Try seeing one with no caffeine.

Am I missing some coffee reference here?

I agree about Guy Ritchie...apart from "Lock Stock.." which I maintain is well directed. 

He basically invented a style (OK, it's based on his advertising background) and then failed to live up to it.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 20 June, 2011, 10:39:23 pm
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels.

Spawned a host of inferior British Gangster flicks.

Guy Ritchie peaked at his first attempt. 

Violent, stylish, clever plot line and, most importantly, funny.

8/10

Snatch came pretty close to being as good.

Bloody hell, Lock Stock wasn't that bad!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 June, 2011, 10:39:51 pm
I've seen a better film on coffee.

Try seeing one with no caffeine.

Am I missing some coffee reference here?

<<<< twitches
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 23 June, 2011, 08:57:06 pm
I just watched the original "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", and it's not a patch on the TV series.  I didn't watch it that carefully, since I'm working, but I don't think I missed anything of significance (ie anything between the start and end). :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 28 June, 2011, 09:05:05 pm
Atonement at the weekend. A real treasure, just beautifully done and heart-breakingly raw. McAvoy really did make some amazing films before he went to America and became shit. It's a film Hollywood would never make, they'd insist on a happy ending or suggest Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds, like for Educating Rita. No, really.

It's simply gorgeous, from the moment McAvoy realises Briony has the wrong letter you are totally hooked, and the library scene is fantastic, two actors at the height of their powers. Just brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 28 June, 2011, 09:51:28 pm
Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark :thumbsup:
And it would appear that Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is on tonight!  (BBC3 9PM)

Ooh, goody!  I know what I'm doing tonight then, crusty can snore away beside me after his 200k today.

We watched Tamara Drewe last  night, and rather enjoyed it.

We really enjoyed it - the graphic novel is excellent btw  :thumbsup:

Watched "Tamara Drewe" this weekend - enjoyed it too.  Good characters, good acting and the teenage girls were very funny.

We also watched "Changeling" the Clint Eastwood / Angelina Jolie one, not the 70's ghost one.  It's actually the first film I've ever seen with Angelina Jolie in it (I don't watch many Hollywood films).  I'd always just assumed she was rubbish, but she was actually very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 June, 2011, 08:55:31 am
We also watched "Changeling" the Clint Eastwood / Angelina Jolie one, not the 70's ghost one.  It's actually the first film I've ever seen with Angelina Jolie in it (I don't watch many Hollywood films).  I'd always just assumed she was rubbish, but she was actually very good.

Try 'Girl, interrupted'.

Given the right role, she is pretty good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 June, 2011, 10:13:50 am
Paul.  I larrffed quite a lot but then that's the effect Simon Pegg usually has on me, or at least when he's on-screen rather than writing pretentious autobiographies which go "and then I met George Lucas / Steven Spielberg / Harrison Ford" etc etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 01 July, 2011, 11:19:40 am
Paul is excellent.

The Marvin Gaye (Got to Give it Up) bar-b-q sequence is hilarious.

Paul: I don't know the words to this song. Nobody knows the words to this song...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 01 July, 2011, 11:25:42 am
HEADS UP

Today at 1.30pm on Channel 4 is Stanley Kubrick's excellent 1957 film....Paths of Glory starring Kirk Douglas.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 01 July, 2011, 11:31:17 am
Another heads up:

Sunset Boulevard, Film4, 5pm.

Billy Wilder could do bleak as well as heart-warming and funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 03 July, 2011, 08:42:18 pm
Ferris Bueller's Day Off, on E4 earlier.

The Eighties may have a lot to answer for, but this is one in the tick column.  Apart from the soundtrack, that is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 03 July, 2011, 10:04:54 pm
Transformers robots in your pies.
What a terribly loud and annoying US military recruitment advert.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 03 July, 2011, 10:07:06 pm
Ferris Bueller's Day Off, on E4 earlier.

The Eighties may have a lot to answer for, but this is one in the tick column.  Apart from the soundtrack, that is.

The soundtrack has some great tracks: Oh Yeah by Yello, an instrumental of Please, Please. Please Let Me Get What I Want by Dream Academy, March Of The Swivel Heads by The English Beat, BAD by Big Audio Dynamite, Radio People by Zapp, Twist And Shout by The Beatles...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 03 July, 2011, 10:21:21 pm
Ferris Bueller's Day Off, on E4 earlier.

The Eighties may have a lot to answer for, but this is one in the tick column.  Apart from the soundtrack, that is.

The soundtrack has some great tracks: Oh Yeah by Yello, an instrumental of Please, Please. Please Let Me Get What I Want by Dream Academy, March Of The Swivel Heads by The English Beat, BAD by Big Audio Dynamite, Radio People by Zapp, Twist And Shout by The Beatles...

Well, it all matches the movie, so I agree up to a point. Nowt I'd listen to by choice, excepting the Beatles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 04 July, 2011, 12:11:20 am
Push, which wasn't half bad, although the ending wasn't as good as I think it could have been.

Dakota Fanning was quite impressive, playing a character who was a couple of years younger than her 15 at that point.

It was a nice concept, with a lot of potential, and filmed well, but the ending wasn't really that impressive, a bit of damp squib. :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 04 July, 2011, 12:33:19 am
In the Line of Fire (again).

Good fun film, although the romance with Rene Russo is a bit icky due to the significant age gap.  Malkovich has fun chewing the scenery though (and I think the guy who shot the duck got what was coming to him).

Edit:  The IRL age difference between Rene Russo and Clint Eastwood is approximately 24 years, that's actually less bad than some Hollywood movies and the film does point out that there is a large age difference between the characters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 July, 2011, 09:33:25 am
Finally got round to watching The Hangover the other night. Well, most of it. Gave up after 50 minutes cos I couldn't stand it any more. I have to admit I laughed once - twice if you count a smirk - but it was all so hackneyed and obvious that I found it mostly just very, very boring.

Also, I don't mind films being preposterously implausible but there needs to be a bit of balance. The Hangover has had everything including the kitchen sink thrown at it. No restraint at all.

On the plus side, it's marginally better than Hot Tub Time Machine.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 04 July, 2011, 10:00:49 am
In the Line of Fire (again).

Good fun film, although the romance with Rene Russo is a bit icky due to the significant age gap.  Malkovich has fun chewing the scenery though (and I think the guy who shot the duck got what was coming to him).

Edit:  The IRL age difference between Rene Russo and Clint Eastwood is approximately 24 years, that's actually less bad than some Hollywood movies and the film does point out that there is a large age difference between the characters.

I like In the Line of Fire, probably cos it came out at the time I was a Protection Officer and it made I larf and also struck chords in relation to how the Secret Service take over the world when POTUS flies in.

I watched a reasonable portion of Sunshine last night (seen it before). I don't know why some folk run this film down. I like the story and th FX are Da Bomb!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 05 July, 2011, 05:34:59 pm


I'm not crying, it's hay fever, mmmk?


    YouTube
        - ‪Will - Trailer  (2011)‬&rlm;
   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kICnVozGKc)



Ye gods I'm not watching that.  The trailer's just reduced me to a pile of snot!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 05 July, 2011, 06:46:52 pm
Watched Werner Herzog's Even Dwarves Started Small again on Saturday with a couple of friends. If you haven't seen it, you have missed one of the oddest, most brilliantly deliberately provocative pieces of cinema ever made...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Guy on 06 July, 2011, 08:09:11 am
The last film I paid to see at the pictures was Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Plot. :-\

The last film on DVD was Kelly's Heroes, last night.  I know I've seen it 50 billion times already, but I lurve that fillum. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 06 July, 2011, 08:17:52 am
We watched Paul last night, to celebrate The Boy coming home.  Very enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 07 July, 2011, 07:39:29 pm
Just about to watch "The Andromeda Strain"   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 07 July, 2011, 07:45:02 pm
Watched "Salt" this afternoon.An ending clearly designed for the sequel to occurr.

A.J. looks awfull in those wigs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: cuddy duck on 07 July, 2011, 07:51:51 pm
Watched Werner Herzog's Even Dwarves Started Small again on Saturday with a couple of friends. If you haven't seen it, you have missed one of the oddest, most brilliantly deliberately provocative pieces of cinema ever made...

In a parallel universe Monkey is posting: "Watched Vin Diesel and Jason Statham in Meat of Fury 7 at the weekend, and it was bloody ace!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 09 July, 2011, 12:27:14 pm
I just watched "Battle: Los Angeles" at Saturday Morning Cinema in the living room.

It's fairly enjoyable, a cross between any number of war films and Independence Day.  It's not as good as Independence Day, and does suffer a bit from the sort of gung-ho US Marine attitude you see in many films (I have no idea of this is realistic or not, having known only a smattering of US Marines, and none of them in the middle of a gun fight!)

There's slightly more story to it than I thought after the first half hour or so, although clearly a lot of it is running around shooting aliens, and trying not to be shot, and frankly the aliens really need to think about how they organise their military system, given how easily some elements are defeated.  Suspending belief as regards that, it's not too bad, and the special effects and battle scenes are very well done.

Apparently the DVD/Bluray isn't out for a couple more days, but Amazon seems to be overly efficient, which I'm not complaining about!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 July, 2011, 12:37:35 am
Green Lantern this afternoon at the cinema.  I really liked it.  GL was always an off-key superhero, his outfits were bad, his powers a bit dodgy, terrible hats.  I don't know if the slightly off-key feel to the film was deliberate, but I thought it fitted.   GL is my favourite DC character and I've waited years for this to come out.

Then, this afty, 'Role Models' which we really enjoyed, though we didn't expect to.  


ETA:  Green Lantern rides a nice Felt  8)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 July, 2011, 07:44:44 pm
Shrek Forever After (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=34046.msg993645#msg993645), which I felt was a bit of return to form, after a somewhat substandard Shrek The Third.

Green Lantern sounds promising, I haven't been all that impressed with some of the Super Hero films in recent times.  Oddly there doesn't even seem to be a date for availability on Bluray or DVD in the UK. :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 July, 2011, 09:03:32 pm
You could go and see it in 3D if you can bear sitting with oiks?

Just watched Sunshine (again) because I LOVE it.  More, every time.   8)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 July, 2011, 09:06:20 pm
Just watched Sunshine (again) because I LOVE it.  More, every time.   8)

Not a film to watch with a bunch of space physicists.  The gaps in the heliospheric physics are big enough to drive the Titanic through. ;D

(Depending on which version you mean, the above comments relate to the 2007 version).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 10 July, 2011, 09:17:06 pm
Just watched Sunshine (again) because I LOVE it.  More, every time.   8)

Not a film to watch with a bunch of space physicists.  The gaps in the heliospheric physics are big enough to drive the Titanic through. ;D

(Depending on which version you mean, the above comments relate to the 2007 version).
This here is one of the reasons that SWMBO won't watch sci-fi films with me - It inevitably leads to me picking holes in the science which, in a lot of cases, isn't exactly difficult. Despite far too many years in the IT salt-mines, there's still a little part of me which is still a physicist  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 July, 2011, 09:28:00 pm
This here is one of the reasons that SWMBO won't watch sci-fi films with me - It inevitably leads to me picking holes in the science which, in a lot of cases, isn't exactly difficult. Despite far too many years in the IT salt-mines, there's still a little part of me which is still a physicist  ;D

I actually watch quite a lot of science fiction (you never would have guessed, would you!), but one of the issues I have with Sunshine is that it purports to be rigorous science in places, but really isn't.  Working in space physics (although I'm really doing engineering more than physics) makes me even more aware, and sensitive, of the inaccuracies, although most people with a moderate scientific knowledge are likely to have issues with it!

I guess I'm happier with things that are utterly implausible, but relatively internally consistent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 10 July, 2011, 09:35:13 pm
Lord of War. Nicholas Cage playing it straight in a not bad movie. Gosh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 July, 2011, 09:37:14 pm
This here is one of the reasons that SWMBO won't watch sci-fi films with me - It inevitably leads to me picking holes in the science which, in a lot of cases, isn't exactly difficult. Despite far too many years in the IT salt-mines, there's still a little part of me which is still a physicist  ;D

I actually watch quite a lot of science fiction (you never would have guessed, would you!), but one of the issues I have with Sunshine is that it purports to be rigorous science in places, but really isn't.  Working in space physics (although I'm really doing engineering more than physics) makes me even more aware, and sensitive, of the inaccuracies, although most people with a moderate scientific knowledge are likely to have issues with it!

I guess I'm happier with things that are utterly implausible, but relatively internally consistent.

Yebbut, it looks so damn good.  And the soundtrack is top quality.  I often listen to it on the i-Pod, one of the best I've heard.  The sequence where Kappa jumps from the shield to the dock for the payload - well, I just like it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 10 July, 2011, 09:39:30 pm
Just about to watch "The Andromeda Strain"   :thumbsup:

The original, I trust.

I liked the sequence from the book where our heroes go through increasingly rigorous decontamination processes as they go deeper into the complex. The problem the designers had to deal with was 'how to sterilise a human body without actually killing it'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 July, 2011, 10:31:25 pm
Just about to watch "The Andromeda Strain"   :thumbsup:
The original, I trust.

They remade it? >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 10 July, 2011, 10:45:09 pm
OMG they did :(  (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424600/combined)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 11 July, 2011, 11:51:08 am
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Do you know what you're doing?
Theoretically.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 July, 2011, 12:34:28 pm
In The Loop.  Outstanding swearing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 12 July, 2011, 12:41:28 pm
In The Loop.  Outstanding swearing.

"Fuckety Bye!"

Saw it a while back, and so wanted to watch again, but sadly a combination of beer/wine/too little sleep the night before, saw me off to bed after half an hour.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 12 July, 2011, 08:16:17 pm
Bridesmaids.  High quality and sustainedly funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 12 July, 2011, 09:03:39 pm
Almodovar's Talk to Her. Good, but I soon realised I'd seen it before. Not one of his better films. I really should see Matador again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 13 July, 2011, 12:21:37 am
High Fidelity, inspired by my mixCD adventures of the last couple of days.  I really, really enjoyed that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 13 July, 2011, 10:09:48 pm
No Strings Attached with Princess Amidalah and some bloke.  I didn't make it to the end.  What a waste of time.  Not funny, not sexy, no plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bomber on 13 July, 2011, 10:15:11 pm
Mr Nobody

A reasonably good 45 minute plot stretched into an hour and a half of not too bad film, somehow drawn out to 2 hours.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 14 July, 2011, 08:35:57 pm
Bridesmaids  :-[


The deal is that I get to choose the film next time  :P

Actually it was pretty damn funny in parts and I was far from the only male in the cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Diver300 on 15 July, 2011, 03:19:23 am
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, pt 2.

Showing straight after part 1. Got there just in time to get a good seat, 1 hour before the first film started.

I don't like the ersatz 3D. It just doesn't work for me in too many places.

Great film. Good to watch with an appreciative audience, who are prepared to spend 6 hours at the cinema and get home at 3 am.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 15 July, 2011, 08:35:31 am
Just about to watch "The Andromeda Strain"   :thumbsup:

The original, I trust.

I liked the sequence from the book where our heroes go through increasingly rigorous decontamination processes as they go deeper into the complex. The problem the designers had to deal with was 'how to sterilise a human body without actually killing it'.

Yes. the original. Also watched the making of documentary too.

601
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 15 July, 2011, 08:36:39 am
The Mist, what a jolly ending that is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 July, 2011, 06:31:56 pm
Watched Werner Herzog's Even Dwarves Started Small again on Saturday with a couple of friends. If you haven't seen it, you have missed one of the oddest, most brilliantly deliberately provocative pieces of cinema ever made...

In a parallel universe Monkey is posting: "Watched Vin Diesel and Jason Statham in Meat of Fury 7 at the weekend, and it was bloody ace!"

Is that out already!?

I act as a handy counterbalance to his energetic climbs into the rarified heights of cerebral celluloid. And I rarely ever leave this universe.

I once threatened a room full of senior business execs with Chuck Norris. Remember, guns don't kill people, Chuck Norris does. Fact.

I have a different job now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: welshwheels on 17 July, 2011, 10:28:21 am
knight and day with cameron diaz  :-* and tom cruise  8) absolute rubbish 2 hours of my life I will never get back :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 17 July, 2011, 10:41:41 am
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. First time I've seen one of these, I haven't read the books.

What's all the fuss about?
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 17 July, 2011, 11:29:58 am
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 July, 2011, 01:02:17 pm
The last two in the 'girl who played with fire' trilogy.

Pretty much stayed true to the book, but missed out so much about lisbeth's terror of emotional dependence on anyone, apart from her first guardian. As a consequence, missed out her reunion and acceptance of miriam wu as a partner.

Hollywood will make a complete balls of it; probably produce watchable films, but minus any of the cold tension.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Biggsy on 17 July, 2011, 01:16:45 pm
The Infidel, as mentioned here (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=49061.0).

I could have done with it either being more clever or more slapstick. 

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 July, 2011, 02:07:49 pm
'The Other Guys' with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.  Very funny.  Which was a (nice) surprise!  Can't beat a bit of silly stuff on a rainy Sunday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 July, 2011, 11:35:22 pm
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2, in 2D (thankfully)

That was quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 July, 2011, 11:13:46 am
In The Loop.  Outstanding swearing.

"Fuckety Bye!"

We watched this with some trepidation - mixed reviews, the appaling track record of movie adaptations ...  it was much better than feared.
The story didn't really work, and the pacing was all over the place for a movie, but there was so much funny stuff inbetween that I really enjoyed it.
[It was a bit confusing having some actors play totally different parts fromt the TV show. And why did they rename Ollie?!?]

EDIT: All is (not) explained http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/tvandradioblog/2009/apr/21/in-the-loop-iannucci
Althought they don't mention Tom Hollander's transformation. He was brilliant in both versions.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 18 July, 2011, 11:16:59 am
The Infidel, as mentioned here (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=49061.0).

I could have done with it either being more clever or more slapstick. 

(click to show/hide)

I thought that Four Lions was better. I will never forget the crow scene  :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 July, 2011, 12:33:23 pm
Chasing Legends-  :thumbsup: Bike shit and Jens Voigt  ;D

The Long Kiss Goodnight.-Geena Davies in Psycho Killer Bitch mode plus Samuel L. Jackson being frank and ernest with women. What's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Oaky on 20 July, 2011, 02:05:57 am
Chasing Legends-  :thumbsup: Bike shit and Jens Voigt  ;D

+1 It's doubly reinforced my admiration of Jens Voigt to the point where it's becoming embarassingly like hero-worship.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 July, 2011, 11:34:13 am
"Three Kings" with George Clooney.

2 hours of my life I will never get back.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 July, 2011, 09:37:12 am
'RED'

Very silly spy spoof.  Excellent fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 25 July, 2011, 09:38:45 am
The last Harry Potter film.  :-\ Two of the really strong bits of the book they cocked up (IMO)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 25 July, 2011, 09:39:22 am
The Crow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 25 July, 2011, 09:50:20 am
The Crow.

Jawsome film :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 25 July, 2011, 10:28:49 am
Amélie, for about the 4th  time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 July, 2011, 12:38:20 pm
Micmacs. Charming French silliness. Better than I was expecting.

Whatever Works. Woody Allen does Curb Your Enthusiasm. Again, better than I was expecting.

Got a decent quota of laughs from both, which I think is as much as you can reasonably expect.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 July, 2011, 12:51:49 pm
I started watching Inglorious Basterds. Turned it off. What a heap of cack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 25 July, 2011, 02:55:32 pm
By pure coincidence, Inglorious Basterds. It was ... A Tarantino Film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 25 July, 2011, 11:37:22 pm
Brief Encounter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 25 July, 2011, 11:40:09 pm
Black Swan
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 25 July, 2011, 11:43:46 pm
As Good As It Gets.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 26 July, 2011, 09:49:38 am
The Jacket.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 26 July, 2011, 03:37:15 pm
To honour Cadels victory, DeTour de France (http://cyclingweekly.ipcshop.co.uk/shop/cycling-dvds/cycling-films/detour-de-france---yellow-jersey-edition-dvd)

I would love to have been a fly on the wall in their vicinity Sunday night ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 26 July, 2011, 05:24:02 pm
Brick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 26 July, 2011, 05:24:25 pm
Brick.

What was it like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 26 July, 2011, 05:30:27 pm
Brick.

What was it like?

It was ... interesting.  I would usually avoid any film labelled 'cool' by a reviewer, but I chanced it and I'm glad I did.  One to watch again, I think.  A good detective story.  The main protaganists are high school students but it's definitely not a teen movie.  It opens with the main character finding his girlfriend's body in a storm drain, if that gives you an idea of the tone.

My only bugbear (as with many such films) - cartoon violence.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 26 July, 2011, 05:32:02 pm
Brick.

What was it like?

It was ... interesting.  I would usually avoid any film labelled 'cool' by a reviewer, but I chanced it and I'm glad I did.  One to watch again, I think.  A good detective story.  The main protaganists are high school students but it's definitely not a teen movie.  It opens with the main character finding his girlfriend's body in a storm drain, if that gives you an idea of the tone.

My only bugbear (as with many such films) - cartoon violence.

Thanks for that Linda  :thumbsup:, we have a borrowed copy at home so will watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 26 July, 2011, 05:32:47 pm
Brick.

What was it like?

It was ... interesting.  I would usually avoid any film labelled 'cool' by a reviewer, but I chanced it and I'm glad I did.  One to watch again, I think.  A good detective story.  The main protaganists are high school students but it's definitely not a teen movie.  It opens with the main character finding his girlfriend's body in a storm drain, if that gives you an idea of the tone.

My only bugbear (as with many such films) - cartoon violence.

Thanks for that Linda  :thumbsup:, we have a borrowed copy at home so will watch it.
I'd be interested to know what you think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 27 July, 2011, 12:53:33 am
Just been watching Red Dragon.  I tried very hard to keep an open mind, but it just isn't a patch on Manhunter, the first film version of that book.  Wasted opportunities and botched shots all over the place.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 27 July, 2011, 03:25:01 pm
Brick.

What was it like?

It was ... interesting.  I would usually avoid any film labelled 'cool' by a reviewer, but I chanced it and I'm glad I did.  One to watch again, I think.  A good detective story.  The main protaganists are high school students but it's definitely not a teen movie.  It opens with the main character finding his girlfriend's body in a storm drain, if that gives you an idea of the tone.

My only bugbear (as with many such films) - cartoon violence.

Thanks for that Linda  :thumbsup:, we have a borrowed copy at home so will watch it.
I'd be interested to know what you think.

I thought that was a really good film, thought provoking, planned meticulously and several moments of brilliance in there. I underestimated how good an actor Jason Gordon Levitt is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 28 July, 2011, 04:40:50 pm
Bridge to Terabithia.

I knew, as soon as the oboe music started playing, that I'd be in tears by the end of this film  ::-) and oh yes I was right.  It was good though.  It captured the magic of make-believe play perfectly, reminding me of a summer spent making up plays in a big garden near where I used to live.  Just right for a soppy old sap like I.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 28 July, 2011, 04:41:11 pm
Harry Potter - the last one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 28 July, 2011, 08:04:39 pm
Harry Potter - the last one.

Thank fuck.  Oops, did I say that out loud?   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 July, 2011, 09:06:38 pm
Pulp Fiction.

Let's just call it research shall we :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 28 July, 2011, 10:11:27 pm
Pulp Fiction.

Let's just call it research shall we :)

 ;D  You already have a clue thobut.  Not like some of us.

'Fair Game', tonight.  It was excellent.  Who'd have though Sean Penn could act?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: gerwinium on 28 July, 2011, 10:15:57 pm
The Brain that Wouldn't Die (MST3K edition)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 July, 2011, 09:54:41 am
Pulp Fiction.

Let's just call it research shall we :)

 ;D  You already have a clue thobut.  Not like some of us.

'Fair Game', tonight.  It was excellent.  Who'd have though Sean Penn could act?
Try 'I am Sam'. He might surprise you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 29 July, 2011, 06:27:39 pm
Tell No One. A French film I'd recorded from BBC 4 ages ago. It was very good, even excellent in parts, though it got a bit predictable towards the end.

Recommended.

I have The Conformist on the PVR and that has Jean-Louis Trintignant in, so I expect good things from it.

To balance all this kulcha, I may have to watch the Blues Brothers with the volume on 11 seeing as the neighbours are off on holiday :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 30 July, 2011, 04:07:40 pm
Quatermass And The Pit!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 30 July, 2011, 10:48:43 pm
Alice in Wonderland, Up, Judge Dread, and currently Coming to America.

After a week of mostly working 12 hour days, and I need to go into work tomorrow (and I was at work last weekend), I needed something to relax to, and which didn't require too much thought today!

I'm not claiming any of these films is exactly a classic work, but they're all quite enjoyable to watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 July, 2011, 11:00:26 pm
Mannequin

Kim Catrrall looked as good then as she does now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 30 July, 2011, 11:13:53 pm
Mannequin

Kim Catrrall looked as good then as she does now.

I think Kim Cattrall probably looked better then than she does now, although she does looks pretty damned good for a 54 year old.  Possibly I'm looking back on my memories of that film as a hormonally charged young student. ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 31 July, 2011, 08:35:59 am
Crocodile Dundee II - gotta love that Aussie acting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 31 July, 2011, 09:09:02 am
Mighty Ducks.

(don't ask)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 31 July, 2011, 10:10:13 am
It's a toliet cleaner,is it not? ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 31 July, 2011, 05:52:44 pm
Cloverfield. Still 75 minutes too long. Still didn't like any of the characters. Still cheered when the idiot cameraman got eaten.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 31 July, 2011, 06:11:49 pm
HPatDH part 2. Snape was always my favourite character - he's so intriguing - and Alan Rickman is just sheer bloody marvellous. I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 31 July, 2011, 06:42:36 pm
oops, wrong thread! Told you visibility was bad!  :-[
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 31 July, 2011, 08:26:26 pm
Fire In Babylon.

Excellent. I just love Viv Richards. Got to be one of my favourite human beings in the history of the whole world ever.

Shame it ended with the end of the Clive Lloyd era - would love to have seen a bit of Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose.

And it's all a bit poignant considering West Indies cricket has lost its way a bit in recent years.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 01 August, 2011, 10:37:10 pm
Harry Potter - the last one.

Thank fuck.  Oops, did I say that out loud?   ;D

Sometimes I really wish this forum allowed you to add reputation to good posts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Efrogwr on 01 August, 2011, 11:42:11 pm
Himalaya. It's brilliant.  A story of inter-generational rivalry and a struggle against a harsh environment. The photography is stunning; well lit monochrome and no tricks or CGI.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 04 August, 2011, 02:46:08 pm
The Adjustment Bureau. Meh. Another PKD by numbers film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 04 August, 2011, 03:05:06 pm
True Grit (the new one)

Really enjoyable but didn't add all that much to the original. I suppose, like most modern Westerns, the overall grimy-ness of the characters may be more realistic and the cinematography is less "Oklahoma".

The, vengeful, young girl steals the show by a mile in the new version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 04 August, 2011, 07:42:46 pm
The Adjustment Bureau. Meh. Another PKD by numbers film.

Not the last film I watched, but my favourite PKD film adaptation (despite not acknowledging its source) is probably The Truman Show.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 05 August, 2011, 03:30:20 pm
127 Hours

Amazingly compelling considering the limited resources Danny Boyle had to work with (A man, a rock, a waterbottle, a video-camera and a cheap knife).

Really enjoyed it and it's worth noting that, just like "Touching the void", it's compelling because it's a true story.  It has that wonderful "what would I do?" element.

When PBP gets tough I'll think back to this guy's ordeal and tell myself "things could be worse..carry on pedalling"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 05 August, 2011, 03:49:08 pm
Captain America, it was a so-so comic adaption. More excited for the forthcoming Avengers movie. 3D was pretty pointless.
The Heil Hydra salute was like something out of Allo Allo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 05 August, 2011, 11:26:58 pm
The Adjustment Bureau. Meh. Another PKD by numbers film.

Ah, I didn't realise Philip K Dick had been involved, but that would make sense, as I thought there was an interesting idea at the heart of it, lost in sentimental gush.  Still, it was a diverting two hours.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 06 August, 2011, 12:09:21 am
The Karate Kid. Pat Morita would have knocked spots off Jackie Chan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 06 August, 2011, 12:27:39 am
Gross Pointe Blank - again. And the Blues Brothers - loud - for the second time in 5 days.

Camera Buff by Kielsowski is tomorrow's attempt to balance the kulcha.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 06 August, 2011, 04:18:03 pm
"The Last Starfighter"

Early 1980s CGI for the lulz!   ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEeGERPVxQU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEeGERPVxQU)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 August, 2011, 03:31:57 pm
Cloverfield: WAY better than I expected!

A proper action movie - scary stuff, a wisecracking soldier*, a real sense of chaos, characters that were slightly-less-annoying than the average young americans in an action movie.

It's funny how polarised reviews are - Blair Witch had exactly the same effect. Like BW, if you were never actually scared, it would be rubbish.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 07 August, 2011, 10:08:01 pm
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2, in 2D (thankfully)

That was quite good.

We've been to see HP&DH 2 this pm - likewise in 2D (gone off 3-D).  Had seen Pt 1 on DVD and wasn't too impressed.

And, given I had no clue what happened prior to seeing the film (it's true -  the one thing I thought I knew turned out to be wrong) - I enjoyed it, as there were some surprises.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 07 August, 2011, 10:29:30 pm
Fire in Babylon - an excellent movie, reminding me of all the reasons I love Test cricket, even though it was all from an era before I started watching. If only they'd gone as far as Walsh and Ambrose. I remember Viv Richards, though.

And of course, it was a great tale of the wider forces of liberation at work in the Caribbean during the 1970s. And it came with a kick-ass soundtrack. Great stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 09 August, 2011, 07:04:54 pm
Catfish (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1584016/)

Rather good, interesting & suspenseful documentary about virtual relationships.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 11 August, 2011, 07:35:00 am
The Life of Others - a sombre film about life in the DDR.

The main Stasi guy was actually a goodie, the characters were plausible and the scenario was probably all too real in a country so close and only just over 20 years ago. Recommended, but it's a tough watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 11 August, 2011, 07:55:44 am
The Life of Others - a sombre film about life in the DDR.

The main Stasi guy was actually a goodie, the characters were plausible and the scenario was probably all too real in a country so close and only just over 20 years ago. Recommended, but it's a tough watch.

Yes, and so absorbing that even Crusty stayed awake till the end. 

Recommended +1.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 11 August, 2011, 09:52:47 pm
Charlton Heston in "Planet Of The Apes"   

Quote
You Maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!

 :thumbsup:

Bought a box set today in HMV with all 5 "Planet of the Apes" movies for £10, so I can get ready for "Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes"  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Biggsy on 12 August, 2011, 03:05:00 pm
Upside Down - documentary on Creation Records.  Bit dull.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 August, 2011, 11:06:54 pm
Battlestar Galactica - The Plan

Better than expected. Very predictable plot but still fun to watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 13 August, 2011, 11:15:38 pm
Murder in the first - recorded off the tv a few nights ago.

Great performance by Kevin Bacon as the prison inmate driven to murder (and close to madness) by three years of solitary, and effective torture.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 August, 2011, 11:21:01 pm
Beavis and Butt-head Do America.

A masterpiece.  Where else do you get lines like "Full cavity search!  Don't stop 'til you reach his back teeth." and the start and end title music sung by Isaac Hayes and  Engelbert Humpidinck respectively; somehow they convinced Humpidinck to sing hippy teacher Van Driessen's song about a lesbian seagull.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 14 August, 2011, 08:44:52 am
Re watched "Sunshine" last night!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 14 August, 2011, 08:46:28 am
Heads up for a film tomorrow night.

Let The Right One In

A coming of age vampire thriller.
Film 4 Monday night at 9pm




Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 14 August, 2011, 10:28:10 am
Let The Right One In
Top movie
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 14 August, 2011, 10:44:57 am
8+ on IMDB - impressive

Set to record.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 14 August, 2011, 10:48:44 am
Let The Right One In
Top movie

I'm reading the orginial novel for the film at the moment by John Ajvide Lindqvist.
If anyone here would like to borrow it when I've finished you'd be more than welcome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 14 August, 2011, 10:50:56 am
It's in my kindle queque already.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 14 August, 2011, 01:01:19 pm
Paul. Again. And again I laughed so hard I may have burst a kidney. After the so-so Hot Fuzz this is Pegg and Frost back on top form.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 14 August, 2011, 08:09:32 pm
Charlie Wilson's War last night on DVD.

A very good film with what I thought was an oustanding performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman as gust Avrakotos.

All the better for being a true story, probably with a fair bit of jazzing up by Hollywood but, for Congressman Charlie Wilson himself to tell the filmakers that he didn't care how they portrayed him, drunk, womanising etc. as he had done it all, was very refreshing.

The bonus matrila after the film itself was as enjoyable as the film itself. I just wish Gust could have appeared but he is no longer with us.

Some quotes to relish.

Gust- For twenty four years people have been trying to kill me! People who know how. Now do you think that's because my dad was a Greek soda pop maker? Or do you think that's because I'm an American spy? Go fuck yourself, you fucking child!


Charlie- These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the endgame.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 August, 2011, 09:17:11 am
Monsters

It couldn't decide whether it was a political comment on America and immigrants, or a monster/horror/alien invasion flic. In the end, it was neither.

Shame, as much of it was well put together.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 15 August, 2011, 10:04:41 am
Cars 2.

Amazing animation, a fun story, a few bits of humour for grown-ups plus Michael Caine :thumbsup:.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 15 August, 2011, 10:40:32 am
We watched Rise of the Planet of the Apes, last night.

Ok - but nothing to write home about.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 August, 2011, 05:12:57 pm
The Blair Witch Project.  It's still shite.  The thing about US teen horror flicks is that you *want* the monster to get them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 15 August, 2011, 05:49:20 pm
We watched Rise of the Planet of the Apes, last night.

Ok - but nothing to write home about.

Hmmm, in that case I might wait till either it comes out on dvd, or wait a bit longer till it's on cooncil telly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 15 August, 2011, 05:53:16 pm
The Blair Witch Project.  It's still shite.  The thing about US teen horror flicks is that you *want* the monster to get them.

Disagree strongly, genuinely suspenseful and creepy and I saw it after reading all the hype. Rather more extreme was a French film called Martyrs, you won't forget in a hurry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 15 August, 2011, 05:56:17 pm
The Blair Witch Project.  It's still shite.  The thing about US teen horror flicks is that you *want* the monster to get them.

+1
Same goes for Clovershitefield and the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Repulsive characters throughout, who spend all their time walking backwards into darkened rooms, talking at the top of their voices, running around screaming, and mostly doing absolutely nothing realistic like, oh… say running away? I couldn't wait to see them all eaten/dismembered/cooked/whatever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 15 August, 2011, 06:09:33 pm
Right, I feel a bit of a rant coming on:

The Blair Witch Project.  It's still shite.  The thing about US teen horror flicks is that you *want* the monster to get them.
Why on EARTH did you watch it again?!? You hated it, and this time you knew what was going to happen, so that takes away ANY fear/suspense it might have had. Pointless.

Same goes for Clovershitefield and the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Repulsive characters throughout, who spend all their time walking backwards into darkened rooms, talking at the top of their voices, running around screaming,

Daft lazy generalization there. The 'TCM' remake couldn't be more different to the other two. Blair Witch was highly original, Cloverfield slightly more derivative but still highly refreshing.
Quote
and mostly doing absolutely nothing realistic like, oh… say running away? I couldn't wait to see them all eaten/dismembered/cooked/whatever.
But! But! The best bit of the film is where the characters run like hell, shitting themselves at some unseen horror.

I'm not even sure you watched the film  ::-)


And breathe, Matt ....

Disagree strongly, genuinely suspenseful and creepy and I saw it after reading all the hype.
Well said that man :)

The others are just WRONG, WRONG I tell ye!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 15 August, 2011, 06:14:26 pm
I lasted about 10 minutes in to BWP and fast forwarded through cloverfield. The naif amateur school of movie making leaves me cold.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 15 August, 2011, 06:44:32 pm


Daft lazy generalization there. The 'TCM' remake couldn't be more different to the other two. Blair Witch was highly original, Cloverfield slightly more derivative but still highly refreshing.


Blair Witch was dull drivel, there have been more frightening Dr Who episodes. Cloverfield was unimaginitive crap made for a generation with a crippled attention span, the old 60s Japanese Godzilla films were better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 15 August, 2011, 06:48:55 pm
I have seen plenty of horror/splatter movies in my time and I have become bored of them. I try now and again to watch one, only to see if they have come up with new ways of making special effects, directing etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 August, 2011, 07:20:23 pm
I'm a big fan of "Candyman" although it descends into cheesy slasher flick halfway through.  The first half is actually quite creepy, more for the fear of urban-decay gangland than anything else.

The final "Helen...Helen...Helen...Helen...Helen" is v. funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 15 August, 2011, 07:44:55 pm
Never Let Me Go

Great film with Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 15 August, 2011, 11:38:10 pm
Green Zone

Cospiracy theorists wet dream?

Not a bad film TBH. Matt Damon is a reasonable action movie lead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 August, 2011, 10:17:28 am
Wot RZ said.  Blair Witch Project was unmitigated bobbins.  Tony Blair was way scarier.  You'd think that when the three idiots first get lost in the woods and come across a stream, they'd follow it to get out of said woods.  Idiots.  Serves them right for being made of teh stupidz.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 August, 2011, 10:20:33 am
Rocknrolla

I was in the mood for a mindless film. That's what I got. Better than expected - some really silly funny bits. The drugged up rockstar is good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: vorsprung on 16 August, 2011, 10:29:15 am
We watched Hitchcock's "The Birds" last night on DVD

They smoke a lot don't they?  Perhaps that's what the birds don't like
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 16 August, 2011, 07:28:11 pm
BWP was an OK idea. But yes, it turned into a handy excuse to yell FOLLOW THE STREAM YOU MORONS at the screen. Oh, and HOLD THE BLOODY CAMERA STILL. Still, I suppose people in real life are stupid and consequently they should expect to get eaten by grouchy witches. I did actually like Cloverfield. It's a monster stomp, what's not to like.

Watched Source Code at the weekend. Ordinary. There was a sense that there was a good idea underneath, but I figure the studio crushed it, just in case the poor audience got a headache. They promised me a 99 and then took my Flake. Vanilla.

Oh and Paranormal Experience 2, which was really just Paranormal Experience 1 with different people. It was OK. My poltergeist does nothing like that though. It just hides under the stairs. Scared of the cats, apparently. And grapes, which is very odd for supernatural entity from the afterlife. Some things defy rational explanation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 16 August, 2011, 10:48:37 pm
Wot RZ said.  Blair Witch Project was unmitigated bobbins.  Tony Blair was way scarier.
Of course the really scary part was the ticket stub that said we'd paid to see
The Blair Wit


Quote
You'd think that when the three idiots first get lost in the woods and come across a stream, they'd follow it to get out of said woods.  Idiots.  Serves them right for being made of teh stupidz.
You know, I am very pleased to be part of the lucky half of the world's population; the half that can actually enjoy a piece of fiction where some of the characters do something stupid.
You guys must find life a struggle       ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 16 August, 2011, 11:22:25 pm
Not refernecing any particular posts on here but, I do like to just switch off amd watch a filum. Sometimes I just couldn't give a toss about plot holes and inconsstencies. Occasionaly it is just good to revel in blood, gore, explosions, cars chases, nekkid bods, ickle fluffy aminals, scaley fanged beasties and pure tosh.

Sometimes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 August, 2011, 10:49:56 pm
McBobb and I went to see The Inbetweeners tonight. We laughed a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 18 August, 2011, 10:52:09 pm
No Country For Old Men
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 August, 2011, 10:52:20 pm
The Social Network.

Music good
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 18 August, 2011, 11:02:21 pm
No Country For Old Men

I watched that as well. It was really good until about 3/4 of the way through, when it ended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 18 August, 2011, 11:06:26 pm
Super 8.  It wasn't what I expected.  But the young actors were superb, with a sugar-sweet sub/superplot that this sentimental old fool absolutely loved  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 20 August, 2011, 03:53:05 pm
First Men in the Moon (1964)

Yay for Ray Harryhausen stop motion special effects!  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 20 August, 2011, 03:56:36 pm
The Bridges Of Madison County. Just lovely. Never seen it before.

 I don't know if anyone else has noticed but Meryl Streep can't half act.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 20 August, 2011, 05:10:11 pm
Tron.  Aged surprisingly well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 August, 2011, 06:22:22 pm
Bobb and I have just got back from seeing Cowboys & Aliens. It felt too long and the middle bit dragged, and if it hadn't had Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig in it, it probably wouldn't have been worth bothering with. They're both great in it, but the whole thing's a bit odd.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 20 August, 2011, 07:01:04 pm
Tron.  Aged surprisingly well.

Yay for Tron!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 August, 2011, 11:42:20 pm
Mississippi Burning.

A very powerful film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 21 August, 2011, 11:21:11 am
Star Wars IV - A new hope.

I still love the films (all of them) but the dialog is *awful*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 21 August, 2011, 12:22:11 pm
Do you have a bad feeling about it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 21 August, 2011, 02:41:20 pm
Mississippi Burning.

A very powerful film.

Almost everything about that film is untrue, apart from the basic facts of the murder.  The FBI resisted investigating the case until forced to act by political pressure.  They then solved it by a combination of bribery and brutality.  No noble heroics.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 22 August, 2011, 09:30:55 am
Mississippi Burning.

A very powerful film.

Almost everything about that film is untrue, apart from the basic facts of the murder.  The FBI resisted investigating the case until forced to act by political pressure.  They then solved it by a combination of bribery and brutality.  No noble heroics.

Still a good (and for me, poweful) film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 22 August, 2011, 09:32:53 am
An American Werewolf in London.

"Beware the moon"

"Stick to the road and stay off of the moors"

 :thumbsup:

Jennifer Agutter being lovely  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 22 August, 2011, 09:50:50 am
Let the Right One In. Very good & atmospheric. Gruesome in parts too. Highly recommended.

I did The Deerhunter & Reservoir Dogs in one looooong evening last Friday. I felt like Suicidal Sid afterwards!!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 22 August, 2011, 09:53:32 am
Black Swan. Wow. Intense.

Reminded me a lot of Thirteen in the feel of the movie (its filming style) as well as the impression helplessness. Also reminiscent of Gia.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: numbnuts on 22 August, 2011, 09:59:23 am
Last night I watched  Meat Loaf: - to Hell and Back never seen it before  :thumbsup:

Biopic charting the rocker's early years and how he overcame his bullying father and a lifelong weight problem to achieve international fame.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 22 August, 2011, 10:50:16 am
2012

Pffft... *snigger*.  I was expecting OTT tosh, so at least I wasn't surprised.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 August, 2011, 11:11:25 am
In no particular order:

The Shining.  Jack Nicholson plays himself.  Again.
Shanghai Noon.  Kung-fu western with Jackie Chan.  What's not to like?
No Country For Old Men.  What was that ending all about?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 August, 2011, 11:29:46 am
In no particular order:

The Shining.  Jack Nicholson plays himself.  Again.
Shanghai Noon.  Kung-fu western with Jackie Chan.  What's not to like?
No Country For Old Men.  What was that ending all about?

Edit: Just found this marvellous Clive James quote concerning The Shining: "Jack Nicholson told of how Stanley had pushed him into an acting style beyond naturalism. Clips of Jack in action proved that there is no acting style beyond naturalism except ham." ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 August, 2011, 12:07:47 pm
Super 8.  It wasn't what I expected.  But the young actors were superb, with a sugar-sweet sub/superplot that this sentimental old fool absolutely loved  :D

Saw it last week and loved it. I also thought the two leads, the boy and the girl, were superb.

I did think it fizzled out a bit though - considering it started so strongly, the ending was a bit of an anticlimax. Good, solid family entertainment though.

I recorded Let The Right One In off the telly the other night but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. Really looking forward to it.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 August, 2011, 12:11:15 pm
An American Werewolf in London.

"Beware the moon"

"Stick to the road and stay off of the moors"

 :thumbsup:

Jennifer Agutter being lovely  :D

I was listening to an old Guardian Film podcast this morning, from 2009, which had an interview with John Landis on the occasion of the film's re-release. Learnt some really interesting stuff about the making of the film, especially the Piccadilly Circus scene. It made me want to see it again (for the umpteenth time). I'm not normally much of a fan of horror but it's a true genre-defining classic.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/audio/2009/oct/07/film-weekly-podcast

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: peliroja on 23 August, 2011, 12:28:55 pm
The latest Jane Eyre adaptation with Mia Wasikowska as Jane and Michael Fassbender as Mr Rochester. It's really rather good. And Mia's Yorkshire accent is not bad at all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 23 August, 2011, 01:09:14 pm
The Long Good Friday - a proper gangster film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 August, 2011, 01:11:40 pm
The Long Good Friday - a proper gangster film.

As opposed to Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, which is a "pwoper gangsta film".

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 23 August, 2011, 08:25:35 pm
An American Werewolf in London.

"Beware the moon"

"Stick to the road and stay off of the moors"

 :thumbsup:

Jennifer Agutter being lovely  :D

I was listening to an old Guardian Film podcast this morning, from 2009, which had an interview with John Landis on the occasion of the film's re-release. Learnt some really interesting stuff about the making of the film, especially the Piccadilly Circus scene. It made me want to see it again (for the umpteenth time). I'm not normally much of a fan of horror but it's a true genre-defining classic.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/audio/2009/oct/07/film-weekly-podcast

d.

Haven't seen that in years ...  IIRC, the opening sequence features the Gospel Pass doubling as Yorkshire  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 23 August, 2011, 08:30:35 pm
No Country For Old Men.  What was that ending all about?
I like that ending-that-never-was. So many Hollywood films have an unambiguously clear ending - usually heavy on the saccharin, that it's good to have to think about one for a change.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 27 August, 2011, 09:46:36 am
Invasion of the Body Snatchers. What a pile of pants! Is that really what scared them those days?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 27 August, 2011, 10:15:56 am
Shrek 1, 2, 3 & 4, in succession over a number of nights.  Kai wasn't that interested, he doesn't seem to be a big enthusiast of animation, although he does quite like some live action films.  He reminds me a bit of Bruce Willis's cat in The Fifth Element!  (Although she's whiter than him).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 27 August, 2011, 10:33:20 am
Invasion of the Body Snatchers. What a pile of pants! Is that really what scared them those days?

Those films played upon a general fear of communist infiltration and invasion.  We've lost that cultural context.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 27 August, 2011, 03:07:16 pm
Invasion of the Body Snatchers. What a pile of pants! Is that really what scared them those days?

Those films played upon a general fear of communist infiltration and invasion.  We've lost that cultural context.
I guess so, but the whole thing was done so cheaply. There was so much excess dialogue used that was obviously there to save money on footage. I was looking forward to watching it, but felt quite disappointed afterwards.

Now, a toss up between a Jean de Florette/Manon des Sources double bill or Camera Buff by Kieslowski. Which reminds me I've still got The Hurt Locker unwrapped...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 27 August, 2011, 11:15:55 pm
Rise of the planet of the apes.

Excellent.

Sod the zombie threat, we need to start wiping monkeys off the face of the earth before they develop the whip hand.

Draco Malfoy is particularly evil in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 28 August, 2011, 09:20:19 am
Confetti. Brilliant British mockumentary. Stephen Mangan, Martin Freeman, Jessica Hynes, Olivia Colman, all on superb 'real people' form.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 August, 2011, 12:44:08 pm
Is that the one with the couples competing to win their dream wedding? I remember liking that ages ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 28 August, 2011, 01:36:53 pm
The Castle [1997]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 28 August, 2011, 01:48:20 pm
Is that the one with the couples competing to win their dream wedding? I remember liking that ages ago.

Yes. Came out four years ago I think. Saw it then but it was also on telly the other night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 August, 2011, 02:02:06 pm
A Beautiful Mind

A film I rate very highly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 29 August, 2011, 03:44:53 pm
The Guard.  Very funny film and rather more intelligent than most films in that genre (and certainly more intelligent than most films made this year, which is not a good year for films).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 31 August, 2011, 08:02:50 am
The Corpse Bride (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121164/) which was quite amusing, and surprisingly well animated, considering that I believe it's largely done by hand, and not one of the current crop of 100% CGI.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 01 September, 2011, 08:52:33 pm
The Inbetweeners. It's officially the biggest opening of a British comedy ever, it's beaten Bridget Jones. Never really caught the tv series. My goodness, the humour is broad, but they knew they were tapping into a ready-made market. Had it's moments but a bit extended. And scatalogical.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 01 September, 2011, 08:54:58 pm
Cowboys and Aliens, a bit slow at times, but funny, action and FX galore a true boys movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 02 September, 2011, 07:55:41 am
The Da Vinci Code. So poor I couldn't be bothered to watch the last few "climactic" minutes & went to bed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 04 September, 2011, 03:36:00 pm
Calamity Jane - a good Sunday Morning film (i.e. can be watched leisurely whilst feeling sorry for oneself and wandering in and out of the room, listening to the songs whilst baking muffins).

Then turned the TV on and they're showing Calamity Jane, so we're watching it again! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 04 September, 2011, 05:28:45 pm
Fishtank.  What is usually called a gritty urban drama.  Decent enough British film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 04 September, 2011, 05:40:55 pm
Attack on the block. Top movie very funny, well worth watching. Though a good idea to brush up on your street lingo before watching :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 05 September, 2011, 08:14:21 am
Dead Snow - A formulaic, Norwegian zombie gore fest. Involved WWII nazis and a very nice blonde. Laughably fun to watch. Had the tag line "Eins, Zwei, Die!"

The family returns today, so my movie watching will take a back seat for a while.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 September, 2011, 08:59:42 am
Four Lions last night on the telly. Funny and poignant in places. The exploding crows and wrong way round rocket launcher were genius.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 08 September, 2011, 12:06:52 am
Mammuth. Very good. And very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 September, 2011, 01:26:18 pm
Kill List; I liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 10 September, 2011, 10:11:00 am
The Warriors.

Strange little film; like a greek myth but set in the Bronx of "the near future".  When I was watching I was thinking this is ok, but overnight its clearly stuck in the mind.  Iconic.

Warriors, come out to plaaayay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDH9Jq5AWkQ
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 10 September, 2011, 10:12:56 am
Seen that so many times.  It should be tacky, but it's great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 10 September, 2011, 10:13:41 am
Lost Worlds
So bad/corny it was good in a funny way ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 11 September, 2011, 07:37:03 am
Source Code
A really interesting film about eight minutes on a train  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 11 September, 2011, 08:59:23 am
United 93.

Docudrama style account of the 9/11 plane hijacks - directed by Paul Greengrass.  Well done and shocking.   :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 September, 2011, 07:53:38 pm
The Warriors.

Strange little film; like a greek myth but set in the Bronx of "the near future".  When I was watching I was thinking this is ok, but overnight its clearly stuck in the mind.  Iconic.

Warriors, come out to plaaayay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDH9Jq5AWkQ

They killed Cyrus!

Brilliant film :thumbsup:

Last night I watche The Longest Day, which I got on DVD 18 months ago but forgot about. The business.

This evening I revisited the original theatrical release of Blade Runner.

Ridley- Remake? No!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 12 September, 2011, 05:12:35 pm
Sunday, went to the cinema to watch Pedro Almodovar's latest: The Skin I Live In.  Would have made a good Tales of the Unexpected.  Great twist in the middle of the film, which I am man enough to admit I didn't see coming.  Either side of the twist, one is left wondering where the hell it is going (in other words, takes a while to get to the twist and once it gets there it seems to have little sense of what to do with it).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 12 September, 2011, 06:58:57 pm
Bridget Jones.

Sorry.... :-[


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 17 September, 2011, 03:25:36 pm
Tinker Tailor...


I thought it was good. Gary Oldman does stillness, whodathunkit?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 17 September, 2011, 11:10:35 pm
Tinker Tailor...


I thought it was good. Gary Oldman does stillness, whodathunkit?

Oooh going to watch this tomorrow  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 18 September, 2011, 12:44:26 pm
Tinker Tailor...


I thought it was good. Gary Oldman does stillness, whodathunkit?

Oooh going to watch this tomorrow  :thumbsup:

Same, at a subtitled screening in the city centre Odeon.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Karla on 18 September, 2011, 01:12:22 pm
Tinker Tailor...


I thought it was good. Gary Oldman does stillness, whodathunkit?
I watched it yesterday, now I'm seriously tempted to go again this afternoon.  Smiley vs Karla was very good, Smiley vs Ann had a touch missing.  The Prideaux - Hayden relationship was done just right  :) 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 18 September, 2011, 07:24:48 pm
Tinker Tailor...


I thought it was good. Gary Oldman does stillness, whodathunkit?
I watched it yesterday, now I'm seriously tempted to go again this afternoon.  Smiley vs Karla was very good, Smiley vs Ann had a touch missing.  The Prideaux - Hayden relationship was done just right  :)

God that was seriously good. Yes, the Prideaux-Hayden relationship was great  :) Gary Oldman was outstanding, as was Cumberbatch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 18 September, 2011, 10:07:10 pm
Tinker Tailor...


I thought it was good. Gary Oldman does stillness, whodathunkit?
I watched it yesterday, now I'm seriously tempted to go again this afternoon.  Smiley vs Karla was very good, Smiley vs Ann had a touch missing.  The Prideaux - Hayden relationship was done just right  :)

God that was seriously good. Yes, the Prideaux-Hayden relationship was great  :) Gary Oldman was outstanding, as was Cumberbatch.

+1 for all of that, the best film we've seen for ages, and one of the most beautifully shot films I've ever seen. That bit where they're on the runway with the plane behind?  Almost had a crisis in my trousers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 18 September, 2011, 11:08:17 pm
It was alright, I s'pose.  <doesn't really 'get' films.>
The Cathy Wos'name (Burk?) Character - The head Russia expert, was much greater in the book.  I couldn't see the point of her in the film.

But there was. She was institutional memory and held some of the jigsaw pieces. All the parts in the film had their part to play. And yes it was Kathy Burke and I've missed her.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 September, 2011, 08:26:37 am
Sorry to intrude on the TTSS love fest but, my weekends viewing consisted of-

Donnie Brasco. A quality film with excellent performaces from both Al PAcino and Johnny Depp

"Fagghedaboutit".


Death Becomes Her- Comedy gold.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 19 September, 2011, 01:44:16 pm
Inbetweeners. Apart from one slightly dodgy bit of casting, one of the girls seems too old, but other than that very entertaining and I for one will be using the term 'children's toilet'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 19 September, 2011, 05:38:30 pm
In the most behind-the-times posting since Fuzzy's review of Donnie Brasco:

Hot Fuzz. I was worried this couldn't be half as good as Shaun Of ... , but it was great. The story and the finale were a bit run-of-the-mill, but there were sooo many great moments in the first hour that I was a very happy bunny.

Next, if we get our arses to the cinema:
Tinker Tailor ... - cautiously excited about this.
Troll Hunter - childishly excited, and trying to avoid reading too many reviews.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 19 September, 2011, 11:38:04 pm
Getting the TTSS lovefest back on track. Very good, easily amongst the best I've seen this year. A major disappointment was that it was way too short.

Still, +10 for this TTSS.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 September, 2011, 01:09:55 pm
Started watching Children Of Men on telly last night, but it was past my bedtime so I didn't stick it out until the end. But I've seen it before and loved it. It's a great film. The car scene with the internal tracking shot is one of the truly great cinematic moments of recent years. Probably the best thing Michael Caine has done for a long time as well.

Very keen to see TTSS. I loved the book but it's years since I read it so I can't remember anything that happens in it. So no spoilers please!

d.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 September, 2011, 04:43:26 pm
The car scene with the internal tracking shot is one of the truly great cinematic moments of recent years. Probably the best thing Michael Caine has done for a long time
People forget how great Caine's tracking could be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 20 September, 2011, 08:30:09 pm
Anyone else see American Pie the other night on ITV3? Now *thats* a funny fillum. :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 20 September, 2011, 08:40:57 pm
My son has been reviewing Cambridge film festival stuff. Personally I would prefer he had a job.......... :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 20 September, 2011, 08:44:19 pm
The live-action Space Battleship Yamato.

Exactly as cheesy as you'd expect.  Surprisingly good visuals (the Wave Motion Gun is a nerd's delight) and a couple of nice performances in among the capering, though for me the one frame of originality was at the end credits.  The rest?  Cookbook space silliness that's drunk deep of nuBSG as well as its anime heritage.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 21 September, 2011, 08:14:20 pm
Just back from TTSS. Oldman's performance was mightily infected by Guinness, especially the voice, I think Oldman himself acknowledged the fact on 5 Live today. Big shoes to step into. I saw the beeb original with mum when I was a schoolboy, 7 hour-long episodes I think, they had to condense a hell of a lot.

Cumberbatch brilliant , Toby Jones outstanding and the oddest shaped head in film, Mark Strong a little understated, much more was made of his relationship with the schoolboy in the book, it's the first chapter, and the person I was with said "Could someone with no past just turn up and be accepted as a teacher?" I said "he would have a cast-iron background made up by the circus", but most of all, the period detail. Budapest, Paris and London impeccably dressed as the seventies, the decade of tobacco-coloured interior decor, even the Wimpy bar was faithful, even the Trebor Chuffing Mints wrapper was faithful (in the most intense mint-eating scene in cinema history). Colin Firth, normally a charisma vacuum, was also brilliant. Anyone spot Le Carre himself in the office party scene?

Best film of the year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Biggsy on 22 September, 2011, 05:44:31 pm
I've only just started watching this; not sure if I'll watch much more......

Round Ireland with a Fridge (Tony Hawks).  Free to watch online for a limited time:

http://www.roundirelandwithafridge.com/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SteveS on 22 September, 2011, 10:49:37 pm
Saw Submarine last week, great independant film from Wales. Lots of pathos and a real sense of teenagers beginning to understand the adult world. All sorts of funny from wry to laugh out loud.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: YahudaMoon on 23 September, 2011, 10:23:02 am
Rosemarys Baby. Some horror film from the late 60's I think ?. Im not one for horror movies though this was excellant. I think the directer was Roman Polanksi ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 23 September, 2011, 09:55:57 pm
Drive.

It is good, not in same league as TTSS, but an interesting watch. Kinda an european car movie within the land of the (un)free. Starts out on a feminine tone then very brutal and ends with redemption of sorts. The love/violence within the lift scene was a classic, awesome film making, will be studied by students for years to come. Recommended, but it is not for everyone. You might want to check out the Pusher trilogy, Valhalla rising and Bronson to sample the director's repertoire.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 23 September, 2011, 09:58:47 pm
Half of kingdom of heaven t'other night. Due to early start had to go to bed but enjoyed what I saw.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 24 September, 2011, 10:10:59 am
Last night, on iPlayer, North West Frontier, a fave film of my youth. Upper lips were stiff!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 25 September, 2011, 02:21:57 pm
What with Star Wars being released on Blu-Ray, I was at a Star Wars party.  So, strictly speaking the last film I watched was the original "nub nub" song from Return of the Jedi.  But before that 3 minute ditty, tragically replaced by Lucas in recent versions and so played from an old VHS, was 15 hours of back-to-back sci-fi hocum (all told, but we had breaks between).  Original trilogy followed by the prequels.  And yes, I reenacted Obi Wan vs DV on the death star with my equally geeky friend as it was being played (he being the campest looking DV you can imagine - black trouser tucked into emroidered cowboy boots and frilly black shirt - and me in jedi bathrobe; both with official lightsabres  :facepalm: )

PS: Empire remains the best.  Followed by New Hope.  Bit of debate around the room about whether RotJ trumped RotS.  Equal bottom was Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 25 September, 2011, 06:44:21 pm
Frere:
What are your views on the american sitcom "Big Bang Theory", with specific reference to the believability of the male characters?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 25 September, 2011, 09:11:14 pm
Heat

Great performances from Al Pacino & Robert De Niro.
Great soundtrack too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 25 September, 2011, 09:15:48 pm
Watched 'Wolverine' this evening. It was rather silly nonsense  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 25 September, 2011, 10:09:49 pm
Frere:
What are your views on the american sitcom "Big Bang Theory", with specific reference to the believability of the male characters?

Cant help/answer, sorry. Have never seen this :(

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 25 September, 2011, 10:12:34 pm
What with Star Wars being released on Blu-Ray, I was at a Star Wars party.  So, strictly speaking the last film I watched was the original "nub nub" song from Return of the Jedi.  But before that 3 minute ditty, tragically replaced by Lucas in recent versions and so played from an old VHS, was 15 hours of back-to-back sci-fi hocum (all told, but we had breaks between).  Original trilogy followed by the prequels.  And yes, I reenacted Obi Wan vs DV on the death star with my equally geeky friend as it was being played (he being the campest looking DV you can imagine - black trouser tucked into emroidered cowboy boots and frilly black shirt - and me in jedi bathrobe; both with official lightsabres  :facepalm: )

PS: Empire remains the best.  Followed by New Hope.  Bit of debate around the room about whether RotJ trumped RotS.  Equal bottom was Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.

I don't understand.  There was one Star Wars film.  It was called 'Star Wars', but had a ridiculous bit tagged on the end.  Otherwise complete.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Billy Weir on 25 September, 2011, 10:46:39 pm
I find your lack of faith disturbing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 26 September, 2011, 09:50:56 am
Natural Born Killers

WTF ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 September, 2011, 09:23:33 am
TTSS.

It's a shame that great films get lost in this garden fence chatter thread.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 September, 2011, 01:47:31 pm
Star Wars
[...]
sci-fi

Up to a point, Lord Copper.  Star Wars and its offspring are transplanted Westerns.  The Alien franchise isn't sci-fi either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 29 September, 2011, 05:38:21 pm
Star Wars and Empire Strikes back supposedly owe more to samurai flicks than Westerns, Kurasawa's Hidden Fortress is always the example given. The gay droids in Star Wars are based on the peasants in the film, and that's where the stuff about Princesses and rebellions come from.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PeteB99 on 29 September, 2011, 05:57:41 pm
Beautiful Kate  - strange Aussieness

Followed by La Reine Margot.

Just as good as I remembered it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 October, 2011, 09:19:54 pm
A rather fun bit of escapism, The Green Hornet.  A surprisingly lot of it was really filmed with "real" special effects, rather than the vast amounts of CGI used in many modern super hero type films.  I quite liked the slightly incompetent Green Hornet, and the continual bickering between him and Kato.  Cameron Diaz seemed a bit pointless, and just decorative, as Lenore, rather than doing, and being, a bit more

Pandorum, which wasn't bad, although I felt that it missed something.  The monster weren't really explained all that well, and seemed a little bit too implausible to me.  The conclusion was reasonably clever and entertaining though.  Certainly it tried to have elements of Alien in it, but that's been done over so many times, that it didn't really work as well as it would have done once.  It wasn't far from being a really good film, but a few too many cliched bits, where you tended to know what was coming, which was rather a shame since there were some really excellent other bits in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 October, 2011, 11:28:37 am
The History Boys.

Even the cynical 13-year-old liked it, but I think mostly for the swearing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 03 October, 2011, 12:25:04 pm
The Jumper last night was OK until it just finished without tying up any loose ends of the story arc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 04 October, 2011, 11:31:08 am
Natural Born Killers

WTF ???

Oliver Stone is a seriously overrated director.  NBK is a hypocritical film that wants to have its cake and eat it, while also being much inferior to Badlands.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 04 October, 2011, 08:55:47 pm
Pay it Forward.

Excellent. Like it was when I first saw it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 05 October, 2011, 09:26:38 am
I recorded Frost/ Nixon on the idiot box the other day and watched it last night.

I thought it was avery good film.

Don't know how accurate the background story was but it made for a bit of tension.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 05 October, 2011, 09:48:56 am
Red State, Kevin Smith’s new offering, I really liked it.  It’s a real departure from his View Askewniverse pictures, full of the sort of building menace that Tarantino does so well and some very dark humour.

It’s a bit like Kill List in that it’s better watched having no idea what it’s about as the twists and turns the film takes are in no way predictable.

In fact Red State and Kill List would make a cracking double-bill.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 October, 2011, 07:23:36 pm
Mrs Pcolbeck bought Thor on DVD for a family viewing night. I am looking forward to it. Cant beat some escapism occasionally.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 October, 2011, 10:58:16 am
I missed Thor at the movies - my kids went to see it without me. dammit.

Saw TTSP last night with my son. Very late night showing, so knackered today.

Good film. When I read the book, I felt so sorry for the Rickie Tarr character; he's even more screwed over in this film. Wonderfully portrayed by Tom Hardy - he does a good hard man, does Tom.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 October, 2011, 11:01:56 am
Assassins (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112401/).  Complete bobbins from beginning to end.  Even the killin's, explosions and Julianne Moore could not prevent this from being a crock of shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 06 October, 2011, 11:10:40 am
Saw Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy last night. No idea what that was about! ::-)

It was only at the end I realised that there had been two old-men-in-glasses - all the way through I had thought that Gary Oldman and John Hurt were the same character! :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 October, 2011, 11:16:58 am
Kathy, erm, don't take this the wrong way, but have you had your own eyes tested?

John Hurt looks like an unmade bed with hair from a toilet brush stuck on top. He rants like a nutter on crack.

Gary Oldham has impeccable, brillcream-flattened hair and his face never changes expression.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 06 October, 2011, 11:25:17 am
Kathy, erm, don't take this the wrong way, but have you had your own eyes tested?

John Hurt looks like an unmade bed with hair from a toilet brush stuck on top. He rants like a nutter on crack.

Gary Oldham has impeccable, brillcream-flattened hair and his face never changes expression.

Meh. Old men. Glasses. Brown suits. They all look the same to me. Even more so after half a bottle of wine.

(I also dozed off mid-way through the film, and woke up to see Lady Edith Crawley from Downton Abbey, and became ver' confused).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 October, 2011, 11:55:31 am
Kathy, erm, don't take this the wrong way, but have you had your own eyes tested?

John Hurt looks like an unmade bed with hair from a toilet brush stuck on top. He rants like a nutter on crack.

Gary Oldham has impeccable, brillcream-flattened hair and his face never changes expression.
Quite early on we see characters swimming in a lake - your spotters guide isn't much help there. One of the characters changes specs halfway through. We have a flashback structure, and we're not told how much time is between the flashes, so appearances could change a lot. So some of us might struggle.

i worked it all out a bit earlier than Kathy, but I did confuse the 2 characters briefly earlier on. It's a confusing enough plot without making the characters visually similar! [Recent American TV shows are a lot worse for this - the tall dark handsome young actors all look the same to me.]

I've been reading the book, and some of the changes they made (e.g. foreign locations) didn't really help the confused viewer either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 06 October, 2011, 12:02:34 pm
The Enemy Below

Obvioulsy made some time after WWII, as it had a very anti-war thread running through it. Some parts were very clumsily handled; e.g. the ardent Nazi, but it was a better than average war film with neither side winning in the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 09 October, 2011, 08:55:40 pm
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

I'm sorry, but what was the actual plot of this movie? seemed to me to be a recruitment advert for the US of A's military!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 09 October, 2011, 09:46:15 pm
West Side Story.  It often is.  TGL suggested we watch it over dinner, and we saw up to the War Council.  It is a great movie.  I like the music, the wit, the realism contrasted with the expressionist lighting.  Just fab.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 09 October, 2011, 10:39:26 pm
The newest Star Trek one on channel 4 last night. Fun if a little lot convoluted and full of in jokes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 10 October, 2011, 07:27:18 am
American Gangster

Denzil Washington & Russell Crowe star in this 'true story' about Frank Lucas importing drugs into NY.
Good film  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 10 October, 2011, 03:06:17 pm
The newest Star Trek one on channel 4 last night. Fun if a little lot convoluted and full of in jokes.

It would have been better with more* Simon Pegg. There was too little fun generally. I reckon the Indiana Jones movies have about the right tone to aim for in action-adventure movies.


[*and less time travel. must stop complaining about this ... ]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 October, 2011, 03:07:19 pm
Aliens  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 10 October, 2011, 03:29:11 pm
I recorded Frost/ Nixon on the idiot box the other day and watched it last night.

I thought it was avery good film.

Don't know how accurate the background story was but it made for a bit of tension.

Watched the 'real' Frost/Nixon interview on TV about a week back. It was just like the film. Towards the end, when Nixon was not quite saying, 'yes I did it', there was a cut away to frost sitting there looking like a bunny in the headlights with his mouth open. Classic. For all his faults, Nixon was a brilliant debater.

Watched TTSS at the flicks last night with Mrs & Master Manotea. Very good, though very much an 'updating' of the Alec Guinness series.

I said to Mrs Manotea, 'Kathy Burke sure has let herself go, and that's not a sentence I ever thought I would say'.  She thought that was funny for some reason.

Edit: can somebody remind me; did Control appear as a character on screen in the Alec Guinness series. IIRC he was somebody who was just referred to, a ghost from the past.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 October, 2011, 04:06:51 pm
Aliens  :thumbsup:
Ah one of my favourite films. So many classic lines:
"Vasques, you ever been mistaken for a man." "No. Have you."
the 'nuke it' line. The 'get away from her' line.

Last night I watched Princess Monanoki. Mostly because I saw that the script was done by Neil Gaiman.

Pretty good - the usual manga stuff, but some great characters. The ex-prostitute iron workers are terrific.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 10 October, 2011, 04:14:08 pm
Aliens  :thumbsup:
Ah one of my favourite films. So many classic lines:
"Vasques, you ever been mistaken for a man." "No. Have you."
the 'nuke it' line. The 'get away from her' line.
Game over, man.

I gotta watch them again, might do that when Peli is otherwise occupied with the dancing on the beep.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gareth Rees on 10 October, 2011, 04:18:18 pm
Edit: can somebody remind me; did Control appear as a character on screen in the Alec Guinness series. IIRC he was somebody who was just referred to, a ghost from the past.

Played by Alexander Knox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Knox) who gives a great performance of a man struggling with betrayal and failing health. Here he is briefing Jim Prideaux (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7PAk-f1Tzw) in episode 1, and waiting for news from Czechoslovakia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GNoMCwD7pE&t=3m18s) in episode 5.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 October, 2011, 04:21:40 pm
Aliens  :thumbsup:
Ah one of my favourite films. So many classic lines:
"Vasques, you ever been mistaken for a man." "No. Have you."
the 'nuke it' line. The 'get away from her' line.
Game over, man.

I gotta watch them again, might do that when Peli is otherwise occupied with the dancing on the beep.

Not III, though.  Srsly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 October, 2011, 04:31:19 pm
Which is worse, 3 or 4?

 :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 10 October, 2011, 04:33:42 pm
I didn't watch it, but it seemed to be, in MTV terms, on heavy rotation in our house yesterday.

Phineas and Ferb, the Movie.

If I hear that fucking theme music one more time I shall go all Falling Down on the TV set....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 10 October, 2011, 04:37:34 pm
Aliens  :thumbsup:
Ah one of my favourite films. So many classic lines:
"Vasques, you ever been mistaken for a man." "No. Have you."
the 'nuke it' line. The 'get away from her' line.
Game over, man.

I gotta watch them again, might do that when Peli is otherwise occupied with the dancing on the beep.

Not III, though.  Srsly.
I know what you mean, though what I do like about the Alien series is that the monster* evolves/changes/learns, which makes #III worth a watch.

*) I know that there are other good monster out there, but the Alien is just perfect in my eyes, the best sifi monster that there is, just pure fear, raw, teeth, size along with the acid for blood. Mr. Giger you are an evil, wicked man whom I would I give my right arm  so that I can look into your mind.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 10 October, 2011, 04:54:45 pm
He also designs some rather creepy fetching furniture:

(http://www.hrgiger.com/gegauf/loft.h1.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 10 October, 2011, 04:57:07 pm
Aliens  :thumbsup:
Ah one of my favourite films. So many classic lines:
"Vasques, you ever been mistaken for a man." "No. Have you."
the 'nuke it' line. The 'get away from her' line.
Game over, man.

I gotta watch them again, might do that when Peli is otherwise occupied with the dancing on the beep.

Not III, though.  Srsly.

Director's Cut of III is actually quite good (apart from the re-edit of the final scene) - it makes a lot more sense and there's a lot more character development/explanation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 10 October, 2011, 09:52:20 pm
The Thing - the original 1982 one.

 I hadn't seen it before, didn't have any preconceptions except "Kurt Russell is rubbish" and was really impressed with the story and special effects.  It stands up really well to the passage of time IMO.  :thumbsup:  I may have to revise my "All films with Kurt Russell in them are rubbish" theory.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 11 October, 2011, 09:18:20 am
The Thing - the original 1982 one.

 I hadn't seen it before, didn't have any preconceptions except "Kurt Russell is rubbish" and was really impressed with the story and special effects.  It stands up really well to the passage of time IMO.  :thumbsup:  I may have to revise my "All films with Kurt Russell in them are rubbish" theory.

The Thing - The REMAKE 1982 one you mean
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 11 October, 2011, 09:25:44 am
Which is worse, 3 or 4?

 :sick:

4 is the worst.  There's no point in having a discussion about it, it's just terrible.  3 was just poor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 October, 2011, 12:01:21 pm
He also designs some rather creepy fetching furniture:

(http://www.hrgiger.com/gegauf/loft.h1.jpg)

iw00t!  I'd need a bigger kitchen, thobut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 11 October, 2011, 12:03:44 pm
Which is worse, 3 or 4?

 :sick:

4 is the worst.  There's no point in having a discussion about it, it's just terrible.  3 was just poor.


Do you think? But what would I know, I'm not the mechanic here; mostly I just hurt people.

Seems to me we need to re-educate some of the brothers...

If you want an example of a franchise that started well and went rapidly down hill, I offer you 'Species'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 11 October, 2011, 12:08:24 pm
Die Another Day. Thank God Brosnan didn't make another Bond, and who in the name of double glazed bummery told Madonna she could act?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 October, 2011, 12:20:03 pm
Which is worse, 3 or 4?

 :sick:

4 is the worst.  There's no point in having a discussion about it, it's just terrible.  3 was just poor.

IIRC 3 was made on a very small budget compared to the rest of the filums.

My personal opinion is that 3 is not the bad film many paint it to be.

Brian Glover is good as The Guvnor' of the penal planet.

"This is Rumour Control- here are The Facts"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 11 October, 2011, 08:39:06 pm
The Thing - the original 1982 one.

 I hadn't seen it before, didn't have any preconceptions except "Kurt Russell is rubbish" and was really impressed with the story and special effects.  It stands up really well to the passage of time IMO.  :thumbsup:  I may have to revise my "All films with Kurt Russell in them are rubbish" theory.

The Thing - The REMAKE 1982 one you mean

Yikes  :-[  I didn't realise that the 1982 one was a remake - I meant to differentiate it from the one I thought came out recently, but I see from IMDB that the new version isn't out until later in the year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 11 October, 2011, 08:41:01 pm
Milk the other night on TV. Hadn't even heard the story before and new nothing about the film. It was very interesting and Sean Penn's performance was excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 12 October, 2011, 12:36:22 am
Copenhagen - a film version of Michael Frayn's play Nils Bohr and the German nuclear physicist Heisenberg and their consciences.  A three-hander with Stephen Rea, Daniel Craig and Francesca Annis as Bohr's wife.  Absolutely superb.  Amazed to see it was from 2002 and I'd never come across it before.  Great music by Dominic Muldowney (with a bit of help from Schubert).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 12 October, 2011, 01:27:10 pm
Ice cold in Alex.  I'm sure one scene has a Land Rover (invented 1947) in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 12 October, 2011, 04:24:56 pm
Ice cold in Alex.  I'm sure one scene has a Land Rover (invented 1947) in it.

Correct. The Internet Movie Database is your friend:

Quote
In the very last scene, as Lutz is being driven away from the bar by the British military police, a Land Rover can be seen parked next to the bar. The first Land Rovers were produced in 1948, six years after the battle of Tobruk.

Ice Cold In Alex goofs (http://ttp://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0053935/goofs)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 12 October, 2011, 05:08:18 pm
For A Few Dollars More

for the umpteenth time
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rower40 on 15 October, 2011, 06:00:40 pm
A pair of Ray Harryhausen epics: Clash of the Titans, followed by Jason and the Argonauts.  Today, Channel 5, back-to-back.

StopMotionTastic :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 15 October, 2011, 10:19:41 pm
Thor on DVD tonight. Good silly fun. Quite funny too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 15 October, 2011, 10:27:46 pm
Last weekend saw the first 20 seconds of Breakfast on Pluto before it glitched. It was the third copy that Lovefilm had sent. All borked. Will see if the library can get it in or just buy it cheap and have done with it. We've not got past the wolf whistle on the building site yet.

We watched The Dish and Local Hero instead. I thought they were similar in how the characters were all painted in a good light despite their quirks or because of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 15 October, 2011, 11:24:47 pm
The first half of kingdom of heaven. Wonder whether there will be an occasion to watch the second half.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 October, 2011, 11:40:54 pm
Arietty, at the local indie cinema. Wonderful, totally captivating from beginning to end. Proper Ghibli magic.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 October, 2011, 12:20:25 am
Breakfast on Pluto is one of the all time great films (and stars one of my favourite actors, the straight man's male crumpet, Cillian Murphy).

Just watched 'Scott Pilgrim vs the World'. Supremely silly inoffensive tosh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 October, 2011, 12:30:35 am
Enema of the State.

I couldn't help thinking about Teethgrinder throughout.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 16 October, 2011, 07:22:09 pm
Breakfast on Pluto is one of the all time great films (and stars one of my favourite actors, the straight man's male crumpet, Cillian Murphy).



I like him too.  I really must search this film out.

We just watched The Accidental Tourist, starring a Hurt and Geena Davies.  I don't know why Crusty finds it so hilarious when I cry at weepies  ::-)   ;D

It really is very, very good.  Gently paced with some wonderful acting.  And a dog.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 16 October, 2011, 09:10:45 pm
The way back

Not bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: finch on 16 October, 2011, 09:39:18 pm
The way back

definately sounded better backwards as mentioned on R2's tweet of the day

we just watched 127 hours which was great but would also have been even better backwards
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: border-rider on 16 October, 2011, 09:40:16 pm
Die Hard 2

I have no idea why.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 16 October, 2011, 10:11:14 pm
The Book of Eli.

if ever a film ended with the perfect scenario for a sequel,this is the one
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 October, 2011, 09:55:05 am
Hurt Locker

Worked for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 17 October, 2011, 10:05:58 am
Johnny English Reborn.

Better than I'd hoped.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 October, 2011, 10:12:24 am
Patagonia.

Really good.  Recommended.  Except for one really naff corny piece of cringy dialogue.  But I'll forgive them for a two-word mistake.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 17 October, 2011, 10:21:25 am
On Saturday night I watched Brassed Off.

It showed, quite well, the differences between my upbringing and Mrs T's.

I watched it and wept at the sadness of it all, and the black humour.  Mrs T sat there straight faced throughout and, in the last 30 minutes or so, got the laptop out so she could go on facebook etc, she was obviously so taken by the film :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 October, 2011, 12:49:24 pm
Die Hard 2

I have no idea why.

Quite.  Totally the wrong time of year.  Die Hard & Die Hard 2 are the best Christmas films in the history of all things ever.  Trufax.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 October, 2011, 01:17:52 pm
Jennifer's Body. Dreadful schlock.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 17 October, 2011, 01:36:56 pm
Die Hard 2

I have no idea why.

Quite.  Totally the wrong time of year.  Die Hard & Die Hard 2 are the best Christmas films in the history of all things ever.  Trufax.

I was just thinking this the other day.

"Now I have a machine gun.  Ho Ho Ho"    ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Captain Zep on 17 October, 2011, 09:22:37 pm
"Still Walking" the first Japanese film I've seen that wasn't anime or a horror.  It's sort of a family drama.  Nice to see "real" Japan and heartening to see a culture very different to our own, yet the people similar in so many ways.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 18 October, 2011, 12:00:52 am
@ Captain Zep, may I make a suggestion? try 'Departures' for another Japanese film that isn't a horror/manga/anime. Very gentle yet moving insight into how the Japanese do funerals. Not as grim as the subject might lead you to think, it's very delicately handled, and shows very well the Japanese mastery of understatement and subtlety. Recommended.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 18 October, 2011, 09:27:26 am
@ Captain Zep, may I make a suggestion? try 'Departures' for another Japanese film that isn't a horror/manga/anime. Very gentle yet moving insight into how the Japanese do funerals. Not as grim as the subject might lead you to think, it's very delicately handled, and shows very well the Japanese mastery of understatement and subtlety. Recommended.

Frere

For another interesting take on Japan try 'Tampopo', the quest for the perfect noodle!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 18 October, 2011, 12:04:32 pm
Limitless on DVD.  It was suprisingly enjoyable.  Some inventive cinematography as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 October, 2011, 08:22:35 pm
American Flyers

A story of a grueling (Hell of the West) cycle race set against a sub-plot of terminal illness, '80's music and "Village People" moustaches.

Truly dreadful and capturing nothing of what it's like to ride a bike., have a terminal illness or have a "Village People" moustache.


I look back on the 2 hours I spent watching the film as time I wish I'd spent shooting myself in the face.

Did American men all look so gay in the '80's?

A film you should only consider watching after a few beers, with cycling friends and in an ironic way

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 19 October, 2011, 10:12:01 pm
Super. This may be my new favourite film of all time. It is utterly wonderful and a work of pure art. Mind, I liked American Flyers as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 October, 2011, 11:31:14 am
Truly dreadful and capturing nothing of what it's like to ride a bike., have a terminal illness or have a "Village People" moustache.

Did American men all look so gay in the '80's?
tom Selleck was quite popular at the time, possibly even a role model.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 October, 2011, 01:26:28 pm
Did American men all look so gay in the '80's?

Yes. This was, don't forget, the decade that spawned Top GunTop Gun is, on any poll whether offishul or not, the gayest film in the history of all things evvah.  I mean, forget anything you might find at
(click to show/hide)
; Top Gun has it in a cocked (fnarr fnarr) hat..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Biff on 21 October, 2011, 11:20:55 pm
Another Japanese offering I'm aching to see:

(http://fumaga.com/i/the-glamourous-life-of-sachiko-hanai.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 21 October, 2011, 11:48:18 pm
Contagion: lots of names, pandemic sweeping the world, society breaking down, omg where's the vaccine movie.  Directed by Steven Soderbergh - not bad, not his best but not his worse. Similar to Traffic in style. Neatly bookended with Gwyneth Paltrow almost at the beginning, in a post mortem, having the top of head taken off and scalp folded over her face - tbh the only reason I went to see it is that I find her to be somewhat smug & irritating, and this was too good to pass over - and ends with her identified as patient zero. The science and medicine as portrayed in the film is supposed to be accurate, apart from some quibbles on population numbers portrayed for given areas.

Summary: Reasonable popcorn movie. If you go watch it, cough and sneeze (for laughs) halfway through and be prepared for some hard staring.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 October, 2011, 05:29:52 pm
I'm watching Avatar just now. Didn't see it at the flicks. I think they could have cut an hour out of it and it wouldn't have suffered for it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 October, 2011, 01:55:52 pm
I watched two films last night - Mishishi and Babylon AD.

The first because I wanted to watch it, the second because my film of choice (Defiance) didn't work.

Well, Mishishi is beautifully shot, lovely in concept. Nice to see an animi-type Japanese film that didn't involve screaming samurai. The ending is extremely wtf tho'. Massive, massive story threads left totally flailing loose and not in a good way.  TBH, having looked up some info, I see that this comes from a series. So the film would be a great introduction to a series. Just with that ending it doesn't stand on it's own.

Babbling on AD was a better than expected action flick, but had a totally shit ending - looked like about 15minutes got cut out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 24 October, 2011, 12:38:51 am
Cold Weather (http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/12/entertainment/la-et-cold-weather-20110212), a lovely little indie film, at a local indie cinema in a railway arch.  Very funny, intimate film in great surroundings.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 October, 2011, 06:42:53 pm
Tintin. Absolutely loved it. Possibly because I'm not all that familiar with the books, so no danger of having the books spoiled for me… But judged on its own terms, it's great. Not perfect, but thoroughly enjoyable.

d.
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: welshwheels on 24 October, 2011, 06:59:41 pm
dirty harry and i really enjoyed it  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 25 October, 2011, 08:02:03 pm
Hachi, A Dog's Tale.

Truly wonderful film based on a true story.

Think this wine must have some raw onion it it or something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: teethgrinder on 25 October, 2011, 09:24:49 pm
Something must be done about Kevin.
I thought it was very good. Not sure I can tell you much about it without spoiling it though. It's pretty dark but no real gory graphic bits, allthough there could well have been.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 25 October, 2011, 10:41:30 pm
Contagion.  Meh.  Go and see 'Kevin' instead.  Mind, I fancy that 'Ides of March' with Philip Seymour Hoffman, he's always worth a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 October, 2011, 01:35:04 pm
Those Maginificent Men In Their Flying Machines :thumbsup:

Good old fashined tosh ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 28 October, 2011, 02:03:00 pm
May I suggest Monte Carlo or Bust, and The Great Race as followups Fuzzy?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 October, 2011, 02:14:24 pm
May I suggest Monte Carlo or Bust, and The Great Race as followups Fuzzy?

You may. i think I have seen them both before, as I had TMMITFM but couldn't resist watching again.

I also love It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 28 October, 2011, 03:19:15 pm
Despicable Me. Surprisingly enjoyable. Loved the Lehmann Brothers gag. ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 28 October, 2011, 03:21:45 pm
Despicable Me. Surprisingly enjoyable. Loved the Lehmann Brothers gag. ;)
I keep meaning to watch it, but never seem to get around to it.

Just finished watching Koyaaniqatsi ... perfect for just running in the background (and I like Phillip Glass' music anyway)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 28 October, 2011, 03:28:39 pm
Despicable Me. Surprisingly enjoyable. Loved the Lehmann Brothers gag. ;)
I keep meaning to watch it, but never seem to get around to it.

Just finished watching Koyaaniqatsi ... perfect for just running in the background (and I like Phillip Glass' music anyway)

Powaqqatsi is better. ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 28 October, 2011, 04:08:11 pm
And Powerrangers was crap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 30 October, 2011, 06:41:14 pm
The Kite Runner.

Me and crusty need rehydrating now as we have been  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 30 October, 2011, 10:26:36 pm
Miss Bala.

Excellent juxtaposition of the banality of beauty pageants and the drugs war in Mexico, a young working class woman with aspirations is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets involved in this never ending cycle of nihilism and corruption while in pursuance of her dream. Needless to say, the dream is bought for her. Good cinematography. Heart breaking, funny and scary by turns. There are a few holes in the plot, that may have been to do with the editing of the film, and doesn't detract from an excellent film. 

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 October, 2011, 12:18:40 pm
The Man Who Would Be King.  Michael Caine and Shir Shean doing colonial arseing around.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 31 October, 2011, 01:01:20 pm
The Kite Runner.

Me and crusty need rehydrating now as we have been  :'(

It is very sad, but not as much as the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 31 October, 2011, 08:56:29 pm
Premonition

Stars Sandra Bullock who foresees her husbands death !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 31 October, 2011, 09:39:04 pm
In which we serve. First time I had seen it and it is an absolute stunner of a film. If ever there was a terribly british film about the devastation a war brings to families, this was it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 01 November, 2011, 09:28:02 am
The Kite Runner.

Me and crusty need rehydrating now as we have been  :'(

It is very sad, but not as much as the book.

I know.  I started to tell Crusty what the book was like but started filling up again and couldn't speak, so he'll have to read it for himself.  I bet he doesn't though.  One of those books that stays with you for ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 01 November, 2011, 10:58:40 am
Battle Los Angeles (The new film)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1217613/

Emily and I watched this at the weekend and it is actually rather a good watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 November, 2011, 02:02:19 pm
Transporter 2.  Ludicrous motor-car behaviour, explosions and the Stath kicking the crap out of multi-ethnic baddies from Central Casting.

It was this: shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 02 November, 2011, 08:40:44 pm
Premonition

Stars Sandra Bullock who foresees her husbands death !

I thought this wasn't bad.  But it left me feeling unsatisfied somehow.  A fair few loose ends ISTR.

We went to see The Ides Of March tonight, and I enjoyed it very much.  The lead character providing a similar tension to the Tilda Swinton character in Michael Clayton.  I would speculate that the Senator is based on Bill Clinton.

I see the director is re-making the superb TV series House of Cards for teh Merkins.  Hmm.  I couldn't possibly comment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 November, 2011, 08:44:58 pm
The Damned Utd. Really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 02 November, 2011, 08:48:08 pm
Just watched In Bruges. How did I miss this film? Hilarious moments mixed with extreme violence and some sadness thrown in. I've never been a fan of Colin Farrell - I always thought he just did cheeky-chappy-Irishman-with-a-slightly-dangerous-undercurrent in all his parts - but this film may have changed my mind. The dialogue in places was reminiscent of Waiting For Godot, and throughout the acting was spot on. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 02 November, 2011, 08:53:19 pm
The other two parts of the Qatsi trilogy, "Powaqatsi" and "Nagoyqatsi".
In a darkened room.
On a fairly big screen.
With the sound cranked up unfeasibly high.

Bloody brilliant, although "Koyaanisqatsi" is still my favourite of the three.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 02 November, 2011, 08:55:53 pm
Just now, Four Lions. Again. First time Mrs T has seen it, and she is in full LOL mode :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 02 November, 2011, 09:02:46 pm
The other two parts of the Qatsi trilogy, "Powaqatsi" and "Nagoyqatsi".
In a darkened room.
On a fairly big screen.
With the sound cranked up unfeasibly high.

Bloody brilliant, although "Koyaanisqatsi" is still my favourite of the three.

The opening of Powaqqatsi - showing the Serra Pelada gold mine - is one of the most incredible, and powerful,  scenes I have ever watched.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 03 November, 2011, 09:41:21 pm
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Pt 2.

I'm not a huge fan of snakes TBH. The scene where Nagini strikes at Snape over and over again, behind the screen - I find quite distressing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 03 November, 2011, 11:59:37 pm
Different for Girls

Of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 November, 2011, 11:50:26 am
Lesbian Vampire Killers

How did that manage to be boring?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 05 November, 2011, 08:18:00 pm
V for Vendetta, considering the date.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rhys W on 05 November, 2011, 11:26:32 pm
I just watched American Beauty, a friend lent me the DVD a few months ago. I initially found it very hard to sympathise with the Kevin Spacey character, with his attractive wife, well-paid job, lovely daughter and massive bloody mansion he lived in, but he won me over after about an hour. Very good indeed.

Whoever knew that Thora Birch was only 16 when she did her topless scene, and that both her parents were pornstars?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 06 November, 2011, 12:42:10 am
Am watching V for Vendetta. Very very good and everyone in British acting is in this one.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 06 November, 2011, 02:36:06 am
Is a fantastic film.

We just watched Beastly, which seemed to be a bit of a modern teen take on Beauty and the beast. It served its purpose as a pre bed film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 November, 2011, 10:01:44 am
Pool of London.  1950 b&W Ealing Gangster film.  Very enjoyable, atmospheric period piece with ships, shabby, bomb-damaged London, trams and gangsters. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 06 November, 2011, 10:59:48 am
Quatermass and the Pit. The 1967 Hammer version, DVD picked up from the book recycle shelf at work. Some of the acting is a bit err..enthusiatic but the effects are surprisingly good and the period detail (although then of course modern) is great. Austin Cambridges! The army use Humber Snipe Staff cars and the police Wolselys...and as with all of these old British films you can play spot the actor...wasn't he in...?

The original 1952ish BBC version is probably better (and scarier) but apparently only 2 of 6 episodes survive.

I'll put it in the library if anyone cares to take a look.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 06 November, 2011, 11:10:17 am
Love Quatermass and the Pit, I remember it scaring the hell out of me when I was 10. "They're killing the animals!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 06 November, 2011, 06:33:03 pm
Two contrasting films

Last night: Fast Five - ridiculously entertaining movie, pure popcorn, vehicular CARnage through and through, over revved engines, smashes, speed, crashes, noisy and everything else that is the very antithesis of cycling.

Just now: The Help - perhaps overly sentimental in parts (it is an USian film) but life affirming through adversarity, set in the segregated South, women looking out for each other. Recommended.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: teethgrinder on 06 November, 2011, 11:43:20 pm
Machine Gun Preacher.
Based on Sam Childer. A bad ass biker released from prison and finds god. Decides to visit African war zone. Is horrified and decides to come back to save kids lives.
That's very brief summary of the film, but there's a lot more to it.
I thought it was great. :thumbsup:
Only a 15 certificate! I thought it was more disturbing than most 18s I've seen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 07 November, 2011, 12:01:21 am
Not watched yet but planning to seeing In Time (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1637688/) this week.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 November, 2011, 01:10:14 am
Let The Right One In

Not scary so much - though there are some pretty tense moments - but very unsettling. And really quite poignant. I wouldn't say it was the masterpiece that some have claimed but it is very good indeed and a highly original take on the vampire genre.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Lovely Horse on 07 November, 2011, 07:27:59 am
Grizzly Man.

Would have equally worked with a comma between the two words in the title.

Werner Herzog is just a great director, who manages to create superb films exploring individuals whose obsession takes them beyond where sane people would feel comfortable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 November, 2011, 10:36:31 am
I watched 'Shutter Island' with MsCharly and her boyfriend (after fireworks display). Leonardo DiCaprio bothers acting for once. Some really good roles in there and great atmosphere.

MrsCharly stayed out by herself while we went to bonfire. Decided to see The Ides of March. Came home and described it as "A film about hollow people who think they have principles.". I don't think she is a fan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 November, 2011, 11:35:00 am
Senna.  Massively disappointing.  Read Tom Rubython's biography instead :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 07 November, 2011, 12:49:00 pm
Chocolat. Started watching at 6.45pm… two hours later I looked at the clock and it was 7.15pm...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 November, 2011, 12:52:18 pm
Senna.  Massively disappointing.  Read Tom Rubython's biography instead :(

Crikey, you're the first person I know who's seen it and not raved about it. I've heard it said that you don't have to be an F1 fan to appreciate it. Perhaps not being an F1 fan actually makes it easier to enjoy.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 November, 2011, 01:10:08 pm
Senna.  Massively disappointing.  Read Tom Rubython's biography instead :(

Crikey, you're the first person I know who's seen it and not raved about it. I've heard it said that you don't have to be an F1 fan to appreciate it. Perhaps not being an F1 fan actually makes it easier to enjoy.

I suppose it was OK as far as it went, but for me that wasn't nearly far enough.  OTOH it would probably have ended up twice as long.  No mention of his Formula Ford career, his short-lived marriage, his rivalry with Martin Brundle in British F3, the contract dispute with Toleman, and a fair few other things which I've already forgotten.  It'd have been nice to hear from some of the other drivers too - Mansell, Berger and  Schumacher being the obvious candidates.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 November, 2011, 01:12:59 pm
It'd have been nice to hear from some of the other drivers too - Mansell, Berger and  Schumacher being the obvious candidates.

In what universe would a film have been improved by including Nigel Mansell talking?

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 November, 2011, 01:36:05 pm
In what universe would a film have been improved by including Nigel Mansell talking?

We could point and laugh...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 07 November, 2011, 01:37:56 pm
Am off sick today and have just watched 'A Town Like Alice'. Gets me every single time  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 November, 2011, 01:54:03 pm
Now, Voyager- Bette Davis.

SWMBO had recorded it so we sat and watched it yesterday.

Was OK.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 November, 2011, 03:15:03 pm
Watched the first ten minutes of "Voyage of the Dawntreader" on Saturday, then fell asleep (for about the third time that day).  Got as far as laughing at the grammatical incorrect Lone Islands.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 07 November, 2011, 03:53:55 pm
Contagion.  Meh. 

+1. Like a long episode of Horizon rather than a feature film. At least I didn't find myself thinking "that could never happen" too often.

+another1

Some big names but just a dull subject like 2 hours watching the spread of bird flu. But I guess that made it more of a thinking movie with excessive sensationalism, they could easily have ramped up the civil unrest or had a plague like in 28 days later. But then it wouldn't be a 12A certificate.

At least Gwyneth Paltrow gets her head cut open, which must make a nice change from having it cut off in S7VEN.

Otherwise, distinctly average. Save your money people!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 13 November, 2011, 06:14:06 pm
Yesterday I caught a train to Bradford at 8:44am, and got off the train back into York at 12:09am.  The majority (other than a bit of chatting and wandering and going out for a rather fine curry) of the intervening time was spent in one of two cinemas at the National Media Museum!

Started out with the screening of the films nominated in the 'best films for kids' category.  The one that won, Tiger by Janis Cimermanis, was indeed fabulous.  Beautifully modelled and very engaging.  But I actually preferred Marvin http://vimeo.com/16759704 which was a bit bonkers, brilliantly made, funny, and emotionally engaging.  The audience jury (group of young people who have been working on a film project with the museum) preferred The Itch of the Golden Nit http://www.tatemovie.co.uk/studio/#/clips_player which was good, but probably my least favourite of the available options. 

Then I watched Arrietty, http://www.arriettymovie.co.uk/ as recommended by by animator friend.  Good recommendation too - I thoroughly enjoyed it.  And it was a bargainacious 2 quid!

Then I watched the screening of the nominations for the Films by Young Animators award, followed by the award being given out.  They were all rather splendid, which makes it doubly gratifying that the film that my mate worked on with a school in Hull won! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwj0h6vqQZk&feature=youtu.be
And I got to meet the teacher who went to Ecuador which was the trigger for the story, and show her round (still clutching her award!) the animation gallery in the museum and look for work on display there by various animation gurus such as Barry Purves and Joanna Quinn who had sought her out to congratulate her on the film.  Which was nice.

Then I wandered around Bradford for a while and accidentally bought some shoes having failed to organise a ticket for the apparently brilliant presentation about layout that I didn't go to before meeting up with my animator friend and going out for a curry with him and his friends.

Then, several hours after I expected to be going home, I went to the awards ceremony having accidentally scored a freebie comp ticket and watched excerpts from all the nominations as well as the full version on the winner. 
http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/BradfordAnimationFestival/AwardWinners2011.aspx

I particularly like the winner of best commercial http://www.girleffect.org/video

The 'best professional film' made me think of you guys - chickens and zombie apocalypse.  Very funny, brilliant characterisation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmNdoeU5lq0

The Student Films looked alarmingly good and i absolutely loved the winner, 366 Tage http://vimeo.com/24329270

Grand prix was a stunner.
http://www.nullarborshortfilm.com/

I really must be more organised next year and get to see more of the festival - and I heartily recommend it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 13 November, 2011, 09:52:48 pm
King Arthur on BBC3 - Interesting take on the Arthur legend, but development of characters (especially villains) was rather neglected in the pursuit of fighty stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 13 November, 2011, 10:48:16 pm
King Arthur on BBC3 - Interesting take on the Arthur legend, but development of characters (especially villains) was rather neglected in the pursuit of fighty stuff.

This and Excalibur are the only Arthur films I've ever enjoyed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 November, 2011, 05:59:00 am
Senna.  Massively disappointing.  Read Tom Rubython's biography instead :(

Crikey, you're the first person I know who's seen it and not raved about it. I've heard it said that you don't have to be an F1 fan to appreciate it. Perhaps not being an F1 fan actually makes it easier to enjoy.

d.

I thought it was 'ok'. The insight into Senna's personally was interesting, particularly as it goes a long way to explain Hamiltons :)...other than that, all the in-car footage was it's biggest draw.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: darkpoint on 14 November, 2011, 09:04:26 am
District 13:

French with subtitles, and some very beautiful free running action sequences.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim on 14 November, 2011, 09:23:56 am
Of Arthurian stuffs I still quite like the channel 4 "Merlin (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0130414/)" with Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson et al.

I may have to watch that again sometime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 14 November, 2011, 09:32:17 am
Free Willy...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 14 November, 2011, 09:45:49 am
Another oldy-

Hitchcocks 'Saboteur'

Good stuff with a bit of tension all backed up with the odd bit of Cholmondley- Warneresque dialogue.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 November, 2011, 10:47:12 am
True Romance, recorded off the telly aeons ago.  Effectively a Tarantino film in all but name, hence plenty of killin's and swearing. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 16 November, 2011, 10:37:36 pm
Jack Goes Boating, directed by and starring the mighty Philip Seymour Hoffman.

I really enjoyed this.  The exploration of relationships as they really are, at their beginning and their end; jealousy, love, vulnerability, and pain.  Yeah there was a little bit of sentimentality, but that's what happens when you're in love.  Fine performances by all protaganists, thoroughly recommended if you can find a cinema showing it.

They're showing Tyrannosaur next week, I might see if I can round up a posse of Toytown-ites to go and see that one.  And anyone else who fancies it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 16 November, 2011, 10:55:26 pm
Name of the Rose, wot was on the BBC the other day and now lives on my hard drive.

And before that, Noel Coward in In Which We Serve, from the same source. 

Of the two, In Which We Serve was better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 November, 2011, 06:15:13 pm
This Happy Breed was on on Monday. When Robert Newton is told his son's been killed the camera stays in the house, shooting the empty garden. Nothing happens, there's no dialogue or music. Then Newton trudges back into shot, shoulders slumped.

Waaa!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 17 November, 2011, 07:45:23 pm
The Ides of March on Tuesday and Black Widow, Super 8, Inception and Kick Ass, earlier this year.
I was going to see Planet of the Apes, but just couldn't be arsed in the end.

I must renew my membership with the local film club at the Independent school around the
corner very soon. Their film year runs from September to March and for £32 you get to see
about 14 films. Most of them are foreign language, but thank god they don't have shoot 'em up
films, with endless car chases and pointless love interests. :thumbsup:

Each to their own I suppose.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rapples on 17 November, 2011, 08:06:12 pm
The Sting

And not a stripey yellow and black sweater in sight
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 November, 2011, 09:46:36 am
No Country for Old Men.

It was alright but not something to rave about. I don't get why all the acclaim.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 18 November, 2011, 12:47:29 pm
Suggest you also watch 'There will be Blood' to compare and contrast, both were released more or less the same time. Daniel Day Lewis is so Daniel Day Lewis. A favourite scene is the slurping from a milkshake amongst others.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 November, 2011, 03:30:13 pm
Suggest you also watch 'There will be Blood' to compare and contrast, both were released more or less the same time. Daniel Day Lewis is so Daniel Day Lewis. A favourite scene is the slurping from a milkshake amongst others.

Frere

There Will Be Blood is a masterpiece, IMHO.

the last scene, in the oil company owner's house is just fantastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 November, 2011, 04:32:10 pm
No Country for Old Men.

It was alright but not something to rave about. I don't get why all the acclaim.

The book is very good, but depressing (like most of Cormac's books).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 November, 2011, 04:48:32 pm
Life at the Top (sequedl to Room at the Top)

Disappointing after RATT.  Quite liked the final scene(s)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 19 November, 2011, 08:00:31 am
Michael Clayton: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton. Vaguely legal thriller. I didn't expect to enjoy this but thought it was a terrific film. So highly recommended. (Unless you don't like vaguely legal thrillers with George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton, in which case it probably isn't for you)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 19 November, 2011, 08:36:22 am
Michael Clayton: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton. Vaguely legal thriller. I didn't expect to enjoy this but thought it was a terrific film. So highly recommended. (Unless you don't like vaguely legal thrillers with George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton, in which case it probably isn't for you)

Yes, agreed, a terrific film, I think I fell a little bit more in love with Tilda Swinton after seeing her in this, my word she can act.  The portrayal of mania by Tom Wilkinson was just superb.  We've watched this again and again, I love that bit with the horses.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 23 November, 2011, 02:38:01 pm
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

A film based upon a console game.

Trash, but good trash, plotline you could write yourself after seeing the first 5 minutes.  Myself and Mrs T needed a stupid film to watch, and having watch 4 Lions the other week (and not wanting to watch it again) we watched this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 23 November, 2011, 02:58:56 pm
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

A film based upon a console game.
Which is itself based upon a PC game I was playing when I was an undergraduate ...  :-\

Dare you to watch the "Doom" movie - pure, unadulterated shit of the highest order. And not in a good way, either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 23 November, 2011, 03:03:08 pm
Meet Joe Black
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 23 November, 2011, 03:04:23 pm
Knowing
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 23 November, 2011, 04:26:32 pm
Michael Clayton: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton. Vaguely legal thriller. I didn't expect to enjoy this but thought it was a terrific film. So highly recommended. (Unless you don't like vaguely legal thrillers with George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton, in which case it probably isn't for you)

Yes, agreed, a terrific film, I think I fell a little bit more in love with Tilda Swinton after seeing her in this, my word she can act.  The portrayal of mania by Tom Wilkinson was just superb.  We've watched this again and again, I love that bit with the horses.

Oh what a good film that was, it deserved the plaudits, especially Tilda Swinton.

Watched X Men: First Class. It was so much fun, very cheesy in places and the cast was incredible. Watch out for the blink and you'll miss it Wolverine scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 24 November, 2011, 08:29:45 am
Tilda Swinton was excellent in that film but she did bear a startling resemblance to Australia’s Prime Minister that I found a bit distracting. Although I don’t know why this should matter…
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 November, 2011, 09:50:02 am
On Saturday -Rio
Followed by a couple of episodes of "The Penguins of Madegascar"
Then on Sunday we watched "Happy Feet"

So a weekend of Avian based movies and programs :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 November, 2011, 10:52:56 am
National Media Museum

There's a sign of the times - it was the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television when I was a student. Used to love rooting through their archive and watching stuff you couldn't see anywhere else. Of course, that was in the days before YouTube...

Quote
Then I watched Arrietty, http://www.arriettymovie.co.uk/ as recommended by by animator friend.  Good recommendation too - I thoroughly enjoyed it.  And it was a bargainacious 2 quid!

Love it. Easily the best version of the Borrowers I've seen.

Quote
I really must be more organised next year and get to see more of the festival - and I heartily recommend it!

Sounds great. Too busy at the moment but I'll definitely watch all the clips you've linked later.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 November, 2011, 10:59:52 am
Made In Dagenham.

Enjoyed it greatly but with some reservations. Something about Rita's character didn't quite ring true so it was no surprise to learn when I looked it up afterwards to find out that she was a composite. Clearly the true story wasn't cinematic enough.

Was pleased that my 13yo enjoyed it though. He was completely captivated by it, not to mention shocked to learn that it was [based on] a true story.

And Miranda Richardson as Barbara Castle... One of my all-time favourite actresses playing one of my all-time favourite politicians. Marvellous.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 28 November, 2011, 07:45:01 pm
The Fighter

Good film with a great performance from Christian Bale.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 November, 2011, 04:20:57 pm
Monsters

Starship Troopers meets District 9 meets E.T.

Not too toshy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 29 November, 2011, 04:35:27 pm
G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

Contains just about very sci-fi action cliche in the playbook in rapid sequence order. The scene where the baddie detonates the ice cap above his evil lair on the ocean floor below to crush the invading goodies who had invaded said evil lair was a special treat.

On the up side, I was just about able to stay in the same room as the TV though I only awarded it about 1 in 20 brain cycles, which is more than can be said for Transformers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 29 November, 2011, 10:43:23 pm
Take Shelter.

Saw this knowing almost nothing about what sort of film this would be. I think it worked better that way and would recommend watching it without reading any reviews or synopses first (most seem to be rate it very highly, although Peter Bradshaw in the Guardian hated it). Was half expecting a "If you have been affected by any of the issues in this programme, you can all the BBC action line on..." at the end.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 November, 2011, 11:58:52 am
G.I.Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

Contains just about very sci-fi action cliche in the playbook in rapid sequence order. The scene where the baddie detonates the ice cap above his evil lair on the ocean floor below to crush the invading goodies who had invaded said evil lair was a special treat.

On the up side, I was just about able to stay in the same room as the TV though I only awarded it about 1 in 20 brain cycles, which is more than can be said for Transformers.

I caught the endo of this and just revelled in the brain off SFX :)

I did wonder about the science though. Detonating the ice cap resulting in icebergs sinking and crushing stuff? Icebergs float don't they?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 30 November, 2011, 12:02:06 pm
Icebergs float don't they?

Not the bit under the water! :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 November, 2011, 12:05:29 pm
Icebergs float don't they?

Not the bit under the water! :D

I bet that the bit under the water would float if you cut off the bit above the waterline though ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 30 November, 2011, 12:06:04 pm
Don't be silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 November, 2011, 12:08:56 pm
Party pooper.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 30 November, 2011, 07:53:08 pm
My Week With Marilyn. Very sweet and funny, Judy Dench is lovely, Branagh pulls of a very good Olivier (it's the thin lips) and Michelle Williams is rather wonderful and the film is very fair in that you really don't discover if Monroe was a manipulative schemer or a damaged, unhappy woman or just batshit crazy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pippa on 03 December, 2011, 01:07:14 pm
I watched Memento for the first time last night. Wow. My poor feeble BRANE hurt a bit afterwards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 04 December, 2011, 02:18:20 am
Waltz with Bashir - had forgotten how powerful this was, about a middle aged guy recovering long repressed memories by chatting with his war buddies about what they did (and didn't intervene during the Palestinian camp massacres) during the Israeli invasion of the Lebanon in 1982.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mr magnolia on 04 December, 2011, 05:45:40 am
Arthur Christmas.
Unashamed manipulative hocum.
Brought a tear to my eye, watching it together with seemingly all of Edinburgh's children last wed.
Highly recommended, but do take some children to make the magic work!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 05 December, 2011, 10:53:05 pm
http://vimeo.com/16062814 (http://vimeo.com/16062814)

Sorry about the rubbish embedding of the trailer.   But knowing how many people here love music as much as much more than I do, I had to plug this film, which Crusty and I went to see tonight.  Heartwarming, intimate, and funny, and much better than High Fidelity because it's entirely real. 

As a bonus, the owner of the record shop (Tom) was there at the cinema for a Q+A after the film.  I may need to go to the shop tomorrow and buy some St Saviour.

Also, anyone know where I can get a turntable?  I now yearn for vinyl ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 06 December, 2011, 11:19:18 am
Brief Encounter

Good old fashioned English accents and steam trains :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 06 December, 2011, 12:16:46 pm
Dont laugh please but....

Ice Age 3.

Rather good but not as good as the first two IMHO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 December, 2011, 01:30:45 pm
Golden Compass.

Hmmm ... 6/10.

Same problem as HP1 - too much plot-n-stuff squished into too little time. Very well executed, but ultimately a bit pointless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 06 December, 2011, 02:03:27 pm
The Other Guys.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 06 December, 2011, 02:12:21 pm
The Other Guys.  :thumbsup:

I liked that too Riggers, very funny  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 06 December, 2011, 03:04:23 pm
Take Shelter.

Saw this knowing almost nothing about what sort of film this would be. I think it worked better that way and would recommend watching it without reading any reviews or synopses first (most seem to be rate it very highly, although Peter Bradshaw in the Guardian hated it). Was half expecting a "If you have been affected by any of the issues in this programme, you can all the BBC action line on..." at the end.

(click to show/hide)

We're going to see this in January at the cinema, do you think it's worth waiting to see it on a big screen?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 06 December, 2011, 08:47:05 pm
Disney's Aladdin.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 December, 2011, 01:31:38 pm
Golden Compass.

Hmmm ... 6/10.

Same problem as HP1 - too much plot-n-stuff squished into too little time. Very well executed, but ultimately a bit pointless.

Watched it last night; it was much better than I had anticipated though I had imagined Lee Scoresby to be rather younger than that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 09 December, 2011, 03:27:57 pm
Total Recall.

OK - the OTT Paul Verhoeven shoot-outs were still OTT, but it all looks a bit... old, now. I prefer Starship Troopers for my PV-Blat-o-thon1 fix.

--------
1Probably (tm) Andy Gates
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 09 December, 2011, 04:25:10 pm
From Paris With Love.

John Travolta looks very strange  with a shaved head
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 December, 2011, 01:35:51 pm
Hugo

Very very good.

The first 3D film I've seen where the 3D was worthwhile. Gives lovely, lovely texture to the film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 December, 2011, 01:40:24 pm
Hugo

Very very good.

The first 3D film I've seen where the 3D was worthwhile. Gives lovely, lovely texture to the film

You are Dr Mark Kermode AICMFP
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 10 December, 2011, 02:11:03 pm
The Outlaw Jose Wales

I like Clint's films
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 10 December, 2011, 08:01:06 pm
The Outlaw Jose Wales

I like Clint's films

I reckon so.

(spit)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 December, 2011, 08:03:53 pm
Enter the Dragon on TV this week. Never seen it before and it's a legendary film so I thought I would watch it. It was crap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 December, 2011, 08:21:29 pm
McBobb and I watched Love Actually this afternoon. He'd never seen it before. One of us cried most of the way through it*.





*That would be me. It always makes me cry. Even though I know it's shit really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 10 December, 2011, 09:22:49 pm
The Outlaw Jose Wales

I like Clint's films

I reckon so.

(spit)

I saw the last half (for the nth time).  I like the way the band of attackers suddenly multiplies to about 400 in the shoot-out and the way the neophyte defenders kill someone with every shot despite being knocked over by the recoil; women were real men in those days!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 11 December, 2011, 12:03:45 am
The big Lebowski, it's even better that first time I saw it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 December, 2011, 10:02:15 am
Harry Potter And the Cynical Cash-In (I mean Deathly Hallows Part 2).  Not too bad compared to Part 1, although I don't profess to understanding much of what was going on, having read the (dull) book a very long time ago.

Voldemort doesn't come to a sticky enough end, really.  You get to see Hermione's cleavage when she's dressed as Bellatrix (change one letter there and you're in all sorts of trouble; I imagine Rule 34 applies to these films).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Charlotte on 11 December, 2011, 11:32:35 am
Paul.  I laughed so hard, I was was worried that I might have left a wet patch on our friends' sofa.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 December, 2011, 05:07:33 pm
Paul.  I laughed so hard, I was was worried that I might have left a wet patch on our friends' sofa.

We watched that again a few days ago, it was funnier than I remembered (I liked it the first time but more the second go round).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 December, 2011, 07:08:11 pm
M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening.

Weird
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 11 December, 2011, 09:29:47 pm
M. Night Shyamalan

Weird

FTFY  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 11 December, 2011, 11:57:48 pm
Captain America. Gave this a miss at the cinema as it seemed full on USA patroitism. Gave the Blu Ray a try and was pleasantly surprised that its not too bad, okayish plot, just entertainment and fun in a retro way. Best of the bunch of the superhero movies this year IMO.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 12 December, 2011, 12:18:38 am
"The Malta Story" this morning on TV.
 
A proper Sunday film. Not bad but Alec Guinness looked like he was stoned all the time and some of the planes were anachronistic.
The scene where the Ohio limps into Valletta lashed between two destroyers raised a tear.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 12 December, 2011, 12:47:00 am
It wasn't actually a film in the usual sense but a documentary about 3 "Black Panthers" in the cess-pit that is the American justice system.  It was called "Land Of The Free".  After an extremely dodgy trials, they were sentenced to life imprisonment.   The Louisiana prison system then unilaterally decided to make that solitary confinement.  One of them was released after 25 years in solitary.  The other two are still in solitary after 36, say it again, 36 years.  The American constitution forbids cruel and unusual punishment but luckily doesn't mention black people.  I'm still too angry to write a letter to their ambassador that wouldn't set fire to the post-box.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 12 December, 2011, 08:46:48 am
Chico & Rita. A good animated film with some really great music. I would recommend it for the music alone but the film looks good too so is worth a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: border-rider on 12 December, 2011, 09:01:20 am
Golden Compass.

Hmmm ... 6/10.

Same problem as HP1 - too much plot-n-stuff squished into too little time. Very well executed, but ultimately a bit pointless.

Watched it last night; it was much better than I had anticipated though I had imagined Lee Scoresby to be rather younger than that.

+1 to both comments

I think that if I'd not read the books it would have been moderately incomprehensible.  It looked great, and there were some lovely touches in  the interactions of the demons, and the way those of the children changed species

We enjoyed it, but in  a very different way than we did the books.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 12 December, 2011, 09:17:50 am
GI Joe: Rise of The Cobra.

Same comments as upthread.  Perfect Sunday night brainless fodder....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulR on 12 December, 2011, 09:19:09 am
Hidden, by Michael Haneke.  Watched it last night on DVD.  Worth watching again and again, provided you don't mind things being left completely unresolved.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 12 December, 2011, 09:28:50 am
Hornblower
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 12 December, 2011, 09:43:54 am
Golden Compass.

Hmmm ... 6/10.

Same problem as HP1 - too much plot-n-stuff squished into too little time. Very well executed, but ultimately a bit pointless.

Watched it last night; it was much better than I had anticipated though I had imagined Lee Scoresby to be rather younger than that.

+1 to both comments

I think that if I'd not read the books it would have been moderately incomprehensible.  It looked great, and there were some lovely touches in  the interactions of the demons, and the way those of the children changed species

We enjoyed it, but in  a very different way than we did the books.

It's interesting that the sequels were never made. On the face of it - it bombed in the USA, so why would you make a sequel? But worldwide, it took $320m ($180m to make).

The Wonderful World of Interweb Conspiracy theorists claim the real reason was because the Church in the USA wouldn't 'Ave it  :hand:.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 December, 2011, 11:04:52 am
The Wonderful World of Interweb Conspiracy theorists claim the real reason was because the Church in the USA wouldn't 'Ave it  :hand:.
I think there is some truth in that. A lot of cinemas were picketed - so cinema ticket takings were down (who wants to take kids to a family movie and have religious extremists screaming at them?).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 December, 2011, 11:46:02 am
Down with that sort of thing.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 12 December, 2011, 07:17:28 pm
Down with that sort of thing.

d.
Careful now
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 12 December, 2011, 09:07:34 pm
Knowing there are no sequels makes the existing film pointless, especially as it finishes in the wrong place.  I get quite angry about this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 12 December, 2011, 09:20:29 pm
Knowing there are no sequels makes the existing film pointless, especially as it finishes in the wrong place.  I get quite angry about this.

Yes. I watched the first instalment, and I'm now Well Up for the rest - I thought the first one was quite good.

If it's down to the God Botherers, then I'm Quiet Annoyed about that too. I mean - somehow they manage to interfere with my life and my viewing choices when I'm alive - and my death, and my own choice about that (in so far as I don't have one) - and I don't even believe in the stuff they do.

So much for freedom.

Oh. Sorry. The Rant thread is over there... I forgot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 12 December, 2011, 09:56:28 pm
The Facebook movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 13 December, 2011, 12:03:46 am
Season of the Witch
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 13 December, 2011, 12:14:40 am
Strictly speaking, not a film per se, but the whole series of Battlestar Galactica, blu ray box set from Amazon for £55. That's more or less the Chrimbo tv sorted :thumbsup:

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 13 December, 2011, 12:20:08 am
Species II

intergalactic sex education
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 13 December, 2011, 08:59:43 am
GI Joe: Rise of The Cobra.

Same comments as upthread.  Perfect Sunday night brainless fodder....

And how could you make this film better?

Maybe make a sequel?

Maybe have the White Ninja return?

And then add in the Rock AND Bruce Willis?

Yup, GI Joe:Retaliation is coming next year.....

For all the wrong reasons I am looking forward to this :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 13 December, 2011, 09:25:41 am
Truly, Madly, Deeply.

Again.

Just a great movie.  Hoping it gives me lovely dreams, as I am going to bed now.

When you know what it is, to miss someone that much, you realise how great Juliet Stevenson's performance is in this film.

With added Alan Rickman.  Phwoar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 December, 2011, 06:29:26 pm
GI Joe: Rise of The Cobra.

Same comments as upthread.  Perfect Sunday night brainless fodder....

And how could you make this film better?

Maybe make a sequel?

Maybe have the White Ninja return?

And then add in the Rock AND Bruce Willis?

Yup, GI Joe:Retaliation is coming next year.....

For all the wrong reasons I am looking forward to this :)

Sometimes I think I need to wear a tinfoil hat to keep Hollywood out my head.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 14 December, 2011, 11:35:57 am
The Inbetweeners Movie

Crass, childish, full of toilet humour.

Just my cup of tea!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 14 December, 2011, 01:19:12 pm
Truly, Madly, Deeply.

Again.

Just a great movie.  Hoping it gives me lovely dreams, as I am going to bed now.

When you know what it is, to miss someone that much, you realise how great Juliet Stevenson's performance is in this film.

With added Alan Rickman.  Phwoar.
I think I should get round to buying a copy for my very own because it's so good. And it has Alan Rickman.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 15 December, 2011, 10:14:37 am
Captain America. Not bad, but Marvel haven't yet outdone the first Iron Man film.

The "Marvel one shot" shorts on this disc and Thor are good though. Agent Coulson gets his moment...  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 15 December, 2011, 02:57:43 pm
Truly, Madly, Deeply.

Again.

Just a great movie.  Hoping it gives me lovely dreams, as I am going to bed now.

When you know what it is, to miss someone that much, you realise how great Juliet Stevenson's performance is in this film.

With added Alan Rickman.  Phwoar.
I think I should get round to buying a copy for my very own because it's so good. And it has Alan Rickman.

I know!  Alan Rickman.  Mmmm.

I have just seen SAW for the first time.  The first one, apparently.

Completely ridiculous.  What on earth is all the fuss about?  TMD is so much better in every way, than watching someone saw his own foot off.  Served him right IMO, if only because of his haircut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 15 December, 2011, 04:39:39 pm
Bad Santa. Just as funny as the first time I saw it.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 15 December, 2011, 10:24:18 pm
Truly, Madly, Deeply.

Again.

Just a great movie.  Hoping it gives me lovely dreams, as I am going to bed now.

When you know what it is, to miss someone that much, you realise how great Juliet Stevenson's performance is in this film.

With added Alan Rickman.  Phwoar.
I think I should get round to buying a copy for my very own because it's so good. And it has Alan Rickman.

the DVD is out of print as it were, when I last looked into getting a copy, prices were like £75 or so for a reasonable used example. have just had a look on Amazon, prices range from £43 to £115.....

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 16 December, 2011, 12:23:55 am
You're kidding.  Crusty bought me my copy a few years ago for a fiver.  Dammit you can borrow mine, if you promise to send it back.  Complete with Alan, obviously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 16 December, 2011, 07:53:10 am
Bad Lootenant(sp ;D)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 16 December, 2011, 08:25:27 am
Bad Lootenant(sp ;D)

Which version? the Abel Ferrara with Harvey Keitel or the Werner Herzog with Nicholas Cage?

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 16 December, 2011, 08:36:29 am
the Nicholas Cage version
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 16 December, 2011, 08:42:51 am
yes, both versions are decent, though on balance think the Keitel is better, the earlier film has a dark gritty tone more in keeping with the subject matter, but having said that, they're both good.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 16 December, 2011, 08:51:51 am
The Long Kiss Goodnight

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 16 December, 2011, 09:34:01 am
Truly, Madly, Deeply.

Again.

Just a great movie.  Hoping it gives me lovely dreams, as I am going to bed now.

When you know what it is, to miss someone that much, you realise how great Juliet Stevenson's performance is in this film.

With added Alan Rickman.  Phwoar.
I think I should get round to buying a copy for my very own because it's so good. And it has Alan Rickman.

One of my favourites as well.........and a Phwoar for Juliet Stevenson in my case.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: why1040 on 16 December, 2011, 11:47:14 am
Back to the Future    ;D

Just as fantastic as always and such fun!  I hadn't realised just how much I'd forgotten of the little details in the years since I saw it last!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 17 December, 2011, 09:11:38 am
Back to the Future    ;D

Just as fantastic as always and such fun!  I hadn't realised just how much I'd forgotten of the little details in the years since I saw it last!

The first one is still fun but BTT2 is dreadful, haven't got round to the third one yet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 17 December, 2011, 09:20:28 pm
Bridesmaids. Made the mistake of buying it thinking it would be a nice gentle romantic comedy for the GF. The humor is somewhat robust, shall we say? Somewhat akin to 'Porkys' i.e. gross out humour but played by a mainly female cast. DVD was ejected when the bridesmaids party needed to make some urgent calls of nature, portrayed somewhat graphically. Confusing:P

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 17 December, 2011, 09:29:11 pm
The Inbetweeners Movie… if you thought the TV series was funny this is funnier, and grosser.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Feanor on 17 December, 2011, 10:03:46 pm
Was at cinema today with the Juniors and their Cousins to see Puss in Boots ( Shreck spin-off ).

Wasn't a good as any of the Shrecks.

--
F


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 December, 2011, 11:35:20 pm
Back to the Future    ;D

Just as fantastic as always and such fun!  I hadn't realised just how much I'd forgotten of the little details in the years since I saw it last!

The first one is still fun but BTT2 is dreadful, haven't got round to the third one yet.

I highly endorse the BTTF trilogy film marathon.  It makes the second one much less annoying (it's very much a 'middle' story, and stands poorly on its own).  The third has grown on me over the years, mainly because (if you ignore the last five minutes) it does steampunk really well.

They also stand out as some of the better subtitled DVDs I've encountered over the years.  The comic timing, what the music's doing: it's all there.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rower40 on 17 December, 2011, 11:53:49 pm
Stuff on Festive Telly today, which I've sat down at a several of hours ago...
Splash! (Though I didn't watch most of it)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Harry Potter and the Ordure of the Phoenix

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 17 December, 2011, 11:58:37 pm
I've fallen out of the habit of watching stuff at home, so treated myself to some DVD's of old favourites, including Kieslowski's Three Colours Trilogy.   Tonight was Blue....a long time since I've seen it and just as good as I remember.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 18 December, 2011, 09:16:14 am
Payback with Mel Gibson.
Rather different from Barearse Braveheart
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 18 December, 2011, 04:17:16 pm
Watching 'Passport to Pimlico'. Fecking hell, it is brilliant and so much fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 December, 2011, 05:12:43 pm
I highly endorse the BTTF trilogy film marathon.  It makes the second one much less annoying (it's very much a 'middle' story, and stands poorly on its own).  The third has grown on me over the years, mainly because (if you ignore the last five minutes) it does steampunk really well.
I admire those with the stamina for 6h+ movie marathons. This is one of my failings as a geek.

I love the first film (after multiple re-viewings), and vaguely recall the other two as being B+. Kim probably knows that 2+3 were filmed at the same time, hence the annoying unresolved plot elements.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 December, 2011, 05:19:09 pm
Sherlock Holmes: A Hint of Shadowy Dangery Stuff

7/10. Brilliant in places. Ruined in others by Mr Madonna's obsession with guns-n-violence.

Has something for everyone; Stephen Fry, homo-erotic wrestling, gunfights at Didcot Railway museum, an obscure board game for Wowbagger. American actor doing an odd, but 100% consistent english accent.

A proper action-adventure - in the same realm as Raiders of the Lost Ark, but not quite as good - worth trekking to your local flick parlour.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 18 December, 2011, 05:40:34 pm
I've fallen out of the habit of watching stuff at home, so treated myself to some DVD's of old favourites, including Kieslowski's Three Colours Trilogy.   Tonight was Blue....a long time since I've seen it and just as good as I remember.

Andrew, I've never seen this trilogy, famous as it is, but I remember being staggered by Kieslowski's A Short Film About Killing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 18 December, 2011, 06:46:03 pm
Sherlock Holmes: A Hint of Shadowy Dangery Stuff

7/10. Brilliant in places. Ruined in others by Mr Madonna's obsession with guns-n-violence.

Has something for everyone; Stephen Fry, homo-erotic wrestling, gunfights at Didcot Railway museum, an obscure board game for Wowbagger. American actor doing an odd, but 100% consistent english accent.

A proper action-adventure - in the same realm as Raiders of the Lost Ark, but not quite as good - worth trekking to your local flick parlour.

what mattc said, easy frolicking yarn, something for everyone. Easily Guy Richie's best film, way above his tedious geezer output.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 18 December, 2011, 07:35:32 pm
Watching City Of Angels, the Nick Cage/Meg Ryan remake of Wim Wender's Wings Of Desire. Wings Of Desire is an absolute classic. Not only for the story and acting but for the stunning cinematography. All of that is missing from this crap on my TV.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 18 December, 2011, 07:55:20 pm
I've fallen out of the habit of watching stuff at home, so treated myself to some DVD's of old favourites, including Kieslowski's Three Colours Trilogy.   Tonight was Blue....a long time since I've seen it and just as good as I remember.

Andrew, I've never seen this trilogy, famous as it is, but I remember being staggered by Kieslowski's A Short Film About Killing.

Ooof, yes.  Two equally appalling portrayals of death. A murder followed by the execution of the murderer.    http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/a-short-film-about-killing/941 (http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/a-short-film-about-killing/941)

I once bought the Dekalog series on VHS and found that both tapes contained 1-5! I exchanged it and found the same problem, so I've never seen 5-10.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 18 December, 2011, 09:11:03 pm
Watching City Of Angels, the Nick Cage/Meg Ryan remake of Wim Wender's Wings Of Desire. Wings Of Desire is an absolute classic. Not only for the story and acting but for the stunning cinematography. All of that is missing from this crap on my TV.

I had the misfortune to watch this in the cinema many years ago, it is utter shite  :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 18 December, 2011, 09:13:16 pm
The last film (DVD) I watched was Hair (again again).  Just brilliant.  Some of it has dated badly, and the actors have mostly disappeared, but what performances!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 December, 2011, 10:08:01 pm
"Went The Day Well?"

Wonderfully jingoistic and violent, although the traitor should really have come to a much stickier end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 19 December, 2011, 03:15:35 am
Red Dog.

It's awesome :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 December, 2011, 11:50:45 am
"Die Hard 4.0"

Some directors need to learn that, eventually, endless action sequences cross the line from exciting to just plain boring and "meh..whatever".

Naturally you need to suspend disbelief before you watch a Die-Hard film but there's too much disbelief to suspend in this one.  They missed a trick.  It had the potential to be a half decent "Jason Bourne meets John Mclane" romp but they just kept on raising the levels of ridiculousness until I got bored.

As a 60 something cop he was doing things to make a T1000 terminator wince.

5/10

Caveat 10/10 if you are a 13 year old boy (in which case it's the greatest story ever told).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 December, 2011, 11:58:23 am
The Big Lebowski (for about the 5th time)

Let's get this over with - 10/10

It's just about the best way to spend a cold and wet Sunday afternoon.

Get the Hob-Nobs and a cuppa and settle down for a beautifully paced story about not very much.

My favourite scenes all involve the 3 Bowlers talking.  I think John Goodman steals the show in these scenes (as the irate Viet Nam vet).

Philip Seymour Hoffman is class in his "butler" role.

I could watch it again right now actually.

It was the perfect antedote to Die Hard 4.0  So little happens that, when it does, it's far more worthwhile than watching Bruce Willis walking around on top of a burning, and flying,  F35 Jet (I kid thee not).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 19 December, 2011, 12:42:32 pm
I have to agree with LEE on TBL, it is one of my favourite films of all time.

And yes it did take me about 5 times f watching to realise just exactly what it is about....

For those who haven't seen it, or have and haven't worked it out....

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 December, 2011, 01:22:32 pm
Speed.  Explosions and Dennis Hopper being a fruitcake as usual. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 December, 2011, 01:28:17 pm
I have to agree with LEE on TBL, it is one of my favourite films of all time.

And yes it did take me about 5 times f watching to realise just exactly what it is about....

For those who haven't seen it, or have and haven't worked it out....

(click to show/hide)

I also learned this time around that Jeff Bridges, the Dude, isn't "The Big Lebowski". 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 December, 2011, 06:35:04 pm
"Die Hard 4.0"
The biggest problem with that film is that Bruce Willis looks as clueless as your grandparents when faced with a computer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Speshact on 20 December, 2011, 09:42:38 am
Urbanized, at the Barbican until 23rd December.

Totally inspiring - details and trailer link here (http://kenningtonpob.blogspot.com/2011/12/please-go-and-see-film-urbanized.html)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 20 December, 2011, 10:29:52 am
Sherlock Holmes: A Hint of Shadowy Dangery Stuff

7/10. Brilliant in places. Ruined in others by Mr Madonna's obsession with guns-n-violence.

Has something for everyone; Stephen Fry, homo-erotic wrestling, gunfights at Didcot Railway museum, an obscure board game for Wowbagger. American actor doing an odd, but 100% consistent english accent.

A proper action-adventure - in the same realm as Raiders of the Lost Ark, but not quite as good - worth trekking to your local flick parlour.

Quite reasonable. A naked Stephen Fry was a bit much, and the excessive overuse of gratuitous and somewhat unneccessary (did you see what I did there?) slo-mo was a bit irking. Some flashes of brilliance, don't think it was as good as the first. Nice ending :)

Anyhow, good entertainment - not quite enough intellectual content for a cerebral movie, not quite enough action for an action movie, not quite enough characterisation for an emotional movie. 7/10 seems fair

 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 20 December, 2011, 10:35:47 am
I've fallen out of the habit of watching stuff at home, so treated myself to some DVD's of old favourites, including Kieslowski's Three Colours Trilogy.   Tonight was Blue....a long time since I've seen it and just as good as I remember.

I've got those earmarked for the next two weeks of solitary confinement. I used to think Red was the best of the three - bit of an Irene Jacob thing, I think, but Blue is much more powerful. Jean de Florette & Manon des Sources are also on standby.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 December, 2011, 02:18:16 pm
More B&W goodness last night- Waterloo Road (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo_Road_(film))

Thank the Dogs forTurner Classic Movies (http://www.tcmuk.tv/) :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 20 December, 2011, 02:30:48 pm
Work quiet today, so decided to watch Repoman....

Class, weird and class....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 21 December, 2011, 07:46:31 pm
Not watched yet but prompted by the recommendation above, I have just taken delivery of 3 Colours Trilogy from Ebay. Superfast delivery, I didn't expect to get them in time for Christmas.

Also last week after seeing the preview of the Christmas TV and not being particularly inspired by it I bought a Dr Who DVD from Amazon. Patrick Troughton was our favourite Doctor; I hope we are not going to be disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 21 December, 2011, 07:49:38 pm
The Bourne Supremacy.
Again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 21 December, 2011, 08:12:09 pm
I watched "White" last night, enjoyable enough but I've always thought it the weakest of the trilogy.  I may watch Red tonight.

A couple more packages turned up to tide me over the holidays. Koyaanisquatsi & Powaqqatsi  and Baraka & Chronos (not seen these two).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 22 December, 2011, 08:57:59 am
Not watched yet but prompted by the recommendation above, I have just taken delivery of 3 Colours Trilogy from Ebay. Superfast delivery, I didn't expect to get them in time for Christmas.
I'm sure you know this already, but I'll say it anyway: make sure you watch them in Blue, White, Red order. After you've seen Blue, look out for the interplay in the court scenes. That's not a spoiler at all, but watching Red before the others will be.

If it turns out you like those, get The Double Life of Veronique. Kieslowski's Dekalog is also brilliant, but is a tough watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 22 December, 2011, 09:02:21 am
Will do AWL. Thanks for the tip!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 22 December, 2011, 09:05:23 am
"The Ides of March", a few weeks ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 22 December, 2011, 12:16:10 pm
Stella Street - The Movie. Amusing enough, but not as funny as the TV series.

Pathfinder - The Sami version. Very good winter-viewing film. The scenery is breathtaking and the action pretty good too. I couldn't even contemplate seeing the septic remake. I had to get a German version, but 'twas easy enough off Amazon or eBay.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 22 December, 2011, 06:21:33 pm
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SEQUEL OF CASH.

Rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 December, 2011, 01:45:43 am
Space Camp.

A tragically ill-timed NASA propaganda film set against the background of a tale of a boy and his forbidden love for an overly-literal robot (with root access to the NASA mainframe).  I never remembered it as being anywhere near as slashy.

Have decided that in the unlikely event of ending up in an implausible space travel disaster scenario, we're going have a designated non-cheerer to do the mundane stuff like steering the shuttle, and that 80s hair and motivational speeches will be kept to an absolute minimum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 23 December, 2011, 03:30:08 am
Knowing

Sci Fi thriller starring Nicholas Cage.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 23 December, 2011, 11:07:47 am
Despicable Me


Really funny with good animation
having young 'uns in the house is great for acting as a child again :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 23 December, 2011, 03:43:49 pm
Sherlock II. All wrong, but strangely enjoyable as a mindless romp. I must be mellowing in my dotage.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 23 December, 2011, 07:00:56 pm
Logan's Run.  Jenny Agutter / Micheal York version

 :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 24 December, 2011, 12:12:14 am
The Nutcracker on BBC 4 tonight.  A film of the Covent Garden production from 2000.  Although I can't watch male ballet dancers without a quick smile at Clive James's "speeding jaffa" paragraphs from one of his earlier autobiographical books, productions like this are up there with putting people on the moon in terms of human achievement.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 24 December, 2011, 09:43:25 am
Spurred on by people above, I revisited Three Colours Blue last night until a migraine kicked in! It's amazing what extra bits you pick up every time you watch it. I'm now fairly sure who actually wrote the music and what the wife/husband relationship was. I'd never watched closely enough to pick up on the nuances, instead concentrating on the subtle - occasionally not so subtle - uses of blue in the action.

Battleship Potemkin is on next week, so must set the timer for that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: gordon taylor on 25 December, 2011, 06:01:10 pm
Happy Feet and Miracle on 34th Street and other things on TV today which I'd normally define as dross but which fit perfectly into the delightful turkey and whisky blur. I just need to watch ET now, and all will be right with the world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 26 December, 2011, 01:54:21 pm
I had an iPlayer fest...
'Defiance'. Surprisingly good, and Daniel wotsits does have amazing eyes. Predictable, but worthy, and some excellent playing. Interestingly rearranged borders: the 'Belarus' in question was Poland until 1939.

'G-Force'. Disney trash. Filled some time.

"The Red Baron'. Typically German, with some lousy scripting and predictable hindsight application, but some of the CGI and live action scenes in the air were absolutely visceral.

'The Magic Roundabout'. I remember Chuffy's comment when this came out, but it was indeed even worse. I had to watch it out of curiosity at first, which turned to horrified fascination at how bad a film could be nade with such a stellar cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 26 December, 2011, 02:10:39 pm
I am watching Ivanhoe  (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084157/)right now, it's one of the Christmas traditions.
It must be 25th time I see it.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 December, 2011, 06:11:06 pm
Ratatouille !

If anything beats this for best-family-entertainment-of-Chrimbo-2011 I'll be very happy.

Lots of brilliant touches, and a plot that turned problems (just HOW is the rat going to cook?) into opportunities. It was also pleasingly low-key; the world wasn't in peril, noone was questing for their lost child, no life was in danger - the basic idea could have been from a mainstream animation-free French movie.

Bu99er - I can't think of any criticisms ... </grinch>


Not nearly as good was http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponyo

Interesting and watchable, but not as good as other Miyazaki/Ghibli films, (maybe it was aimed at younger audiences than usual?).

It might have been more enjoyable to see the English version - what Film4 showed had the title sequence with all the american/UK actors, but still had the Japanese audio (with english subtitles) ! I can't see any benefit in watching a subtitled version of an animation.

(It was interesting to watch such a lo-tech animation after the hi-tech animate-every-hair-on-her-head Pixar approach.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 27 December, 2011, 03:24:42 pm
Little piece of Heaven.  Trashy, emotionally-manipulative, Kate Hudson vehicle/chick flick.

I watched it curled up on the sofa with my MiL, we cried like gurls and we had a brilliant time  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 28 December, 2011, 02:59:36 pm
Last night, Three Colours – Blue. I did enjoy the film although I wasn’t sure that it stood up on its own, perhaps because I know it’s a trilogy and was waiting for the different threads to resolve themselves. My other half however did feel that it worked as a single piece so…I don’t know what that says about us! I’m looking forward to seeing the other two films.

I recognised one of the locations from Engrenages but didn’t spot M. Roban, le juge.

The one thing that I do like about European films is that by and large the actors look like real people. As most of the films that we see are products of Hollywood I always notice this. And on going back to ‘mainstream’ cinema I have the impression that an actor such as Tom Cruise (say) is more pointing his teeth at people than acting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 December, 2011, 03:06:22 pm
Singing in the Rain

I'm not a fan of musicals but I really like Gene Kelly. His dancing seems different to that in most other musicals. Plus Jean Hagen is hilarious in the role of the silent movie starlet with a voice that isn't suitable for talkies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 29 December, 2011, 08:46:19 am
Last night, Three Colours – Blue. I did enjoy the film although I wasn’t sure that it stood up on its own, perhaps because I know it’s a trilogy and was waiting for the different threads to resolve themselves. My other half however did feel that it worked as a single piece so…I don’t know what that says about us! I’m looking forward to seeing the other two films.
The TV was dire last night late on, so I watched White. It's theme is Equality. It's a very ambiguous film - which is a pretentious way of me saying I don't really understand it! None of the characters is easy to relate to, especially Karol. Nevertheless, it was good cinema. The ending is the most peculiar part, but no spoilers!

As for the films standing on their own merits, I think Red would probably succeed. It's a very sumptuous film with a strong central character. Visually, Kieslowski went to town on the redness.

I think the fact that the films aren't based on books makes them stronger on their own. A good day's cinema is to be had watching all three films, but I'm not sure any of them do that any more.

Red tonight, possibly.

Let us know what you think of the other two...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 29 December, 2011, 08:51:32 am
Midnight in Paris, enjoyable if not too deep, with an interesting time travelling storyline ,  could have done with being a bit longer to get more character development, but a nice film none the less.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 29 December, 2011, 09:09:56 am
Started watching "I Am Number 4" the night before last.

I say started as I fell asleep on the sofa whilst Mrs T carried on watching (the film that is, not me falling asleep on the TV).

I got the general gist of it though, the plot was paper thin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 29 December, 2011, 06:09:21 pm
Percy Jackson & The Lightning Bolt.
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 29 December, 2011, 08:41:32 pm
"Let the right one in". Loved it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 December, 2011, 09:27:01 pm
"Aces High" again, which is excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 December, 2011, 11:10:39 pm
Sweeney Todd. Didn't realize it was a musical. Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 30 December, 2011, 10:22:50 am
Cat in a hat
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 30 December, 2011, 11:24:28 am
I started to watch The Navigators by Ken Loach last night. I got an hour in and could see that it was building up to someone dying and I couldn't handle that, so will watch the end later today. I have to say it was the usual Loach formula - gritty - very gritty - but just that - a formula and rather predictable. A bit like Riff Raff but on the railways.

I also watched the sumptuous, scarlet feast that is Three Colours Red. A real visual extravaganza, and the end still gets me every time.

I gave up on Sweeney Todd after about 10 seconds, or as soon as the singing began, whichever was sooner.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 30 December, 2011, 11:32:46 am
Son of Rambow

(It's not really about Rambo as such).

Perfect post Christmas lightweight comedy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 30 December, 2011, 10:57:50 pm
Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol.  I enjoyed it, turn your brain off, and watch Tom Cruise sprint around. It was big advert for Apple and their various products though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 30 December, 2011, 11:09:35 pm
Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol.  I enjoyed it, turn your brain off, and watch Tom Cruise sprint around. It was big advert for Apple and their various products though.

Not particularly recommended, but good for a couple hours fun escapism. Did have the usual USia sickly sentimental ending though.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 31 December, 2011, 04:39:56 pm
I started to watch The Navigators by Ken Loach last night. I got an hour in and could see that it was building up to someone dying and I couldn't handle that.
Yep, death came. Not the one I expected, but in the manner I expected. I can see why all those post-nationalisation rail disasters happened if the industry was as badly run as Loach portrayed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 01 January, 2012, 03:28:13 pm
Just came back from watching 'Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows'. Bum achingly too long but I thought that Jared Harris was excellent as Moriarty.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 January, 2012, 03:44:36 pm
The NYE film was Tatie Danielle. A French film farce about an evil old bat. Not bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 01 January, 2012, 06:18:43 pm
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part II
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 January, 2012, 06:28:46 pm
Cowboys vs. Aliens.

Great premise, after all what's not to like in a concoction like that, but I was left feeling a bit meh. Script was a bit flat and pacing odd. It wasn't bad, but with more fizz could have sparkled like like it should have done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 01 January, 2012, 06:49:31 pm
The Lavender Hill Mob, yesterday afternoon.  Bliss.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 01 January, 2012, 07:21:52 pm
This afternoon: Three Colours - White.

I enjoyed this more than Blue but I don't think I have quite got my head round it yet...

It is interesting to spot odd corresponding scenes. Looking forward to Red, hopefully tomorrow if the weather is poor.

Last night I watched a DVD of Black Moon Rising with Tommy Lee Jones and some other people. It was dire. I don't know why we inflicted this on ourselves but I note on Amazon that it rates almost 5 stars so perhaps there are nuances that I am missing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 01 January, 2012, 09:35:24 pm
Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol.  I enjoyed it, turn your brain off, and watch Tom Cruise sprint around. It was big advert for Apple and their various products though.
Not particularly recommended, but good for a couple hours fun escapism. Did have the usual USia sickly sentimental ending though.
Absolutely everything you would expect from a MI film: fast paced cliffhangers, impossible stunts, great locations. Turn brain off, sit back and enjoy.

..d
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 January, 2012, 11:59:23 pm
The Lavender Hill Mob, yesterday afternoon.  Bliss.

We watched The Ladykillers this afternoon. Bliss indeed.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 02 January, 2012, 11:23:45 am
Grizzly Man.

Would have equally worked with a comma between the two words in the title.

Werner Herzog is just a great director, who manages to create superb films exploring individuals whose obsession takes them beyond where sane people would feel comfortable.

Great, thought-provoking film that picks up on the Man & Nature theme that also runs through Fitzcarraldo and Aguirre.  Good (Richard Thompson) soundtrack too - well-covered by one of the DVD extras.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 02 January, 2012, 11:27:53 am
And the last film I watched?:

Arthur Christmas - festive genius  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 02 January, 2012, 12:03:27 pm
Cold Mountain.
Predictable ending
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 January, 2012, 03:56:19 pm
Grizzly Man.

Would have equally worked with a comma between the two words in the title.

Werner Herzog is just a great director, who manages to create superb films exploring individuals whose obsession takes them beyond where sane people would feel comfortable.

Great, thought-provoking film that picks up on the Man & Nature theme that also runs through Fitzcarraldo and Aguirre.  Good (Richard Thompson) soundtrack too - well-covered by one of the DVD extras.

Great Documentary film but "Wierd Man" would have been more apt. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 02 January, 2012, 03:57:58 pm
Grizzly Man.

Would have equally worked with a comma between the two words in the title.

Werner Herzog is just a great director, who manages to create superb films exploring individuals whose obsession takes them beyond where sane people would feel comfortable.

Great, thought-provoking film that picks up on the Man & Nature theme that also runs through Fitzcarraldo and Aguirre.  Good (Richard Thompson) soundtrack too - well-covered by one of the DVD extras.

Great Documentary film but "Weird Man" would have been more apt.

But that would cover most of Herzog's central characters ....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Efrogwr on 02 January, 2012, 05:41:52 pm
Patagonia.

A wonderful film about two (unrelated) quests, one in Wales, one in Patagonia. One looking for a future, the other looking for the past.
It's well acted and brilliantly filmed. Slow-paced and thoughtful, It's a change from the usual frantic stuff.

For those who understand Welsh, and haven't seen it, it's a must.

For the rest, Although the dialogue is in Welsh and Spanish (with Welsh subtitles), it's still worth watching. After all, cinema is a visual medium.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 02 January, 2012, 06:07:58 pm
So, a Welsh-Basque follow-up's on the cards?

Tidy  :thumbsup:  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 02 January, 2012, 10:08:16 pm
Rare Exports - A Christmas Tale.

Really nicely shot, and deliciously dark and creepy without being OTT on the gore. Weird.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 02 January, 2012, 10:11:34 pm
Primal.

It was dire. (only worth it for the killer rabbit that had me in stitches)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 02 January, 2012, 10:30:16 pm
The Fighter

Good film with a great performance from Christian Bale.

Yes, it was excellent.  Top notch fight scenes and some fine film acting from Bale and Wahlberg.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 02 January, 2012, 10:51:58 pm
Hugo in 3D

With disbelief mostly intact, I'm sorry to say.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ferret on 04 January, 2012, 11:38:55 pm
watched the girl with the dragon tattoo, the girl who played with fire and the girl who kicked the hornets nest over christmas,

 not long back from watching sherlock holmes 2 in merthyr,

and going to see war horse when it comes out, I would love to go and see it at the theater but living in wales not much chance,

oh and going to see the american version of the girl with a dragon tattoo some time. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 05 January, 2012, 10:58:28 pm
oh and going to see the american version of the girl with a dragon tattoo some time.
I thought it was good, although I'm not sure if my experience was diminished or enhanced by the bloke in front of me shouting "Pussy, you're a pussy" and collapsing with laughter when Lisbeth bests Bjurman.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 January, 2012, 07:46:58 pm
Precious. Wow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 07 January, 2012, 07:50:34 pm
I'm watching 'About a Boy'. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 08 January, 2012, 04:24:38 am
Precious. Wow.

Great film  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 08 January, 2012, 04:55:31 am
Deep Blue Sea, the film-of-the-Terrence Rattigan play, with Rachel Weisz.  Rachel Weisz was great.

It was all a bit Anna Karenin, unsurprisingly, but riveting, and they had tried hard to replicate the symbolism of the stage version, into the film.  Crusty was ready to spork himself in the eye by the end.  I loved it.  Except the music, which made its point too well, and too often.

And the funny thing is, we've been talking about it ever since, as there was so much in it that was real - fear of being lonely, hopeless first love, infatuation.

On the whole, 7/10.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 08 January, 2012, 06:33:14 pm
The Artist

Rare must see film recommendation. Brand new Black and White silent (mostly), accompanied by music. Film going back to basics, i.e. tell a good story well, don't need noisy explosions, SFx, over saturated colors, gimmicky 3D. Georgeous filmography.

Very good indeed.

Recommended. Just go watch.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 08 January, 2012, 07:09:53 pm
THX1138

 :thumbsup:

Quote from: OMM
OMM
Let us be thankful we have commerce. Buy more. Buy more now. Buy. And be happy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AlbionLass on 08 January, 2012, 07:56:40 pm
Inglourious Basterds, third time I've seen it. Now one of my favourite films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 08 January, 2012, 08:02:48 pm
The Artist

Rare must see film recommendation. Brand new Black and White silent (mostly), accompanied by music. Film going back to basics, i.e. tell a good story well, don't need noisy explosions, SFx, over saturated colors, gimmicky 3D. Georgeous filmography.

Very good indeed.

Recommended. Just go watch.

Frere

+1

Uncomplicated tale, very well told  :)

Spot on down to what seems to be the correct aspect ratio for the era.

Excellent dog!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 January, 2012, 08:11:42 pm
Ice Cold In Alex, and now I know where John Williams got the "Star Wars" theme from.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 09 January, 2012, 01:27:57 pm
Ice Cold in Alex is great. Couldn't have been made 10 years earlier, I suppose. Rather too fraternistic. The bar scene with the Carlsberg is superb, though I would fire the barman - not the way to pour gassy lager!

Since the clan returned from their Magyar sojourn, they have been enthralled by the Shrek trilogy. I've watched bits of it and it seems very good. Pity they got a septic to do the Shrek voice though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 09 January, 2012, 01:30:07 pm
Mike Myers is Canadian I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 09 January, 2012, 01:36:48 pm
Ooops! He's not a Jock, thobut...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 January, 2012, 01:51:24 pm
Ooops! He's not a Jock, thobut...

But he has Scottish family....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 10 January, 2012, 06:49:27 pm
Well it was going to be 2001..... on a decent size screen....but they'd sold out   >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bomber on 10 January, 2012, 10:35:25 pm
Baise moi.  Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 January, 2012, 12:05:08 am
Saw 'The Artist'. Lovely film, go see it in the cinema, it won't be the same on telly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 11 January, 2012, 01:23:09 pm
51st State

Samuel L Jackson & Robert Carlyle in a "Cool American comes to Liverpool gangland/Brookside" scenario.

I hated it.

I don't mind graphically violent films, I don't mind comedy films and I don't mind kitchen-sink dramas but I hate films that try to mix all three and add a mix of terrible accents.

Summed up by Robert Carlyle getting shot (by his assassin ex-girlfriend, as you do) up the arse-cheek with a Sniper Rifle (from 100 yards) and then seen shagging her in the bath the next day (bloody underpants on show).

I'm no balistic expert but I imagine that a rifle bullet  in the arse cheek would smart somewhat for a few days. 

Just a pile of cack.

1/10

The one redeeming feature of the film is that it introduced me to this song from the soundtrack, so I'm really glad I watched it (because I think it's one of the greatest Blues/Soul songs I ever heard).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMH0dy7W1-8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMH0dy7W1-8)

Now you can listen to the song without watching the cack film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 January, 2012, 01:33:47 pm
A Life Less Ordinary.  Got a bit of a panning when it was released but I rather like it.  Especially the bit near the beginning featuring Cameron Diaz with a black one-piece swimsuit and a gun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 January, 2012, 01:48:03 pm
I'm rather fond of that as well. Ewan Mc in his best type of role; ineffectual loser.

The angels losing it and going postal is funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 11 January, 2012, 11:33:20 pm
The Well Digger's Daughter (La Fille du puisatier) tonight, with my friend MrsTrainer1,which is a good thing because this was a lovely, romantic film, set in Provence between the wars, which Crusty would've hated due to the lack of asteroid action and space ships.

We both want to buy floaty dresses and straw hats now.

And this.  Film.  Looks.  Gorgeous.  Shots of fields  of grass, waving in the wind, the southern light, oh it was lovely.  A nice, gentle, uplifting film, just perfect for a grey day.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 13 January, 2012, 08:21:57 am
[Digs out copies of Pagnol films]

I watched 'Attack the Block' last night, and while it was well-made, with occasional amusement, I found it hard to enjoy fully as there was only one sympathetic character in the whole thing. And she was the nurse.

Almost everybody else in the film was an arsehole.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 13 January, 2012, 08:49:53 am
[Digs out copies of Pagnol films]

I watched 'Attack the Block' last night, and while it was well-made, with occasional amusement, I found it hard to enjoy fully as there was only one sympathetic character in the whole thing. And she was the nurse.

Almost everybody else in the film was an arsehole.

What, really? 

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 13 January, 2012, 01:22:22 pm
I don't want to reveal any spoilers but yes, really.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 13 January, 2012, 01:30:37 pm
I'm rather fond of that as well. Ewan Mc in his best type of role; ineffectual loser.
Hoorah! A very underrated film, Life Less Ordinary.

there's a scene early on where Ewan's character is embarassed/upstaged in a bar by [CD's character] - I think she pulls a gun and robs someone, whatever, it doesnt' matter - and as they walk away Ewan starts whinging and whining. Absolutely hilarious. Both actors sticking to their strengths  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 January, 2012, 01:32:44 pm
[Digs out copies of Pagnol films]

I watched 'Attack the Block' last night, and while it was well-made, with occasional amusement, I found it hard to enjoy fully as there was only one sympathetic character in the whole thing. And she was the nurse.

Almost everybody else in the film was an arsehole.

That’s not what I came away with, at least not by the end of the film.  Certainly in the opening scenes the children (which is what they are, even the eldest of them, which is a point made later in the film) are clearly shown in the worst possible light.  I thought that they were realistically unsympathetic and I would much rather have that than the usual awful stage show kids we used to get patronised with by UK filmmakers. 

While they started off unlikeable the film shows that they aren’t all irredeemable and I thought that as the plot unfolded the film was actually quite moralistic, in the way that good low budget SciFi/Horror often does very well.  The kids have made bad moral choices and via the alien revenge start paying the consequences for them – people who continue to make bad moral choices in the film suffer even worse.

Great pace, nicely inventive, a cracking little film I thought.  Nice to see Nick Frost in a good supporting role too.

I do think though that back when I was having to deal more with children and young adults like that in an adversarial way on an almost daily basis that I probably could not have been able to switch that off easily enough to believe the plot of the film.  Ten years ago I might not have even gone to see the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 13 January, 2012, 02:26:20 pm
The Road to Perdition.

Very impressive cinematography often surreal, decent performances from Hanks, Jude and Tyler Hoechlin et al.  Daniel Craig was suitably evil and psycopathic as the main villain.  "Because it's all so f*cking hilarious".   Best performance probably Paul Newman as the fading gangster boss.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 13 January, 2012, 09:42:45 pm
Apollo 18

Glad I borrowed the movie from parents rather than bought it as it's pretty bad!  Think "Blair Witch Project" in space with added helpings of Conspiracy Theories.   :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 15 January, 2012, 11:55:32 am
The Darkest Hour.

It is SHIT! Avoid at all costs, unless paper-thin plot lines and crap acting are your thing.

I only went to watch it because the girls went to watch "Chipwrecked" and the mere sight of Alvin and his Chipmunks makes me want to puke, and I didn't fancy sitting in a draughty reception area of the cinema eating over priced food and drinking overpriced pop for 1 1/2 hours.

Hope fully War Horse, which myself and Mrs T intend to go and see next week will make up for the wasted time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 January, 2012, 12:01:18 pm
The Dambusters was on ITV4 yesterday so I watched it because no matter how many times I've seen it, I still love it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 15 January, 2012, 12:18:43 pm

Hope fully War Horse, which myself and Mrs T intend to go and see next week will make up for the wasted time.

Hoping this too. I loved the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 15 January, 2012, 12:20:01 pm
Forgot to say my evening wasn't improved by me coming home and watching "Fan Boys".

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 15 January, 2012, 07:23:21 pm
I'm looking forward to watching 'The Reader' tonight. I read. The book some time ago, but shied away from watching the Film when it was released at the cinema for some reason I now can't remember, so I'm planning on watching it for the first time tonight. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 15 January, 2012, 07:26:58 pm
I'm looking forward to watching 'The Reader' tonight. I read. The book some time ago, but shied away from watching the Film when it was released at the cinema for some reason I now can't remember, so I'm planning on watching it for the first time tonight.

The book was extremely good.

We watched True Grit last night. Oh. My. God. It was bloody brilliant, and the young woman who played the main part was spectacular, as was Jeff Bridges.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 15 January, 2012, 07:36:18 pm
I'm looking forward to watching 'The Reader' tonight. I read. The book some time ago, but shied away from watching the Film when it was released at the cinema for some reason I now can't remember, so I'm planning on watching it for the first time tonight.

The book was extremely good.



I agree and I possibly feared that the film won't live up to the book and the characters I'd imagined.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 15 January, 2012, 09:49:36 pm
Melancholia - interestingly crafted film but the characters seemed a little like cardboard cutouts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 16 January, 2012, 03:20:53 pm
The Dambusters was on ITV4 yesterday so I watched it because no matter how many times I've seen it, I still love it.
I once took a Bavarian lass, in whom my interest was waning, to see The Dambusters. It had the desired effect, though she was most shocked by the dog's name rather than the damage the raid inflicted.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 17 January, 2012, 02:18:37 pm
Paul
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 18 January, 2012, 09:35:42 am
I'm looking forward to watching 'The Reader' tonight. I read. The book some time ago, but shied away from watching the Film when it was released at the cinema for some reason I now can't remember, so I'm planning on watching it for the first time tonight.

The book was extremely good.



I agree and I possibly feared that the film won't live up to the book and the characters I'd imagined.
My mate has just returned my copy of the film, and I rather enjoyed it, but I came to it without having read the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 19 January, 2012, 06:17:19 am
"Another Earth".

There was so much in this film I don't know where to start.  Our local small cinema, playing another blinder. AND they do Orange Wednesdays!  :thumbsup:

One of those films that needs to be seen at the cinema, I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 19 January, 2012, 08:28:21 am
Transformers - Dark of the Moon - yesterday on the laptop in the Sainsbury's car park while they were all in the Oasis listening and watching to Alfie Boe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 21 January, 2012, 10:55:09 pm
American Beauty
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 21 January, 2012, 10:58:12 pm
Take Shelter.  The review described it as "a perfect allegory for a panicky time", which I didn't get at all.  But the portrayal of encroaching mental illness was very convincing. 

Interesting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 21 January, 2012, 11:36:51 pm
Enemy of the State - The tech is fun (if a little outdated now) :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GruB on 22 January, 2012, 08:36:02 am
Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 22 January, 2012, 09:56:40 am
I'm looking forward to watching 'The Reader' tonight. I read. The book some time ago, but shied away from watching the Film when it was released at the cinema for some reason I now can't remember, so I'm planning on watching it for the first time tonight.

The book was extremely good.



I agree and I possibly feared that the film won't live up to the book and the characters I'd imagined.
My mate has just returned my copy of the film, and I rather enjoyed it, but I came to it without having read the book.

Having the distance between reading the book and watching the film has allowed them to be separate entities in my mind. I enjoyed both.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 22 January, 2012, 11:22:35 am
Shame
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 22 January, 2012, 11:46:44 am
War Horse, last night with Mrs T.

There are a few bits you think "that would not happen", but on the whole a good movie, I didn't cry, but Mrs T did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 23 January, 2012, 10:28:56 am
Flash Gordon- DVD recieved for christmas :thumbsup:

"Flash! Flash- I love you but we only have 14 hours to save the Earth!"

"Dispatch War Rocket Ajax to bring back his body!"

They don't make cheese like that any more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 23 January, 2012, 01:29:40 pm
J. Edgar

Initially I considered taking Miss Emily to see The Artist, the B&W almost-silent movie, based on the awesome review it is getting. However, one look at the trailer made me swiftly rethink as whilst she would have loved it, I would have gone postal within minutes. We went to see J. Edgar instead, which was bloody brilliant.

I'm a big fan of DiCaprio whom I consider to be an excellent actor (he is also my beard double :smug: ) and he played his part brilliantly. The movie took an interesting form, with the events dictated by Hoover, as an old man, in the form of an autobiography. It was fascinating and engaging cinema and really nice to see a non-action movie, we both enjoyed it greatly.

I recommend it highly.

The only downside was the extortionate online booking fee by Brixton's Ritzy Picturehouse. £1.60 for me doing all the hard work? WTF?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 January, 2012, 01:44:37 pm
Friday -  The Hangover

How can a film with so much gag potential be so not funny?  Bah. Compare to 'The Blues Brothers' and weep at the lack of comic genius.

Saturday - Emperor's New Groove

That's a bit better. Actually, a lot better - wonderful classic Disney animation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 24 January, 2012, 05:20:51 am
Along Came Polly

Very funny film, much better than l expected.
Stars Ben Stiler & Jennifer Aniston
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 January, 2012, 01:20:27 pm
I finally watched Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy at the weekend. Superb. Completely gripped from beginning to end. After seeing Let The Right One In and this, I am a confirmed Tomas Alfredson fan. The man really knows how to capture your attention without resorting to exploding helicopters. Not that there's anything wrong with exploding helicopters but some films stand up without them.

Friday -  The Hangover

How can a film with so much gag potential be so not funny?

I'm glad it wasn't just me. I had to give up about halfway through. There's actually quite a lot that's wrong with the film but I could have forgiven much of it if it had made me laugh at least once. I actually got more laughs out of Tinker Tailor.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 January, 2012, 09:03:10 am
Friday -  The Hangover

How can a film with so much gag potential be so not funny?

I'm glad it wasn't just me. I had to give up about halfway through. There's actually quite a lot that's wrong with the film but I could have forgiven much of it if it had made me laugh at least once. I actually got more laughs out of Tinker Tailor.
d.
I think it is the acting. Nothing wrong with the gags, the actors just can't do comedy. Or maybe it is the direction. No sense of timing.  ffs, Reservoir Dogs was funnier.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ferret on 25 January, 2012, 10:26:46 pm
Went along to see War Horse last night, great film, but I don't think it lives up to the hype.

saw a trailer for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel looks like it could be very funny
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 25 January, 2012, 10:56:06 pm
The Guard: Ignore, not a patch on in Bruges.

The Debt: had a lot of potential but not realized. Not particularly recommended.

Melancholia: a noticeably softer Lars Von Trier, interesting exploration of how folks face up to the end of the world.

Tree of Life: Need to watch it again, from first viewing, a dense exploration of familial relationships and learning, how that is passed on. Excellent cast, and photography as you might expect from Terry Mallik. Will be watching this again.

Last/late night surprise, stumbled across Crossing Over, surprisingly good, a multi stranded story of immigrants trying to get the Green Card i.e. their pass for the American Dream. Missed half of it, awaiting arrival of extremely reasonably priced blu ray. Well worth a look.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 27 January, 2012, 09:18:03 pm
Margin Call.

What a good film.  Don't go if you want to see exciting blowing-stuff-up shit, or cool CGI.  Enjoyed the cringeworthy lack of connection between the disparate protagonists watching their insulated bubble dissolve around them.  No two alike and not one of them likeable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 January, 2012, 11:36:22 pm
Currently watching The Human Centipede.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 28 January, 2012, 12:23:50 am
Currently watching The Human Centipede.

eeeew :s

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 29 January, 2012, 01:53:28 pm
Bee Movie

Last night on BBC3.
Animated film with a good moral story line.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 29 January, 2012, 01:58:08 pm
Starship Troopers.

Now I remember why we referred to it as Space 90210.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 29 January, 2012, 05:12:55 pm
Eat, Pray, Love.  I liked it.  Bit of a fan of Julia Roberts, actually.  Nice hair.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 29 January, 2012, 05:57:00 pm
Eat, Pray, Love.  I liked it.  Bit of a fan of Julia Roberts, actually.  Nice hair.

I loved that film too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 January, 2012, 06:12:26 pm
Currently watching The Human Centipede.
Odd you should say that; I was, only 10minutes ago, toying (boom-tish) with the idea of recreating it using Miss Z's Rapunzel, Barbie and Snow White and then photographing the result for forum consumption.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 29 January, 2012, 06:14:12 pm
Eat, Pray, Love.  I liked it.  Bit of a fan of Julia Roberts, actually.  Nice hair.

I loved that film too.

 :)

Have you read the book?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 29 January, 2012, 06:51:17 pm
Eat, Pray, Love.  I liked it.  Bit of a fan of Julia Roberts, actually.  Nice hair.

I loved that film too.

 :)

Have you read the book?

Not yet; but hope to soon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 29 January, 2012, 06:56:16 pm
Eat, Pray, Love.  I liked it.  Bit of a fan of Julia Roberts, actually.  Nice hair.

I loved that film too.

 :)

Have you read the book?

Not yet; but hope to soon.

Me too!

Wanna come to RomeVenice Lou?  We can eat pasta, drink wine, get lost and find ourselves ...   :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 29 January, 2012, 07:27:10 pm
Eat, Pray, Love.  I liked it.  Bit of a fan of Julia Roberts, actually.  Nice hair.

I loved that film too.

 :)

Have you read the book?

Not yet; but hope to soon.

Me too!

Wanna come to RomeVenice Lou?  We can eat pasta, drink wine, get lost and find ourselves ...   :D

Sounds utterly divine  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 29 January, 2012, 07:34:58 pm
Watching Age of Dragons right now. Crap, isn't it. Vinny Jones and Danny Glover doing a ripoff of Moby Dick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bartonflyer on 29 January, 2012, 07:36:33 pm
Went to see The Artist last night with Mrs BF - thoroughly enjoyed it despite some misgivings (I wanted to see J Edgar!)

The little dog is a star  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 30 January, 2012, 10:15:21 pm
Went to see The Artist last night with Mrs BF - thoroughly enjoyed it despite some misgivings (I wanted to see J Edgar!)

The little dog is a star  :)

Beware, there's some bootleg dvds going round of The Artist, they're in black and white and silent!

Carnage is awfully good, four brilliant actors and Jodie Foster is terrific.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 01 February, 2012, 12:32:23 pm
The Descendants - absolutely loved it, excellent couple of hours not-to-demanding entertainment. Sergeant Pluck recommends  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 02 February, 2012, 07:11:35 am
Habemas Papam.  (We Have A Pope, tbc).

Very funny, very quirky film, with a surprise ending.  I don't think I'd watch it again. 

But I might.

If you've ever had anything to do with the dressing-up, ritual and high camp of church there are bits in this that are just hilarious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: arabella on 03 February, 2012, 01:52:53 pm
'everything is OK'
I discovered that copyright permissions for the mosfilm archives says anyone can copy it, so there is a lot of stuff on line, some classics and some less well known.  includes Alexander Nevsky and Ivan the T.  Haven'y found John the B yet, that was deffo weird when I saw it (It was on at Cannes, my grandfather and I ambled along.  I forget the year).

I hope to finish flammen und citronen before it gets taken off iplayer.  It's Danish, except where it's german, the subtitles don't differentiate so it was great having a bit where I could understand.  It seems I have got used to Swedish too (courtesy of Wallander I suppose), as recognised the change when that was in use, briefly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 03 February, 2012, 04:51:27 pm
'everything is OK'
I discovered that copyright permissions for the mosfilm archives says anyone can copy it, so there is a lot of stuff on line, some classics and some less well known.  includes Alexander Nevsky and Ivan the T.  Haven'y found John the B yet, that was deffo weird when I saw it (It was on at Cannes, my grandfather and I ambled along.  I forget the year).

I hope to finish flammen und citronen before it gets taken off iplayer.  It's Danish, except where it's german, the subtitles don't differentiate so it was great having a bit where I could understand.  It seems I have got used to Swedish too (courtesy of Wallander I suppose), as recognised the change when that was in use, briefly.

Would it be this site that one can watch various films from the archive?

www.cinema.mosfilm.ru

Oh good, has 'Come and See', one of my absolute recommended war films, with Germans in Byelorussia and a boy who survives against the odds. Very lyrical and dreamlike.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 03 February, 2012, 07:27:17 pm
Les Emotifs Anonymes (Romantics Anonymous)

Oh, I do love an old-fashioned love story, especially when combined with chocolate and a bit of sauce.  I may be wrong here, but this may not be a blokes' film.  Not a single man in the cinema.  Oh, but it was lovely, and funny, and whimsical.

Flawed, though, in that some of the minor characters could have been expanded a smidge, and it would have helped the plot.

Left with a big smile on my face anyway.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 03 February, 2012, 08:07:50 pm
The Descendants - absolutely loved it, excellent couple of hours not-to-demanding entertainment. Sergeant Pluck recommends  :)

Thanks Sergeant Pluck, I shall definitely watch that, it looks like my kind of thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AlbionLass on 04 February, 2012, 06:27:40 pm
Dog Soldiers, again...watched it last night and I'll be watching it again tonight. It gets me like that sometimes. Need a Sean Pertwee injection and the cast/crew commentary on the dvd is hilarious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 04 February, 2012, 06:39:02 pm
I'm looking forward to the release of 'A Dangerous Method'. I have seen 'Keeper of Souls' so it will be interesting to see how the Jung and Speilrein relationship is approached in this film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 05 February, 2012, 09:30:56 am
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.   Don't watch this film if you're a little tired - it's getting late and you don't know/forgotten the story.   ;)  I periodically got lost with names - who was who, and also because mini ao had a cold and kept on getting up - we had to have the volume on low-ish and I so I lost some of the dialogue at times.  Sombre and sometimes confusing (for me) - but well done; should watch it again (but haven't got time).  Gary Oldman was very good I thought, admirably poker-faced. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 05 February, 2012, 09:38:59 am
The Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I was expecting better, because it lacked that Nordic sense of isolation and tried too hard to be The Da Vinci Code for me. They cut too much out from the book and removed one central character altogether. I've got the other two in the trilogy to watch and I'll make the effort, but I hope things improve.

Is it too much to ask DVD producers to have a "no subtitles" option?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 February, 2012, 09:37:26 pm
The Time-Traveler's Wife is on ch4 just now. I saw it at the pictures when it came out. I love the book but the film is absolutely insipid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: darkpoint on 06 February, 2012, 08:36:22 am
9
Beautiful animated film about surviving at the end of the world.   

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472033/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 06 February, 2012, 09:11:21 am
The Lady Vanishes- 1938 B&W version satrring Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave.

A cracking bit of early Hitchcock magic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 06 February, 2012, 11:58:10 am
Signed up for Netflix

Watched:

Super High Me, amusing take on what it's like to not smoke pot, then smoke pot non stop for 30 days.

Glory, very good film, seen it before, just wanted to catch up with it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 07 February, 2012, 08:30:14 am
Erin Brockiwich.

Great performances from Julia Roberts and Albert Finney.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 07 February, 2012, 11:09:28 am
The Artist.

Absolutely fantastic. Best film I've seen in ages.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 08 February, 2012, 11:39:08 pm
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.   Don't watch this film if you're a little tired - it's getting late and you don't know/forgotten the story.   ;)  I periodically got lost with names - who was who, and also because mini ao had a cold and kept on getting up - we had to have the volume on low-ish and I so I lost some of the dialogue at times.  Sombre and sometimes confusing (for me) - but well done; should watch it again (but haven't got time).  Gary Oldman was very good I thought, admirably poker-faced.

I watched this the other day and there are a lot of details that you need to able to pay attention to, which are crucial to the plot; miss something and you get lost. If you miss a red dress here and a ring on someone's hand there, you might miss hints Of what's happening.  However, some of those details are brilliant; the use of glasses for instance: Prideaux tells the schoolboy that people who wear glasses see all, Smiley wears glasses and sees all but Haydon only wears glasses in meetings when he needs to see all in order to pass on the information to the Soviets - thereby immediately hinting that he is the mole.

Great film 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 10 February, 2012, 06:39:15 am
V for Vendetta.  Natalie Portman's very poor English accent keeps slipping.  Some of the actors are quite good but The Matrix throwing knife effects are crap and the story is highly derivative, mostly from The Phantom Of The Opera and Nineteen Eighty-Four.  Enjoyable tosh though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 February, 2012, 09:37:11 am
V for Vendetta.  Natalie Portman's very poor English accent keeps slipping.  Some of the actors are quite good but The Matrix throwing knife effects are crap and the story is highly derivative, mostly from The Phantom Of The Opera and Nineteen Eighty-Four.  Enjoyable tosh though.

Don't worry about the minor defets in the filum. Starring Natalie Portman more than makes up for them  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 10 February, 2012, 11:36:21 am
The Girl Who Played with Fire and half of the The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest.

Marginally better than the first part, but not distinctive enough to differentiate them from many other of the genre. This is a shame, as the books deserve better. One things that grates is the almost total exclusion of quite a major character in the films; i.e. Armansky, Salander's boss. He gets the tiniest of cameos in the films, but was instrumental in the plot of the books. A major omission IMO. I know books have to be condensed into scripts, but this goes too far.

It's made me want to see the Daniel Craig version, as it can't be any worse. Can it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 February, 2012, 02:24:01 pm
It's got Daniel Craig in it, and he's a big piece of wood.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 10 February, 2012, 06:26:15 pm
V for Vendetta.  Natalie Portman's very poor English accent keeps slipping.  Some of the actors are quite good but The Matrix throwing knife effects are crap and the story is highly derivative, mostly from The Phantom Of The Opera and Nineteen Eighty-Four.  Enjoyable tosh though.

Don't worry about the minor defets in the filum. Starring Natalie Portman more than makes up for them  :thumbsup:
Yebbut Keira Knightley looks almost identical and she wouldn't struggle with the accent.  Stephen Rea was good but lets himself down in the tube station for pronouncing "lever" the US way  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 10 February, 2012, 07:54:16 pm
It's got Daniel Craig in it, and he's a big piece of wood.
Yebbut, they can't butcher the script as much as the Swedish lot...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 10 February, 2012, 07:57:24 pm
The Wrestler

Starring Mickey Rourke.  Surprisingly good  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 10 February, 2012, 09:31:30 pm
The Dark, on iPlayer. Very, very Welsh, and TBH being a cymres makes it easier to watch, but also nicely creepy with some nasty little touches.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 February, 2012, 10:16:00 pm
The Future.  Not at all what I expected, but there were bits that made you think.  I suspect this is one that will come back to us at odd times.

http://thefuturethefuture.com/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 10 February, 2012, 10:19:51 pm
9
Beautiful animated film about surviving at the end of the world.   

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472033/

Um.
Creepy. Odd. Lovely.

Odd.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 10 February, 2012, 10:24:15 pm
The Future.  Not at all what I expected.

That's worth printing up on a t-shirt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 February, 2012, 11:04:59 pm
The Future.  Not at all what I expected.

That's worth printing up on a t-shirt.

 ;D ;D ;D

POTD!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rower40 on 11 February, 2012, 12:10:36 pm
Currently watching...

Monty Python And The Holy Grail.

It just keeps getting better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 11 February, 2012, 03:25:37 pm
The Pillow Book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 11 February, 2012, 03:42:09 pm
Moon

Ye olde worlde minature model special effects ftw   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 February, 2012, 06:50:22 pm
Currently watching "Brighton Rock". The 2010 version, not the proper one. And it's not the book either.

We shall see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 February, 2012, 06:53:02 pm
V for Vendetta.  Natalie Portman's very poor English accent keeps slipping.  Some of the actors are quite good but The Matrix throwing knife effects are crap and the story is highly derivative, mostly from The Phantom Of The Opera and Nineteen Eighty-Four.  Enjoyable tosh though.

Don't worry about the minor defets in the filum. Starring Natalie Portman more than makes up for them  :thumbsup:
Yebbut Keira Knightley looks almost identical and she wouldn't struggle with the accent.  Stephen Rea was good but lets himself down in the tube station for pronouncing "lever" the US way  :facepalm:

They are similar but not that close a resemblance. Even I could see that it wasn't Padmé  but her hand maiden Sabé in 'The Phantom Menace'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 February, 2012, 10:16:15 pm
Yeah, that really spoilt an otherwise skilfully-plotted and cast film  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 11 February, 2012, 10:28:33 pm
Currently watching "Brighton Rock". The 2010 version, not the proper one. And it's not the book either.

We shall see.

I saw the black and white version on tv within the last fortnight and then the 2010 version a few days later, also on tv.  Although the 2010 version was ok, I much preferred the older version; it seemed more atmospheric.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 February, 2012, 11:13:14 pm
The Bourne Supremacy on Blu-Ray. Like being in the cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 11 February, 2012, 11:28:42 pm
Cell 211. Spanish prison drama. Was ok, but imo The Escapist with Brian Cox is much better.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 11 February, 2012, 11:33:38 pm
The Core. Reportedly the most scientifically incorrect movie ever. I liked it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PrettyBoyTim on 12 February, 2012, 12:08:51 am
Just watched Captain America. It was a bit poor, really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 12 February, 2012, 03:20:40 pm
Jungle Book 2

Little Dinamo's favourite  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 12 February, 2012, 03:49:42 pm
The JJ Abrams Star Trek film on TV last night.

I liked it a lot. Had the sense of humour of the original series. Cadet Kirk in bed with the green girl nicely poked fun at the franchise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 12 February, 2012, 04:19:26 pm
Mr R has bought two of the Cineworld Unlimited passes - £125 a year for as many films as you want.

Yesterday we saw The Descendants, with George Clooney.  Really quite good.

And today was The Muppets....  I came out of the cinema looking like this :  ;D

Altogether now... Mnah, manh... doo doo di doo doo...


We're just waiting for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1412386/) to be released.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 12 February, 2012, 08:40:19 pm
Currently watching "Brighton Rock". The 2010 version, not the proper one. And it's not the book either.

We shall see.

I saw the black and white version on tv within the last fortnight and then the 2010 version a few days later, also on tv.  Although the 2010 version was ok, I much preferred the older version; it seemed more atmospheric.

The 2010 version wasn't really much cop.  Although it has made me want to re-read the book, just to see how many liberties they took with the story.  Mind you, Andy Serkis was good as Colleoni.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 13 February, 2012, 12:54:18 pm
The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain (aka Amélie).

Prolly regarded as a Chic Flick but I love it (as does SWMBO).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 13 February, 2012, 01:01:28 pm
We're just waiting for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1412386/) to be released.  :thumbsup:

No need, just ask Crusty and Deano about their adventures in India :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 16 February, 2012, 11:37:18 pm
The Thing, on Blu Ray, bought for £5 from Amazon. Had forgotten how good it is.

Next up is the Princess Bride, also on Blu Ray.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 17 February, 2012, 04:51:06 pm
Bit of a dvd feast this week, as I've been too  :sick: (day 9) to do much else  :(

I finally watched the Battleship Potemkin. It wasn't as basic as I'd expected - by which I mean I thought it was going to be quite unsophisticated and very propagand-y. In the event, there were some clever touches (one - a scene where a child in a pram rolls uncontrolled down a long flight of steps - echoed much later in The Untouchables), and the propaganda was no more in your face than much of what comes out of western studios even today. I suppose the real surprise/interest was that it exists at all.

I dipped into my Laurel & Hardy box set again - it always cheers.

Bellville Rendezvous got a timely re-visit. I'd forgotten - again - how wierd that film is. Is there some message in this film, or is it just whimsical panto?

For some reason I have the dvd of Dune. I first saw this film on video some 15 (or more?) years ago, and really enjoyed it. It has not stood the test of time/march of cgi, and some of the acting now looks pretty poor (not helped I suspect by the techniques needed to fit what I guess is a complicated plot into standard/expected film length).

My final choice was School for Scoundrels: Ian Carmichael 'stars', but is eclipsed by Alistair Sim, Terry Thomas, Dennis Price, Hatti Jacques, John Le Mesurier et al. Delightful.

But I'd rather be well and having to choose between having sex or riding my bike.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 February, 2012, 07:07:28 pm

Quote
Bellville Rendezvous got a timely re-visit. I'd forgotten - again - how wierd that film is. Is there some message in this film, or is it just whimsical panto?

It's brilliant not weird.  Works on more than one level.  Panto it ain't and probably the French get even more out the parodies.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 18 February, 2012, 12:16:32 pm

Quote
Bellville Rendezvous got a timely re-visit. I'd forgotten - again - how wierd that film is. Is there some message in this film, or is it just whimsical panto?

It's brilliant not weird.  Works on more than one level.  Panto it ain't and probably the French get even more out the parodies.

I agree that it is brilliant, but it is definitley weird too.

I wondered whether it worked on more than one level - can you expand?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: padbeat on 18 February, 2012, 12:35:41 pm
Mrs PB and Secundo were out last night so Primo and I had a blokes night in. Home made popcorn, McEwans Champion for me, Irn Bru for him and The Blues Brothers on DVD. His first time watching it and I thought he was going to wet himself laughing about 6 times. It turns out that I thoroughly enjoyed it too - I'd forgotten just how good it is.

The only problem now is that I mentioned that John Landis had also directed An American Werewolf in London which I enthused about and he wants to see. Then I remembered about the Jenny Agutter mandatory shagging and tits out bits. Ah. He might be ready for that, and I certainly was when I was his age, but I'm not ready to sit in the same room as him with it on.

Sorry, big guy, there are unsuitable 'themes' ... maybe in a year or two ...  :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 February, 2012, 01:32:08 pm
"They Who Dare", an early Technicolor war film (all the greens look wrong) with Dirk Bogarde and Denholm Elliott.

It's crap, don't bother.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 18 February, 2012, 04:51:21 pm
We are watching 'Timeline' (really as background) and it is the biggest piece of sh*t I have seen in a long time! Great cast, some good ideas to it but shockingly crap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 February, 2012, 05:08:16 pm
Last night was Mr Popper's Penguins (carp) and today was The Muppets (fantastic)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 February, 2012, 12:40:09 pm
The Eagle.  Book good, film poor.  About a third of the way through...hang on, isn't that Billy Elliot?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 19 February, 2012, 06:43:39 pm
Currently watching 'Fantastic Mr Fox'. Its fabulous  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 February, 2012, 11:27:16 am

Quote
Bellville Rendezvous got a timely re-visit. I'd forgotten - again - how wierd that film is. Is there some message in this film, or is it just whimsical panto?

It's brilliant not weird.  Works on more than one level.  Panto it ain't and probably the French get even more out the parodies.

I agree that it is brilliant, but it is definitley weird too.

I wondered whether it worked on more than one level - can you expand?

Most simply, it a cartoon that entertains children at one level and whilst offering a different perspective to adults. 

It satirises aspects and clashes of both French culture and US culture.  What's more, the dog Bruno's perspective is interwoven amongst that of the French grandma (a heroic and recognisable figure) and her duriful but very much less heroic grandson.  Not to mention the fall from fame and fortune of the feisty but faded music hall triplets living in squalor (in what must be a caricatured New York) and in the past until Madam Souza arrives to revitalize them.

Belleville itself is a working class district of Paris, once independent but swallowed up by the city as shown in the film whilst in real life it fiercely holds on to its distinct character (one part of Paris I'd specially like to visit). 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 22 February, 2012, 10:08:31 pm
Alien.

Fucking hell. Ridley Scott and friends managed to scare the b'Jesus out of me in 1979 with this number, and 33 years later, he's still managing it.

It's just as creepy as fuck.

(Seeing "Ash" as "Bilbo" in the intervening time hasn't helped a jot)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 22 February, 2012, 10:19:29 pm
Of Gods and Men.  Wot was in French and evryfink, which I more or less followed despite the subtitles. First time I've been to the cinema in about a year!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 22 February, 2012, 10:57:40 pm
Of Gods and Men.  Wot was in French and evryfink, which I more or less followed despite the subtitles. First time I've been to the cinema in about a year!

I saw that last year. Rather good I thought., though I had to rely on the subtitles..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 23 February, 2012, 08:43:13 am
Punishment Park, by Peter Watkins in 1971. The film's themes of how easily USia can easily tip over to its innate violent punitive paranoid state of emergency under various pretexts of internal security is sadly still all too relevant.

Watched it with subtitles.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 February, 2012, 08:13:04 pm
I struggled through the first 45 minutes of Bruno before deciding that Sacha Baron Cohen isn't actually funny.  The gay sex scene with his midget partner was vaguely amusing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 24 February, 2012, 09:49:09 pm
Source Code, with Jake Gyllenhaal.  Excellent film, absorbing & good pace.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 25 February, 2012, 06:03:35 am
The Core.  Dodgy goodness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rapples on 25 February, 2012, 06:50:08 am
I struggled through the first 45 minutes of Bruno before deciding that Sacha Baron Cohen isn't actually funny.  The gay sex scene with his midget partner was vaguely amusing.
You lasted about 30 minutes longed than me, but then again I'd already formed that opinion
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 25 February, 2012, 09:28:50 pm
Scary Movie 3.  They only send up four or five films (the main ones being The Ring and Signs, with a fair dose of The Matrix trilogy) and the visual gags are a bit slow coming compared to the first film, but I thought it was better than Scary Movie 2.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 25 February, 2012, 09:56:03 pm
Scary Movie 3.  They only send up four or five films (the main ones being The Ring and Signs, with a fair dose of The Matrix trilogy) and the visual gags are a bit slow coming compared to the first film, but I thought it was better than Scary Movie 2.

You watched that.   :D ;)  I saw the last 2mins.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 25 February, 2012, 09:59:58 pm
I loved the first film.  A colleague from work and I saw it at the cinema towards the end of its run, having bunked off early to get cheap tickets.  We were (literally) the only people in the auditorium and we laughed like drains.  It isn't as funny a second time, because you know what's coming.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 26 February, 2012, 12:33:38 pm
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Learn from my mistake.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 26 February, 2012, 02:03:27 pm
Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close.

I can't decide whether this film is emotionally manipulative, on a Death Of Little Nell scale; or merely brilliant in its portrayal of the human response to loss.

I couldn't read the book.  The first chapter, in which a little boy listens to the answer phone messages his dad leaves from one of the Towers on 9/11, was so sad that I wouldn't read any more.

There were points in this film where I nearly left, to wait for crusty in the car.  Again, it was too much, and too sad, but my mascara was all over my face so I decided to stay put till my face went back to normal.  I'm glad I did.  I wasn't the only one, there were definitely snivelling sounds coming from the whole auditorium at various points.

(click to show/hide)

This goes in the same category as 'The Kite Runner' - brilliant films I'm glad I've seen, but won't watch again, because they're too emotional.  Recommended, but not for a first date.  I do think that aspects of this story have probably been mawkished for Hollywood, and I'm not completely at ease with anything that turns that awful day into entertainment.  However, fiction can bring history to life sometimes and I think this film probably does that, and it's all right this time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 February, 2012, 02:12:56 pm
Fright Night, in 3D. Good old fashioned hokum with added Dr Who, and blood splatting out from the screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 February, 2012, 03:44:45 pm
Bobb and I just went to see The Woman in Black. I was suitably creeped out all the way through and watched most of it through my fingers. He said it was the slowest moving film he's ever seen.

There was a very random collection of accents in the village.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 26 February, 2012, 05:51:30 pm
My parents got bought The Godfather collection for Xmas so the 3 of us sat down to watch The Godfather Part 1 last night.

I thought it was bloody good. Loved that:

a) there is this huge Italian family having lots of fun at a wedding, and the Dad is giving out favours and using certain people to bump off other people.
b) when the 6 heads of the 6 families are meeting and one of them stands up and says 'Gambling not a problem, but I draws the line at drugs, keep them off our streets, for the sake of the children'.

Going to watch The Godfather Part 2 this evening. Looking forward to it  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 26 February, 2012, 05:59:26 pm
Lucky you, getting to see that perfect film for the very first time. Looking forward to your verdict :-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 26 February, 2012, 07:24:56 pm
Nothing like watching the Godfather for the 1st time, awesome isn't it? :)

Frere

Edit: GF II is just as good if not better than GF I. GF III is ok but a disappointment compared to GF I & II.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 27 February, 2012, 07:15:13 am
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Learn from my mistake.

What?  Great film  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 27 February, 2012, 08:43:00 am
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Learn from my mistake.

What?  Great film  :thumbsup:
(click to show/hide)
but then what do I know?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 28 February, 2012, 09:36:00 am
We got round to watching The Godfather Part II last night.

We all thought it was better than the first film (Dad gave the Godfather I 4/10, he was finding it very hard to catch what people were saying and he can't stand Marlon Brando) and we loved the fact that it went back to Don Vito's early life and his interactions with Fancini, The Black Hand. What is so devastating is seeing Al Pacino change from this fresh-faced lad in uniform into The Godfather himself.

I still think the ever faithful Robert Duvall's character is going to turn on them but we will wait and see when we watch Part III
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 February, 2012, 11:42:03 am
The Outlaw Josy Wales.  Clint does what Clint does best i.e. keep schtum and shoot a metric fuckton of baddies.  This allows Chief Dan George to get all the best lines and steal the film as a result.

Sad to not that Bruce Surtees, who was cinematographer / director of photography on many of Eastwood's 70s and 80 films, died last week
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 February, 2012, 01:33:52 pm
Kill Bill II (again)

 :thumbsup:

That is all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 28 February, 2012, 02:35:32 pm
Kill Bill II (again)

 :thumbsup:

That is all.

Somewhat OT: I saw Kill Bill at the cinema with Suzy, and we both enjoyed it.

When KB II came out, Suzy went to the cinema with a friend to see it, without even telling me beforehand.

I absolutely believe her when she tells me (which she has to do as often as it is repeated on tv) that she just didn't see anything wrong with this, but I still think that (had we ever got married) this alone would constitute grounds for divorce.

(Back on topic) Uma Thurman: laminated list.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: keepontriking on 28 February, 2012, 05:34:39 pm
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Couldn't make head nor tail of it.

Give me Toy Story any day.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 28 February, 2012, 10:45:47 pm
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Learn from my mistake.

What?  Great film  :thumbsup:
(click to show/hide)
but then what do I know?

We went to see this tonight, I thought it was OK in an On Golden Pond (old people on a lake, whingeing*) way.  It's not Godfather II mind.  Tom Wilkinson and Bill Nighy are always a treat, in anything whatsoever.


And now I want to go to India  ::-)

*copyright Dinnerladies
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 29 February, 2012, 03:59:56 pm
The Outlaw Josy Wales.  Clint does what Clint does best i.e. keep schtum and shoot a metric fuckton of baddies.  This allows Chief Dan George to get all the best lines and steal the film as a result.

Sad to not that Bruce Surtees, who was cinematographer / director of photography on many of Eastwood's 70s and 80 films, died last week

One of my favourites films, watched it yet again almost a month ago.  I feel sorry for one of the guys he shoots early on (Lige* and Abe).  Lige keeps calling it right (especially “Shoot him now Abe”) pointing out that Wales has probably got at least another pistol hidden away. Abe doesn’t listen and they both get shot (Abe has also got into Lige’s line of fire too)

Great authentic period pistols too. I saw a fair few Civil War era firearms (originals and replicas) when I was over in Gettysburg last year, stupid UK gun laws!

The life of the guy who wrote the book the film is based on makes for bizarre and scary reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asa_Earl_Carter
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 29 February, 2012, 04:16:49 pm
What an appalling man! 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 29 February, 2012, 09:57:17 pm
'Shame'.

Meh.

A point that's been made before, and made better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 02 March, 2012, 11:20:20 pm
Moon (by same director as Source Code), with Kevin Spacey as the voice of the robot.  Good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 02 March, 2012, 11:25:14 pm
Red Dog. Over-sold in the ads - very mediocre, I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 02 March, 2012, 11:31:56 pm
Crazy Heart. Jeff Bridges on fine form in this story about a fading singer. Slow burner but had me hooked. 8/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 02 March, 2012, 11:43:54 pm
We need to talk about Kevin - directed by Lynne Ramsay, who also did Ratcatcher and Morven Callar. Excellent, absorbing film about a difficult subject. Recommended, not an easy one to watch.

Frere

 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 March, 2012, 11:50:09 pm
Pale Rider.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ferret on 03 March, 2012, 12:14:08 am
The Kings Speech, top film  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 03 March, 2012, 08:51:40 am
Pale Rider.

One of my all time favourite films.
I like the bit where a super annuated Rowdy Yates ;) ,masquerading as a preacher man ,knocks seven colours of sh$t out the wildwestfrontier chavs with a pick axe handle.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 03 March, 2012, 11:27:36 pm
Film two of this weekend's Jeff Bridges trilogy finished. True Grit. Very enjoyable, true to the story but different enough to have it's own flavour, and with a much better ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 05 March, 2012, 07:50:36 am
Bad Leiutenant- Harvey Keitel.

Not a film I intend to watch again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 05 March, 2012, 07:59:32 am
The Big Lebowski.


The Dude - still - abides.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JT on 05 March, 2012, 09:10:40 am
Drive.

Much darker and more violent, and with less driving than I expected.
I don't think Ryan Gosling really pulled off the main character but the rest of the cast were good. Overall it was enjoyable and the soundtrack was great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 March, 2012, 10:47:58 am
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.  Much better than that pile of tosh with Gene Wilder.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 March, 2012, 02:56:50 pm
Clash Of The Titans (2010)

Only because it was on the telly yesterday afternoon and my son wanted to watch it. I'm a huge fan of the Harryhausen version, which I saw in the cinema when it first came out when I was about 8 or 9, so this had a lot to live up to, but I remember the universally bad reviews when it came out so expectations were not high.

And indeed it was mostly awful. I could probably be here all day writing about what was wrong with it, but I'll stick to a few of the most serious problems...

First off, Andromeda was sidelined as a fairly inconsequential character, so you didn't really care whether she was sacrificed or not, and they randomly introduced Io as the love interest instead.

Second, they changed the role of Calibos in the story so he became little more than Angry Dude Who Goes Around Hitting People At The Behest Of Hades. Which he didn't do very well.

Third, Pegasus wasn't even given a story, he just flew down out of nowhere at the appropriate moment and Perseus got on him and flew off.

Fourth, they just made all the monsters stupidly big - the scorpions were ridiculously out of proportion, and then they solved the problem of the impossibility of killing such massive monsters by having the Djinn turn up (in an ancient Greek myth!) and magically taming them. As for the Kraken... completely stupid. Bigger is not always better, you know.

Fifth, Sam Worthington.

Sixth, Bubo from the 1981 film was used as a silly throwaway joke, as if to say, "Look, this is the quality of special effects they had in those days! Lolz!" The irony being that the special effects from the earlier film are in many ways far superior to the newer film.

Really, the whole thing was just a tedious, garbled mess.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 05 March, 2012, 03:18:43 pm
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.  Much better than that pile of tosh with Gene Wilder.

Seems rather like comparing a poke in the eye with a kick in the balls.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 05 March, 2012, 08:45:30 pm
Immortal (or sometimes Immortel aka Ad Vitam).  I can't quite decide whether I like this or not.  It's rather oddly done with a mixture of real actors and not terribly good CGI actors.  The backdrops are impressive, more so given the film is eight years old now, so was a relatively early film to use entirely CGI backgrounds, but the film is more than a little confusing.  Apparently it's based on a cartoon, but isn't supposed to be that close to the original.

Oddly, somehow the entire film is up on YouTube in one lump.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thxMC2A3_vk
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 March, 2012, 10:20:55 pm
I like it - the CGI-ish bits are annoying, tho'.

It's all style.

Based on the work of Enki Bilal

(http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l0eehypNip1qa8ixr.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 06 March, 2012, 03:25:56 am
Real Steel 2012.

Loved it :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 06 March, 2012, 05:49:43 pm
Deep End, with Jane Asher.  Plus a superb cameo from Diana Dors and a soundtrack by Cat Stevens.  A real period piece from 1970 which (as a special treat) begins with close-ups of a steel Falcon and its lugwork.  That's not relevant to the plot at all (except in an oblique and symbolic sense) but I thought some parishioners might be interested  ;)

A dark film of menace and sadness and sexual power, I was absorbed by it from start to finish.  They couldn't make it now, but it provoked some discussion chez linda/crusty about how far we've really travelled, and not travelled since 1970 when it comes to the representations of women, and femininity, and femaleness, in film.

Interesting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 06 March, 2012, 09:47:54 pm
They couldn't make it now, but it provoked some discussion chez linda/crusty about how far we've really travelled, and not travelled since 1970 when it comes to the representations of women, and femininity, and femaleness, in film.

Interesting.

I don't know the film, but the discussion is familiar. The developments in the representations of women in film are puny. The exceptions come easily to mind because they are exceptional.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 March, 2012, 12:59:19 pm
This might have been mentioned before, but the Bechdel Test (http://bechdeltest.com/) is a good indicator of attitudes towards women in the movies.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 07 March, 2012, 01:28:07 pm
Fascinating.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 March, 2012, 08:33:51 am
Tombstone.  Excellent Western but I'd say they could never make a film as extraordinary as Wyatt Earp's real life.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 13 March, 2012, 09:40:32 pm
Hugo. To be honest, I had little interest until it won the VFX oscar, which made me check it out..and regretted that I hadn't done so earlier. It's really a homage to the early film makers and I for one, was very inspired.
I think in todays production environment it's easy to forget the 'product' at the end of it and I certainly ended up with renewed energy to create illusions and other visual wizardry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 15 March, 2012, 10:19:58 am
I've half-watched a few movies out here in India. It's been remarkably hard to find a Western movie without Jason fucking Statham in it. I did watch him in the appalling Death Race.

Likewise, I couldn't watch to the finish of Twilight, or Cop Out. I fell asleep in the middle of Godzilla, which I do like (it's a bit long, mainly cos it tries to be a monster movie and a New York movie, and though it does both pretty well, it could have had half an hour taken out of it).

One movie I really enjoyed (even though it was very badly dubbed) was The Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen. A movie about a Chinese fighting superhero battling the perfidious Japanese in pre-WW2 Shanghai. It looked fabulous. Shanghai and the fight scenes were beautifully shot. It had an entertaining villain, a story of doomed love, and bridges. Great stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 15 March, 2012, 10:32:08 am
Arlington Road. Superb performances from Jeff Bridges and Tim Robbins. Chilling in its plausibility.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 15 March, 2012, 11:37:31 pm
John Carter. I awaited this one eagerly because of my childhood addiction to the books, and I wasn't too disappointed.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 March, 2012, 01:27:32 pm
John Carter. I awaited this one eagerly because of my childhood addiction to the books, and I wasn't too disappointed.
(click to show/hide)

That's heartening - I had this firmly in the "Will be awful" camp.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 16 March, 2012, 01:36:23 pm
I've half-watched a few movies out here in India. It's been remarkably hard to find a Western movie without Jason fucking Statham in it. I did watch him in the appalling Death Race.

Likewise, I couldn't watch to the finish of Twilight, or Cop Out. I fell asleep in the middle of Godzilla, which I do like (it's a bit long, mainly cos it tries to be a monster movie and a New York movie, and though it does both pretty well, it could have had half an hour taken out of it).

One movie I really enjoyed (even though it was very badly dubbed) was The Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen. A movie about a Chinese fighting superhero battling the perfidious Japanese in pre-WW2 Shanghai. It looked fabulous. Shanghai and the fight scenes were beautifully shot. It had an entertaining villain, a story of doomed love, and bridges. Great stuff.


Is that the one where, in a particular fight scene, if you can successfully take on half a dozen jap soldiers and defeat them, you can have a big bag of rice? Hope it was that one 'cos it woz brilliant.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 16 March, 2012, 01:49:33 pm
I came in late so I might have missed that scene. He did fight a lot of Japs, though. The only time he lost was when someone wandered out of a car and bopped him on the head with a blackjack. He didn't even try to fight back!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 16 March, 2012, 02:19:29 pm
Deaners. It's not the one I'm thinking of. It's this one: Ip Man. Based on a true story. Starring Donnie Yen.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn-images.hollywood.com/site/ip-man-still.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hollywood.com/news/Under_the_Radar_Ip_Man_and_the_Problem_with_Netflix/7725570&usg=__tPzDJQEtPM7gVnrj3Wfa_KmagDc=&h=324&w=447&sz=64&hl=en&start=6&zoom=1&tbnid=9JYtu9Y8Di8APM:&tbnh=92&tbnw=127&ei=V0tjT8yqEJSHhQfA49CQCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3DIp%2BMan%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1

And bloody good it is too!


Ooh Missus! I think it needs shortening!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 16 March, 2012, 08:42:33 pm
Just watched Predators:not for the first,or second,time.But this had some gory bits in it not seen before.Perhaps a Directors Cut or somesuch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 17 March, 2012, 08:26:37 am
There's a prequel and sequel to Ip Man and despite the heavy propaganda, they're both worth watching!.
Legend of the Fist was good too. In fact, I'll make the claim that Donnie Yen is the best martial arts actor out there at the moment. (Jet Lee is too old and doesn't have the gracefulness that allowed Jackie Chan to continue for as long as he did).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 March, 2012, 09:09:16 am
Just finished watching Extremely Loud and Incredably Close and Extremely SAD

I luvd it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 18 March, 2012, 09:09:47 am
Just finished watching Extremely Loud and Incredably Close and Extremely SAD

I luvd it.

It is good, isn't it.

Do you need rehydrating?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 March, 2012, 09:25:46 am
Yes!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 March, 2012, 10:03:07 am
Cross Of Iron.  Didn't like it much;the acting is good enough but the plot seems to wander all over the place.  I don't think Sam Peckinpah was out to entertain, rather to make an anti-war point.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 18 March, 2012, 04:16:42 pm
The Last Castle - which has more depth than I gave it credit for last time, but I'm not sure if the director meant the dark undertones it has about the lead character.

I watched it first time a few years ago and it was a reasonably fanciful jingoistic army/prison movie, but re-watching it I have a bit more empathy for the villain and less for the lead character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 18 March, 2012, 04:30:37 pm
The Castle. Do you mean this (http://progressive.totaleclips.com.edgesuite.net/225/e22510_235.mp4?eclipid=e22510&bitrateid=455&vendorid=102&type=.mp4&sp_ubid=746-5916787-1173752)?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 18 March, 2012, 04:49:02 pm
Ah sorry, trusting my memory is always bad  :-[

It's called The Last Castle - now changed upthread
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 March, 2012, 05:55:51 pm
On Golden Pond and Four Lions.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 18 March, 2012, 09:01:20 pm
On Golden Pond and Four Lions.

Now there's a double bill you don't often see down the local picture palace.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 18 March, 2012, 09:09:47 pm
On Golden Pond and Four Lions.

Now there's a double bill you don't often see down the local picture palace.

Indeed.  A unique juxtaposition of styles.

We just watched Airplane, which was much better than I remembered.  I larfed.  Thanks crusty  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 19 March, 2012, 01:01:00 am
The Warrior 2011.

I quite liked it :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 19 March, 2012, 07:53:22 pm
3 Idiots.

My first venture into Bollywood. Awesome!

Zoobi Doobi!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 March, 2012, 10:42:21 am
Lethal Weapon 3 (Tosh, but quality tosh).

Bad Boys. (Tosh, but far better quality tosh).

Both get a  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: gotnobrakes on 20 March, 2012, 03:45:57 pm
Just yesterday we watched Radio Days from our Woody Allen collection. It's such a nice film. You can just lounge on your favorite armchair, have some red wine and enjoy the experience. It's not exactly linear, but their is a plot in there somewhere. The story is mainly kept together by the radio theme.

This is definitely one of Woody Allen's more enjoyable movies.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 21 March, 2012, 12:26:03 am
The Taking of Pelham 123

Great film :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 March, 2012, 11:09:31 pm
The Hunger Games


My kids are fans of the books, so of course I've read them too. Good books, excellent for teenagers. I enjoyed them, but didn't think they were 'wow'.

I suspected that the film would be rubbish. The books are fairly gritty - set in a dystopian future, they don't pull any punches. There is everything that happens in under real oppression, from starvation, mutilation as punishment, mass executions, and people selling themselves for food. Not just trading sex for food with guards, but selling 'tickets' in the annual lottery, where teenagers are picked out to fight to death for the entertainment and oppression of the masses. This is something that isn't explained in the film; every teen gets their name once in the 'hat'. But they can 'buy' credits by putting their name down more than once.

Anyway, I thought that would be not translated to the big screen. I was wrong. Sure, there is a lot left out. But it rates as one of the best adaptions of a book to the screen I've ever seen.

Best to read the books first, tho', or you won't have a clue what is going on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 March, 2012, 08:00:02 am
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 26 March, 2012, 09:16:45 am
More Bollywood.

Om Shanti Om.

Not enough dancing, but Pain of Disco will live with me for a while.

A Bollywood habit requires commitment. These films are all well over 2 & a half hours. Blimey.
Next up: some historical romance. O yes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 March, 2012, 02:22:11 pm
Local  Hero :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 28 March, 2012, 10:03:03 am
The Hunger Games


My kids are fans of the books, so of course I've read them too. Good books, excellent for teenagers. I enjoyed them, but didn't think they were 'wow'.

I suspected that the film would be rubbish. The books are fairly gritty - set in a dystopian future, they don't pull any punches. There is everything that happens in under real oppression, from starvation, mutilation as punishment, mass executions, and people selling themselves for food. Not just trading sex for food with guards, but selling 'tickets' in the annual lottery, where teenagers are picked out to fight to death for the entertainment and oppression of the masses. This is something that isn't explained in the film; every teen gets their name once in the 'hat'. But they can 'buy' credits by putting their name down more than once.

Anyway, I thought that would be not translated to the big screen. I was wrong. Sure, there is a lot left out. But it rates as one of the best adaptions of a book to the screen I've ever seen.

Best to read the books first, tho', or you won't have a clue what is going on.

I saw it yesterday and loved it and I haven’t read the books, so I would say that you can definitely see and enjoy the film without having read them.  I knew virtually nothing about the story before I saw the film (hadn’t seen any trailers and ignored all reviews beforehand).  I do think I got most of what was going on – I thought here and there that there might be stuff I was missing out on but not too much.  Obviously there could be loads I didn’t get but the film did not give the impression of being a poor adaptation.

I did get the ‘credits’ for extra food means extra tickets thing, so it is definitely explained (over time) in the film – there isn’t one scene where they say “This is how the Hunger Games work and these are all the mechanics laid bare” but through various scenes and dialogue the explanation is there.  All the better for being told that way (in a film at least).

I really enjoyed it, would recommend it highly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 30 March, 2012, 07:41:36 am
Not really sure this qualifies for this section but we went to see "She stoops to conquer" at the Lighthouse in Wolverhampton last evening.

The play by Oliver Goldsmith was filmed live at the National Theatre and then broadcast as it happens to a number of venues. I understand that this happens quite often but this was the first time we had attended such a showing: we will be going back, especially for Timon of Athens which is on the 1st Nov (my favourite Shakespeare play). The tickets, at £12 a head, compare well with tickets for the National Theatre (Tickets for £10 were available last year for quite a few performances). The only thing I feel we lost by not being actually at the theatre itself, was the "live" feeling as whilst the screening was live, it did feel like it was on film. (Not sure I have explained that very well).

The play itself was well acted and very funny, although the story line has been done a hundred times since the play was written in 1773. The fact that it starred two well known actors (Steve Pemberton and Katherine Kelly) did not distract from some fine performances by Harry Hadden-Paton and David Fynn.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: thelazycyclist on 01 April, 2012, 10:21:27 am
Justice with Nicolas Cage.  If there was any justice in the world, this kind of film would never get made.

Then again, maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it....No, it wasn't that, it was awful.

The part when I lost all interest was when he had to order two bars of chocolate out of a vending machine in order to hire a hitman for his wife's attacker.  And it never really got any better from there.

I wrote a full review / rant on my blog.  I feel even worse about it, because I was supposed to be watching it with LindaG and she could only take 20 minutes of it before she had to leave the room, so as a quiet night in movie it was a complete wash out.

Full rant is below.

http://theapathysquare.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/sorry-nicolas-cage-you-lost-me-at.html (http://theapathysquare.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/sorry-nicolas-cage-you-lost-me-at.html)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 01 April, 2012, 06:32:38 pm
Not really sure this qualifies for this section but we went to see "She stoops to conquer" at the Lighthouse in Wolverhampton last evening.

The play by Oliver Goldsmith was filmed live at the National Theatre and then broadcast as it happens to a number of venues. I understand that this happens quite often but this was the first time we had attended such a showing: we will be going back, especially for Timon of Athens which is on the 1st Nov (my favourite Shakespeare play). The tickets, at £12 a head, compare well with tickets for the National Theatre (Tickets for £10 were available last year for quite a few performances). The only thing I feel we lost by not being actually at the theatre itself, was the "live" feeling as whilst the screening was live, it did feel like it was on film. (Not sure I have explained that very well).

The play itself was well acted and very funny, although the story line has been done a hundred times since the play was written in 1773. The fact that it starred two well known actors (Steve Pemberton and Katherine Kelly) did not distract from some fine performances by Harry Hadden-Paton and David Fynn.

I so desperately wanted to see this and missed the screenings in cinemas. I will have to go to the theatre and see it.

I love the Lighthouse, I've been there many times when I've been in the Midlands. I love sitting in the Cinema with a lovely glass of wine.  There is also an independent in Birmingham that I love.  You rent sofas for the evening, two or three seaters dependant on your numbers. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 April, 2012, 03:57:45 pm
Ronin.

As mentioned elsewhere on this forum, an absolutley cracking car chase sequence, which topped of a good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 02 April, 2012, 04:04:51 pm
I wasn't in the mood to watch more than half of The Big Lebowski last night, so I'll try again tonight...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 02 April, 2012, 04:55:53 pm
Harry Potter and some half-drunk chap on a train.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JT on 02 April, 2012, 05:04:45 pm
Watched Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy again at the weekend - first time for yonks. Brilliant.

Quote
I love lamp
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 06 April, 2012, 11:15:11 pm
'High Society'.

One of my favourite films evah, with wonderful songs, and Satchmo, and Sinatra, and Kelly, and Crosby.

To make it even more perfect it was raining outside so I didn't feel guilty.  A marvellous couple of hours  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 08 April, 2012, 01:33:07 pm
The Line of Fire. 

An excellent Italian film (subtitled) showing the experiences of a volunteer private on the front before during and after the 2nd battle of Alamein.  It captures the perspective of those at the front, short of supplies, living rough, at one moment having little idea of what is going on or what might be in store for them, the next under attack.  The battle scene is superb and first takes you through the hell of a bombardment as well or better than 'Band of Brothers' followed by the suspense as the enemy (British) tanks approach and then the horror of the tank attack and its effects.  After defeat in battle the despair and hopelessness of the retreating losers is brought fully home.  The Italians in this film are in the Pavia division which despite the undeserved stereotype, fought well but were effectively destroyed.  This is not a film that glorifies war..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 08 April, 2012, 02:26:34 pm
The last action fiction I saw was Ashley Young's audition at Old trafford to partner Tom Daley in the forthcoming Olympic high dive doubles ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 April, 2012, 02:29:48 pm
The Eagle.

watching closely to see the Summer Isles locations.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 08 April, 2012, 02:35:43 pm
Watched one of the worst films we have ever seen last night - 'Immortals'. Great cast, looked beautiful but just a pile of dung.

After that we stuck 'The Ides of March' on: quite a decent political drama, took a while to get going but it in the end it got there. Directed by George Clooney who also did the great 'Good night and good luck'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 08 April, 2012, 05:21:53 pm
Headhunters - norwegian crime thriller, cool, slick, lots twists n turns, recommended.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 April, 2012, 08:39:18 am
The King's Speech

Much better than I was expecting. (I assumed I was going to hate it but I actually quite enjoyed it. Unlike Black Swan, which we started watching the other night but switched off after half an hour because we could stand no more of it.)

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulF on 09 April, 2012, 08:42:54 am
Pirates: An Adventure with Scientists. The latest Aardman animation. A kids' film with plenty into amuse the grown ups: one of the pirate crew had a Blue Peter badge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 April, 2012, 08:51:04 am
Pirates: An Adventure with Scientists. The latest Aardman animation. A kids' film with plenty into amuse the grown ups: one of the pirate crew had a Blue Peter badge.

We saw this on Saturday night, I thought it was excellent!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 April, 2012, 09:49:22 am
"Dead Poets Society" for the umpteenth time.    I still think it's the best final scene in cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 09 April, 2012, 02:16:47 pm
Pirates: An Adventure with Scientists. The latest Aardman animation. A kids' film with plenty into amuse the grown ups: one of the pirate crew had a Blue Peter badge.

We saw this on Saturday night, I thought it was excellent!

It got a  :thumbsup: from Louis (5), Hannah (17) and Daddy (47) - which is a nice trick if you can pull it off.

Not gales of laughter, but easy fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 09 April, 2012, 02:21:22 pm
Kid on a bike. It's not (all) about the bike.

A small story, told well. It wasn't exactly what I expected, but was very rewarding - it pushed quite a few emotional buttons, but not in a ponderous way.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Efrogwr on 12 April, 2012, 06:56:39 pm
I took E Minor to see The Hunger Games today (he couldn't find any of his mates in time and will be busy all weekend).

My reaction is exactly the same as MrCharley and Wascally Weasel; excellent. I went to preserve family harmony, but enjoyed the film and would recommend it. MrsE says that the original novels are very good: I'll have to put them on my "to read" list.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rower40 on 17 April, 2012, 07:48:00 pm
Pirates: An Adventure with Scientists. The latest Aardman animation. A kids' film with plenty into amuse the grown ups: one of the pirate crew had a Blue Peter badge.

We saw this on Saturday night, I thought it was excellent!
More  :thumbsup: from tiptop and me - we saw it on Friday.  The nods to previous Aardman productions (e.g. releasing the handbrake on the ship) were fun to spot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 April, 2012, 12:28:03 pm
Headhunters - norwegian crime thriller, cool, slick, lots twists n turns, recommended.

+1.  Saw this on Sunday.  Is it just me or was the protagonist Norway's premier Christopher Walken impersonator, up against the winner of the All-Norway-Pretend-To-Be-Sean-Bean Contest?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 18 April, 2012, 01:06:46 pm
In Time. An enjoyable little piece of dystopian sci-fi.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 April, 2012, 08:00:40 am
The Scars of Dracula. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 April, 2012, 11:32:39 am
Walkabout on iPlayer.  Sixteen year old Jenny Agutter.  (haz moment, and then another one)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 19 April, 2012, 12:01:24 pm
Walkabout on iPlayer.  Sixteen year old Jenny Agutter.  (haz moment, and then another one)

Ah, a childhood favourite. First saw it at an after school film club (along with others as varied as Soylent Green, 2001, All The president's Men, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 19 April, 2012, 11:53:40 pm
Fire Down Below. Starring Seven Seagulls.

Astonishingly brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 April, 2012, 10:21:11 am
Walkabout on iPlayer.  Sixteen year old Jenny Agutter.  (haz moment, and then another one)

I definitely don't remember her swimming in the lake so it definitely can't have made a lasting impression on a teenage boy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 20 April, 2012, 12:27:25 pm
Fire Down Below. Starring Seven Seagulls.

Astonishingly brilliant.

I thought this may have been ironic...  ;)

Quote
As a movie, it's a piece of drivel.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1078038-fire_down_below/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 20 April, 2012, 12:41:58 pm
Inferno.  Avec les muscles de Bruxelles...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 20 April, 2012, 11:40:59 pm
Walkabout on iPlayer.  Sixteen year old Jenny Agutter.  (haz moment, and then another one)

I definitely don't remember her swimming in the lake so it definitely can't have made a lasting impression on a teenage boy.
Does not compute
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 April, 2012, 12:47:50 am
Salmon fishing in the yemen
It's ok but not brill
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 22 April, 2012, 05:21:40 pm
We are currently watching 'Coraline'. So far, so enchanting  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 22 April, 2012, 05:30:44 pm
went to see 'hunger games' last night. Mildly diverting nonsense with quite a lot of gory death for a 12A, but not sure I'll be queuing for the sequels.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 22 April, 2012, 05:52:42 pm
Tintin. WAtched the 2D version on Apple TV. Lots of HD goodness.

Fun film, lots of laughs. However got a bit messy towards the end, I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 22 April, 2012, 07:28:21 pm
The Last Boy Scout.

Bruce Willis doing what he does best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 22 April, 2012, 08:09:05 pm
We are currently watching 'Coraline'. So far, so enchanting  :thumbsup:

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: from here too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 22 April, 2012, 10:10:34 pm
Pirates: An Adventure with Scientists. The latest Aardman animation. A kids' film with plenty into amuse the grown ups: one of the pirate crew had a Blue Peter badge.

We saw this on Saturday night, I thought it was excellent!

It got a  :thumbsup: from Louis (5), Hannah (17) and Daddy (47) - which is a nice trick if you can pull it off.

Not gales of laughter, but easy fun.

Dr RJ, FirstBorn (8 ) and I were in stitches - very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 23 April, 2012, 07:57:36 am
The Crooked House.  A BBC release of 3 of their ghost stories broadcast in 2008.  Linking the tales is the evil infested Geap Manor.  Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 23 April, 2012, 09:40:30 am
One flew over the Cuckoos nest.

Again.

Chuffing brilliant film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 23 April, 2012, 12:42:14 pm
One flew over the Cuckoos nest.

Again.

Chuffing brilliant film.

I wish I'd watched this (again) instead of Das Boot, but they clashed and I hadn't seen DB, and I'd heard good things.

However it (or at least the directors cut I watched) was 4 hours long! And, frankly, it wasn't all that great. It was good, but I think One Flew beats it comfortably.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 23 April, 2012, 12:45:34 pm
One flew over the Cuckoos nest.

Again.

Chuffing brilliant film.

It's the only film that makes me want to reach into the screen and strangle someone. Agreed, superb film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GrahamG on 24 April, 2012, 01:59:15 pm
Troll Hunter!!


Awesome - but it just wasn't the same as i nthe cinema. Needs big screen and audio!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 24 April, 2012, 02:04:09 pm
My Week With Marylin. On an aircraft screen, but still bloody good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 24 April, 2012, 02:10:42 pm
My Week With Marylin. On an aircraft screen, but still bloody good.

Gah, I really wanted to see that and missed it.

I fancy this:  The Kid with a Bike. (http://www.arconline.co.uk/detail.php?id=2871)

Anyone seen it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 24 April, 2012, 08:37:43 pm
I fancy this:  The Kid with a Bike. (http://www.arconline.co.uk/detail.php?id=2871)

Anyone seen it?

Yep (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1205214#msg1205214). I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 24 April, 2012, 08:50:15 pm
I fancy this:  The Kid with a Bike. (http://www.arconline.co.uk/detail.php?id=2871)

Anyone seen it?

Yep (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1205214#msg1205214). I enjoyed it.

 :-[ :-[  Oops, search fail.

Thanks Paul  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 24 April, 2012, 08:58:01 pm
K-PAX

 ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 24 April, 2012, 09:54:59 pm
K-PAX

 ???

Excellent film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: a lower gear on 24 April, 2012, 11:00:21 pm
Last night we finally got around to watching 'Roman Holiday' which we'd video'd about three yearsa go. Gregory Peck and 'introducing Audrey Hepburn', 1953. Quite good and as for the luminous Ms.Hepburn at her most youthful ...   :D

It would have a more upbeat ending if made today.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 24 April, 2012, 11:01:23 pm
K-PAX

 ???

Excellent film.

Indeed.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 25 April, 2012, 01:48:31 am
Quick set of repies..
K=Pax: excellent, and so, so, sad.
Troll hunter: wonderful!

And the last one for me? Rabbit-Proof Fence. Bastards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 25 April, 2012, 08:01:52 am
K-PAX

 ???

Excellent film.

Indeed.

Frere

Indeed it was a great film.  Just  ??? at the ending. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 25 April, 2012, 08:33:57 am
Last night we finally got around to watching 'Roman Holiday' which we'd video'd about three yearsa go. Gregory Peck and 'introducing Audrey Hepburn', 1953. Quite good and as for the luminous Ms.Hepburn at her most youthful ...   :D

It would have a more upbeat ending if made today.

It's great isn't it. And she was lovely in it, more so than Breakfast At Tiffany's IMO
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: a lower gear on 25 April, 2012, 09:25:54 pm
Watch out for her in the closing cafe scene in Ealing Comedy 'The Lavender Hill Mob' - her first ever film appearance. Even more youthful. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 25 April, 2012, 11:38:47 pm
The Thing, the new one. Neatly if predictably done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 27 April, 2012, 03:59:13 pm
The Avengers Avengers Assemble

Marvel, so somewhat predictable superhero fantasy with shooty-bangs.

Better than either Thor or Captain America. Not as good as the first Iron Man. I finally sat through a 3d film that didn't give me a migraine.  The effect was well done, but it's not worth the extra, and it only really enhances a few scenes.  The interframe artefacts, particularly on the fast action, were distracting enough for me to wish I'd gone to see the 2d version, but I watch pictures for a living, so I may not be the most uncritical observer.

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, though.  Maybe getting Joss Whedon to do it made the difference after all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 27 April, 2012, 04:13:44 pm
Watch out for her in the closing cafe scene in Ealing Comedy 'The Lavender Hill Mob' - her first ever film appearance. Even more youthful.

She was gorgeous and gamine and elfin,but it's strange she was always cast with much older men, Harrison, Bogart, Holden, Peck. Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe to play Holly Golightly, which would have made it a very different film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 April, 2012, 04:16:42 pm
The Avengers Avengers Assemble
...<snip>

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, though.  Maybe getting Joss Whedon to do it made the difference after all.
This is kinda what I'm hoping. This may be my one blockbuster cinema trip of 2012!
(The English actor fellow sold it rather well on Radio4 yesterday - forgotten his name, sorry  :facepalm: )
Although I also like the sound of Cabin Fever*, and I'm too tight to pay cinema prices twice in a month ...

*Bugger. That's not what it's called. Senior moment ... the spoofy teen-scream movie by Joss Whedon, anyway!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 27 April, 2012, 09:37:12 pm
The Avengers Avengers Assemble
...<snip>

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, though.  Maybe getting Joss Whedon to do it made the difference after all.
This is kinda what I'm hoping. This may be my one blockbuster cinema trip of 2012!
(The English actor fellow sold it rather well on Radio4 yesterday - forgotten his name, sorry  :facepalm: )
Although I also like the sound of Cabin Fever*, and I'm too tight to pay cinema prices twice in a month ...

*Bugger. That's not what it's called. Senior moment ... the spoofy teen-scream movie by Joss Whedon, anyway!

Cabin in the Woods.

(goes off to check IMDB.....)

Frere

The Cabin in the Woods. 8.0/10 imdb rating....mmmm... Not my usual cup of tea, might go see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 27 April, 2012, 11:40:00 pm
Do not waste your life watching "Battleship". To say it is dire is to praise it to the rafters. Don't say you weren't warned.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 April, 2012, 11:45:23 pm
The Avengers Avengers Assemble
...<snip>

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, though.  Maybe getting Joss Whedon to do it made the difference after all.
This is kinda what I'm hoping. This may be my one blockbuster cinema trip of 2012!
(The English actor fellow sold it rather well on Radio4 yesterday - forgotten his name, sorry  :facepalm: )
Although I also like the sound of Cabin Fever*, and I'm too tight to pay cinema prices twice in a month ...

*Bugger. That's not what it's called. Senior moment ... the spoofy teen-scream movie by Joss Whedon, anyway!
Just seen it. A massive hoot. The Hulk gets the best one-liner
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 April, 2012, 11:53:05 pm
Do not waste your life watching "Battleship". To say it is dire is to praise it to the rafters. Don't say you weren't warned.

Saw a paragraph about that film in the paper and resolved to watch it when it was on tv and I was drunk enough to fall comatose.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sean on 28 April, 2012, 01:26:34 am
Just watched 22 bullets starring Jean Reno ( French with subtitles) cracking film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FatBloke on 28 April, 2012, 03:51:25 am
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 28 April, 2012, 04:54:41 pm
Salmon fishing in the yemen
It's ok but not brill

Just got back from seeing this, and I'm afraid we'll have to disagree mrc.  I loved it.  Emily Blunt was in it, and she's always wonderful, so that probly helped.  Also, Scotland was in it, and that was wonderful too.  But I really liked the book when I read it, and for the first time ever, I read the book first but thought the film was better.

This is because I'm a soppy old romantic.  So there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alexb on 28 April, 2012, 10:06:06 pm
Do not waste your life watching "Battleship". To say it is dire is to praise it to the rafters. Don't say you weren't warned.

Well, it's very definitely a kids film and both of mine loved it. What's not to like? Huge spaceships and monsters interspersed with massive explosions. When the giant spaceship appeared, my youngest leant across and whispered "this is the "boss" level", so he totally got it.

I'd agree, not a film if you want something thoughtful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 April, 2012, 01:51:38 pm
Do not waste your life watching "Battleship". To say it is dire is to praise it to the rafters. Don't say you weren't warned.

Saw a paragraph about that film in the paper and resolved to watch it when it was on tv and I was drunk enough to fall comatose.

Oddly, this is out later in the US than in the UK (sometime in May), so I was disappointed when, to assuage a cold and rainy afternoon in Philadelphia last weekend, I turned up outside the cinema ready to watch said movie. Sorry, I can't watch the arty farty shite the rest of you do. Killer robots from space? Bring it on. The biggest disappointment of my life to date is the fact that no one made a movie that brought together Steven Seagull, Van Damme, and Norris to fight space alien robots with nothing other than kungfu, rocket launchers, and quips.

Still, it gave me an excuse to go to a bar earlier than planned.

For some reason, and I'm not sure if this happens to all regular fliers, the movies I watch in flight have a very tenuous hold on my memory. Ask me five minutes after getting off a flight what I watched, I reach inside my brain and find a blank. It takes an epic trawl to recover the information. Since my wife always asks and mocks my lack of recall, I write them down now.

Last bunch (short-ish flight from JFK) were In Time, which featured no less a manly titan, than Justin Timberlake. It wasn't actually bad, just formulaic and I am sure the same movie has been made several times already.

Followed by the The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a phenomenon that had so far passed me by. Darker than I might have anticipated and reasonably entertaining, but ultimately a bit meh

Oh, and I watched the 'new' The Thing on DVD the other night. Despite its pretence at being a prequel, it was the same movie remade. It wasn't bad, but added nothing. Lacked the claustrophobic atmosphere of the original too. Ultimately rather pointless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FatBloke on 29 April, 2012, 03:30:25 pm
Salmon fishing in the yemen
It's ok but not brill
I see what you did there!!   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 29 April, 2012, 05:15:42 pm
The Avengers Avengers Assemble
...<snip>

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, though.  Maybe getting Joss Whedon to do it made the difference after all.
This is kinda what I'm hoping. This may be my one blockbuster cinema trip of 2012!
(The English actor fellow sold it rather well on Radio4 yesterday - forgotten his name, sorry  :facepalm: )
Although I also like the sound of Cabin Fever*, and I'm too tight to pay cinema prices twice in a month ...

*Bugger. That's not what it's called. Senior moment ... the spoofy teen-scream movie by Joss Whedon, anyway!
Just seen it. A massive hoot. The Hulk gets the best one-liner

Just seen The Avengers in 3D and enjoyed it.  3D was £2.85 more than 2D, for an adult, and on balance thought it was worth it.  The specialFX worked well in 3-D, and for me one moment that stood out (for some reason) was the audience view out of a car as it turned over.  Hulk managed to get a big laugh at a couple of points.   Good to see
(click to show/hide)
put in a small appearance.  I didn't see Captain America, but agree that on balance Iron Man (1) was possibly better than Avengers...  close though.

BTW it's worth staying until the end of the credits (with graphics) for a little 'something extra' - so sit back and listen to Soundgarden play out...  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 29 April, 2012, 09:09:29 pm
Bringing Up Baby.

Salmon fishing in the yemen
It's ok but not brill
I see what you did there!!   ;D
I lent the book to a friend several years ago and never got it back. She says she returned it, but I don't have it. I cod buy another copy but I know if I do it'll turn up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 29 April, 2012, 10:20:54 pm
Outvoted so we had 'Snow Dogs'.

What a pile of (dog)shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 30 April, 2012, 09:01:36 am
'Submarine'. Lucky-dip from the video shop. A rather sweet little movie!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 April, 2012, 09:33:27 am
Outvoted so we had 'Snow Dogs'.

What a pile of (dog)shite.
The film with Lee Marvin?  It's quite an achievement to have a film with Lee Marvin that is so crap.

As an antidote, try tracking down 'Iron Will'. An old-fashioned Disney film with *good* sled dog action.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 April, 2012, 09:45:43 am
Outvoted so we had 'Snow Dogs'.

What a pile of (dog)shite.
The film with Lee Marvin?  It's quite an achievement to have a film with Lee Marvin that is so crap.

As an antidote, try tracking down 'Iron Will'. An old-fashioned Disney film with *good* sled dog action.

Wasn't it James Coburn?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 April, 2012, 09:59:12 am
Outvoted so we had 'Snow Dogs'.

What a pile of (dog)shite.
The film with Lee Marvin?  It's quite an achievement to have a film with Lee Marvin that is so crap.

As an antidote, try tracking down 'Iron Will'. An old-fashioned Disney film with *good* sled dog action.

Wasn't it James Coburn?
erm, yes you are correct, James coburn
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 30 April, 2012, 12:00:58 pm
We have all the husky movies.
Snow Dogs is the worst, Iron Will is Disneyfied tosh (although it has Kevin Spacey in, so some redeeming features), Eight Below is Brill and White Fang too serious for the childers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 April, 2012, 12:27:15 pm
Iron Will is Disneyfied tosh

:o  How dare you.

Did you know that it is broadly factual?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 April, 2012, 12:58:45 pm
Bringing Up Baby.

Salmon fishing in the yemen
It's ok but not brill
I see what you did there!!   ;D
I lent the book to a friend several years ago and never got it back. She says she returned it, but I don't have it. I cod buy another copy but I know if I do it'll turn up.
You could have mine, I have it but wasn't massively impressed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GrahamG on 30 April, 2012, 02:04:16 pm
Pirates.. in an adventure with scientists. It was OK.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 30 April, 2012, 02:07:19 pm
On Saturday, Meet the Robinsons, a Disney moral story film.  It was very meh, but TLD liked it.

Once TLD was in bed, we watched Captain America.  Again a bit meh, but nicely sets up The Avengers Assemble.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 30 April, 2012, 04:30:30 pm
Iron Will is Disneyfied tosh

:o  How dare you.

Did you know that it is disneyfied broadly factual?

:P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 02 May, 2012, 10:13:57 am
Just watched "Outpost: Black Sun" enjoyable, low budget, Nazi Zombie movie.  What's not to like.

The dodgy accents are back, as well as one of the squaddies looking, and sounding, like Bear Grylls!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 May, 2012, 10:54:33 am
Not finished yet but I am watching Sudden Impact (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_Impact) in instalments.

Harry Callahan getting all necessary on a few punks asses.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FatBloke on 02 May, 2012, 04:42:02 pm
Bringing Up Baby.

Salmon fishing in the yemen
It's ok but not brill
I see what you did there!!   ;D
I lent the book to a friend several years ago and never got it back. She says she returned it, but I don't have it. I cod buy another copy but I know if I do it'll turn up.
I haddock copy too!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 May, 2012, 01:19:17 pm
Just watched The Iron Lady, very very good.

Now watching "We Bought A Zoo"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 May, 2012, 01:45:15 pm
The Brain that Wouldn't Die (MST3K edition)

Some helpful tips from the nice people at MST3K
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3ee7LMVbXM&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3ee7LMVbXM&feature=related)


Mystery Science Theatre 3000 used to keep me relatively sane when I lived in the US, that and Beavis & Butthead.

I guess they are similar concepts, childish (but funny) commentary added to crap films and crap rock videos

The concept behind MST3K is that a human was forced into space, as an experiment, with only dreadful B-movies to watch.  He constructed some robotic friends to watch movies with.  They are fairly sarcastic robots.

Thank you Youtube for giving me access to it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 May, 2012, 09:04:34 pm
Bicycle Thieves.  An extraordinary 1948 Italian film set in post-war Rome.  Superbly acted to give a moving portrayal of a father and his young son down on their luck.

'On Sunday it always rains'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 03 May, 2012, 10:47:35 pm
Source Code. Wow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 05 May, 2012, 05:07:09 pm
Saw the Avengers film today, really enjoyable (more so than I expected) which I suspect is Josh Whedon's influence. Even Mrs Y enjoyed it and she hasn't seen any of the films leading up to it.

What, really?  I've just seen it in 3D and I was BORED.  Not my kinda thing I guess. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 May, 2012, 10:10:41 pm
Saw the Avengers film today, really enjoyable (more so than I expected) which I suspect is Josh Whedon's influence. Even Mrs Y enjoyed it and she hasn't seen any of the films leading up to it.

What, really?  I've just seen it in 3D and I was BORED.  Not my kinda thing I guess.
OMG, you philistine
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ibrahim on 05 May, 2012, 10:14:24 pm
The Deep Blue Sea, with Rachel Weisz. (didn't actually go to the cinema with her, she was in it...)

Went in with the worst of expectations (tweedy English fifties class society blah blah drama about emotionally repressed people) but was completely mesmerized the whole time by a film that was nothing short of perfect in every aspect. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 05 May, 2012, 10:52:17 pm
Saw the Avengers film today, really enjoyable (more so than I expected) which I suspect is Josh Whedon's influence. Even Mrs Y enjoyed it and she hasn't seen any of the films leading up to it.

What, really?  I've just seen it in 3D and I was BORED.  Not my kinda thing I guess.
OMG, you philistine

 :P :P :P

Takes one to know one  :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 06 May, 2012, 12:21:37 am
The Deep Blue Sea, with Rachel Weisz. (didn't actually go to the cinema with her, she was in it...)

Went in with the worst of expectations (tweedy English fifties class society blah blah drama about emotionally repressed people) but was completely mesmerized the whole time by a film that was nothing short of perfect in every aspect. :thumbsup:
I liked it too!  (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1133948;topicseen#msg1133948)

I didn't think it was perfect, it was too stagey for that.  And I thought the music was a bit much TBH.  But it was very good, and thought provoking.

Rachel Weisz is worth watching in anything, and by coincidence the pilot guy was played by Loki out of The Avengers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 06 May, 2012, 11:23:50 am
Die Hard, last night, on the telly.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 May, 2012, 11:31:26 am
The Deep Blue Sea, with Rachel Weisz. (didn't actually go to the cinema with her, she was in it...)

Went in with the worst of expectations (tweedy English fifties class society blah blah drama about emotionally repressed people) but was completely mesmerized the whole time by a film that was nothing short of perfect in every aspect. :thumbsup:
I liked it too!  (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1133948;topicseen#msg1133948)

I didn't think it was perfect, it was too stagey for that.  And I thought the music was a bit much TBH.  But it was very good, and thought provoking.

Rachel Weisz is worth watching in anything, and by coincidence the pilot guy was played by Loki out of The Avengers.
But what did you think of the sharks?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 06 May, 2012, 02:13:08 pm
Just watched The Iron Lady, very very good.

Now watching "We Bought A Zoo"

I just can't watch a film set in the USA, which was a real event that occurred on Dartmoor.

I really dislike it when they modify a story's location to get more money out of the film, but when it's based on real life, then that just winds me up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 06 May, 2012, 07:54:14 pm
Went to see Avengers Assemble today at the rather lovely Greenwich Picture House. F*cking awesome it was. Great cast, fabulous script from Joss Whedon (whats not to adore) and some of the best LOL lines of the year.

Before the fillum we watched some of these mini filmettes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F30PYWYdkZ4

(cue lots and lots of laughs in the auditorium)

The second one I cannot locate on the interwebs, but its about two old ladies doing their new hobby 'coasting'. I wish I could find the link because it was just marvellous  :)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 07 May, 2012, 12:14:44 am
Just got back from watching Avengers (in 3D), it is so very good. I could watch it again tomorrow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 07 May, 2012, 10:38:23 pm
Watched the Avengers, liked it, but it did show how week the standalone Captain America film was, I'd completely forgotten all that stuff about the tessaract etc. Hate the new Captain America costume too. Had to google to find the shawarma avengers ending on youtube. For some reason only the US gets that post credit sequence.

ITV2 showed the Incredible Hulk on Saturday, which was good, as it got the Ang Lee version out of my mind in time for this.

I wouldn't bother watching it in 3D, it added nothing to the movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 08 May, 2012, 01:11:20 pm
Chronicle.

It's ok, but just ok.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 May, 2012, 01:22:52 pm
Last night ot the TV- Trading Places :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 May, 2012, 11:44:42 am
The Day of the Jackal. 

A really good thriller (No, not the 1997 remake of course, the one with Edward Fox!)

The two best actors of course played the Jackal and Inspector Lebel. 

Authenticity not perfect,  a lack of French actors such as those in the French Connection films alongside Gene Hackman, the difficult job of making Paris appear as it did 10 years earlier and for some reason, at the end in a dramatic foreground shot it was raining but it wasn't raining a little further away!   Any more specific and it would be a spoiler.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 09 May, 2012, 11:50:53 am
Watched 'Tower Heist' last night. Stupidly good fun  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 May, 2012, 08:01:57 am
Apocalypse Now.  An excellent film that proves we learn nothing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 11 May, 2012, 08:25:33 am
Is it just me that finds the last section of AN too dark, and tedious...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 11 May, 2012, 09:09:49 am
World Of The Dead: Zombie Diaries 2. Very low budget British film. Much better than I expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 11 May, 2012, 01:23:02 pm
Not a film per se, but rather, the trailer for the Raid. Definitely opened my eyes and made me really want to go see it. Strong feeling its one of those movies that gives a rush first time you see it, like the Matrix.

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 May, 2012, 01:51:01 pm
Is it just me that finds the last section of AN too dark, and tedious...

IMO it's the crux of the film and a very difficult part to get over to an audience, some directors would have taken a different approach but I think Coppola get it about right.  Despite being a film about an episode in war, I don't view it as being in the same genre as Saving Private Ryan so might not suit all-action buffs. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 12 May, 2012, 09:46:27 pm
Tron: Legacy   :thumbsup:
Heres hoping for a sequel! 


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 12 May, 2012, 10:18:53 pm
Tron: Legacy   :thumbsup:
Heres hoping for a sequel!

Tron: Legacy is the sequel. I waited 28 years for it. Any follow without Jeff Bridges won't be worth watching ;) There is an animated TV series on the way called Tron: Uprising.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 12 May, 2012, 10:54:32 pm
Avengers Assemble (on Monday) in 3D. Very, very good. My first 3D fillum.

What I want is to be able to buy prescription 3D glasses.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 13 May, 2012, 08:07:50 am
I wasn't over enamoured with 3D, the layers were obvious. It felt like I was watching an old child's toy theatre with the card-cutout actors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 13 May, 2012, 03:27:16 pm
Snakes on a Plane.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 13 May, 2012, 11:33:28 pm
Sucker punch. How did I miss this one? Great music, steam-punk German cyborg WWI soildiers, dragons and zombies, and, er, women in....well, I really enjoyed it.
Now have to go out and buy music.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 13 May, 2012, 11:51:48 pm
Interestingly, with all the 'jumping out of the chopper' bits, the other cheapo DVD i bought was 'Pathfinders'. I was going to say 'unmitigated shit', but it isn't. Every single moment of it is so bad, so wrong, that the film exerts an attraction on the retina that cannot be overcome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 14 May, 2012, 01:57:21 pm
The lure of Dark Shadows tempted us away from Avengers, and I'm rather glad.

Typical brilliant bonkers Burton stuff, one of his better ones.

The story was a little over-busy, with a slightly drawn-out ending, but everything else was brilliant. Eva Green was a revelation (she's just been wasted in everything else I've seen). Bonham-Carter brilliant as ever (although her part was a bit 2ry). Lots of brilliant visual touches. Depp was ... well just superb as usual! (how great is his life?!?)

Early on there was a lot of great humour around the vampire trying to get used to 1972 and his 'new' home, but I'm glad Burton didn't do TOO much of this - it would have worn thin. Having said that, the scene around the hippies' campfire was just too precious to leave out  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alexb on 15 May, 2012, 05:53:24 pm
Eva Green was a revelation (she's just been wasted in everything else I've seen).

Have you seen Kingdom of Heaven?

She is just fantastic in that.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 15 May, 2012, 06:34:23 pm
The green hornet, made us laugh
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 May, 2012, 10:26:11 am
Dark Shadows.

Took MrsCharly and younger MrsCharly to see this for MrsCharly's birthday.

It's a B movie made with Tim Burton production standards, so gloriously rich visuals and music. Lots of fun, but wouldn't rate it as his best (Corpse Bride is his finest, IMO).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 16 May, 2012, 01:01:42 pm
I wasn't over enamoured with 3D, the layers were obvious. It felt like I was watching an old child's toy theatre with the card-cutout actors.

Probably retro-fitted 3D.  Not all 3D films are shot with a stereoscopic camera.  "Alice in Wonderland" was, apparently, retro-fitted, with cardboard cut-out consequences.  There's almost no reason to do this as it never improved a film.

None of my favourite films would be any better in 3D, in fact most of my favourite films (maybe all of them) would be perfectly watchable in Black and White.  They may even be better as I've always felt that monochrome (film and photos) allows you to concentrate on the more important details.

Anything that distracts from the story and makes you aware that you are watching actors in a film, is surplus to my requirements.  Dustin Hoffman always makes me realise I'm watching an actor, pretending to be someone in a film whereas Kevin Spacey keeps me engaged in the magic of the story.

A clumsy 3D effect (usually a spear or hand thrust into your face) just breaks that magic.

I'm hoping that Diddly Squat uses 3D in Prometheus in order to convey some kind of majesty to his sets rather than having stuff leap from the screen. 

Avatar used 3D effectively but it was "shot" in 3D not retro-fitted.  In fact, without 3D, Avatar isn't worth the entrance fee, so it shows it can add to a film if it's designed in 3D from the start.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 16 May, 2012, 06:16:35 pm
Indeed. I remember when I first started to notice the old red-blue 3D films on TV as a kid. There would always be some flaming arrow or catapult fireball flying straight at the camera.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 17 May, 2012, 12:24:54 pm
Ice Princess, yesterday afternoon.

I need a job.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 17 May, 2012, 01:40:57 pm
I wasn't over enamoured with 3D, the layers were obvious. It felt like I was watching an old child's toy theatre with the card-cutout actors.

Probably retro-fitted 3D. 

Nope, this was Tron Legacy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 17 May, 2012, 03:05:47 pm
Centurion
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 May, 2012, 03:49:26 pm
I wasn't over enamoured with 3D, the layers were obvious. It felt like I was watching an old child's toy theatre with the card-cutout actors.

Probably retro-fitted 3D. 

Nope, this was Tron Legacy.

Hugh Grant films can often give the impression of a card-cutout actor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 May, 2012, 03:54:30 pm
Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 18 May, 2012, 08:31:51 am
Zombieland.

An above average “Boy meets Girl kills lots of zombie” movie. If you can get past the blood and gore: all done in a light-hearted cartoon style the jokes come thick and fast: remember Rule 4: buckle up for a ride!

There are a few plot holes and could have been a little longer (more “Zombie kill of the week” would have been nice)  but sit back and enjoy the ride: especially Woody Harrisons performance which just shows what drives a man in the land of the living dead.

Recommended.  :thumbsup:


Ah...it seems this film has been discussed previously: http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=24396.msg442972#msg442972

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 18 May, 2012, 09:07:11 am
Taken - with Liam Neeson.

A sort of Bourne-Lite meets Death Wish.

Pretty awful but, if I was still 20 and had a few beers inside me, I'd probably think it was pretty good.

Neeson obviously got his voice coaching from Sean Connery.

I also recently watched "The Lavender Hill Mob".  A much better film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Frere on 19 May, 2012, 09:21:19 pm
The Raid - forget the simplistic dialogue, just sit back and take in the almost non- stop brutal exhililarating action.  Date movie it is so not. Odd to consider that its Director, Huw Gareth Evans once did welsh language videos in Cardiff....

Frere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 20 May, 2012, 08:37:47 am
I watched Alien for the first time last night.

Then had to recover by watching Finding Nemo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 21 May, 2012, 07:46:59 am
Sex in the City 2

Back, oh say 10 years ago, most Thursday evenings were spent cuddled up on the sofa with her in doors watching the four New York girls strutting their stuff: Shoes, Handbags, Smithy and Big et all. A wonderful series with great plot lines and big laughs, as well as tears.

The first film reduced us both to tears…. In the cinema…. Had to say I had something in my eyes: Big, you git doing that to Carrie!!! Grrr… never liked you! The second film….hummm…. not good reviews so lets wait to get it on DVD.

Well that’s what we did. What can I say apart from it was really good: every bit as good as the series or the first film, although if you hadn’t seen the series, you would have a clue what was going on.

I think there is room for a third film…get on and make it please.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 21 May, 2012, 10:19:50 am
Sex in the City 2

Back, oh say 10 years ago, most Thursday evenings were spent cuddled up on the sofa with her in doors watching the four New York girls strutting their stuff: Shoes, Handbags, Smithy and Big et all. A wonderful series with great plot lines and big laughs, as well as tears.

The first film reduced us both to tears…. In the cinema…. Had to say I had something in my eyes: Big, you git doing that to Carrie!!! Grrr… never liked you! The second film….hummm…. not good reviews so lets wait to get it on DVD.

Well that’s what we did. What can I say apart from it was really good: every bit as good as the series or the first film, although if you hadn’t seen the series, you would have a clue what was going on.

I think there is room for a third film…get on and make it please.

Are you being ironic?....sarcastic?.......Serious?

Sex in the City?

Quote
every bit as good as the series
That's all the review I need, thanks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 21 May, 2012, 10:25:42 am

Are you being ironic?....sarcastic?.......Serious?

Sex in the City?

Quote
every bit as good as the series
That's all the review I need, thanks.



Horses for courses. I liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 21 May, 2012, 01:23:09 pm
"Horses for courses"

- don't be mean about Sarah.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eGMFDmOd9pU/SEWwSZxz64I/AAAAAAAAAwY/pwKkMIyBIaA/s400/04.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 May, 2012, 01:41:52 pm
Hugh Grant films can often give the impression of a card-cutout actor.

Daniel Craig makes Hugh Grant look like Robert de Niro.

Just sayin'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 21 May, 2012, 01:53:11 pm
Hugh Grant films can often give the impression of a card-cutout actor.

Daniel Craig makes Hugh Grant look like Robert de Niro.

Just sayin'

You have obviously never seen Our Friends In The North.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 22 May, 2012, 10:27:25 pm
Just got back from seeing The Raid - was billed by reviewers as a mix of western action with hard martial arts.

It was much more of a straight martial arts movie, not much story or characterisation, a few hints at the supposed influences of the filmmaker - I got the nod to Infernal Affairs but not much else.

I like action films, dumb and otherwise but I found this quite boring and even almost walked out, only the knowledge that Ms Weasel was at home with Eurovision kept me in the cinema until the end.

The martial arts sequences were impressive at times although looked to be clearly censored in places.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 23 May, 2012, 09:30:15 am
The Dictator

I liked it. Not as classic as Borat, but better than Bruno.

The soundtrack was awesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 May, 2012, 12:21:39 pm
Man On Wire.  Probably still available on iPlayer for a few days.  The tale of hatstand French wire-walker Philippe Petit wandering about between the Twin Towers in August 1974.  He seems completely rational on film...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 28 May, 2012, 01:21:14 pm
Saw The Dictator in the cinema on Friday and thought it was alright, then The Guard on dvd at home afterwards, which I liked even more then.  Finished off Friday night watching the first half of Braveheart after having drunk too much wine.  Not a great prep for playing with carving hatchets and knives the next day.

Finally got round to watching Toy Story 3 at home last night and loved it the second time around again.  I think the only Pixar offering that I haven’t really liked was Wall-E – it had good bits but overall I thought it was a bit disappointing (I haven’t seen either of the Cars films, I kind of got the impression from the promotion for both that they were more aimed at younger children and less adult friendly, I may of course be wrong).

So a good weekend of films as well as carving a spoon. 

I also saw the first half hour or so of St Trinian’s yesterday and thought it was a bit meh. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 28 May, 2012, 03:02:47 pm
Man On Wire.  Probably still available on iPlayer for a few days.  The tale of hatstand French wire-walker Philippe Petit wandering about between the Twin Towers in August 1974.  He seems completely rational on film...

Dare I mention the NYPD's logic (presumably to stop him falling off and hurting somebody) to get him off the wire using a Helicopter?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 28 May, 2012, 03:09:35 pm
Man On Wire.  Probably still available on iPlayer for a few days.  The tale of hatstand French wire-walker Philippe Petit wandering about between the Twin Towers in August 1974.  He seems completely rational on film...

I was glad to see it repeated. A superbly made documentary, I thought, aside from the incredibly engaging and charismatic subject.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hubner on 28 May, 2012, 03:20:35 pm
A couple of 70s American thrillers:

Mr Majestyk, Charles Bronson plays a water melon farmer who takes on a mafia hitman and cronies,

Three Days of the Condor; Robert Redford as CIA researcher stumbles upon a conspiracy.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 30 May, 2012, 04:37:33 pm
Three Days of the Condor; Robert Redford as CIA researcher stumbles upon a conspiracy.

Under-rated.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 01 June, 2012, 03:14:21 pm
Prometheus.

It's remarkably funny, although I suspect I was meant to have a different reaction.  I was channeling Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K: "Congratulations, it's a...     ...squid."

Oh, it's got the sumptuous look, and it's as seamless as FX shots are these days - and I enjoyed it as a spectacle - but unless there's oodles of stuff that was cut for time, for reinsertion into an extended BluRay, it was a bit formula.  Alien was somehow a better film, with claustrophobia and menace.  This is an expository adventure story which somehow didn't really hit the same spot.  Clearly I'm older and more cynical than the intended audience.  I think I know what he's trying to say, but this film didn't quite say it to me.

The quote from Ridley was 'I just want to scare the shit out of you.'  Well, it more kind of doesn't. 

I'll say this though: It's well made, and well acted.  Fassbender really is quite uncanny.  A bit like Heath Ledger's Joker performance, it's the one thing in the film that made me really want to stay.  I think we've been led to expect a different film.  It's a fun adventure film with gore (and goo) but not really in the same mould as the others at all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 01 June, 2012, 03:21:44 pm
Prometheus.

It's remarkably funny, although I suspect I was meant to have a different reaction.  I was channeling Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K: "Congratulations, it's a...     ...squid."

Oh, it's got the sumptuous look, and it's as seamless as FX shots are these days - and I enjoyed it as a spectacle - but unless there's oodles of stuff that was cut for time, for reinsertion into an extended BluRay, it was a bit formula.  Alien was somehow a better film, with claustrophobia and menace.  This is an expository adventure story which somehow didn't really hit the same spot.  Clearly I'm older and more cynical than the intended audience.  I think I know what he's trying to say, but this film didn't quite say it to me.

The quote from Ridley was 'I just want to scare the shit out of you.'  Well, it more kind of doesn't. 

I'll say this though: It's well made, and well acted.  Fassbender really is quite uncanny.  A bit like Heath Ledger's Joker performance, it's the one thing in the film that made me really want to stay.  I think we've been led to expect a different film.  It's a fun adventure film with gore (and goo) but not really in the same mould as the others at all.

That was quick..  :)

How does it compare to Aliens overall (if setting Aliens to 100%)?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 01 June, 2012, 03:45:46 pm
How does it compare to Aliens overall (if setting Aliens to 100%)?

Erm...  Different animal.  Literally.

Ok, so
Alien = suspense and claustrophobic birth trauma-type horror movie.
Aliens = Go-get-the-bad-guys bug hunt adventure, where the bad guys are badder than expected.  Cue 'oops.'
Alien3 = A think-piece about the maternal ramifications of bug hunts.
Alien Resurrection = A cartoon.
AVP = Really...?  oh dear.

Prometheus is a think-piece adventure about longterm ramifications of genetic engineering and the law of unintended consequences.

Or, it could just be a movie about tentacles.  You decide.   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 June, 2012, 12:45:12 am
Just seen it. Not a horror film. Noomi is good, hope we see more of her.

Spot the "its treasure planet" moment
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 02 June, 2012, 07:26:28 pm
Iron Sky. Absolutely loved it! Moon Nazis, mad American President, space Zeppelins, Sarah Palin as POTUS... It's like a cross between Idiocracy and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow with touches of Dr Strangelove.

Oh, and the moon-nazis' ships etc. are a steampunk's wet-dream.  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 04 June, 2012, 08:26:39 am
District 9   :thumbsup:

 Loved it!  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 04 June, 2012, 09:42:45 am
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cold_weather/

Not an unpleasant way to pass 90minutes (if only more mediocre films were this short), but I'm glad I didn't pay money to see it. I would have asked to see the final version, not the first draft made as someone's film school project.

If this is mumblecore, I'm not sure I'm gonna like it ...

(should have rewatched District 9 instead).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 04 June, 2012, 01:14:40 pm
Tom Brown's School Days.

Tephen Fry is the Headmaster.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 04 June, 2012, 09:08:01 pm
Machine Girl
Tokyo Gore Police

Basically Japanese B-movies with an emphasis on gore and schlock.  Vaguely glad I watched them for the "experience", but not something I'd go out of my way to watch again unless beered up and in company.  I can't make up my mind whether they are intended to be funny or rediculous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rhys W on 04 June, 2012, 10:34:50 pm
District 9   :thumbsup:

 Loved it!  :)

I watched it as well - very good. Thought-provoking, and I found myself continually sidestepped by the plot. Interesting to read the back story of why they used the term "prawn" and how that refers to several plot details (look up Parktown Prawn on wikipedia).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 04 June, 2012, 10:43:12 pm
How does it compare to Aliens overall (if setting Aliens to 100%)?

Erm...  Different animal.  Literally.

Ok, so
Alien = suspense and claustrophobic birth trauma-type horror movie.
Aliens = Go-get-the-bad-guys bug hunt adventure, where the bad guys are badder than expected.  Cue 'oops.'
Alien3 = A think-piece about the maternal ramifications of bug hunts.
Alien Resurrection = A cartoon.
AVP = Really...?  oh dear.

Prometheus is a think-piece adventure about longterm ramifications of genetic engineering and the law of unintended consequences.

Or, it could just be a movie about tentacles.  You decide.   ;D

I went to see it tonight. It's just an Alien prequel. Facehuggers, humans impregnated with aliens, same alien carriers as the first film, careless morons pissing about when exploring an alien spaceship.

What really bugged me was they discovered a map to life on another planet billions of miles away... so they sent a collection of the stupidest people they could find.

Great effects, cool aliens and spaceships, shit script and very predictable story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 June, 2012, 11:28:17 pm
Moonrise kingdom

Wow, no holds barred wierdnesd, all done for fun
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 06 June, 2012, 12:22:06 am
Prometheus. Great visuals. Storyline a dogs dinner. Disappointing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 June, 2012, 12:39:20 am
Tron: Legacy

Visually stunning, but the 80s were cooler in the 80s.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: a lower gear on 07 June, 2012, 12:15:00 am
Snowhite and the Huntsman. Darker than anticipated. Not bad but not worth buying the DVD - glad we watched it at the cinema as a half term treat for the smaller gears.

Bizarre coincidence - The Storr (cliffs and a spectacular land stack on the Isle of Skye) featured in both the film and in the trailer for Prometheus which preceded it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 June, 2012, 09:36:56 am
Hanna (on Tuesday night).  I liked it well enough the first time I saw it, enjoyed it even more the second time around.
Title: Re: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 07 June, 2012, 12:56:42 pm
Snowhite and the Huntsman. Darker than anticipated. Not bad but not worth buying the DVD - glad we watched it at the cinema as a half term treat for the smaller gears.
not sure how going to the cinema is a cheaper option! 4 adult tickets plus popcorn=50 quid round my way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 07 June, 2012, 01:20:17 pm
Finally watched - Downfall


Very Very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 07 June, 2012, 04:48:53 pm
Prometheus
In a way totally unconnected with the film, I overheard a comment passed behind me as a young man with Down's came in with his mother, talking loudly. The comment was an assumption that the 'mong' would talk through the film.

Well, Mum took son to pictures. Son is well brought up, and knows how to behave. Courtesy and good manners, and you assumed the 'mong' would be the one lacking them? Tosser. Anyway...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: a lower gear on 07 June, 2012, 08:55:21 pm
Snowhite and the Huntsman. Darker than anticipated. Not bad but not worth buying the DVD - glad we watched it at the cinema as a half term treat for the smaller gears.
not sure how going to the cinema is a cheaper option! 4 adult tickets plus popcorn=50 quid round my way.

No popcorn or owt else and its a fairly cheap cinema (local authority owned but due to close when the new national chain franchise opens in our town).

"Not worth buying the DVD" not so much from a cost comparison basis, but more from the perspective that I abhor having books or DVDs or CDs on the shelf that I did not enjoy sufficently to read, view, or listen to a second time.

Yes it would have cheaper to buy the DVD but we have the occasional family cinema outing and we all voted for this filum. I believe that all four gears concurred that "it wasn't worth buying" but that it had been worth seeing in the cinema. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 08 June, 2012, 12:53:08 am
The trailers for the ab Lincoln camp hunter and the next Batman look great...

Utter tosh, of course so less likely to disappoint.
Title: Re: Re: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 08 June, 2012, 12:56:19 am
Yes it would have cheaper to buy the DVD but we have the occasional family cinema outing and we all voted for this filum. I believe that all four gears concurred that "it wasn't worth buying" but that it had been worth seeing in the cinema.
apologies... One needs family treats of course. Alas our conclusion was that it was't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 June, 2012, 08:12:15 am
I watched the first half hour of The Fugitive on telly the other night, far enough to see Tommy Lee Jones say

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_cczIWvBq4

because I love that bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 June, 2012, 08:42:12 am
SWMBO has just obtained Guest Hous Paradiso on DVD. We watched it last night and I laughed till it hurt.

Tom and Jerry stylee gratuitous beatings combined with Mayal and Edmonson toilet humour.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 10 June, 2012, 10:25:19 pm
The first 45 minutes or so of Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The rape scene (which we weren't aware of beforehand) was too much for MrsC, and so we watched no further.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 June, 2012, 09:08:01 am
The first 45 minutes or so of Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The rape scene (which we weren't aware of beforehand) was too much for MrsC, and so we watched no further.
Entirely understandable.

The rape scene is to be commended, because it does not portray rape in any way other than being foul sick violence.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 11 June, 2012, 11:47:21 am
Saturday night, Avengers Assemble, which I loved, but not as much as the trailer for Dark Knight Rises.  If there is one film this year that I would drop everything for, it is that.

Sunday night we watched Clash of the Titans, I liked it, but not as much as the original due to it not being Ray Harryhousen and there being no army of skelegogs....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 June, 2012, 11:50:57 am
Did the Prometheus thing last night.

Not as good as it could have been but it was a reasonable watch.

Plot holes or sequal opportunities?

What do you call a sequal to a prequal?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 11 June, 2012, 09:43:48 pm
Iron Man 2.  Part of my going back and watching all of the Marvel superhero movies that led into Avengers Assemble.  Good "turn off brain and enjoy for what it is" action picture. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 12 June, 2012, 05:04:19 pm
Prometheus

Somewhat overhyped, but a good film.

Bandages for underwear?   ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 12 June, 2012, 05:35:55 pm
Prometheus

Somewhat overhyped, but a good film.

Bandages for underwear?   ???

Complete and utter morons for an interplanetary survey team?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 12 June, 2012, 10:30:53 pm
Dogma.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JT on 13 June, 2012, 09:07:10 am
The Road. 104 minutes of vomiting (the film, not me).

Insert your own not-as-good-as-the-book rant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 13 June, 2012, 08:23:56 pm
We (No1 & No2Daughters, No2Son) went to see Snow White and The Hunstman.

Oh Dear.

My disbelief stayed firmly with me, to the extent that I was waiting to get kicked out of the cinema for talking (ie taking the piss) and laughing with No1Daughter all the way through.

Ian McShane plays a dwarf. This tells you ALL you need to know.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 16 June, 2012, 07:14:33 pm
Attack the Block
Very good monster movie from the Joe half of A&J.  By avoiding pitching the story at an extreme (terror / comedy) it was all the more credible and, well, British, allowing the characters some room to grow.  Well worth 87 minutes of anyone's time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 16 June, 2012, 10:28:00 pm
Kick Ass. 

Whoa - that's violent.  Good film though - took me by surprise.  Soundtrack excellent - including score by John Murphy (Sunshine etc)
I reckon there's also some Leon (Jean Reno) inspiration lurking in there too.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 June, 2012, 11:57:57 pm
Wife was out - so I watched Resident Evil: Extinction.

As good as the first one, good jumpy zombie movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 June, 2012, 12:29:04 am
Bridesmaids.

Unutterably tedious.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 17 June, 2012, 05:41:35 am
Descendants. An unobjectionable time-killer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 23 June, 2012, 10:13:27 am
Deadmen don't wear plaid. Steve Martin, but on a good day, and with a host of old friends.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 23 June, 2012, 02:09:35 pm
Iron Sky, the low-budget moon Nazis internet phenom.

Starts out Mel Brooks, ends up as solid SF satire, looks splendid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 23 June, 2012, 02:24:29 pm
Iron Sky, the low-budget moon Nazis internet phenom.

Starts out Mel Brooks, ends up as solid SF satire, looks splendid.

I loved it. Touches of Spaceballs, Idiocracy, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, and Dr Strangelove, with a great pastiche of the Downfall bunker scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 23 June, 2012, 05:08:54 pm
Dark Shadows, a Tim Burton with Depp and Bonham-Carter.  A couple of laughs but on the whole a bit cack really. 

I let myself get talked out of a nice looking Catherine Deneuve film about lurve.  Big mistake.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 23 June, 2012, 08:46:37 pm
Incredible Hulk.

Smashing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 June, 2012, 09:56:49 pm
Not a real film, but Adam and Joe's stuffed toy film parodies.  "American Beautoy"and "Toytanic" are the best ones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2y0WebFULM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og1fQyN1mmg&feature=relmfu
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 24 June, 2012, 01:16:59 am
Girl Next Door.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 25 June, 2012, 10:35:29 am
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Swedish)

Didn't know what to expect (missed all the hype) and really enjoyed it.

It had a beginning, middle and a satisfactory end.  Are you listening film-makers?...a beginning, middle and a satisfactory end.  That's all I want.

By all accounts the English language remake is good as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 25 June, 2012, 11:00:34 am
Attack The Block. Most enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 25 June, 2012, 11:32:54 am
Me too last night/ Wasn't Valiant OTP involved in making Attack the Block ? It was a v.good. Made I laugh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mark on 25 June, 2012, 10:11:20 pm
Nordwand. In German, with English subtitles. It's the story of the 1936 attempt on the Eiger Nordwand (north face) by Toni Kurz, Andreas Hinterstoisser, Edi Rainer and Willi Angerer. I understand enough German to follow the dialogue without the subtitles, which made the movie even more enjoyable. The climbing sequences are fantastic, the thought of doing what those guys did with 1930s equipment and clothing is just mind boggling. The non-climbing scenes aren't nearly as well done, though, and the portrayal of Kurz & Hinterstoisser as vocal anti-Nazis is a little hard to swallow. Definitely worth seeing for the climbing scenes, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 26 June, 2012, 06:58:10 pm
Attack The Block. Most enjoyable.
Really?
I thought it was shite. Poor 'characterisation' and just, well, dull. Not funny, not scary, not action packed, no convincing characters, no romance...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 26 June, 2012, 07:14:32 pm
Moon.  Proper science fiction, like we had in the 80s.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 26 June, 2012, 07:27:53 pm
The Cowboys, one of John Wayne's last films, rather violent for afternoon viewing. Loads of films that I remember only used to be on after the 9pm watershed get shown in daytime these days.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 June, 2012, 10:51:38 am
Children of Men, chosen by the girls.

Well that was cheery. Wonderful direction.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 28 June, 2012, 10:58:15 am
Attack The Block. Most enjoyable.
Really?
I thought it was shite. Poor 'characterisation' and just, well, dull. Not funny, not scary, not action packed, no convincing characters, no romance...

I see many of those characters for real on a daily basis. That's why I found it so enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 28 June, 2012, 02:46:46 pm
Attack The Block. Most enjoyable.

Agreed.  A really good low-budget surprise. It shows you don't need $200 million.

Very clever was the way that, despite seeing the Aliens all the time, they didn't come across as cheesey, low-budget, ones.

Even Ridley Scott kept the Alien on-screen moments brief to avoid cheesey-ness (then forgot to do so in Prometheus)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 28 June, 2012, 05:15:58 pm
Attack The Block. Most enjoyable.
Very clever was the way that, despite seeing the Aliens all the time, they didn't come across as cheesey, low-budget, ones.
I'm starting to wonder if we saw the same film. I've made better dressing up costumes for my children than those aliens.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 28 June, 2012, 05:32:11 pm
Attack The Block. Most enjoyable.
Very clever was the way that, despite seeing the Aliens all the time, they didn't come across as cheesey, low-budget, ones.
I'm starting to wonder if we saw the same film. I've made better dressing up costumes for my children than those aliens.

I'd be more critical if the film had cost $200million but I thought they did a great job with a small budget (I've heard £9million which I expect is peanuts in the movie industry).

Yes, it's a bit "Double Deckers-ish" and "Children's Film Foundation-ish" but I enjoyed it, maybe because of that.

Note to young people.  If you don't know who Michael Rodd is then you probably won't get those 2 references either.

Edit.  That Note applies also to Wowbagger of course
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 28 June, 2012, 09:08:09 pm
I'm currently watching Dead Poet's Society.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 28 June, 2012, 11:13:00 pm
Spellbound. Bergman and Peck making magic like you just don't get any more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Von Broad on 01 July, 2012, 10:31:56 am
Quadrophenia

I hadn't seen it for years and years. BBC4 preceded an airing on Firday with a documentary about the making of the album featuring Townsend, Daltrey, Bill Curbishley their manager [Alan's older brother], Mark Kermode the film critic, the studio engineer, various other people and loads of archive footage.

I was really impressed with the documentary and the film. The project was all Townsends baby, and it just goes to show some of the heavy themes he was into at that time - giving an insight into his 'complex personality'[as described by Daltrey]. I saw much more this time around.

I thought it was excellent. Really enjoyed watching it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 01 July, 2012, 04:00:32 pm
Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus

So bad it was funny!

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 July, 2012, 04:44:52 pm
Quadrophenia

I hadn't seen it for years and years. BBC4 preceded an airing on Firday with a documentary about the making of the album featuring Townsend, Daltrey, Bill Curbishley their manager [Alan's older brother], Mark Kermode the film critic, the studio engineer, various other people and loads of archive footage.

I was really impressed with the documentary and the film. The project was all Townsends baby, and it just goes to show some of the heavy themes he was into at that time - giving an insight into his 'complex personality'[as described by Daltrey]. I saw much more this time around.

I thought it was excellent. Really enjoyed watching it again.

Not so keen on the film but really enjoyed the documentary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 01 July, 2012, 09:16:04 pm
Iron Sky.   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 01 July, 2012, 09:19:24 pm
Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus

So bad it was funny!
Who wins?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 July, 2012, 09:57:19 pm
Iron Sky.   ;D ;D ;D
Same here. Not laugh-out-loud but no worse than Independence Day, and the North Korean is good.  The "Downfall" parody could have been better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fred the great on 04 July, 2012, 09:54:14 am
Spiderman. Very noisy and went on too long ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 04 July, 2012, 07:10:05 pm
Split second. A 1992 movie about London 2008  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 04 July, 2012, 11:45:51 pm
Went with my mate to see Prometheus (2nd time for me) but, luckily it had stopped showing yesterday so we saw Spiderman instead.

Much better. A kid's film and I'm not sure it needed another remake so close to the others but I enjoyed it more than Prometheus.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 05 July, 2012, 10:29:52 am
Searching for Sugar Man

A documentary about two South Africans trying to find out about the almost completely unknown Mexican-American psych-folk singer Sixto Rodriguez (think Bob Dylan/Arthur Lee with a bit of Nick Drake). This is an incredible story - he made only two albums at the turn of the 60s which completely flopped in the US and Europe. To the extent that it was said that during his last gig he ended it by self-immolation on stage. To quote from the film "a true rock and roll suicide".

But what makes this a very special story is that during the 70s and 80s he became hugely successful in South Africa, his songs becoming the soundtrack to the white middle-class anti-aparthide movement. Apparently he was more well known in SA at the time than the Rolling Stones or Elvis. But all this success was completely unknown to Rodriguez - he lived in poverty in Detroit completely unaware of his fame half way around the world, the money from album sales being snaffled up by various record companies and bootleggers.

I saw this at a special showing at the Troxy last night, but it is due for general release at the end of July. Very highly recommended. It has won various prizes at Sundance and I suspect may win several more.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 05 July, 2012, 05:07:17 pm
This scene in Quadrophenia reminded me of Downfall. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK00U2WiIT8&feature=related
I hadn't seen Quadrophenia before, and it was a bit clunkier than I expected, but a good period piece.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 06 July, 2012, 09:14:56 pm
The Italian Job
1969 version with Michael Cain

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 07 July, 2012, 02:26:59 am
Waynes world. We are not worthy!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 07 July, 2012, 02:23:23 pm
Last four:
The Plank 1967
The Plank 1979
It's Your Move
Mr H Is Late

Sykes-tastic!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 July, 2012, 06:42:55 pm
Raiders of the Lost Ark is on BBC1 just now and even though I have the dvd box set, I'm watching it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 July, 2012, 09:00:01 pm
Mesrine: Killer Instinct is on BBC Four NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Palinurus on 08 July, 2012, 11:34:17 am
Star Wars Uncut, on YouTube.

Almost perfect, except for an over-reliance on Star Wars Lego figures from some contributors. The droid sequence in the Jawa transporter was particularly good.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ran doner on 08 July, 2012, 12:16:37 pm
Haven't watched a film for months then two in two days:

The Lonely Guy
Red Cliff

Hadn't seen The Lonely Guy before and it had me chuckling all the way through. Charles Grodin does lonely very well.


Just leaves Somers Town and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo on the planner although I just bought 13 Assassins on blu ray.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 08 July, 2012, 03:35:00 pm
True Grit, the 2010 remake with Jeff Bridges. Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 July, 2012, 03:41:35 pm
Flash Gordon. I wanted some light viewing last night and it was a tossup between that and Ghostbusters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 08 July, 2012, 06:51:11 pm
Aliens (special edition).

Great film, which I'd not seen for many years and so had forgotten a lot of the detail.  The Alien films get acclaim for their sets and design.  What struck me is how it creates great tension from its soundscape, such as the handheld sensors - pip....pip..pip.pip.pip.pippippip
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 08 July, 2012, 08:50:27 pm
Rango.

A corker.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 08 July, 2012, 11:08:51 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY85IzWexWo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY85IzWexWo)

Not strictly a film.  The broadcast of the National Theater's production of Frankenstein, with Benedict Cumberbatch as the monster and Jonny Lee Miller as Frankenstein.

Very good indeed.  They are showing the alternate version next week, with the lead roles reversed.

http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/69499/productions/frankenstein-encore-screenings.html (http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/69499/productions/frankenstein-encore-screenings.html)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 July, 2012, 11:19:18 am
Detective dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detective_Dee_and_the_Mystery_of_the_Phantom_Flame) Acient China, whodunnit and Martial Arts. Whats not to like eh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: why1040 on 09 July, 2012, 11:35:16 am
I got sucked into Children of Men again last night.  It's the second time I've watched it and the second time I've got sucked in when I wasn't planning on watching it.  I find it interesting/poignant/sad/touching all in one go and I now want to read the book!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 09 July, 2012, 05:19:01 pm
I got sucked into Children of Men again last night.  It's the second time I've watched it and the second time I've got sucked in when I wasn't planning on watching it.  I find it interesting/poignant/sad/touching all in one go and I now want to read the book!
<standard response> The book's better </standard response.>
I've never seen the film. If you'd like to borrow the book, PM me & I'll post it to you- I still can't read so you're welcome for as long as you like.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Lady Cavendish on 09 July, 2012, 05:29:23 pm
Puss in Boots, kids club at the cinema.

I never get chance to watch real films lol.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 13 July, 2012, 01:10:57 pm
The Ides of March

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124035/

It should have been a fantastic film, it was so well acted with a delicious lack of CGI, a very well crafted dialogue and a moody tense atmosphere. Clooney played his role to perfection with Ryan Gosling taking the lead role, and there were some other brilliant big-name actors. The feel of the film was very much like a cross between early West Wing and Watergate.

What was the thing that made it 'should have been fantastic'? That would be the utter crap leading lady, played by Evan Rachel Wood. She acted her part very well indeed, but sadly her part, her contribution to this tense political thriller was... to shag her boss (Clooney), then his chief adviser (Gosling), fall pregnant, get an abortion, freak out and commit suicide.

Wow. That's just great, *slow clap* that really lived up to the guff in the promo about her being a feisty, strong woman who can hold her own in the male dominated campaign office.

If they had not written her part in it would qualify as a brilliant film, similarly, if they had made her character normal instead of Hollywood normal it would have been a brilliant film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 July, 2012, 04:47:43 pm
Yeah, Ms Weasel and I saw it in the cinema and were similarly unimpresssed. The other characters although well acted didn't generate a lot of interest or feeling either
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 13 July, 2012, 09:15:12 pm
MIB, with TLD, next up (maybe tomorrow) is MIB II so that we can then go to the cinema to see, you've guessed it, MIB III
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 14 July, 2012, 09:27:01 pm
Revolutionary Road.  With Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet - fine film actors, both of them.

Now, Linda and Crusty have their own scale to rate marital arguments.  As experts in the genre, via much experiential learning by experience, we rate a domestic on a scale of 1-10.

1 is 'You farted on my leg again'.  10 is 'crockery flying through the air because you committed adultery.  With my sister's dog'.

Kate and Leo got an 8 in this film, which as marital arguments go, is a real doozy.  You can't beat a good old verbal lashing when it's someone else's marriage, and you're watching.  These two give good conflict.

Aside from that I thought this film was rather beautiful.  In the final analysis, I think it was about marriage and family, and what marriage is for.  Well directed, well acted, touching.  I really liked it. 

It's not Armageddon thobut.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 July, 2012, 11:59:27 pm
Spiderman. Stepson wanted to see it and wouldn't go on his own. So I had to go with him. My, how crap was that
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 16 July, 2012, 04:32:33 pm
Limitless

An interesting film. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 16 July, 2012, 10:18:53 pm
Spiderman. Stepson wanted to see it and wouldn't go on his own. So I had to go with him. My, how crap was that

Thanks
I got a text earlier from No1Daughter who I haven't seen for about a month. She wants to go on Wednesday. I'll suggest something else  :-\
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 July, 2012, 09:22:07 pm
We Need To Talk About Kevin

Brilliant film but extremely harrowing - Children Of Men is a light romcom by comparison.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 18 July, 2012, 09:28:04 pm
I'm watching 'The Girl with a Pearl Earring'. Phwoar Colin Firth!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 20 July, 2012, 06:18:10 pm
Descent

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0437152/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0437152/)

Lt Commander Worf in a rip off of The Core.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 20 July, 2012, 09:46:35 pm
True Grit
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 21 July, 2012, 05:45:52 pm
Iron Sky.

A good film with a few giggles...

I've got American Pie: The Reunion to watch tonight.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Phil on 21 July, 2012, 10:11:45 pm
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. 

Gentle stuff, but quite well done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 23 July, 2012, 12:08:34 pm
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. 

Gentle stuff, but quite well done.

We went to see it last night.  It was okay, but spoiled by having Keira Knightley in it.  Why would you do that to your own film?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 23 July, 2012, 09:54:32 pm
Moon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 23 July, 2012, 10:14:19 pm
Batman: DKR. Colour me disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 24 July, 2012, 09:42:52 pm
The King's Speech.

I'd forgotten quite how scarily brilliant the acting is in this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tigerrr on 25 July, 2012, 04:55:57 pm
I watched John Carter on the telly last night.  Apparently it cost a ton - and its the worst thing I have seen for a very long time indeed. Its so bad its not even good.  Total and utter dross.
I am sure there is a reason why it got made, but I wonder when the people involved realised they had made a turkey? It must have been completely obvious by the time it was complete that this was drivel of the worst sort. Or maybe that sort of thing only emerges at the first edit screening.

 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 26 July, 2012, 07:40:30 pm
(Currently watching) Batman Begins.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 27 July, 2012, 08:39:59 am
(Currently watching) Batman Begins.

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 29 July, 2012, 07:05:08 pm
Quattro Volte.

All in all, a reflective film that is strangely engaging.  Reminded me a bit of Koyaanesqatsi in tone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 30 July, 2012, 07:26:30 am
Defiance. The true story of Polish Jewish partisan fighters, the Bielski brothers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bielski_partisans), during WW2. Very enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 30 July, 2012, 04:05:16 pm
Defiance. The true story of Polish Jewish partisan fighters, the Bielski brothers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bielski_partisans), during WW2. Very enjoyable.

Saw it and liked it when it came out.  Same director as Glory (which I liked too) although I wonder if he was equally free in its adaptation of history with Defiance as he was with Glory.  I think he also directed The Last Samurai (But ICBATG).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 03 August, 2012, 11:15:27 pm
Field of Dreams.  Damn it's good.

Cried like a baby at the end.

The music is good, sparing and effective.  Not something Hollywood would make now I don't suppose, a real forgotten treasure for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 04 August, 2012, 12:28:45 am
Ninja Assassin.
Lots of blood, not a great story but perfect as a chill out film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 04 August, 2012, 08:51:46 pm
Stranded.

Quite a good low budget science fiction film:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283015/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283015/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: plum on 04 August, 2012, 09:03:02 pm
I've just got hold of all of the Star Wars movies. I've only ever seen the original and the The Empire Strikes back. What order should I watch them in?

Or should I just bin them and go back to my stockpile of when-there's-nothing-else-on Kung Fu movies?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 05 August, 2012, 01:36:12 am
Watch the first 3, ignore the rest lol
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 05 August, 2012, 02:08:39 am
Watch the first 3, ignore the rest lol

Just to clarify, you mean the original trilogy, right?  ;)

Episodes I-III - triumphs of CGI over plot, characterisation and dialogue...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: thing1 on 05 August, 2012, 03:27:41 am
I've just got hold of all of the Star Wars movies. I've only ever seen the original and the The Empire Strikes back. What order should I watch them in?

iirc Wascally W was a fan of Machete Order (http://www.nomachetejuggling.com/2011/11/11/the-star-wars-saga-suggested-viewing-order/): IV, V, II, III, VI
(and never watch I)


I've not seen episodes I - III, but now I have netflix maybe I'll give this a go.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: plum on 06 August, 2012, 09:08:41 am
I watched New Hope first in the end. Turns out to be more dated than I expected, fx on a par with Star Trek NG, diabolical acting and cheesier plot than I remembered. But seen in HD for the first time I thought it was still a decent yarn and worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 06 August, 2012, 10:39:45 pm
Iron Sky.

Was der fick?!?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 10 August, 2012, 12:18:27 am
Dark Knight Rises. Totally loved it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 11 August, 2012, 11:57:40 am
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1412386/

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

For our traditional-occasional FNCFN* yesterday, we watched the above film. Previous FNCFNs have seen me veto the film on the grounds that I was convinced that it would be shite. How wrong I was.

The calibre of the actors was incredible, really incredible. The scenery and imagery of the film was beautiful and I am glad that we chose to watch the HD version. The plot is highly predictable, however that in no way diminished my enjoyment - it was clear from the start that everything would work out ok in the end, though there is one blindside in there.

In terms of comedy, it really delivered. Not big laughs, but constant smiles and hearty chuckles throughout, which left both of us still smiling beyond the closing credits. The humour was, for the most part, predictable but executed in such a way that you couldn't resist being drawn in by it.

I highly recommend this film, which really does justice to the genre of 'feel good film'.



* Friday Night Curry and Film Night
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 11 August, 2012, 05:08:43 pm
I just watched John Carter (well inbetween falling asleep with a post-FNRttC power-snooze!), and quite enjoyed it.

It's a long time since I read the books (they should be around somewhere), and it looks like various odd and sods have been changed, but I think the film version worked reasonably well, and was quite fun.

I did like Woola, the "Nice monster dog". ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 August, 2012, 08:36:14 am
Just finished watching "JCVD". Who knew he could actually act!. Great movie. It also finishes with this neat little cover of Bowie's "Modern Love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uASwIGYBK1c&feature=related
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 12 August, 2012, 06:55:06 pm
Ted  :facepalm:

I didn't know much about the movie before I went - I just did a quick skim of the reviews and picked something that looked as if it worth seeing. Granted, there are some laughs, some clever gags, but for me it was ruined by the reliance on the rather rude stuff spouted by the bear. I just found it cringe-worthy. Yeah, I know there is meant to be a clever sub-text, as the reviews seem mention frequently, but it's just rubbish. Aside from a few genuinely funny moments, the best bit is the quality of the CGI.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 12 August, 2012, 08:20:55 pm
Just finished watching "JCVD".
For a moment I thought JCVD was a highly blasphemous historical epic about how Jesus caught the clap from Mary Magdalene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 14 August, 2012, 02:00:13 pm
Spartacus.

I'm not sure I ever watched it all the way through before.  A proper old-skool epic, no CGI just lots of extras and some dodgy painted backdrops.

I loved the now-included "Oysters and Snails" bath scene (the bit where they got Anthony Hopkins to dub Olivier's voice) as Olivier gives Tony Curtis the come-on.

"He's Spartacus!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 14 August, 2012, 03:07:32 pm
Three Colours Blue is on the box one night this week...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 15 August, 2012, 01:50:56 am
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1412386/

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

For our traditional-occasional FNCFN* yesterday, we watched the above film. Previous FNCFNs have seen me veto the film on the grounds that I was convinced that it would be shite. How wrong I was.

The calibre of the actors was incredible, really incredible. The scenery and imagery of the film was beautiful and I am glad that we chose to watch the HD version. The plot is highly predictable, however that in no way diminished my enjoyment - it was clear from the start that everything would work out ok in the end, though there is one blindside in there.

In terms of comedy, it really delivered. Not big laughs, but constant smiles and hearty chuckles throughout, which left both of us still smiling beyond the closing credits. The humour was, for the most part, predictable but executed in such a way that you couldn't resist being drawn in by it.

I highly recommend this film, which really does justice to the genre of 'feel good film'.



* Friday Night Curry and Film Night

Did the same and thought the same :)

Just watched the Hunger Games earlier. It was alright as something to watch in the background in the office. Quite enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 August, 2012, 09:16:28 pm
KHAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 18 August, 2012, 07:45:53 am
Plan 9 from Outer Space

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 18 August, 2012, 11:34:08 am
The Day The Earth Stood Still......the original 1951 version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 18 August, 2012, 05:29:45 pm
Plan 9 from Outer Space

 ;D

Amazing film.  So awful it's brilliant.

Colonel Edwards gives the command to "Fire" at 19 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOSWA9OBjls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOSWA9OBjls)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 August, 2012, 05:33:32 pm
I've just got hold of all of the Star Wars movies. I've only ever seen the original and the The Empire Strikes back. What order should I watch them in?

Or should I just bin them and go back to my stockpile of when-there's-nothing-else-on Kung Fu movies?
http://www.fanpop.com/spots/star-wars/articles/17/title/best-viewing-order-star-wars-marathon
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 18 August, 2012, 05:35:24 pm
Eccentrica Gallumbits....what a cracking handle :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 18 August, 2012, 07:23:05 pm
Jogler, was that just a random comment, or have you been watching H2GT2G ?

I have various of the Halloween films on my PC, from ages back when the Beeb broadcast them.  I just got around to watching Halloween: Resurrection (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween:_Resurrection).

It seemed to be as good as you would get from this sort of film.  Mostly fairly predictable.  Nothing bad about it, but not particularly surprising or interesting either.  I don't think I'll be bothering to watch it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 18 August, 2012, 08:52:25 pm
Grandpa Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls.

A sequel to far!

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Feanor on 18 August, 2012, 09:06:21 pm
Jogler, was that just a random comment, or have you been watching H2GT2G ?

Hrrmph.

One doen not *watch* hhgttg.
One *listens* to hhgttg, off scratchy cassette recordings of the original R4 broadcasts, "starring Peter Jones as The Book".
Complete with Marvin humming Pink Floyd's Shine On YOu Crazy Diamond music as they land on Magrathea.

Anyways, Does Kirst have more one more up-top than we had previously suspected?
I think we should be told.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 18 August, 2012, 09:44:56 pm
Jogler, was that just a random comment, or have you been watching H2GT2G ?
Hrrmph.

One doen not *watch* hhgttg.
One *listens* to hhgttg, off scratchy cassette recordings of the original R4 broadcasts, "starring Peter Jones as The Book".
Complete with Marvin humming Pink Floyd's Shine On YOu Crazy Diamond music as they land on Magrathea.

Well of course that's the correct way to do it, but this is a Film thread, so I assumed that's what Jogler was or wasn't doing (and before I noticed that someone had changed her name).

Have you got Pink Floyd on a recording?  My CDs (now from over twenty years ago) don't have that particular bit of music on them, as far as I recall, from the Beeb not stretching to spend the money on the rights for the CDs that they had been willing to spend for broadcast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 18 August, 2012, 10:15:29 pm
Jogler, was that just a random comment, or have you been watching H2GT2G ?



never watched it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 19 August, 2012, 11:00:51 am
Bobb made me watch Snatch last night. I didn't like it much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 19 August, 2012, 04:37:28 pm
Hansel & Gretal, Korean Fright Fest. OK but not really worth staying up till silly o'Clock for.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 21 August, 2012, 09:40:59 am
On The Beach
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: plum on 21 August, 2012, 01:26:40 pm
Return of the Jedi.  Comfortably one of the three worst films I ever saw.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 21 August, 2012, 09:01:34 pm
Dark Star
bomb number 20  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 21 August, 2012, 10:20:30 pm
Frost/Nixon.

I can't believe I waited this long to see it.  They give good tension! 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 27 August, 2012, 11:49:41 pm
Super 8.

Wasn't sure what to expect.  Found the story a bit average, but the acting was engaging. And some of the set pieces were well done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 29 August, 2012, 09:01:15 am
Your Sister's Sister starring Crusty's girlfriend Emily Blunt. A truly funny romantic comedy. It has cycle camping in it. But there is also a traumatic scene of horrific bike abuse. Crusty said "I haven't seen you this upset since Schindler's List". Poor bikey.

Anyway it's really good and has some fab improvised dialogue and nice autumn scenery. Recommend you see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Morrisette on 29 August, 2012, 09:26:26 am
That Batman thing. It was alright. It's not really my cup of tea but Mr M liked it.

But the trailers! We saw four trailers for upcoming new films. I say 'new'. We had:

Dredd - a remake of Judge Dredd
Man of Steel - a remake of Superman
Total Recall - a remake of, well, Total Recall, completely without irony
Loopers - a man comes from the future to kill himself in the past, basically, Terminator with Bruce Willis and less robots.

Someone needs to write some new stories.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 29 August, 2012, 09:31:23 am
You thought the stories were original as films first time round? :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 29 August, 2012, 09:36:33 am
That Batman thing. It was alright. It's not really my cup of tea but Mr M liked it.

Seems to be a of a Marmite film, I enjoyed it, Mrs T less so.

Quote
But the trailers! We saw four trailers for upcoming new films. I say 'new'. We had:

Dredd - a remake of Judge Dredd

Apparently this is closer to the comic than the camp Sly Stallone one (I swear I saw a row of pink chiffon tents in that one)

Quote
Man of Steel - a remake of Superman

Dear god, NO! It's been done to death, on big screen and small, just give it a rest, like Spiderman, it's run it's course.

Quote
Total Recall - a remake of, well, Total Recall, completely without irony

Hmmm, might be ok, probably won't

Quote
Loopers - a man comes from the future to kill himself in the past, basically, Terminator with Bruce Willis and less robots.

Oh dear

Quote
Someone needs to write some new stories.....

The big studios are resting on their laurels, they know what sells and so will do it to death (look a the dearth of Jaws clones in the late '70's and early '80's for comparison).  The Studios are getting very risk averse, as they tend to in tight economic times.  This is bad for the average cinema goer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 29 August, 2012, 09:40:17 am
I watched Koyaanisqatsi (again) whilst I was on the turbo last night.

For some reason, spinning like a demon to the music of Phillip Glass seems somehow right (the visuals helped, too)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 August, 2012, 12:10:02 pm
Goy to see all of The Guardian last night.

The US Coast guard version of Top Gun.

Kevin Costner as the grizzly old veteran rescue swimmer exorcising demons by being forced into an instructor post where Aston Kutcher is being beasted whilst exorcising his own demons.

Actually a good film (IMHO).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 29 August, 2012, 01:34:47 pm
I watched Koyaanisqatsi (again) whilst I was on the turbo last night.

*makes a mental not the Interzen has good taste*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Morrisette on 30 August, 2012, 09:27:27 am
You thought the stories were original as films first time round? :o

Well, no....original scripts, I maybe mean....

Was Terminator a book??
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 02 September, 2012, 09:57:11 am
Goy to see all of The Guardian last night.

The US Coast guard version of Top Gun.

Kevin Costner as the grizzly old veteran rescue swimmer exorcising demons by being forced into an instructor post where Aston Kutcher is being beasted whilst exorcising his own demons.

Actually a good film (IMHO).
Steady now; more on a par with that film about U.S. Navy Divers with De Niro and Cuba Gooding, i.e., sentimental tripe for a U.S. audience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 06 September, 2012, 05:46:49 pm
Off to see Judge Dredd tomorrow and might see Lawless afterwards.  I love days off in the week!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 September, 2012, 09:07:51 pm
Top Gun is on Ch4.  It's still hilarious.  One day I'll get the DVD and watch it with German-langauge dubbing for the full gay porn experience.

"Indian Ocean - Present Day" says the caption.  Not with those haircuts, oh no.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 September, 2012, 12:14:21 am
Top Gun is on Ch4.  It's still hilarious.  One day I'll get the DVD and watch it with German-langauge dubbing for the full gay porn experience.

"Indian Ocean - Present Day" says the caption.  Not with those haircuts, oh no.

I first saw Black Hawk Down in German. Everyone sounded so much more efficient.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Von Broad on 09 September, 2012, 10:51:59 am
Last night on the box...

3:10 To Yuma [2007]

Good old shoot 'em up western. Just what I needed at the time. Really enjoyed it.

I was reminded that, so often, it's not always about the film, but what mood you're in to recieve it that counts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 09 September, 2012, 10:54:47 am
Off to see Judge Dredd tomorrow and might see Lawless afterwards.  I love days off in the week!
Ooo, tell us about Lawless. I quite fancy Gary Oldman the look of that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ferret on 09 September, 2012, 11:17:33 am
Finally got round to watching Girl with Dragon Tattoo the yank version, having read the books watched the proper films I can honestly say CRAP!!!
most of the acting was good but I feel they completely missed the point of the story and they changed things, missed bits out and IMHO messed it up. When will the yanks learn to leave things alone, if it ain't broke and all that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 September, 2012, 01:15:39 pm
A Sunday In Hell, well I am still half way through it as work keeps getting in the way!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 September, 2012, 09:10:04 pm
Went to see Brave today. Really enjoyed it. And it had THE BEAR.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 09 September, 2012, 10:55:55 pm
Judge Dredd.

Darkly decent anti-hero movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 September, 2012, 09:21:15 am
Judge Dredd.

Darkly decent anti-hero movie.

Really? I had very low expectations for this and was planning to avoid it..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 10 September, 2012, 01:21:44 pm
Kill List

grippingly nasty
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Toady on 10 September, 2012, 01:33:45 pm
Amighty Thor. 

Hilariously bad Mockbuster with a cast of ... ooh ... three (for the most part - there were actually about 6 actors + extras).  Actually it stopped being hilariously bad after about 20 mins and became excruciating.  Then after about 50 mins it became funny again. 

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 10 September, 2012, 01:40:50 pm
Judge Dredd.

Darkly decent anti-hero movie.

Really? I had very low expectations for this and was planning to avoid it..

Good benchmark is whether or not you like the resident evil films.  If you think those are awful, then dredd isn't for you.  If you think they are on the whole ok despite their limitations, then give dredd a go.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 September, 2012, 01:58:35 pm
Went to see Brave today. Really enjoyed it. And it had THE BEAR.

I wanna see this.

Chances of family also wanting it are low :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 September, 2012, 06:18:02 pm
Judge Dredd.

Darkly decent anti-hero movie.

Really? I had very low expectations for this and was planning to avoid it..

Good benchmark is whether or not you like the resident evil films.  If you think those are awful, then dredd isn't for you.  If you think they are on the whole ok despite their limitations, then give dredd a go.

Hmmm. I actually like the Resident Evil films....although mostly because Milla Jovovich is running around killing stuff, often half-naked....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 10 September, 2012, 06:20:18 pm
The Hunger Games.

Actually quite enjoyable, but not a patch on Battle Royale.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 11 September, 2012, 09:54:01 am
'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'. Whimsical, British tragi-comedy set largely in India, and riddled with some of our best - and oldest - British actors! I thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly Maggie Smith's bitter old lady.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 11 September, 2012, 09:09:47 pm
We saw "Ted"....an everyday story of a Man and is Toy Bear which comes to life one Christmas day.....

Now if you like fart jokes, 80's references, men being men and Toy Bears having sex, you will like this..... I loved it: My wife was non plused. Okay, its not the most brilliant of stories and the plot lines could be seen coming many miles away, but there were many laugh out loud moments. I am willing to bet there will the a "Ted 2".

Now a quick rant...if the film is scheduled to start at 5pm, please expect us to be less than pleased when we had to go and find the Manager at half five when nothing had started: not even the Adverts. Oh, he said: "Sorry we didn't realise there had been a problem." Bring back the little man in the booth I say!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 September, 2012, 10:09:33 pm
Scary Movie 4.  Hit or miss, but very good in the best bits (such as a naked Leslie Nielsen bending over and making the United Nations barf in disgust, and Charlie Sheen eating a whole bottle of Viagra).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 16 September, 2012, 10:15:05 pm
Hope Springs, what a crock of shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 22 September, 2012, 11:23:17 pm
The Ipcress File (which is on iPlayer ATM). I love that movie  :) All those B107s and T104s. All so grey and grim and shabby.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 September, 2012, 10:58:19 am
Hope Springs, what a crock of shit.
We saw that on Sat and liked it. Most of the audience also seemed to like it - apart from the teenagers who walked out.

Brilliant performance from Meryll Streep.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 24 September, 2012, 01:04:37 pm
I saw Killing them softly on Sunday.

Slow paced, depressing and with (I think deliberately) universally unlikeable characters, and including violently misogynistic dialogue throughout.  Some extremely brutal and graphically violent action scenes, telegraphed by changes to frame rate and/or slow motion photography.

The much vaunted ties with the modern economic situation highlighted in some reviews seemed a little heavy-handed and I think can be better judged with the passage of time, as could the film overall.  I can’t say I enjoyed it all that much on this viewing – it might work better if bookended by other films maybe, but I’m in no rush to watch it again soon, if ever.

Ms Weasel absolutely hated it, in particular the incredibly unpleasant characters.

Brad Pitt’s character had a closing monologue I expect to see quoted a lot though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 September, 2012, 09:39:13 pm
Scary Movie, for the first time in years.  It's still funny, especially when Ghost Face is smoking dope through a fish tank, and the notorious ejaculation scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 25 September, 2012, 09:06:19 am
The Swedish version / original of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: AndyK on 25 September, 2012, 09:09:11 am
Scary Movie, for the first time in years.  It's still funny, especially when Ghost Face is smoking dope through a fish tank, and the notorious ejaculation scene.

I don't find any of those spoof movies funny. I saw Airplane - and that was funny - but since then they've all just rehashed the same old jokes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 25 September, 2012, 09:33:08 am
Went to see Brave today. Really enjoyed it. And it had THE BEAR.

We went en famille at the weekend.  Good fun ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 25 September, 2012, 09:35:37 am
Alamar (To the Sea). Very relaxing, enchanting even. Visual cocoa, but in a good way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 25 September, 2012, 03:10:48 pm
Off to see Judge Dredd tomorrow and might see Lawless afterwards.  I love days off in the week!
Ooo, tell us about Lawless. I quite fancy Gary Oldman the look of that.

I finally got round to seeing Lawless last night.  I enjoyed it more than Killing them softly but that’s damning with faint praise.

It’s a 1930s set story of the Franklin County moonshine war, supposedly taken from real events.  The protagonists are hillbilly moonshiners vs the law (themselves shown as venal and then increasingly corrupt, as embodied by Guy Pearce’s turn as a chilling Special Deputy).

I did enjoy the film although I would have liked more back story on most of the characters.  The performances were good from all the cast, particularly Guy Pearce.  Gary Oldman was great but he only has about three shortish scenes.  Tom Hardy was good and convincingly brutal, although again I would like to have seen more of his character’s story explored.

The ending kind of jarred and seemed a bit too Waltons like after the preceding uncompromising two hours.  I felt overall that the film was either an edit and rewrite too short or too far as the whole didn’t quite work, although some of the parts were great.

It’s the hillbilly aspect that provides for me what was the best part of the film – the soundtrack.  The soundtrack is great and includes lots of Emmylou Harris and some Ralph Stanley, including an awesome cover of Lou Reed’s White Light/White Heat done in what Stanley would refer to as ‘Old time mountain style’ rather than the catch all ‘bluegrass’.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 September, 2012, 03:20:10 pm
I watched Inception the other night.  Visually stunning, but I spent at least half the time wishing for subtitles.  It made the first part of the film hard to follow (perhaps paradoxically, once it got multi-layered, it became more visual and made a lot more sense).  Dunno if that's me or the audio...   ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 25 September, 2012, 03:35:00 pm
I watched Inception the other night.  Visually stunning, but I spent at least half the time wishing for subtitles.  It made the first part of the film hard to follow (perhaps paradoxically, once it got multi-layered, it became more visual and made a lot more sense).  Dunno if that's me or the audio...   ???

Mumbly dialogue seems almost to be the norm now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 September, 2012, 07:35:54 am
American Reunion.  Feels a bit forced to start with but improves immeasurably when Stifler turns up and gets very good by about halfway through.  They managed to get the whole original cast back, so even The Sherminator gets a (v funny) cameo.

Crude isn't the word.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 03 October, 2012, 04:07:05 am
Dredd 3D..and it is quite good! Finally a simple, but well executed action movie. Easily the best comic book adaption since The Watchmen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 04 October, 2012, 09:40:48 am
Dredd 3D..and it is quite good! Finally a simple, but well executed action movie. Easily the best comic book adaption since The Watchmen.

I went to see Dredd with No.2 Son last night.

My overall impression is  :thumbsup:

The 3D aspect was OK. It made for some interesting perspectives and scenes (slomo seems to have been included as a great foil for the 3D) but it did not make the film any more enjoyable than if it had been 2D.

The landscape and props (vehicles, costume etc) of the Stallone version looked to be truer to the comic strip whereas this version is a lot truer to the atmosphere of the comic.

Urban has the Dredd character down to a tee in my opinion.

As I indicated, I thoroughly enjoyed the film (Dredd is a favourite character of mine from the comic strip world).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 04 October, 2012, 11:54:57 pm
Hope Springs, what a crock of shit.
We saw that on Sat and liked it. Most of the audience also seemed to like it - apart from the teenagers who walked out.

Brilliant performance from Meryll Streep.
We saw it tonight and we liked it too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 04 October, 2012, 11:57:03 pm
Oh, and I was delighted to see a trailer for a new film with lovely Alan Rickman in it. Yummy!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 05 October, 2012, 12:10:07 am
Today my copy of Avengers Assemble arrived from That Amazon. Curled up on t'sofa tonight and stuck it on. I think that's viewing number three (cinema, mate's dodgy downloaded copy, and now blu-ray) and I still love it.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 October, 2012, 10:07:24 am
Point Blank with Lee Marvin and Angie Dickinson on the telly late one night last week. Never seen it before. It was very good. Moody and intermittently very violent. More like a European than an American film from the 60s.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 05 October, 2012, 09:41:28 pm
The Crazies.  Epidemic horror.  Decent enough, with a quiet undertone of threat.  Not as impactful as 28 Days Later though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 05 October, 2012, 10:11:05 pm
Looper.

I can't give a very thorough review of this film as I slept through quite a lot of it.  Crusty says this was probably for the best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 October, 2012, 12:41:57 am
Ground Control.  Described by Red of this parish as the most relaxing disaster movie he'd ever seen.  He's not wrong.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 07 October, 2012, 06:16:29 pm
Serenity. Again.
For ironing to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 07 October, 2012, 07:07:32 pm
Bad Day at Black Rock. I needed to see a proper film as an antidote to the truly dreadful 'Sweeney'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clifftaylor on 07 October, 2012, 07:14:44 pm
Fucking good film that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 October, 2012, 05:34:28 am


The landscape and props (vehicles, costume etc) of the Stallone version looked to be truer to the comic strip whereas this version is a lot truer to the atmosphere of the comic.


I agree (Except the bikes were a bit naff). I think the cityscape especially was a good way of interpreting it. At first I went 'that's not right', but with a little thought I could see that it really shows how big the mega-blocks are in relation to the other buildings.

I hope they continue this franchise along the same lines...
(And I gotta see if I can find the original comics)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 October, 2012, 09:54:23 am


The landscape and props (vehicles, costume etc) of the Stallone version looked to be truer to the comic strip whereas this version is a lot truer to the atmosphere of the comic.


I agree (Except the bikes were a bit naff). I think the cityscape especially was a good way of interpreting it. At first I went 'that's not right', but with a little thought I could see that it really shows how big the mega-blocks are in relation to the other buildings.

I hope they continue this franchise along the same lines...
(And I gotta see if I can find the original comics)

There is a collection of books that serialise the comics (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Judge-Dredd-Characters-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=503346) . I am on book 5 at the moment.

The strips in alot of cases are scans from comics so the defintition of the line drawings on some suffers to a degree, but a lot of the strips are fine.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 08 October, 2012, 07:57:05 pm
Looper. Story didn't quite live up to its premise.  Good though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 09 October, 2012, 05:14:23 am


The landscape and props (vehicles, costume etc) of the Stallone version looked to be truer to the comic strip whereas this version is a lot truer to the atmosphere of the comic.


I agree (Except the bikes were a bit naff). I think the cityscape especially was a good way of interpreting it. At first I went 'that's not right', but with a little thought I could see that it really shows how big the mega-blocks are in relation to the other buildings.

I hope they continue this franchise along the same lines...
(And I gotta see if I can find the original comics)

There is a collection of books that serialise the comics (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Judge-Dredd-Characters-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=503346) . I am on book 5 at the moment.

The strips in alot of cases are scans from comics so the defintition of the line drawings on some suffers to a degree, but a lot of the strips are fine.

Thank you!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 09 October, 2012, 07:27:33 pm
Prometheus. Again.

There's a vomit scene.

(find a safe place, find a safe place... there there....)  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 October, 2012, 12:43:18 pm


The landscape and props (vehicles, costume etc) of the Stallone version looked to be truer to the comic strip whereas this version is a lot truer to the atmosphere of the comic.


I agree (Except the bikes were a bit naff). I think the cityscape especially was a good way of interpreting it. At first I went 'that's not right', but with a little thought I could see that it really shows how big the mega-blocks are in relation to the other buildings.

I hope they continue this franchise along the same lines...
(And I gotta see if I can find the original comics)

There is a collection of books that serialise the comics (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Judge-Dredd-Characters-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=503346) . I am on book 5 at the moment.

The strips in alot of cases are scans from comics so the defintition of the line drawings on some suffers to a degree, but a lot of the strips are fine.

Thank you!

You're welcome :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 10 October, 2012, 11:09:25 pm
Prometheus. Again.

There's a vomit scene.

(find a safe place, find a safe place... there there....)  :facepalm:


Watched Prometheus tonight for first time.  Didn't expect too much after the writeups when it was in the cinema, but it thought was Ok - decent suspense and FX, and looked pretty good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 11 October, 2012, 08:41:16 am
True Grit - the Coen bothers remake. We saw No country for Old Men (which I thought was excellent) and my wife want's to see all the other Coen brothers offerings. True Grit was... ok IMO.  Nothing special or memorable, but ok enough for me not to reach for a book to read whilst she watched it.

We're going to a "Flix in the Sticks" at our local church on Friday to see another Coen brothers film, Oh Brother Where Art Thou.  This may cure her of her blanket admiration.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 11 October, 2012, 08:48:09 am
The perks of being a Wallflower.

Not the film we (boab + #2daughter + #2birthdayboy + me) thought we were going to see. I'd checked IMDB to see what we were in for, and it sounded like some teenage-angst coming of age tale, which on the face of it, I guess it is. But it's not the point of the story so much as the backdrop.

We all enjoyed it. We laughed, and I think we all owned up to crying some too.

<hummers>
Oh, and I wanted to see how Hermione was coming along.
</hummers>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 October, 2012, 12:51:07 pm
The perks of being a Wallflower.

<hummers>
Oh, and I wanted to see how Hermione was coming along.
</hummers>

And?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 11 October, 2012, 01:34:32 pm
The perks of being a Wallflower.

<hummers>
Oh, and I wanted to see how Hermione was coming along.
</hummers>

And?

Very nicely  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 October, 2012, 02:56:52 pm
The perks of being a Wallflower.

<hummers>
Oh, and I wanted to see how Hermione was coming along.
</hummers>

And?

Very nicely  :thumbsup:

Thanks :-*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 October, 2012, 06:58:04 pm
True Grit - the Coen bothers remake. We saw No country for Old Men (which I thought was excellent) and my wife want's to see all the other Coen brothers offerings. True Grit was... ok IMO.  Nothing special or memorable, but ok enough for me not to reach for a book to read whilst she watched it.

We're going to a "Flix in the Sticks" at our local church on Friday to see another Coen brothers film, Oh Brother Where Art Thou.  This may cure her of her blanket admiration.

Oh Brother Where Art Thou is very good :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 15 October, 2012, 08:26:39 am
Saw "Looper" today and quite enjoyed it. A few time-travel logic failures, but nothing that interrupted the story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 15 October, 2012, 11:41:27 pm
Tony Scott's last film - Unstoppable.   Worth watching & Denzel Washingline is always on good form (IMO)...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 October, 2012, 08:29:17 pm
Saw "Looper" today and quite enjoyed it. A few time-travel logic failures, but nothing that interrupted the story.

I liked it at first but it got slower and dumber as it went.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 24 October, 2012, 11:39:24 pm
Tyrannosaur.  Bleak British film.  But with powerful emotions running through it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 24 October, 2012, 11:40:39 pm
Tyrannasaur.  Bleak British film.  But with powerful emotions running through it.

Ah, I wanted to see that.  Great cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 25 October, 2012, 08:36:15 am
Captain America. Shite. We turned it off as we'd both reverted to phone/netbook and weren't paying attention.

Just couldn't suspend disbelief enough for it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 October, 2012, 09:08:25 am
You're not supposed to.

The Cap america comic was written as anti-nazi propaganda during WWII. The film follows that with the main character complaining about being used as propaganda
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 25 October, 2012, 10:00:26 am
We're building up to Avengers but at this rate we may not bother- Thor & Cap'n America were both utter tosh, even for the genre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 October, 2012, 10:02:43 am
The Avengers is a comedy
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 25 October, 2012, 12:35:45 pm
We're building up to Avengers but at this rate we may not bother- Thor & Cap'n America were both utter tosh, even for the genre.

Avengers Assemble is worth it.  I also didn't rate Thor & Captain America as highly as others, thought Iron Man 1+2 were half decent (although Mickey Rooney's character grated with me).  But Avengers knocked them for six.

Not as good as the animated series though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 26 October, 2012, 09:25:22 pm
Captain America was poor, I'd completely forgotten the plot by the time I saw the Avengers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Speshact on 27 October, 2012, 12:06:00 am
Skyfall.

Fab escapist fantasy, except black SUVs and exec limos dominating the inner city. That's pure Westminster/TfL reality.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 October, 2012, 12:08:45 am
I enjoyed Capt America and Thor, whereas Avengers took itself far too seriously.
The only real good bit was: Scarlett Johanson (Main reason to see the film) and Hulk beating the crap out of Loki.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Séamas M. on 28 October, 2012, 12:48:07 am
Skyfall, best Bond movie ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 28 October, 2012, 10:10:05 am
Skyfall. But I did wonder if I'd wandered into a Batman film by mistake, complete with a Wayne Manor staffed by a faithful servant, early orphaning of our hero turning him into a emotionally depleted crime fighter and a baddie whose oral disfiguration turned him into a psychopathic Joker.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 October, 2012, 07:26:20 pm
Skyfall.  Entertaining enough but somehow I can't reconcile Bond films and computer hacking; Bond would surely be a complete technophobe who would just put a bullet in any piece of equipment that didn't immediately do as he wanted.  Also, the inevitable "Hollywood OS" screen simulations and all the fancy graphics are laughable.  At least they used command-line nmap in The Matrix series.

Oh, and did Judi Dench say "fucked"?  That's like your mum swearing  :o

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 29 October, 2012, 08:22:56 pm
101 Dalmatians. For about the hundredth time. The Glenn Close one. It is about as sickly sweet as it is possible for a film with a mainly British cast to be. Isn't it? Now, how long is left of half term?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 October, 2012, 08:24:42 pm
You can always tell half term is coming from the adverts on the side of buses for shite kids' films with a vague Hallowe'en theme.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 October, 2012, 08:27:52 pm
I saw Captain America in 3D.

That was 2Ds too many.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 30 October, 2012, 07:42:27 am
101 Dalmatians. For about the hundredth time. The Glenn Close one. It is about as sickly sweet as it is possible for a film with a mainly British cast to be. Isn't it? Now, how long is left of half term?
And since when has the British countryside been home to raccoons and beavers?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: gibbo on 30 October, 2012, 08:12:17 am
Skyfall - took my kids with me and although it was a PG I was surprised when Dame Judy said the f word. I enjoyed it but at times it didn't feel like a Bond movie.
Gibbo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 30 October, 2012, 09:06:37 am
Red Tails - some great action sequences but a ludicrously light, heavily fictionalised story. Looks like a video game on a too easy difficulty setting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 30 October, 2012, 09:09:47 am
"The 39 Steps" from 1959 including a wonderful cycle chase!  :thumbsup:


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 October, 2012, 09:19:11 am
I had last week off work so decided to do a "Star Wars" marathon. With the exception of Pahntom Menace, which we don't have on DVD, I watched a film a day.

I still loves them, even the prequels.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 30 October, 2012, 10:42:07 am
Skyfall.

I took a week off my real job in the summer to be an extra in the movie. A week sitting in Pinewood studios, in a fake casino gambling, while staring at the stars.

Went to a special extras screening last night which was fun, eg applauding when your mates appeared on screen.

2nd best movie of the year, after Dark Knight rises
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 30 October, 2012, 11:13:44 am
I took a week off my real job in the summer to be an extra in the movie. A week sitting in Pinewood studios, in a fake casino gambling, while staring at the stars.

So can I blame you (along with all the other casino patrons) for showing a total lack of concern when one of the baddie henchmen gets slowly munched by a couple of Komodo dragons?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 30 October, 2012, 07:15:55 pm
I'm in the establishing shot of the komodo dragons.
They were all computer generated, when we there they just had a big plastic one that didn't move.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 30 October, 2012, 10:59:20 pm
Underworld Awakening.  Oh dear.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 31 October, 2012, 01:04:56 pm
Ice Age 4. It was so contrived picture-wise for the 3D version, even though I watched the 2D version. £6 for 3 tickets, but £10+ for the assorted rip-off crap they call refreshments.

The kids enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: gene hunt on 31 October, 2012, 11:55:18 pm
Skyfall, watched it tonight, one of the best Bond films I have seen for a long time.

Lots of little links to the old Bond films as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: JohnP on 01 November, 2012, 12:05:49 am
Took grandsons to see Skyfall last night.  First non Connery 007 film that I've seen in a cinema.  Coincided with my first experience of a multi screen modern cinema.  Last film prior to this (in a cinema) was E.T. when our daughter was about 7.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 01 November, 2012, 04:50:53 pm
Skyfall. Very much a Bond film that is a homage to other bond films. No outstanding wow moments, but lots of fun stuff. The train crash was a touch below par
(click to show/hide)
And the usual IT fantasy. But apart from that, a new M who looks good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Fohat on 01 November, 2012, 04:52:20 pm
Stars and Water carriers.

1973 Giro d'Italia

on youtube, now.

Marvellous, side burns, down tube shifters, Lancias, Moto Guzzis. Aaahhhhhhh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 November, 2012, 10:00:22 pm
Skyfall, watched it tonight, one of the best Bond films I have seen for a long time.

Lots of little links to the old Bond films as well.
I thought the same. Nice bit of back story on bond as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 November, 2012, 11:05:38 pm
Skyfall. Very much a Bond film that is a homage to other bond films. No outstanding wow moments, but lots of fun stuff. The train crash was a touch below par
(click to show/hide)
And the usual IT fantasy. But apart from that, a new M who looks good.

Ah. Sounds like I'll have to give this one a miss then.  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 November, 2012, 11:32:23 pm
Skyfall. Very much a Bond film that is a homage to other bond films. No outstanding wow moments, but lots of fun stuff. The train crash was a touch below par
(click to show/hide)
And the usual IT fantasy. But apart from that, a new M who looks good.

Ah. Sounds like I'll have to give this one a miss then.  :-\

Train crash yes - but a tube train with no people on it. Seen from Bond's viewpoint outside train. hope that helps
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 November, 2012, 11:42:59 pm
Ah, thanks mrc. I might still wait until the DVD so I can leave the room.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 November, 2012, 07:34:49 am
Skyfall. Very much a Bond film that is a homage to other bond films. No outstanding wow moments, but lots of fun stuff. The train crash was a touch below par
(click to show/hide)
And the usual IT fantasy. But apart from that, a new M who looks good.
Unless you weren't aware Judi Dench is M and you think she is a new M, THAT'S A SPOILER.  >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 November, 2012, 07:39:06 pm
Skyfall. Awful. The end is weak and an odd character is introduced for no apparent reason. The action scenes are lame, his suit's too tight, Fiennes has an appalling script, he does nothing really. I agreed with this:

http://reciperifle.blogspot.co.uk/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 03 November, 2012, 10:23:11 am
101 Dalmatians. For about the hundredth time. The Glenn Close one. It is about as sickly sweet as it is possible for a film with a mainly British cast to be. Isn't it? Now, how long is left of half term?
And since when has the British countryside been home to raccoons and beavers?

You obviously haven't been watching AutumnWatch recently!

... but yes, a rather annoying Americanism.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 04 November, 2012, 01:33:54 pm
Skyfall. Awful. The end is weak and an odd character is introduced for no apparent reason. The action scenes are lame, his suit's too tight, Fiennes has an appalling script, he does nothing really. I agreed with this:

http://reciperifle.blogspot.co.uk/
Yeah. Saw it last night.

And while I appreciate suspension of disbelief, & wasn't bothered that the landscape on the train heading out of Istanbul was wrong (I've been on that route), or that an island off Nagasaki was transplanted to an overnight yacht ride from Macao, I was very, very bothered (1) that a supposed MI6 computer expert plugged a bad guys computer into his network & (2) that he was then surprised that Bad Things happened to said network.

Unfortunately, I wasn't really surprised that the controls for the building systems in MI6 HQ were connected, however indirectly, to public networks. It's the sort of stupid but possible thing that is regrettably credible, like a couple of British agents in Istanbul having a PC with a list on it which (1) shouldn't exist in one place & (2) if it ever does, should never be on any computer connected to any network, or ever let out of a physically secure location.


There was also the question of why Ralph Fiennes didn't think of having a quiet chat with some of his Hereford friends about something nasty going to happen somewhere which perhaps they could very discreetly send several of their fellows to take a look at. Call it a little training with live ammunition.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bobb on 04 November, 2012, 07:09:04 pm
I liked Skyfall, but it lacked something. I dunno - a villain hell bent on taking over the world, an army of men in orange jump suits, a white cat.... You know, that sort of thing....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 04 November, 2012, 07:14:38 pm
I really liked it. I thought the opening credits were beautiful, the Adele song fits perfectly with them, Daniel Craig is very muscular and tough guy - you wouldn't see him in a safari suit and think he had a Shatner-style corset on underneath - car chases, firey splodey bangs - all fine by me. Yes, a megalomaniac living in a hollowed out volcano carved in the shape of his own head with a pool containing frikkin' sharks with frikkin' laser beams on their heads would have been good, but it was still great as it was.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Feanor on 04 November, 2012, 07:20:25 pm
Went to see this last night with the kids.

I thought it was good.
A bit of a return to the older Bond formula, with lots of nods to the older films.

Witty, humerous, sexy, gritty in the right mix.

I'd not heard the theme before, but it did seem to have the classy sound of classic Bond themes.
A bit of an echo of Shirley Bassey.

The title iconography was rather retro, which foreshaddowed some of what was to come.

Aye, it worked well, I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 04 November, 2012, 09:34:43 pm
Hancock. 

Not a bad idea for a movie (alcoholic, misanthropic superhero), and Will Smith was good, but it was shite. Actually, there were a couple of funny moments. 

The plot didn't really exist, the backstory was appalling, and whoever thought having the PR guy as the hero of the story was probably a PR guy who wishes he was a superhero. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 04 November, 2012, 11:45:36 pm
Skyfall.  Good.

Didn't realise Bond was Scottish.  But now it makes sense.  Rough around the edges. Hard as nails.  Fanny magnet. Just like the rest of us  :-*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 04 November, 2012, 11:55:55 pm
Bond became half-Scottish after Sean Connery played him. Fleming liked Connery as Bond so much he put a Scottish background into the last two books.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 05 November, 2012, 09:20:03 am
Skyfall. But I did wonder if I'd wandered into a Batman film by mistake, complete with a Wayne Manor staffed by a faithful servant, early orphaning of our hero turning him into a emotionally depleted crime fighter and a baddie whose oral disfiguration turned him into a psychopathic Joker.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 November, 2012, 09:26:07 am
Several of the books have revolved around a vendetta against bond. One ends, tragically, just after his wedding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 November, 2012, 09:33:13 am
In the past week or so I have watched:

Skyfall
Die Another Day
Quantum of Script Solace
The Rum Diary

My favourites out of them? Skyfall and The Rum Diary (During which I thought to myself "this has a touch of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas about it", then I saw the bit at the end...)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 05 November, 2012, 04:54:41 pm
From my inside knowledge of a week as a Bond extra,
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 November, 2012, 04:57:14 pm
Gerald, was that you in the bottom left corner of the pic as they entered the casino?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bobb on 05 November, 2012, 05:08:26 pm
Several of the books have revolved around a vendetta against bond. One ends, tragically, just after his wedding.

That book did not revolve around a vendetta against Bond, rather a vendetta by MI6 against Ernst Stavro Blofeld!

Come to think of it  - Skyfall didn't revolve around a vendetta against Bond either!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 05 November, 2012, 06:12:41 pm
AFAIK hydrogen cyanide doesn't make your jaw collapse or burn your insides.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 06 November, 2012, 02:38:45 pm
Quote
Once in the bloodstream, cyanide forms a stable complex with a form of cytochrome oxidase, an enzyme that promotes the transfer of electrons in the mitochondria of cells during the synthesis of ATP. Without proper cytochrome oxidase function, cells cannot utilize the oxygen present in the bloodstream, resulting in cytotoxic hypoxia or cellular asphyxiation. The lack of available oxygen causes a shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, leading to the accumulation of lactate in the blood. The combined effect of the hypoxia and lactate acidosis is depression of the central nervous system that can result in respiratory arrest and death. At higher lethal concentrations, cyanide poisoning also affects other organs and systems in the body, including the heart.

Initial symptoms of cyanide poisoning can occur from exposure to 20 to 40 ppm of gaseous hydrogen cyanide, and may include headache, drowsiness, vertigo, weak and rapid pulse, deep and rapid breathing, a bright-red color in the face, nausea and vomiting. Convulsions, dilated pupils, clammy skin, a weaker and more rapid pulse and slower, shallower breathing can follow these symptoms. Finally, the heartbeat becomes slow and irregular, body temperature falls, the lips, face and extremities take on a blue color, the individual falls into a coma, and death occurs. These symptoms can occur from sublethal exposure to cyanide, but will diminish as the body detoxifies the poison and excretes it primarily as thiocyanate and 2 amino thiazoline 4 carboxilic acid, with other minor metabolites.
Yeah. It ain't caustic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Basil on 06 November, 2012, 07:07:45 pm
Sky fail.

It really annoyed me that they think that we would believe that a guy who had spent all his life living in the Scoddidge countryside would try to escape into the darkness of a Scoddidge moor flashing a torch all over the place. 
That was just so badly written.  >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 09 November, 2012, 03:34:30 am
Total Recall. The new one.

I really liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 09 November, 2012, 08:36:47 pm
Daybreakers.  Vampire apocalypse, which makes a change from zombies.  Decent premise, with a decent cast, but doesn't really get going in its 90 odd minute length.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 09 November, 2012, 08:55:40 pm
Argo.  A dramatisation of the attempt to rescue six American hostages from their hiding place in Iran during the unrest of 1979-81, after the invasion of the American embassy in Teheran.  Ben Affleck films a fake movie as a cover to get the hostages out.

It's excellent.  Go and see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 09 November, 2012, 09:06:47 pm
Skyfall. Awful. The end is weak and an odd character is introduced for no apparent reason. The action scenes are lame, his suit's too tight, Fiennes has an appalling script, he does nothing really. I agreed with this:

http://reciperifle.blogspot.co.uk/

Not all facts correct in that review...
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 09 November, 2012, 09:16:35 pm
Daybreakers.  Vampire apocalypse, which makes a change from zombies.  Decent premise, with a decent cast, but doesn't really get going in its 90 odd minute length.
That's so much more generous a review than I'd give it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 10 November, 2012, 10:52:49 pm
Skyflaps. Fun. I'll allow the facepalm moments for the coherent action direction and deliciously OTT camp menace of old cyanide-chops. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 10 November, 2012, 11:16:40 pm
Caught up on a few films on a long haul flight.

Ted, I really liked it, even teared up a bit.

Total recall, total pants. If it was made as a mini series by the beeb, like Blakes 7 or Dr Who it would have been good. Big budget, wasted.

Dark Knight Rises, doesn't hold up for a second viewing on a little LCD screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 11 November, 2012, 09:38:24 pm
the Holiday.  An awful, awful film only slightly redeemed by three good cast members.  No not you Diaz.
I don't know what we were thinking. What a waste of an evening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alexb on 12 November, 2012, 09:56:42 am
Letters from Iwo Jima which I bought second hand for 80p from CeX!

Excellent film, I'd seen it before, but wanted to see it again after Tora Tora Tora was on the telly yesterday afternoon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 November, 2012, 11:04:55 am
[Skyfall] : http://reciperifle.blogspot.co.uk/


Not all facts correct in that review...
(click to show/hide)
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 November, 2012, 11:07:51 am
[Skyfall] : http://reciperifle.blogspot.co.uk/


Not all facts correct in that review...
(click to show/hide)
(click to show/hide)
The razor scene?
I am in no doubt about it.
pedant wibble That's not how you shave with a straight razor. It's more like buttering bread, but moving edge forward. And the difficult bit is actually the point of the chin - there is a reason why goatees and suchlike were in fashion before safety razors were invented.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 12 November, 2012, 10:17:16 pm
Kill List.

Weird. Just weird.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: GrahamG on 13 November, 2012, 03:42:55 pm
Untouchable (http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1675434/)

Absolutely superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 13 November, 2012, 03:47:39 pm
Kill List.

Weird. Just weird.

Not weird enough to keep me awake, evidently…I fell asleep about 45 minutes in (to be fair, this is a hazard of watching any film on late in bed).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 15 November, 2012, 08:02:14 am
Beasts of the Southern Wild.

Time will tell but I think it's up there with any of the great films I think I've seen.
There was some advertising for Sightseers by the director of Down Terrace which was a lot funnier than Kill List, so we're looking forward to that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 16 November, 2012, 10:50:15 am
Just looked up the trailer for that.  Thanks longers, I might have to see it. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 16 November, 2012, 02:23:43 pm
Skyfall.

That sucked big time. The female characters were merely eye-candy (which is a shame, because Naomie Harris is a wonderful actor), I completely agree with this (http://reciperifle.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/bond-villain.html) blog's comments regarding
(click to show/hide)
and they
(click to show/hide)

Oh, and the tube-trains were clearly not District or Circle - that was one of the deep lines, like the Northern. And the chase was occurring in rush-hour, and yet when
(click to show/hide)

Huge telegraphing of
(click to show/hide)

Also, Cyanide isn't caustic and wouldn't dissolve someone's mouth, Komodo dragons are carrion-feeders and ambush predators, unlikely to attack a grown man unless cornered, what was the point of making Javier Bardem's character a predatory gay unless it was to try and feed off an audience's latent homophobia, and why was the film so bloody long?!? >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mad Jack on 17 November, 2012, 09:12:12 pm
Skyfall

Where was that road in the Highlands where they stopped in the DB5..

Just have to ride that....

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 November, 2012, 10:23:56 pm
Still can't decide whether to bother going to see that Skyfall.  Somehow it just doesn't appeal.

We went to see Ruby Sparks tonight.  A whimsical romance with a bit of a twist.  I enjoyed it very much, Crusty less so, mostly because it was about him.  Or so he decided on the way home.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 17 November, 2012, 11:04:32 pm
All of the nominated films in the "Films by Yound Animators" and "Films for Kids" categories at Bradford Animation Festival, in the company of both Cubs and a couple of spare chiddlers.

We liked.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 18 November, 2012, 07:36:57 pm
Don't Look Now.  Quite refreshing for a nigh on 40 year film, and well worth taking the time to watch.  Insidious UK thriller.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 18 November, 2012, 08:06:18 pm
Argo

A rather deft combination of serious political thriller (the first 10 minutes are very powerful), satire and comic performance (Alan Arkin is great, albeit doing what he normally does in films these days). And a largely true story about an aspect of the 1979/80 American embassy in Iran hostage situation I knew nothing of. Has a very authentic late 70's visual style to it that appealed too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 18 November, 2012, 09:08:58 pm
Argo

A rather deft combination of serious political thriller (the first 10 minutes are very powerful), satire and comic performance (Alan Arkin is great, albeit doing what he normally does in films these days). And a largely true story about an aspect of the 1979/80 American embassy in Iran hostage situation I knew nothing of. Has a very authentic late 70's visual style to it that appealed too.

WD for taking my advice Jo  :smug:

I like comedy and dramatic tension.  Because one of the best things about hoomins is the way we laugh at the worst possible moments, and there's nothing wrong with that.  If anything it makes it more real.  And yes, the first ten minutes are very powerful indeed. 

Funny in places, but not irreverent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 21 November, 2012, 11:25:27 pm
The Silver Linings Playbook

A rom-com featuring much mental illness.  I enjoyed it very much, and the discussions between those affected by such problems were spot-on   ;D  I really liked it, and laughed a lot. 

It was a long film but it should have been longer to explain how the end matched up with the beginning.  I won't explain as it would spoil it.  Still worth seeing though, and worth going to see if you go with someone else.  So that you can talk about it afterwards.  A film to see on a lighthearted night out with friends.  Not a film buff's film, IYSWIM.

Oh, and I think Strictly fans might like it. 

7.5/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 22 November, 2012, 05:34:20 am
The Dark Knight Rises

Was a great film :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 22 November, 2012, 01:15:03 pm
The Silver Linings Playbook

A rom-com featuring much mental illness.  I enjoyed it very much, and the discussions between those affected by such problems were spot-on   ;D  I really liked it, and laughed a lot. 

It was a long film but it should have been longer to explain how the end matched up with the beginning.  I won't explain as it would spoil it.  Still worth seeing though, and worth going to see if you go with someone else.  So that you can talk about it afterwards.  A film to see on a lighthearted night out with friends.  Not a film buff's film, IYSWIM.

Oh, and I think Strictly fans might like it. 

7.5/10

ETA:  Nice review from Rolling Stone here.  Contains spoilers.

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/silver-linings-playbook-20121115
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 22 November, 2012, 01:21:36 pm
Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2

I love No2Daughter dearly, but god, that was bad. Even aside from the whole Twilight concept, the film was dreadful. Any disbelief sank to the pit of my stomach, totally failing to be suspended. I went for a pee half way through, just to get away from it.

Good news though, that's the last of them  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 22 November, 2012, 01:23:50 pm
Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2

I love No2Daughter dearly, but god, that was bad. Even aside from the whole Twilight concept, the film was dreadful. Any disbelief sank to the pit of my stomach, totally failing to be suspended. I went for a pee half way through, just to get away from it.

Good news though, that's the last of them  :thumbsup:

Until the directors'(*) cuts ...  ;)

* - I assume there's been more than one over the whole piece

/grammar pedant
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 24 November, 2012, 10:21:56 pm
Hot Tub Time Machine.  Sometimes it's good to just let the brain cells rest.  In the right mood and company, this isn't bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 25 November, 2012, 09:02:48 am
MiB III, not as good as the first two, but still good for a laugh, shame Frank only appeared on posters and not actually in the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 25 November, 2012, 05:25:03 pm
Skyfall  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 26 November, 2012, 04:19:19 pm
End of Watch

Saw it the other day and quite liked it but it ddn't need or benefit from the 'found footage' approach that has surely been done to death by now.

The scenes could have been filmed from the same angles if required without the fiction that the characters were themselves filming it, just wasn't necessary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 27 November, 2012, 01:57:14 pm
Not exactly a film, but I got Star Trek, The Borg Collective 4-DVD collection and sat through it over the weekend.

I was always scared shitless by the Cybermen on Doctor Who as a lad, and the Borg seem to awaken some of this fear. Good stuff. Ah, except the last one jumped a bit in time and seemed too trite an ending, but hey, who's complaining?!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 27 November, 2012, 04:06:35 pm
Skyfall

Where was that road in the Highlands where they stopped in the DB5..

Just have to ride that....

I thought it was Glencoe, but road was too minor (unless they cloned in a more minor road i.e. FX)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 29 November, 2012, 09:08:48 pm
Coriolanus.

Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave, Brian Cox et al, supporting cast of the Serbian Army.  The text was subbed to the bones, but a very good film nonetheless.  A proper tragedy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 29 November, 2012, 09:10:41 pm
Ted.

Quite funny - with one or two sigable lines. I think they could have made more of it though, and it's very very hard to disassociate that voice from Family Guy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 November, 2012, 09:13:55 pm
40 Year old Virgin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Richard A Thackeray on 30 November, 2012, 05:34:58 pm
'Avengers Assemble'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 02 December, 2012, 04:21:17 pm
Saw 'Argo' earlier today, about to see 'Sightseers'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 04 December, 2012, 10:00:58 pm
Beasts of the Southern Wild.

Time will tell but I think it's up there with any of the great films I think I've seen.


It really is very good, isn't it.  We went to see it tonight. 

When you need to process a film for several hours after seeing it, that's often a sign of a great movie.  And it looked beautiful didn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 05 December, 2012, 08:37:04 am
Really glad you enjoyed it. It'd have been interesting to see the play it was based on (if I remember that bit correctly).

We saw Sightseers on Sunday for what might be our last cinema trip for a while and wished I'd gone to see almost anything else instead.
We laughed a lot and it was very well done but I didn't think there was much to be gained from seeing it at the pictures rather than at home so it felt a bit like a wasted cinematic experience for me, if that makes sense.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 December, 2012, 09:32:36 am
Brave

I liked it, despite it being a typical Disney/Pixar moralistic tale.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 05 December, 2012, 11:01:56 am
Really glad you enjoyed it. It'd have been interesting to see the play it was based on (if I remember that bit correctly).

We saw Sightseers on Sunday for what might be our last cinema trip for a while and wished I'd gone to see almost anything else instead.
We laughed a lot and it was very well done but I didn't think there was much to be gained from seeing it at the pictures rather than at home so it felt a bit like a wasted cinematic experience for me, if that makes sense.

Agreed, I saw it on a shitty little screen and the digital projection was rubbish quality. Would have been better at home, a rubbish state of affairs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 December, 2012, 11:35:35 am
Challenge to Lassie

Loosely based of Grayfriars Bobby but with Lassie instead of a terrier. Supposedly set in Victorian Edinburgh but filmed in California in 1949 with lots of dreadful Scottish accents.

Well it was 3:00am and was all that was on TV ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 05 December, 2012, 01:36:34 pm
Challenge to Lassie

Loosely based of Grayfriars Bobby but with Lassie instead of a terrier. Supposedly set in Victorian Edinburgh but filmed in California in 1949 with lots of dreadful Scottish accents.

Well it was 3:00am and was all that was on TV ...

I think I saw that when I was a kid!   :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 05 December, 2012, 07:11:13 pm
Beasts of the Southern Wild.

Time will tell but I think it's up there with any of the great films I think I've seen.


It really is very good, isn't it.  We went to see it tonight. 

When you need to process a film for several hours after seeing it, that's often a sign of a great movie.  And it looked beautiful didn't it?

Thinking about it, parts of this film, when I was watching it, made me think of what the yacf community would be like, post-apocalypse  ;)

A couple of reviews have compared this film to 'Tree Of Life', which I never managed to see.  Another one for the list.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 06 December, 2012, 08:58:02 am
La Source des Femmes. pretty enough scenery and a trite storyline.  Repressed womanhood challenging male dominance was better illustrated in BBC4's "Solar Mamas".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ewan Houzami on 06 December, 2012, 04:31:37 pm
Jagten. Superb.  Mads Mikkelsen doesn't bleed from his eye in this one mind, and not the best advert for getting men to work with children in any capacity.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 08 December, 2012, 03:04:09 pm
Iron Sky  :thumbsup:
and
The Amazing Spider-Man, which I actually found quite good compared to the previous spiderman.



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 08 December, 2012, 08:52:20 pm
Centurion.  UK blood and sandals chase film.  Great British cast that is wasted on a run of the mill script.  One to have on in the background rather than giving it your full attention.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 December, 2012, 09:54:26 am
The Hunt For Red October.  All good fun, although even I can see that the submarine combat sequences are total bollix.  And does the interior of a Typhoon-class submarine really look that cool?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 December, 2012, 05:52:36 pm
The Hunt For Red October.  All good fun, although even I can see that the submarine combat sequences are total bollix. ...

TV Tropes - Hot Sub-on-Sub Action (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HotSubOnSubAction)

(I also wonder if the 2D Space (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TwoDSpace) trope should apply, although the entry implies that submarines are a valid exception).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: billplumtree on 10 December, 2012, 06:19:42 pm
Vin Garbutt, Teesside Troubadour.  Bloomin' marvellous, loads of footage of Vin playing, singing and wittering in his own unique style.  A lovely affectionate and humorous portrait of someone who deserves to be much better-known outside the folk music scene.  And if you thought Vin could go on, you should hear Craig Hornby (the maker of the film) introduce and outroduce it...

And the last-but-one:  Anna Karenina.  After 10 minutes I hated it, was muttering "Why couldn't they have just done it straight?", but by the end I was converted.  Loved it.  I was astonished at the way it brought many parts of the book vividly to life - and I'm always one to read the book rather than watch the film, in general.  It probably helped that it was shown on a very noisy old-style clacketty-clack projector in Arnside village hall, with a break for the raffle while they changed the reels  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 December, 2012, 07:26:07 pm
Vin Garbutt, Teesside Troubadour.  Bloomin' marvellous, loads of footage of Vin playing, singing and wittering in his own unique style.  A lovely affectionate and humorous portrait of someone who deserves to be much better-known outside the folk music scene.  And if you thought Vin could go on, you should hear Craig Hornby (the maker of the film) introduce and outroduce it...

And the last-but-one:  Anna Karenina.  After 10 minutes I hated it, was muttering "Why couldn't they have just done it straight?", but by the end I was converted.  Loved it.  I was astonished at the way it brought many parts of the book vividly to life - and I'm always one to read the book rather than watch the film, in general.  It probably helped that it was shown on a very noisy old-style clacketty-clack projector in Arnside village hall, with a break for the raffle while they changed the reels  :)

Yebbut ... Knightley ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: billplumtree on 10 December, 2012, 08:22:32 pm
Yebbut ... Knightley ...

Well, yeah, that was a bit unfortunate.  I can't say that she added owt to it.

But she wasn't in the Vin Garbutt film  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 December, 2012, 09:11:52 pm
They should've given Vin the Knightley role in Anna Karenina. 

I like Vin Garbutt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 December, 2012, 05:23:07 pm
The Hobbit: An unexpected journey.
Title: Re: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 December, 2012, 06:07:13 pm
The Hobbit: An unexpected journey.
I refuse to go and see a very short children's book spun out into 9 hours just to get 3x the ticket sales.  Bah.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 13 December, 2012, 09:20:46 pm
Seven Psychopaths which I enjoyed despite being a bit short-changed on the psychopath front
Title: Re: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 13 December, 2012, 10:40:31 pm
The Hobbit: An unexpected journey.
I refuse to go and see a very short children's book spun out into 9 hours just to get 3x the ticket sales.  Bah.

I knew they had stretchded it to two films, but when they totally stretchtededed it to three I imagined that they must all talk very slowly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 14 December, 2012, 01:04:44 pm
I imagine the third film is mostly extended elven song cycles with authentic Middle Earthean tonal structure. I can't wait.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 14 December, 2012, 01:09:08 pm
Panic Room

Last night on Film4.

Great film starring Jodie Foster & a young Kristain Stewart ... of Twilight fame.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 14 December, 2012, 01:09:39 pm
Seven Psychopaths which I enjoyed despite being a bit short-changed on the psychopath front

Did you remember to include yourself in the tally?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 14 December, 2012, 01:29:32 pm
Started watching Kingdom of Heaven last night, but started falling asleep, so saving it for another day.

I got 5 minutes into it and remembered I had seen it before, but had enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 16 December, 2012, 07:09:05 am
Up.

Not my cup of tea. Technically excellent but the  plot was all over the place.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: closetleftie on 16 December, 2012, 07:57:39 am
Rise of the Guardians wiv da kids. 3D good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 16 December, 2012, 07:59:08 am
Up.

Not my cup of tea. Technically excellent but the  plot was all over the place.
I thought they should have ended the film when the house first took off from the building site.  It wouldn't have been long enough for a feature, but it would have been the best short film ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 December, 2012, 08:30:45 am
End of the Watch.
Very hard not to see it as a promo-piece for the LAPD, but still very engaging.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 December, 2012, 08:32:03 am
Started watching Kingdom of Heaven last night, but started falling asleep, so saving it for another day.

I got 5 minutes into it and remembered I had seen it before, but had enjoyed it.

It's really worth getting the directors cut. (Even if it's 3 hours long). It does the movie much more justice than the original cinematic release.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 December, 2012, 11:12:10 am
The Bourne Legacy.

Like a jigsaw puzzle with some wrong bits and the pieces all jammed together by an impatient 6 year old.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 16 December, 2012, 12:18:38 pm
Started watching Kingdom of Heaven last night, but started falling asleep, so saving it for another day.

I got 5 minutes into it and remembered I had seen it before, but had enjoyed it.

It's really worth getting the directors cut. (Even if it's 3 hours long). It does the movie much more justice than the original cinematic release.

Finished watching it last night, really really enjoyed it.  Not sure just why it is on heavy rotation on Sky Movies at the moment, but I am glad it is! :)

I may well take up that suggestion, Jakob.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 16 December, 2012, 01:00:16 pm
The Bourne Legacy.

Like a jigsaw puzzle with some wrong bits and the pieces all jammed together by an impatient 6 year old.
That's what the MTV generation demands.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adrian on 16 December, 2012, 06:48:49 pm
Seven Psychopaths which I enjoyed despite being a bit short-changed on the psychopath front

Did you remember to include yourself in the tally?
Thanks, that clears that one up
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 December, 2012, 06:54:14 pm
Most of Follow the Fleet and ten minutes of ET.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 16 December, 2012, 09:51:12 pm
Just watched The Expendables 2.  Total trash...




...and I absolutely loved it.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 16 December, 2012, 11:24:34 pm
The Bourne Legacy.

Like a jigsaw puzzle with some wrong bits and the pieces all jammed together by an impatient 6 year old.
That's what the MTV generation demands.

Obligatory XKCD reference... (http://xkcd.com/973/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 16 December, 2012, 11:30:53 pm
The Bourne Legacy.

Like a jigsaw puzzle with some wrong bits and the pieces all jammed together by an impatient 6 year old.

It demeans what went before.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 19 December, 2012, 01:15:27 pm
Abraham Licoln: Vampire Hunter

Fantastic rubbish!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 December, 2012, 01:38:05 pm
Is "Band of Brothers" considered a film? (if the Hobbit is, then this is)

Anyway, I spent a few days watching the Box-Set.

I must have loved it because it's 10 episodes (plus interviews with the actual surviving soldiers behind the main characters) and I was always in a  rush to watch the next disc.

It confirmed my feelings that I never want to be physically involved in a war.  Captures some of the horror as best a TV set, 60 years on, can I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 20 December, 2012, 09:50:19 am
The Hobbit: An unexpected journey.

Me too. Someone needs to stand up to Peter Jackson and tell him that it isn't big and it isn't clever. OK?

It has the cinematic feel of a child being left the keys to the CGI sweetie shop and no self restraint, and an editor without the balls to cut the superfluous bits or avoid primal screaming the 'cinematic effects' (hint: adding fake motion blur to films is bad enough, adding it to 3D films is a crime for which having your eyes gouged out with a blunt red hot spoon would be the appropriate punishment). Half an hour too long (and easy to see where it could be cut), flows as smoothly as a rusted chain and some of the lighting choices are just wierd (check out Gandalf almost all the way through). Classic bits of the story that would have been great cinema and suspense were replaced by gratuitous brawl melees.

It does bring in some of the backstory from the Silmarillion on Middle Earth and some understandable license is taken, but some is ridiculous, adds nothing and should be cut.

Highlights:
Andy Serkis, Ian Mckellan and Cate Blanchett are every bit as good as you would expect.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 21 December, 2012, 07:42:50 am
The Expendables. Utter, utter, utter crap. Not one saving feature*. An attempt to take the video game trivialisation of death and violence onto screen.

*There was a Ducati in it at one point, but it was ridden by Jason Statham, thus rendering it invisible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 21 December, 2012, 08:15:13 am
The Hobbit: An unexpected journey.

Me too. Someone needs to stand up to Peter Jackson and tell him that it isn't big and it isn't clever. OK?

It has the cinematic feel of a child being left the keys to the CGI sweetie shop and no self restraint, and an editor without the balls to cut the superfluous bits or avoid primal screaming the 'cinematic effects' (hint: adding fake motion blur to films is bad enough, adding it to 3D films is a crime for which having your eyes gouged out with a blunt red hot spoon would be the appropriate punishment). Half an hour too long (and easy to see where it could be cut), flows as smoothly as a rusted chain and some of the lighting choices are just wierd (check out Gandalf almost all the way through). Classic bits of the story that would have been great cinema and suspense were replaced by gratuitous brawl melees.

It does bring in some of the backstory from the Silmarillion on Middle Earth and some understandable license is taken, but some is ridiculous, adds nothing and should be cut.

Highlights:
Andy Serkis, Ian Mckellan and Cate Blanchett are every bit as good as you would expect.
Well.... we've now seen it 2D & 3D.

2D- I was 'sold' as soon as the dwarves sang.
3D- adds nothing but seasickness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 21 December, 2012, 08:35:58 pm
The Blues Brothers - again. Just over two hours of rather good entertainment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 21 December, 2012, 09:26:49 pm
I love that film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 22 December, 2012, 11:54:26 am
It was that or Jean de Florette. I'm saving that one though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 22 December, 2012, 02:24:53 pm
It was that or Jean de Florette. I'm saving that one though.

I hope you realise that watching "Jean de Florette" AND "Manon des Sources" in close succession is about as good as cinema gets.

The two films viewed as one is even better than the sum of their already excellent parts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 22 December, 2012, 04:30:33 pm
Last night watched Fargo which is one of my faves. Today because it's too miserable to venture out of the front door we watched Moon, which was ok. Possibly not the sharpest clones in the box though.

That's probably more films in one weekend than the last 6 months....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 22 December, 2012, 04:59:10 pm
Three Colors: Blue.  First time I've seen it, despite it being close to 20 years old and it being the type of film I tend to gravitate towards.  It didn't disappoint, deserving of its reputation.  Juliette Binoche plays the same character she has for as long as I can remember; if it works it works, so there's no issue with that somewhat limited range.

Complete contrast to the film I found myself sucked into before then.  17 Again.  I found it vaguely sinister, difficult to pinpoint why.  I could try and link the two films (reconnecting to relationships) but that would give the latter film perhaps too much depth.  Fundamentally, as far as I can see, it was an opportunity for Hollywood to monetize poster boy Zac Effron.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 December, 2012, 07:38:03 am
Managed another one last night, a German SF thing called Cargo. Not quite so good but I made it through the whole thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 23 December, 2012, 10:54:44 am
It was that or Jean de Florette. I'm saving that one though.

I hope you realise that watching "Jean de Florette" AND "Manon des Sources" in close succession is about as good as cinema gets.

The two films viewed as one is even better than the sum of their already excellent parts.
I last saw them umpteen years ago. So I bought the box set for times such as these. The music is brilliant in both of them, so the half-decent set up I now have should enhance the experience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 December, 2012, 09:07:20 pm
Pingu is making me watch Dark Star.
It's bloody abysmal!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 23 December, 2012, 10:50:18 pm
Iron Man's on telly. Jeff Bridges is fantastic.

"TONY STARK WAS ABLE TO BUILD THIS IN A CAVE! FROM A BOX OF SCRAPS!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: padbeat on 24 December, 2012, 11:37:19 am
Introduced Primo to The Usual Suspects last night and his reaction was all I'd hoped it would be - he's wanting to watch it again tonight to see if they cheated.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 December, 2012, 01:30:21 pm
Finally saw Kill Bill.

Usual Tarantino rubbish, but at least this one made sense.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 25 December, 2012, 09:17:10 am
Attack the block.

yay for costume aliens rather than "lets throw cgi at them" aliens.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 25 December, 2012, 09:22:25 am
Manon des Sources. Stunningly good. Jean de Florette sets it up well for the ultimate, tragic scenes. Although there is a happy ending element too, of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 25 December, 2012, 09:24:01 am
Love Actually.  I cried.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 25 December, 2012, 09:25:44 am
A Christmas Carol;Scrooge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 25 December, 2012, 01:49:11 pm
Love Actually.  I cried.

I feel your pain. It's really appalling isn't it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ran doner on 25 December, 2012, 04:01:03 pm
Kill List

Not exactly christmas fayre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alexb on 25 December, 2012, 08:05:05 pm
Thor, because my sister in law persuaded my wife that it's a great film.
It's not. It's bloody dreadful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 26 December, 2012, 02:46:37 pm
Hugo. I thought this was overly long and I struggled to get through this in three sittings. I think it was distributed as 3D which probably explains the ... oh god I can't be bothered. Self indulgent tripe.

Earlier in the week Las Acacias - an Argentinian/Uraguayan film. A lorry driver gives a lift to a mother and her baby to Buenos Aires. Not much happens. The way the the relationship between the driver and his passengers changes is a bit obvious really but charming none the less.

I have just googled the cost of making Hugo - it came in over budget at $170M. I reckon Las Acacias cost about $500 and half of that would have been for the diesel.

 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 26 December, 2012, 04:45:47 pm
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Von Broad on 26 December, 2012, 04:50:20 pm
Romance & Cigarettes [2005].

Was it any good? Haven't a clue, but I enjoyed watching it.

And as for Kate Winslet, well really....  :-*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Von Broad on 27 December, 2012, 12:05:00 am
Watched the 'real' Frost/Nixon interview on TV about a week back. It was just like the film. Towards the end, when Nixon was not quite saying, 'yes I did it', there was a cut away to frost sitting there looking like a bunny in the headlights with his mouth open. Classic.

Yes. Watched it this evening. Old Frosty, blimey, what a chancer!

[working through a whole pile of DVDs that a friend's lent me]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 27 December, 2012, 12:34:18 am
Arthur Christmas - just now.

Typical Aardmann Brilliance - Loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 December, 2012, 08:11:50 am
Senna. Was riveted for 40 minutes, then had to turn it off as PTSD kicked in when the first body was shown on the track.

Looked like a very good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 27 December, 2012, 08:34:22 am
Land and Freedom, an oldish Ken Loach film about people fighting in the Spanish civil war.

Fantastic it was.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 27 December, 2012, 08:48:15 am
Land and Freedom, an oldish Ken Loach film about people fighting in the Spanish civil war.

Fantastic it was.

Good film.

By a coincidence one of the last British volunteers died before Christmas.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2252812/David-Lomon-Briton-94-fought-Franco-s-fascists-dies-aged-84.html

The irony of a obituary in the Mail for someone who fought fascism in Spain when they were praising Mosley in the UK....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 27 December, 2012, 09:23:41 am
Romance & Cigarettes [2005].

Was it any good? Haven't a clue, but I enjoyed watching it.

And as for Kate Winslet, well really....  :-*

Broken my heart and just got married, Leanardo De Cappuccino gave her away.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 27 December, 2012, 10:01:31 am
Land and Freedom, an oldish Ken Loach film about people fighting in the Spanish civil war.

Fantastic it was.

Good film.

By a coincidence one of the last British volunteers died before Christmas.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2252812/David-Lomon-Briton-94-fought-Franco-s-fascists-dies-aged-84.html

The irony of a obituary in the Mail for someone who fought fascism in Spain when they were praising Mosley in the UK....
OT sorry, but after the fall of communism in Hungary, there was a scrabble to remove all the Soviet-era statuage. Understandable, I suppose. However, they also included the monument to the Hungarian contribution to the International Brigade. The commies weren't even in power then, so a strange course of action. Luckily, someone had them foresight to place them all in a park on the outskirts of Buda, and it's very much worth a trip if you're ever there.

Land and Freedom was good, but depressing, as it showed how chaotic and splintered the resistance to Franco was. Must see if it's on Netflix, though I doubt it...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 28 December, 2012, 01:55:18 am
"Rise of the Guardians". Best animated feature I've seen in ages, with stuff for both adults and kids.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 28 December, 2012, 07:02:48 am
Butter.

It's quite funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 28 December, 2012, 12:13:17 pm
Ice Age 4 "Continental Drift", which was about on a par with the rest of the franchise.  The same sort of easy humour, with a bit more of a bent towards teenagers with Peaches, than the earlier films.  Overall OK, but not exceptional.

As ever Scrat makes several appearances, being blamed for the creation of the continental plates in a possibly not entirely geophysically accurate piece. ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 28 December, 2012, 04:01:49 pm
In Bruges.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 28 December, 2012, 05:59:45 pm
Sophia Assassins Bullet, Madagascar 2, How to train your Dragon.

As you can tell it's been a busy day  ::-)

SAB was very good. M2 was a let down. HttyD was awesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 28 December, 2012, 06:29:49 pm
Four Feathers,but I missed the first 50 mins ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 29 December, 2012, 02:04:35 pm
All About My Mother, fantastic, sad, funny and just great !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 29 December, 2012, 02:16:03 pm
Village of the Damned, the 1954 B&W version.  A pretty faithful adaptation of John Wyndham's Midwich Cuckoos .   Triggered by tidying up some old paperbacks.

I've only seen it once before, during a BBC science fiction week back in the 70's , when it was shown with Forbidden Planet, Them!, The Incredible Shrinking Man and a few others.

Pretty good for it's age.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 29 December, 2012, 02:30:06 pm
A bit of LA confidential..... to be continued........
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 30 December, 2012, 04:22:09 am
Been watching Abe Lincoln Vamp Hunter and Safe with Jason Stratham in it. Both were very enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mark on 30 December, 2012, 01:13:43 pm
The Hobbit. I thought it was a distinct improvement over the Lord of the rings movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2012, 03:13:02 pm
Watched An American Werewolf In London last night with my 14yo son. I think I was about the same age when I first watched it, and I found it mostly terrifying. He found it mostly hilarious.  ::-)

Admittedly, some of the special effects haven't stood the test of time too well. It's still a great film though. And lots of it is obviously meant to be funny. Plus, if he's anything like his father, he'll have appreciated Jenny Agutter's contribution to the film, though we didn't actually discuss that aspect of it.

We also watched Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows the day before yesterday. Not as good as the first one - the story is too incoherent and rambling, it drags on far too long, and although I'm perfectly willing to accept a certain amount of preposterousness in the name of entertainment, this film goes somewhat too far down the road of ridiculous implausibility. And Stephen Fry is awful as Mycroft.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 December, 2012, 08:06:57 pm
We are watching The Name of the Rose.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 30 December, 2012, 09:32:30 pm
The Hobbit. Very good, but way too long. They could have cut out quite a lot and it would have been much the better for it.

They should have left out

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bobb on 30 December, 2012, 09:39:48 pm
The Hobbit. Boring as fuck. It was so long, I even had time for a kip without missing anything.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 30 December, 2012, 09:41:49 pm
Name of the Rose. Visited Montserrat some years ago reminded me a lot of the film!.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 30 December, 2012, 11:12:07 pm
In Bruges.

 :thumbsup:
I saw that last Friday, but after the pub, so I shall need to revisit it. I do recall it being very dark, though funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mr magnolia on 31 December, 2012, 08:51:24 am
Life of Pi.
Beautifully filmed, and true to the book, so you can decide in advance if its for you.
7 kids did well to sit through the 127mins.
Having watched it in 3D, I would suggest 2D. It reinforced my view that 3D is generally unnecessary and distracting trickery. Didn't get the 'big screen, curtains fully open' experience, but a smaller screen as per the advert size. Dunno if that's a 3D sacrifice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 31 December, 2012, 12:40:06 pm
Force 10 from Navaronne.
Because it appeared to be so dated I was suprised to discover that it was made a year after Star Wars :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pingu on 31 December, 2012, 10:54:50 pm
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec.

Silly  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 31 December, 2012, 11:09:42 pm
Pitch Perfect, even Mrs T said it's at least an hour too long!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mark on 01 January, 2013, 01:13:36 am
The Hobbit. Very good, but way too long. They could have cut out quite a lot and it would have been much the better for it.

They should have left out

(click to show/hide)

I think Peter Jackson wanted to make The Hobbit a true prelude to the ultimate battle between good and evil that occurred in LOTR, rather than the straightforward excellent adventure/quest for treasure/children's story that Tolkien wrote. That would explain the Radagast scenes, as well as the scene with Galadriel, et.al. The orcs on wargs scene was a bit pointless, although I suppose it was meant to illustrate that more was at stake in this adventure than Thorin's pile of gold.

FWIW, Galadriel can show up in any part of the movie she wants to, I won't complain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 01 January, 2013, 02:27:59 am
Point Break.  Cheese. But better than I expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 01 January, 2013, 04:10:18 am
Point Break.  Cheese. But better than I expected.

Love that cheesy movie.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 January, 2013, 02:12:27 pm
Point Break.  Cheese. But better than I expected.

Love that cheesy movie.

+1. Great film. True entertainment.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 January, 2013, 04:15:11 pm
Force 10 from Navarone, much better than expected.  Edward Fox playing Edward Fox, as usual.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 January, 2013, 04:31:28 pm
Tidelands. High grade Terry Gilliam weirdness, but good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 01 January, 2013, 05:49:06 pm
The Goonies.

Despite being all of 25 years since release (or thereabouts) this was the first time I'd seen it.  Brilliant film, funny and entertaining, which really captured what I remember being a boy in a play gang being all about (admittedly I didn't search for pirate gold as a lad, but the spirit and interaction rang so true).  I'm going to call this as one of the best child focussed films of all time.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: docsquid on 01 January, 2013, 06:12:59 pm
Happy Feet. It is one of my favourite films. Can't wait until Happy Feet 2 comes onto normal TV (ie not Sky).
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 January, 2013, 11:17:28 pm
The Hobbit. Better than I was anticipating but that's because I had low expectations. Too long, too many tedious battle scenes, several bits that could be easily cut without detracting from the story, but to be fair, enough to sustain the interest for the duration. The scene with the trolls is good.

The 3D is utterly pointless and adds nothing beyond an extra couple of quid on the ticket price. I would advise anyone still wanting to see it to save their money and choose the 2D version.

Edit: having now read the spoilers in EG's review, I completely agree with every word.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 01 January, 2013, 11:20:22 pm
The Lady Vanishes. The premake of Flightplan with Jody Foster. Very good train actoon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 02 January, 2013, 12:02:36 am
The Wooden Horse. Classic British war film in that 'not quite Ealing Comedy, stiff upper lip, Goons in the block' kind of way.

Wooden sets, wooden acting. Not as good as I remembered.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 02 January, 2013, 12:05:37 am
But with bikes!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: padbeat on 02 January, 2013, 12:33:13 am
I watched Moon with my 14yo this afternoon, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is sufficiently complex and  comes out slowly enough to keep your brain engaged, Sam Rothwell is excellent, and I managed not to tell Oliver that the voice of the computer (No, Oliver, it's not Hal ...) was Verbal Kint. Outstanding!

This evening (it was that sort of a day) was Looper which was entertaining enough. It's definitely one to let wash over you rather than try to engage with. Yes, Oliver. I understand paradox, but the Law of Narrative is in charge here!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 January, 2013, 03:00:28 pm
Point Break.  Cheese. But better than I expected.

Love that cheesy movie.

+1. Great film. True entertainment.

d.
If you enjoy that one, try Grosse Point Blank
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 02 January, 2013, 03:52:41 pm
Grosse Point Blank is excellent cinema with an even better soundtrack.

I saw The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo/Män som Hatar Kvinnor. Stupid translation of the title, but decent cinema. A bit too much left out of the book, but it's a complex tale. I have the other two films in the series to watch soon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 02 January, 2013, 03:57:41 pm
Point Break.  Cheese. But better than I expected.

Love that cheesy movie.

+1. Great film. True entertainment.

d.
If you enjoy that one, try Grosse Point Blank

Hold on - you can't compare Point Break and Grosse Point Blank! Point Blank's a cheesy movie about surfer dudes and bank robberies with loads of cod-philosomaphising and a hilariously wooden Keanu Reeves being outacted by his surfboard.

Grosse Point Blank is a funny, literate, stylish testament to generation X and the nihilism of the late nineties*. Even Dan Akroyd's good in it. And it does have a killer soundtrack.

*except much better than that sounds
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 January, 2013, 04:14:09 pm
The Hobbit. Very good, but way too long. They could have cut out quite a lot and it would have been much the better for it.

They should have left out

(click to show/hide)

I think Peter Jackson wanted to make The Hobbit a true prelude to the ultimate battle between good and evil that occurred in LOTR, rather than the straightforward excellent adventure/quest for treasure/children's story that Tolkien wrote.

Really?

I think they told Jackson that he needed to wring as many films out of this franchise as possible (without any of the principle actors dying of old age in the process).


LOTR was justifiable as a trilogy, it IS a trilogy.

The Hobbit isn't because it isn't.

They've thrown a lot of money at this film over the last few years (in royalties and various disputes), I suspect that making one decent film wouldn't recoup enough of it, so the audience get to watch a film, of a fairly short book, over a 3 year period.

Maybe the film is an analogy of this process...a long journey to a pot of gold.

I hope it's better than the Sinclair Spectrum version (Kerrrist I wasted some time on that rubber keyboard)

(http://winterdrake.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/hobbit1.png)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 January, 2013, 04:46:29 pm
For christmas I recieved the Harry Potter 8 DVD box set so watched them over the ensuing few days.

Previously I had seen HPATPS, HPATCOS, HPATPOA, missed HPATGOF, seen HPATOOTP and missed the rest.

Of the books, HPATGOF was my favourite. The film wasn't. What happened the the Quidditch World Cup? FFS!

My favourite film was HPATPOA, helped in no small part by Gary Oldman at his finest mad, bad, psycho killer (Qu'est Que C'est (not)) best.

The rest of the previously unseen films were OK
(click to show/hide)
but nothing to write home about.

It was a good experiment however in watching the development of a group of child actors into adult thespians. Rupert Grint gets my vote as most accomplished actor of the three main protagonists.

After the HP saga was complete, I relaised that I had Apocolypse Now Redux on the shelf as an unwatched christmas pressie from a couple of years ago so watched that. It may be 49 minutes longer but, the additional minutes made for a more connected, understandable film. The character of Col Kurtz was explored in mored depth which enhanced the film considerably.

Still a great sound bite film as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2013, 05:01:20 pm
It was a good experiment however in watching the development of a group of child actors into adult thespians. Rupert Grint gets my vote as most accomplished actor of the three main protagonists.

IIRC he was the only one of the three with any prior acting experience - when my son was very young, we watched a film with Rupert Grint in it called Thunderpants. He played a geeky kid with a friend with an amazing capacity for bottom-burps and he invented a pair of trousers that contained the incredible wind power. It was quite amusing.

Edit: just checked imdb and it seems Thunderpants actually came out after HPATPS.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 02 January, 2013, 05:04:39 pm
I honestly don't know which of the HP films I've seen.  Almost certainly the first two, and not the last two, but, as for the others - who knows?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2013, 05:11:04 pm
Quote
I think Peter Jackson wanted to make The Hobbit a true prelude to the ultimate battle between good and evil that occurred in LOTR, rather than the straightforward excellent adventure/quest for treasure/children's story that Tolkien wrote.

Really?

I think they told Jackson that he needed to wring as many films out of this franchise as possible (without any of the principle actors dying of old age in the process).

It's too long since I read the book for me to recall what is and isn't in it (though I was fairly certain the stuff with Azog wasn't in the book), but I got the same impression as mark about the scene with the sword - it seemed very much like a bit of Star Wars 1-3 style backstory filling, felt shoehorned in and didn't fit comfortably with the main narrative arc.

That said, I think you're right too - the decision to make three films out of one slim volume must be financially motivated.

Quote
I hope it's better than the Sinclair Spectrum version (Kerrrist I wasted some time on that rubber keyboard)

Ha, do you remember what happened when you tried to "Kill Gandalf"?

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 January, 2013, 05:18:25 pm
I honestly don't know which of the HP films I've seen.  Almost certainly the first two, and not the last two, but, as for the others - who knows?

I've seen them all (unfortunately my daughter was at the perfect age).

I can't tell them apart, they seem identical. 

My only recollection of them is wishing there was an "Arsium Ceasebloodyhurtingata" , or "Hurryuppus and Gettothefuckinendiolo" spell I could use in the cinema.  They were all 9 hours long right?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 02 January, 2013, 08:20:04 pm
I think you just typed 'hours' when you meant 'years'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 02 January, 2013, 09:30:12 pm
I liked them.
It's not Twilight, now that really is shite.
HP is OK. Like Fuzzy we've been working through them this last week (I've seen them all at the pictures, read them all, had Stephen Fry read them as my bedtime story for about 3 years solid) and it's good to be reminded what little kids the actors were.

I'd agree, Rupert Grint is the best actor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 January, 2013, 11:47:09 pm
Agree on Rupert Grint.

Our kids have grown up with the HP franchise, and interestingly they stopped repeat watching the films after the third one. We have a lot of DVDs but they never get mentioned as films to watch when we are choosing one.

The Hobbit? Three films? Gouging bollocks. Having devoured the LOTR films I have no desire to see TH. any of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 03 January, 2013, 12:10:28 am
There are good bits in the hobbit. Part is nicely paced and it could be a good psychological film. Then it gets roundly trashed with too much CGI and silly chases (the orcs chasing Radagast are going round in circles? why?) and the excessively overdone chase in the Goblin Kingdom.

The troll scene was rubbish - nothing like the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 January, 2013, 12:12:40 am
There are good bits in the hobbit. Part is nicely paced and it could be a good psychological film. Then it gets roundly trashed with too much CGI and silly chases (the orcs chasing Radagast are going round in circles? why?) and the excessively overdone chase in the Goblin Kingdom.

The troll scene was rubbish - nothing like the book.

And Radagast was on a sledge pulled by giant rabbits, just in case it wasn't already dumb enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 03 January, 2013, 12:28:25 am
Point Break.  Cheese. But better than I expected.

Love that cheesy movie.

+1. Great film. True entertainment.

d.
If you enjoy that one, try Grosse Point Blank

+1.  Love that movie too!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 03 January, 2013, 12:31:33 am
Watched the Prestige again. Amazingly my other half who'd never seen it before, saw all the clues/hints and worked it all out, and as a result couldn't see why I thought it was a great movie. I must make her sit down to watch Fight Club one day...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 January, 2013, 12:35:42 am
Point Break.  Cheese. But better than I expected.

Love that cheesy movie.

+1. Great film. True entertainment.

d.
If you enjoy that one, try Grosse Point Blank

+1.  Love that movie too!

Top rated film in the Weasel house too!

Ms Weasel often says to me "You're a fucking psycho!" in that Minnie Driver sing-song voice.  To which I always reply "Don't rush to judgement on something like that".

I dress a lot like Martin Blank.

The follow up film 'War Inc' is a great example of just how badly the team behind one really fun film can make a complete dog trying to repeat the formula.  It's dreadful, or at least the first 35 minutes are, that's as far as we got.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 January, 2013, 01:10:14 am
Deep Core (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202314/).  For those of you who've seen The Core (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298814/), this is a low-budget ripoff that's fallen through a wormhole and gone straight-to-video several years earlier.  For those of you who haven't seen The Core, this is the second worst movie ever made.

It features crazy dutch angles, mumbly stilted dialogue, wooden acting, nonsensical plot, naff special effects and laughs in the face of the Bechdel Test.  Highly recommended if you're into sociable watching of terrible disaster films or have a desire to watch Wesley Crusher being killed by lava.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 03 January, 2013, 01:43:47 am
Deep Core (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202314/).  For those of you who've seen The Core (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298814/), this is a low-budget ripoff that's fallen through a wormhole and gone straight-to-video several years earlier.  For those of you who haven't seen The Core, this is the second worst movie ever made.

It features crazy dutch angles, mumbly stilted dialogue, wooden acting, nonsensical plot, naff special effects and laughs in the face of the Bechdel Test.  Highly recommended if you're into sociable watching of terrible disaster films or have a desire to watch Wesley Crusher being killed by lava.   :thumbsup:

Cor! I must see this film!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 03 January, 2013, 10:39:38 am
Worth it for the crushing of Crusher, surely?
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 January, 2013, 11:38:19 am
roundly trashed with too much CGI and silly chases

Yes, exactly that, especially;

Quote
the excessively overdone chase in the Goblin Kingdom.

...which reminded me of the giant insect chase scene from King Kong. Obviously a Peter Jackson thing.

Quote
The troll scene was rubbish - nothing like the book.

Best bit of the whole film, I thought. But then I don't have a clear recollection of the book to spoil it for me.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 January, 2013, 12:12:39 pm
Pa Negre, a story of a family in a small village during the Spanish Civil war.

I may need to watch it again to get the whole story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 03 January, 2013, 12:39:27 pm
Life of Pi, on New Year's Eve. Fantastic film and very true to the book (from memory), and, my first ever experience of a 3D film, which I'm a convert now! Beautifully filmed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 03 January, 2013, 01:05:34 pm
Pa Negre, a story of a family in a small village during the Spanish Civil war.

I may need to watch it again to get the whole story.

That looks like a good film, has it been released in the UK? Not on LoveFilm, and imdb does not show a release date...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 January, 2013, 01:10:35 pm
Pa Negre, a story of a family in a small village during the Spanish Civil war.

I may need to watch it again to get the whole story.

That looks like a good film, has it been released in the UK? Not on LoveFilm, and imdb does not show a release date...

Not sure, but I have a copy, with English subs, on my PC :)

ETA: Here it is on Amazon UK:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Bread-Pan-negro-negre/dp/B004Y4S8U2/ref=sr_1_2?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1357218605&sr=1-2
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 January, 2013, 01:19:44 pm
Deep Core (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202314/).  For those of you who've seen The Core (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298814/), this is a low-budget ripoff that's fallen through a wormhole and gone straight-to-video several years earlier.  For those of you who haven't seen The Core, this is the second worst movie ever made.

To clarify, I wasn't implying that The Core was the worst movie ever made (though it may well feature some of the worst hollywood science).  That title goes, of course, to Battlefield Earth.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 January, 2013, 03:16:43 pm
Deep Core (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202314/).  For those of you who've seen The Core (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298814/), this is a low-budget ripoff that's fallen through a wormhole and gone straight-to-video several years earlier.  For those of you who haven't seen The Core, this is the second worst movie ever made.

To clarify, I wasn't implying that The Core was the worst movie ever made (though it may well feature some of the worst hollywood science).  That title goes, of course, to Battlefield Earth.

You've clearly never seen "Pterodactyl".

It's worth making the effort to see...just so you can say you've seen it.  Actually, it's sooooo bad that it becomes rather watchable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 January, 2013, 03:31:43 pm
You've clearly never seen "Pterodactyl".

It's worth making the effort to see...just so you can say you've seen it.  Actually, it's sooooo bad that it becomes rather watchable.

Challenge ...accepted!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 03 January, 2013, 05:32:32 pm
We saw Pa Negre at the Cornerhouse. The opening scenes grabbed our attention!

It was interesting because there were quite a few real spaniards in the audience and they found different bits funny to the non spanish audience and it wasn't necessarily down to the delay in us having to read what they'd just heard.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 January, 2013, 05:56:53 pm
We saw Pa Negre at the Cornerhouse. The opening scenes grabbed our attention!

It was interesting because there were quite a few real spaniards in the audience and they found different bits funny to the non spanish audience and it wasn't necessarily down to the delay in us having to read what they'd just heard.

The opening sequence of scenes are a bit of a shock, aren't they?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 January, 2013, 09:32:52 pm
Idiocracy, Mike Judge's comedy about what happens when the stupid people outbreed everyone else.  Highly recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 04 January, 2013, 09:30:19 am
A French comedy ‘Bowling’.  Set in Carhaix, Brittany, and about the fight against the closure of a maternity ward in the local hospital.  Based on real events. The general thrust was about the chippy, quirky, underdog Celts fighting against the unfeeling and humourless French/Parisians.  The DVD was a gift from two Breton girls who have been staying with us and judged well the tastes of their (predominantly) Welsh hosts. 

The filming took place on location between June and September 2011, when many members of this forum would have passed through Carhaix twice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Panoramix on 04 January, 2013, 09:36:11 am
A French comedy ‘Bowling’.  Set in Carhaix, Brittany, and about the fight against the closure of a maternity ward in the local hospital.  Based on real events. The general thrust was about the chippy, quirky, underdog Celts fighting against the unfeeling and humourless French/Parisians.  The DVD was a gift from two Breton girls who have been staying with us and judged well the tastes of their (predominantly) Welsh hosts. 

The filming took place on location between June and September 2011, when many members of this forum would have passed through Carhaix twice.

Oh, I must find this one!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 04 January, 2013, 10:40:23 am
Idiocracy, Mike Judge's comedy about what happens when the stupid people outbreed everyone else.  Highly recommended.

I was reminded of that film the other day after watching The Lorax.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 04 January, 2013, 11:30:17 am
A French comedy ‘Bowling’.  Set in Carhaix, Brittany, and about the fight against the closure of a maternity ward in the local hospital.  Based on real events. The general thrust was about the chippy, quirky, underdog Celts fighting against the unfeeling and humourless French/Parisians.  The DVD was a gift from two Breton girls who have been staying with us and judged well the tastes of their (predominantly) Welsh hosts. 

The filming took place on location between June and September 2011, when many members of this forum would have passed through Carhaix twice.

Oh, I must find this one!

You did cross my mind as I was writing that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 04 January, 2013, 12:39:49 pm
El baño del Papa

AKA The Pope's Toilet

Uruguayan film about the inhabitants of a small village near the Brazilian border. Featuring bicycles. Most moving film I've seen all year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 04 January, 2013, 12:41:56 pm
El baño del Papa

AKA The Pope's Toilet

Uruguayan film about the inhabitants of a small village near the Brazilian border. Featuring bicycles. Most moving film I've seen all year.

I shall have to check that one out.

I am currently converting Biutiful to a format suitable fro my tablet ready to watch tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 January, 2013, 10:18:13 pm
The Birds.

Not impressed by the ending, one of those  ??? moments.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 04 January, 2013, 10:41:28 pm
The Bourne Legacy.

Meh, just meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Panoramix on 04 January, 2013, 11:44:54 pm
A French comedy ‘Bowling’.  Set in Carhaix, Brittany, and about the fight against the closure of a maternity ward in the local hospital.  Based on real events. The general thrust was about the chippy, quirky, underdog Celts fighting against the unfeeling and humourless French/Parisians.  The DVD was a gift from two Breton girls who have been staying with us and judged well the tastes of their (predominantly) Welsh hosts. 

The filming took place on location between June and September 2011, when many members of this forum would have passed through Carhaix twice.

Oh, I must find this one!

You did cross my mind as I was writing that.

 :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 05 January, 2013, 09:52:47 am
Cockneys vs Zombies

Very silly, but enjoyed it far more than expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 05 January, 2013, 07:57:51 pm
Three Colours White.  Continues a strong series.  If number three (Red) keeps up the standard, then this has to qualify for a rare trilogy where every film is worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mr magnolia on 05 January, 2013, 09:57:44 pm
Hugo (again) fabulous, although a little weak on story line for my tastes.
But, importantly, why does all the clock winding happen anti-clockwise? I think we should be told.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 January, 2013, 10:02:32 pm
Rubber, about a homicidal psychokinetic tyre. It's as good as you would have expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 05 January, 2013, 10:26:50 pm
Von Ryan's Express.  Much better than expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 January, 2013, 12:29:03 am
I watched a film today - Salmon Fishing in The Yemen. I think it's the first one I've watched since The Iron Lady and I enjoyed it a lot more, even though it was quite predictable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 January, 2013, 08:30:25 am
The Iron Lady is on TV tonight.  I shan't be watching it; I'm not really into horror.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 06 January, 2013, 09:24:44 am
Regardless of your politics I would say watch The Iron Lady. It's more about rememberence and possibly regret than anything else. I have a loathing for MT's politics and such but loved the film.

My latest film was Biutiful. Starring Javier Bardem, it is tragic, sad but also has hope. I don't think I have cried so much watching a film in a long time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 06 January, 2013, 02:03:41 pm
Janapar.  Tim Allen's tale of travelling by bike and finding True Love along the way.

I need to stop watching this stuff.  It makes me want to cry.  One of these days work will try to call me and ask why I haven't turned up, and I'll not answer because I'll be over the sea on my bike.

Anyway, It was completely absorbing and quite moving, and even Crusty cracked at smile at one point.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 07 January, 2013, 07:54:06 am
Pa Negre, a story of a family in a small village during the Spanish Civil war.

I may need to watch it again to get the whole story.

Watched this last night. Incredibly moving, thanks for the tip.
Highly recommended (though as noted above there are some very disturbing scenes).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 January, 2013, 10:27:33 am
Pa Negre, a story of a family in a small village during the Spanish Civil war.

I may need to watch it again to get the whole story.

Watched this last night. Incredibly moving, thanks for the tip.
Highly recommended (though as noted above there are some very disturbing scenes).

Either I am just picking the emotionally charged ones, or that scholl of directors seem to very good at high emotional content films (I include Amaldovar, Villaronga and Iñárritu in that group), see my comment upthread about Biutiful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 07 January, 2013, 09:26:49 pm
Avatar, Puss in Boots, and John Carter, all in luverly 3D! ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 January, 2013, 10:03:00 am
Amores Perros, a film by Iñárritu.

Like Pulp Fiction it has a number of stories that all intersect at a certain point, in this case at the point of a car crash.  Set in near modern day Mexico, it follows a pair of brothers and the wife of one of the brothers, a magazine editor who is having an affair with a model, and tramp.

The tag line on the DVD case is "Love, Betrayal, Death", to which I would add "Redemption".

Another one worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 09 January, 2013, 11:12:14 am
French Kiss, with Kevin Klein and Meg Ryan.  From 1995.  Disclaimer: one of the films me and Crusty quote, all the time.  One of "our" movies.

"A woman flies to France to confront her straying fiancé, but gets into trouble when the charming crook seated next to her uses her for smuggling."

It's much better, and funnier, than I remember and KK's French accent is a total hoot.

It's a shame about Meg Ryan though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 09 January, 2013, 04:03:15 pm
McCullin.  A documentary/biography about war / news photgrapher Don McCullin.   Very powerful stuff, a potted history of some of the nastier parts of the post war period.   Interviews with McCullin and his editor at the Sunday Times are intercut with film and stills of the conflicts he covered.  Some of the footage is utterly horrific, executions and piles of bodies.   Good pictures as well of people relaxing and playing in the UK, as well as pictures of dereliction and homelessness in London.

Well worth seeing if it's on near you.

A good review here http://gerryco23.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/mccullin-a-conscience-with-a-camera/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 January, 2013, 08:45:42 pm
Patton (again).  Superb film, although it's more George C. Scott than George S. Patton (and the whole thing is suspected to be an Omar Bradley hatchet job by some people). 

The German intelligence scenes are a nice touch, especially the snide comment from Jodl to Rommel at the end.  It's quite poignant when the German captain is burning Patton's file and obviously admires him, regretting that "he, too, will be destroyed...the absence of war will kill him."  In fact Patton died after a car accident later that year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 January, 2013, 10:25:09 am
The Hobbit, part 1.
Really enjoyed it. Much better than I expected. For me, it really matches what I imagined from the books and I'm sorely tempted to apply for a job in NZ again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 13 January, 2013, 07:24:31 pm
Les mis. Liked it. Nearly shed a tear too. A few too many close ups of people singing while they or the camera moved left me a bit dizzy at times. They did a good job of disguising Greenwich.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 13 January, 2013, 08:11:18 pm
Morning Glory. I love Harrison Ford.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 13 January, 2013, 08:37:06 pm
Three Colours: Red.  Strongest film in a profound trilogy.  Well worth taking the time to experience and reflect on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 January, 2013, 11:06:40 am
Hugo

Not bad, a nice bit of whimsy, good family entertainment (not many Scorcese films you can say that about), but I wasn't really in the mood for it because of a thumping headache so I bailed out before the end. I guessed exactly where it was going though, so I don't feel that I missed anything.

I thought there were lots of effects that were obviously in there just for the 3D, but I wonder if I was subconsciously looking out for them because my wife - who didn't know it had a 3D release - didn't notice them. I don't think I would have enjoyed the film any more in 3D.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 January, 2013, 05:55:39 pm
We also watched:
Les Miserables. Or rather..we didn't even finish watching it. I'm not a musical fan, so that's not surprising, but my wife got bored of it as well.
Why this is even on the long list for the Oscars is beyond me. None of them can sing!. (Especially Crowe..he's awful)

Moonrise Kingdom: Really nice. Really hard to describe. A love story, I guess. (Why this isn't nominated for an Oscar is also beyond me).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 January, 2013, 06:48:18 am
I wasn't hugely impressed by Les Mis on the stage.  I think you have to be French to appreciate the story, there are only two reasonable songs, and Marius is a wuss.  I vaguely liked the Thernardiers, who would be good in a panto.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 January, 2013, 10:17:01 am
'Gangster Squad'

Son wanted to go see it with me.

It's not offensive, just meh. Reasonable action thriller, amazingly little tension considering the gore and violence.

Sean Penn is a convincing ex-pro-boxer bad guy. Mind you, he's known to be quick with his fists.

Compared to 'The Untouchables', it's very poor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 15 January, 2013, 11:37:29 pm
Mark Kermode said the other day that when he went to see Gangster Squad, he realised that all his ranting about Brian De Palma was wrong.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gaston Lagaffe on 16 January, 2013, 10:47:28 am
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Read the book as Mlle. Lagaffe had it as a school book.  The DVD was £3 in Tescos, so I thought it may help her understand some of the nuance that the book leaves to the imagination.

Quite good really
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 16 January, 2013, 10:57:04 am
Three Colours: Red.  Strongest film in a profound trilogy.  Well worth taking the time to experience and reflect on.
I used to think Red was the best of the three. It definitely provides closure (& Irene Jacob is gorgeous). However, now I have seen them all umpteen times, I think Blue is by far the most powerful of the three. The editing really defines the film's moments and the music really fits the emotion. Binoche is superb and really pulls off the feeling of loss and betrayal and how it can be so devastating.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 16 January, 2013, 10:59:33 am
Leaving, a marital breakdown drama with Kristin Scott Thomas. She's always watchable, and you see a lot of her in this film, and its well staged but you don't really get a handle on her character. I recognised the Spanish guy so looked him up and of course he's the baddie in Dirty Pretty Things.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 16 January, 2013, 11:05:04 am
Fracture, last night starring Anthony-nasty-bastard-wife-murdering-Hopkins and the lovely Ryan-prosecuting-counsel-Gosling. Excellent film. "Gripping", one is tempted to say, and indeed I have.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 16 January, 2013, 12:46:42 pm
Intruders - half English, half Spanish horror/drama with Clive Owen. Has spectacularly poor reviews, but I quite enjoyed it - I find most so-called horror films silly to the point of hilarity, but this one managed to garner some real involvement for some reason.

On the subject of "horror" films, Let The Right One In is the best I've seen recently, a Swedish film with a vampire, with ponderous, eerie quality Scandinavian films seem to have. The funniest is The Cabin In The Woods - this is absolutely hilarious, and an absolute must-see. Ignore all the bad reviews, they have all completely and utterly missed the point, this is parody from start to finish. With a title like that, it has to be, but it seems most people can't work it out unless you fill the film with one-liners.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 16 January, 2013, 03:50:29 pm
Three Colours: Red.  Strongest film in a profound trilogy.  Well worth taking the time to experience and reflect on.
I used to think Red was the best of the three. It definitely provides closure (& Irene Jacob is gorgeous). However, now I have seen them all umpteen times, I think Blue is by far the most powerful of the three. The editing really defines the film's moments and the music really fits the emotion. Binoche is superb and really pulls off the feeling of loss and betrayal and how it can be so devastating.

I'm planning on buying the boxset, so will have a chance to experience and reevaluate.  White wad the weakest of the three (perhaps because I struggled with the pettiness of the lead male - I couldn't see what his ex wife had done that motivated such extreme a revenge) but still more meaningful than many films coming out these days.  That sounds dangerously like "they don't make them like they used to".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 16 January, 2013, 03:52:02 pm
Fracture, last night starring Anthony-nasty-bastard-wife-murdering-Hopkins and the lovely Ryan-prosecuting-counsel-Gosling. Excellent film. "Gripping", one is tempted to say, and indeed I have.

We saw that, and mostly agree it was good, except that we weren’t sure about Hopkins’ character being caught out like that at the end given that he was supposed to be so clever. Still, I suppose everyone makes mistakes and that was his…
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 16 January, 2013, 08:27:03 pm
Three Colours: Red.  Strongest film in a profound trilogy.  Well worth taking the time to experience and reflect on.
I used to think Red was the best of the three. It definitely provides closure (& Irene Jacob is gorgeous). However, now I have seen them all umpteen times, I think Blue is by far the most powerful of the three...
I'm planning on buying the boxset, so will have a chance to experience and reevaluate.  White wad the weakest of the three (perhaps because I struggled with the pettiness of the lead male - I couldn't see what his ex wife had done that motivated such extreme a revenge) but still more meaningful than many films coming out these days.  That sounds dangerously like "they don't make them like they used to".
Blue uses the title colour to best effect. White is a useful history lesson following the collapse of communism in Poland in '89, but yes, I agree it lacks the depth of the other two. Red is very sumptuous. Have you seen The Double Life of Veronique?

BTW, in White, the lead female humiliates the lead male in court by asking for an annulment on the grounds of non-consumation thus publicly mocking him, leaves him penniless and even takes the Polish FSO car. Later she sets fire to her salon saying she will call the police and say it was him so she can be rid of him. His revenge, though extreme, is perhaps understandable & even he seems to regret it at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 January, 2013, 09:09:10 pm
Not for the first time, American Pie.  It's not deep, it's not refined, you won't learn anything from watching it, but it is exceptionally funny and very well acted, particularly the scene with Finch and Stifler's Mom.  Surprisingly, the last cinema release (American Reunion) was almost as good, although I have studiously avoided the straight-to-video spinoffs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 19 January, 2013, 04:09:42 pm
The Cabin In The Woods is the best film I've seen for ages, it's pretty good for the first hour and then goes gloriously bonkers. Best just enjoy it and not think about it too much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 19 January, 2013, 04:25:41 pm
Dredd, the new one with Karl Urban. Husband said that 5 minutes in that it was already closer to its Graphic Novel version. Beautifully shot, great cast but it was so disappointing. Nearly as bad as Bourne Legacy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 19 January, 2013, 09:50:20 pm
I Love You Phillip Morris.  I sat through it thinking I should be enjoying it more than I was.  Jim Carey is flambouyant, a strange mix of serious Carey and zany Carey.  The kind of role that makes one worry he is going the way of Robin Williams, who annoys the bejesus out of me.  Ewan McGregor is rubbish in it - needs a better voice coach as his US accent is pish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 20 January, 2013, 09:22:52 pm
Just watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Feel like I've been run over by a bulldozer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 20 January, 2013, 10:32:38 pm
Watching Thelma and Louise for the first time....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 January, 2013, 10:39:55 pm
Stargate Continuum.

I thought I'd seen all of the SG1 universe, but this one sneaked past unnoticed.

More of the same not-taking-itself-too-seriously stuff, and it handwaved over what might potentially have been an interesting story in the last 5 minutes but...

(click to show/hide)

What's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 20 January, 2013, 10:43:31 pm
In Which We Serve. You can't talk about the Italians like that any more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 January, 2013, 12:48:02 am
In Which We Serve. You can't talk about the Italians like that any more.

Great film, an all time favourite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 January, 2013, 08:07:27 am
Seven Psychopaths. Quite entertaining and Sam Rockwell is quite good in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 21 January, 2013, 10:35:37 am
I saw In Which We Serve, too.  Never mind you can't talk about Italians like that, anymore, Linda; nobody talks like any of them anymore.  I loved it as I love most black and white films.  Glorious propaganda.  I wonder how it felt for Celia Johnson in her first film role to be married to Noel Coward?  Richard Attenborough was also in his first role I think and did really well using only his face.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 January, 2013, 01:12:58 pm
I revisited Hot Fuzz a couple of nights ago. We had a friend from Chicago staying over and she saw we had Shaun of thr dead which she said she liked. We offered Hot Fuzz as a suggestion.

I think she bust a gut ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 21 January, 2013, 04:34:27 pm
Sumsara. It's quite amazingly shot and a great insight into the world today. Needs to be put into a time capsule.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 January, 2013, 11:47:01 pm
I revisited Hot Fuzz a couple of nights ago. We had a friend from Chicago staying over and she saw we had Shaun of thr dead which she said she liked. We offered Hot Fuzz as a suggestion.

I think she bust a gut ;D

I like Shaun of the Dead  a lot but Hot Fuzz is way more fun (for me).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 23 January, 2013, 02:04:34 pm
Seven Psychopaths. Quite entertaining and Sam Rockwell is quite good in it.

Ooh I might take Crusty to see that tonight.  But I'd quite like to see 'Flight' as well.

Choices, choices.

And I really ought to see 'The Hobbit' while I've got the chance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 23 January, 2013, 02:24:34 pm
Logan's Run

Classic 70s sci-fi cheese, but with added Jenny Agutter ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Guy on 23 January, 2013, 02:50:28 pm
Hed Wyn

About Ellis Evans, the poet from Trawsfynydd who won the chair at the 1917 Birkenhead Eisteddfod but had been killed a month earlier at Passchendaele. A very moving film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 23 January, 2013, 02:55:42 pm
Atáme - funny, and a bit weird.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 23 January, 2013, 03:34:49 pm
Logan's Run

Classic 70s sci-fi cheese, but with added Jenny Agutter ;D

I remember watching Logan's Run and thinking it was a great idea.  I was young at the time. 

It's seemed like a bad idea for 20 years now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 23 January, 2013, 11:50:41 pm
American werewolf in London
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 24 January, 2013, 12:47:37 pm
American werewolf in London

I used to think the transformation scene was one of the most painful looking of all the werewolf movies.

But since then, it's been blown away by the transformation scene in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, where professor Lupin does his thing; that really looks painful! And it's a kids film FFS!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 26 January, 2013, 02:26:20 am
Flight. Flight is a bloody brilliant film. I do not like the Denzel Washington but he's quietly under-played and effecting. Very good indeed. John Goodman also walks off with the film under his arm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 26 January, 2013, 02:37:02 pm
Double Life of Veronique.  Good film, with particularly excellent camera work (at least to this amateur eye).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 January, 2013, 02:57:51 pm
'Riding in cars with boys' - a movie I had no knowledge of in advance and so little expectation. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I enjoyed it greatly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 January, 2013, 11:17:10 pm
Les mis.

If Ann Hathaway doesn't get an Oscar for that, Hollywood should bow its head in shame
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 28 January, 2013, 12:09:32 am
Quantum Apocalypse, a disaster movie starring the gloriously named Randy Mulkey. Geeks with pencils use RainManto save the whole world. Except Big Ben which buys the farm in an anti-gravity blooper. A classic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Karla on 28 January, 2013, 12:30:17 am
The PHD movie (http://vimeo.com/phdcomics/long-trailer)

It's a condensation of Piled Higher and Deeper: PHD Comics (http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=1515) into a film.  Funniest thing I've seen in ages, it gave me loads of good belly laughs and oh boy do I need some of those at the moment.  Thanks, PHD Movie!

(It is also at least 60dB truer and better than Big Bang Theory)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 28 January, 2013, 12:00:43 pm
Boogie Nights.

Blimey, could this film done with a mega edit! Talk about too long and too many story lines making the film rather boring at times.

Disappointed, although Burt Reynolds was rather good. And Mark Walhberg: PUT A SHIRT ON!!!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 28 January, 2013, 09:21:10 pm
Weather Wars, starring Stacey Keach.

Wow.  What an incredible 42 hours that was.  Mad genius at war with his two (not that hot, the skinny one gets 6/10, the older one 4/10) sons.

Not only was there a token fat jovial black cop, but there was also a token nymphomaniac.  Inclusive film-making at its very best!  And a news crew!

No dog.  This is a big omission.  There should always be a dog in a disaster movie.

And the special effects.  Where do you start?  Where did they start?

A classic.

Two left out of the 'Four for a fiver' special disaster movie offer in Tesco the other night.  We've done Quantum Apocalypse and Weather Wars, tomorrow the choice is between World On Fire ("This time, there's no escape")  and Tornado Warning.  How ever will we choose?

Best box set evah.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 January, 2013, 09:36:37 pm
Two left out of the 'Four for a fiver' special disaster movie offer in Tesco the other night.  We've done Quantum Apocalypse and Weather Wars, tomorrow the choice is between World On Fire ("This time, there's no escape")  and Tornado Warning.  How ever will we choose?

Best box set evah.

*rushes off to the local horsemeat emporium*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 29 January, 2013, 11:17:45 pm
Lars von Trier's Melancholia.  Bugger me, that was a harrowing ride.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 January, 2013, 11:34:51 pm
Best box set evah.

*rushes off to the local horsemeat emporium*

No disastery goodness at Quinton Tescos.  No horseburgers, either.  And only 'disappontingly small' sized bars of British Chocolate.

Tesco Quniton is rubbish.   :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 29 January, 2013, 11:42:17 pm
Never mind Kim. You can borrow ours.

We ended up going to see The Hobbit. 3D is cack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 30 January, 2013, 04:35:15 pm
... No disastery goodness at Quinton Tescos. ...

I first read that as some variation upon Quentin Tarantino. ;D

I revisited Hot Fuzz a couple of nights ago. We had a friend from Chicago staying over and she saw we had Shaun of thr dead which she said she liked. We offered Hot Fuzz as a suggestion.

I think she bust a gut ;D
I like Shaun of the Dead  a lot but Hot Fuzz is way more fun (for me).

Likewise, I thought Hot Fuzz was far better than Shaun of the Dead, but I'd have thought there was a lot in it which was very local to the UK, and wouldn't have made much sense to a USAian, but obviously I was wrong, Yarr?


I watched ParaNorman yesterday, which I enjoyed, although it's obviously aimed at kids.  The "zombies" were very good, and it was quite amusing watching them running away from live humans. ;D

Watching some of the extras on the Bluray made you realise how much effort was involved in it, far more than other animations, because they did things like animate the bits of earth thrown up in the air, as the dead dug their way out of the ground!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 February, 2013, 01:12:58 pm
The Adjustment Bureau, which whilst quite well done, could have gone that little bit further, and been better.

(click to show/hide)

Overall a good film, and a nice idea, based upon Philip K Dick's short story "The Adjustment Team", and the overall concept which has been used in numerous other books.  Aside from the week ending, it was a pretty good development of the theme.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 02 February, 2013, 01:32:38 pm
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec

On Film 4 last night.

Loved it. Perfect silly entertainment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 02 February, 2013, 09:11:15 pm
Tornado Warning, the third of our four DVD Disaster bargain pack.

Well it was very special. There is a twist in the tail of this one that you'd nevrr guess.  Can't wait for the sequel!!!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 02 February, 2013, 09:49:09 pm
So, yesterday I answered the door to a BluRay box set of Kubrick films, caused by looking at the price of a couple of disks, and comparing with the price of the set.  Some I've seen, some I haven't.
Lolita, 2001, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut.

First out of the trap, 2001 - the reason I bought the set.
It's a lovely transfer.  For a geek like me, it's good to see a film so well transferred.  I know all the in jokes about the glass panels used to do the floating pen, and the rotating rigs used for the Discovery (a method recently resurrected by Christopher Nolan for Inception) - I just wanted to watch the film.  After so long, to suddenly see the film for the first time - you know you can see the seams in the cyclorama on Bluray?  I didn't until today.  What I thought were real landscape backdrops were cyc paintings.  The miniatures shots were beautiful, Douglas Trumbull at his very best.  I know there's no narrative, and the slit-scanning and the ending is as meaningless and crazy as ever (or not: I know there are those who think it significant), but bloody hell, what a fabulous piece of visual entertainment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 02 February, 2013, 11:03:14 pm
Well, redshift, that sounds very nice, but it can't have been a patch on tonight's viewing chez crusty and linda. 

WORLD ON FIRE

Another Ken Badish masterpiece.  And believe me, there's nothing 'ish' about Big Bad Ken.  In a stroke of genius he casts Rachel Hunter in the lead female role, and she has the chance to show off her 'A' list talents in this fine piece of cinema straight to DVD.  She and her anorexic sister fight the BigBadOilCo who are doing some very fast drilling and making the magma go down the intertubes or something.  The girl's anorexia is never fully explored, sadly.  It must have been lost in the edit.

Watch girls in bikinis gyrate!  Then watch them boiled alive!  Hurrah!

And the mad-eyed baddie is vintage Ken Badish.  Wonderful stuff.

Nearly as good as Dante's Peak!  Wow!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!1

A classic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 02 February, 2013, 11:06:28 pm
2001 is a wonderful film.  I'm sorry that I've only ever seen it once on a proper screen.  A 27" monitor doesn't do it justice.   Read the book, read the book about the making of the film, seen the 1st sequel.   Casts an eye at his DVD shelf....hmmm . .. it's been a while  ,  maybe next week... :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 02 February, 2013, 11:13:30 pm
Tonight's film was "The Offence",  1972 in all it's concrete, new brutalist glory.  Sean Connery & Ian Bannen in some appalling moustaches..

I have seen it before, it was on TV I was fairly young.  Not easy or pleasant viewing, but Connery actually acts, and does it very well.  He's a man you could easily be frightened of...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 02 February, 2013, 11:19:59 pm
So, yesterday I answered the door to a BluRay box set of Kubrick films, caused by looking at the price of a couple of disks, and comparing with the price of the set.  Some I've seen, some I haven't.
Lolita, 2001, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut.

First out of the trap, 2001 - the reason I bought the set.
It's a lovely transfer.  For a geek like me, it's good to see a film so well transferred.  I know all the in jokes about the glass panels used to do the floating pen, and the rotating rigs used for the Discovery (a method recently resurrected by Christopher Nolan for Inception) - I just wanted to watch the film.  After so long, to suddenly see the film for the first time - you know you can see the seams in the cyclorama on Bluray?  I didn't until today.  What I thought were real landscape backdrops were cyc paintings.  The miniatures shots were beautiful, Douglas Trumbull at his very best.  I know there's no narrative, and the slit-scanning and the ending is as meaningless and crazy as ever (or not: I know there are those who think it significant), but bloody hell, what a fabulous piece of visual entertainment.

Love that film. Adore the books.

Dammit shifty, now I need BluRay.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 03 February, 2013, 12:58:43 am
Tonight's 2nd film was Brighton Rock.   Another one I have vague, childhood memories of.     Wow, that was good. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: HTFB on 03 February, 2013, 02:23:19 pm
Well, I've still not seen all of The Princess Bride, but what I saw over (slobby abandoned bachelor) lunch today was more than the small fragment I caught once while babysitting twenty years ago. It may help may with some of this forum's catchphrases. You keep using those words. I do not think they mean what you think they mean.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 03 February, 2013, 03:17:55 pm
Stop saying that!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 03 February, 2013, 03:26:48 pm
Wild Bill, very touching and funny. Dexter Fletcher off Press Gang directed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 03 February, 2013, 03:30:19 pm
Yesterday, Wanted (completely bonkers, but rather good with it). Right now, The Princess Bride. As joyous as ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 February, 2013, 04:41:03 pm
Yesterday Lincoln, followed by Django Unchained (again).

Today, Ruthless People.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 February, 2013, 05:08:04 pm
127 Hours.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 February, 2013, 05:10:22 pm
Yesterday was Hotel Transylvania and Ted, today Dredd.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 04 February, 2013, 09:05:28 am
Flight. Starring Denzel Washington.

It wasn't at all what I thought it would be and I suspect the same was true for a lot of people in the full cinema last night. 

However it was excellent. One of the most interesting things was the audience reaction. I wonder how different it would have been in a mid-west Amercan town, compared to drink-and-drug blighted Middlesbrough, where a night out usually ends with vomit on your shoes and being threatened by half naked girls at the taxi rank.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 04 February, 2013, 09:08:02 am
Due to having to get some sleep, I didn't get to se the whope film but, I had an hour of Gia last night.

I know I lust after Angelina and this film doesn't help dispell that lust but, she can act!

I always thought she could but this film proves it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 04 February, 2013, 09:14:43 am
Last night - Moon. Pretty good I thought!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 04 February, 2013, 09:16:33 am
Django unchained on saturday night.  Lots of tarantino nonsense, about as historically accurate as kill bill; loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 04 February, 2013, 09:22:03 am
The Hobbit. Not my cup of tea...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 04 February, 2013, 10:26:10 am
Source Code was on telly last night. I thought it was great. And I really really loved the references to Quantum Leap that he snuck in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 04 February, 2013, 10:30:28 am
Due to having to get some sleep, I didn't get to se the whope film but, I had an hour of Gia last night.

I know I lust after Angelina and this film doesn't help dispell that lust but, she can act!

I always thought she could but this film proves it.

Aye, I watched that film at uni. It really is superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 04 February, 2013, 10:30:46 am
Source Code was on telly last night. I thought it was great. And I really really loved the references to Quantum Leap that he snuck in.

We recorded it :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 04 February, 2013, 02:10:14 pm
Foxfire (the new one, not the one with Angelina Jolie)

Too long with characters bordering on stereotypes but none-the-less an enjoyable and thought provoking film that worked for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 04 February, 2013, 04:22:14 pm
Source Code was on telly last night. I thought it was great. And I really really loved the references to Quantum Leap that he snuck in.

We recorded it :)

Watched it, enjoyed it.

12 Monkeys meets Groundhog Day. (I like both of those films so that's a good thing)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: marcusjb on 04 February, 2013, 04:25:15 pm
Source Code was on telly last night. I thought it was great. And I really really loved the references to Quantum Leap that he snuck in.

Watched about half of it before I needed to go to bed - recorded the rest to watch tonight I hope as it was all very enjoyable so far!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 05 February, 2013, 11:02:51 am
1. Moonrise Kingdom

Beautifully shot, silly story with intelligent script, in much the same way as that other Wes Anderson film Darjeeling Unlimited.

2. Last Chance Harvey

Laughably predictable formulaic romantic comedy, with added British accents and bits of London. Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman are as good as you might expect, but why on earth did they agree to do it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 February, 2013, 11:11:22 am
1. Moonrise Kingdom

Beautifully shot, silly story with intelligent script, in much the same way as that other Wes Anderson film Darjeeling Unlimited.

Saw that at cinema. Wonderful quirky performances, I bet they had a real hoot making it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 05 February, 2013, 11:34:21 am
Source Code was on telly last night. I thought it was great. And I really really loved the references to Quantum Leap that he snuck in.

We recorded it :)

Watched it, enjoyed it.

12 Monkeys meets Groundhog Day. (I like both of those films so that's a good thing)

It was cool and fun in a brain-off way, we enjoyed it.

It also reminded me how much I like 'overflight' type intros to movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 05 February, 2013, 12:16:49 pm
1. Moonrise Kingdom

Beautifully shot, silly story with intelligent script, in much the same way as that other Wes Anderson film Darjeeling Unlimited.

Saw that at cinema. Wonderful quirky performances, I bet they had a real hoot making it.

Yes, according to the imdb trivia the cast all ended up moving out of their hotel rooms and into the mansion the director had booked for editing.

And 'Suzy' got to keep the cat afterwards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 05 February, 2013, 11:56:44 pm
Flight. 20 minutes or so of awesome followed by musings on God, rehab and 12 Step programmes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 February, 2013, 11:07:29 pm
Not for the first time, American Pie.  It's not deep, it's not refined, you won't learn anything from watching it, but it is exceptionally funny and very well acted, particularly the scene with Finch and Stifler's Mom.  Surprisingly, the last cinema release (American Reunion) was almost as good, although I have studiously avoided the straight-to-video spinoffs.

The first American Pie was brilliant. It actually had a soul, carefully hidden underneath the (very funny) crude bits. I made the mistake of watching the first sequel. It was appalling. Witless and unamusing. I gave up after half an hour. Haven't seen the new one yet. Is it really that good?

I'm now watching an intriguing little piece called "Frankenhooker" on the Horror Channel... My god, did someone actually make this film? So far, our hero's girlfriend has been killed by a lawnmower. Luckily, he salvaged her head. Then a load of prostitutes smoked some dodgy crystal meth and exploded... Something is telling me it's time for bed.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 07 February, 2013, 07:55:28 am
American Gangster.

Probably better than Frankenhooker though I haven't seen that particular film.

Denzel plays likeable psychopath Frank Lucas and is challenged by Russell Crowe as an honest cop. Entertaining stuff but a bit gory.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 February, 2013, 09:54:13 am
I'm now watching an intriguing little piece called "Frankenhooker" on the Horror Channel... My god, did someone actually make this film? So far, our hero's girlfriend has been killed by a lawnmower.

Yay, Lawnmower DETH!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 08 February, 2013, 04:18:28 pm
The Good Shepard on telly

Never seen it before. I really liked this. Unusually for a star laden US film it's slow, quite and morality is very blurred. First time I have seen Angelina Jolie actually act and she's really good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 09 February, 2013, 04:03:22 pm
Tron Legacy in 3D.

Whilst I thought that the 3D should be able to add a lot to some of the sequences, it didn't seem to be quite as impressive as some other 3D titles.

As regards the story, it seemed a bit short sighted of Flynn not to include some sort of backdoor he could shut down Clu with, given the problems he had the MCP in the first Tron!  Olivia Wilde's presence, on the other hand, made up for a lot of shortcomings. ;D  Her character was quite nicely humorous at times. "Made it". :thumbsup:

It was also novel to see Jeff Bridges having a fight with himself!  The production values of Legacy were obviously rather higher than the original film, given the much higher quality cgi techniques available now, and in fact whilst the original Tron was ground-breaking, it only had relatively small amounts of cgi compared to many more modern films.  On the other hand, I'm much more used to this sort of thing in films now, than I was back when the original was made, so I've become rather more blasé about it.

Overall not a bad film, but obviously not as innovative and original as the first Tron was.  The Daft Punk sound track is also rather good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 09 February, 2013, 10:44:09 pm
"Villain" .  Richard Burton menacing, as a razor wielding cockney gangster (not the best accent) and Ian McShane as his reluctant toyboy.  Rather good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 February, 2013, 03:47:31 pm
A Monster in Paris.

That was a rather enjoyable film.  Not exactly packed with car chases and excitement, although it had its moments (and actually does have a car chase!).

It could hardly be described as your typical monster movie, having more musical than monstery bits.  It's really a romantic comedy with a novel approach, and certainly doesn't owe anything to the predictable Rue Morgue or Hunchback of Notre Dame monster tropes.

The 3D was done very well, especially with some of the wide backdrops of Paris, albeit in an animation style not typically used in this fashion.

I particularly liked Charles, who is definitely one of the unexpected stars of the film. ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 10 February, 2013, 04:56:33 pm
I've just watched Ingmar Bergman's The Magician. That were a bit weird.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 10 February, 2013, 09:17:29 pm
Funny People. 

You mean Adam Sandler has made a good movie?  I sure do. I sure do.

A bit long, but chugs along nicely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pingu on 10 February, 2013, 10:25:39 pm
Jar City (in installments). Bleak.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 February, 2013, 10:29:28 pm
The Impossible.

Blimey.

I have no idea why Crusty took me to see this film. Possibly because you get to see Naomi Watts's boob.

She's his girlfriend she is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 February, 2013, 10:31:49 pm
The last marigold glove in the hotel.

Gentle fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 February, 2013, 08:08:47 am
Killing Them Softly.

Mostly a waste of time. Messy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 February, 2013, 10:35:43 am
The Illusionist.

Not the Edward Norton one. The French animated one set in Scotland with the (minimal) dialogue variously in English, French and Gaelic. like Belville Rendezvous in style, story sweet but lacking, well, anything much. OK for snowy Sunday afternoon viewing with a glass of red.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 February, 2013, 10:45:43 am
Route Irish.

Set in Liverpool and about the Iraq war. Includes John Bishop as the dead guy.

I'd like to appreciate Ken Loach films, really I would, but he still insists on recording all the ambient noise with the dialogue and I really struggle to hear what people are saying. The handheld camerawork is fine, and gives the desired effect, but if you're watching two people shouting at each other in a stairwell you should hear what they're saying from the perpective of the people in the conversation, not the perspective of someone two floors up where all you can hear is the booming resonance. Having to rewind several crucial bits spoiled it for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 11 February, 2013, 12:33:22 pm
The last marigold glove in the hotel.

Gentle fun.

And what film were you watching at the time  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 12 February, 2013, 01:29:25 pm
This Is 40. Quite funny, but racist toward cyclists.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 13 February, 2013, 09:44:28 pm
Warm Bodies, with No1Daughter, No2Daughter & No2Daughter's mate.

Shite. My disbelief was not suspended one jot. John Malkovic is clearly whoring himself for any crap these days. £30 wasted, and my evening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 15 February, 2013, 08:26:44 pm
Silver Linings Playbook

I thought the Hangover was juvenile dross, the remake of The A Team was pointless, and I didn't generally get the Bradley Cooper love, but this film is marvellous, warm-hearted and lovely. It's unexpected, I love stumbling over films I haven't heard much about and that are are to get a grasp on from short clips. It's a tremendous love story with no overly sentimental touches, and best of all De Niro's making good films again after ten years of dross.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 15 February, 2013, 09:08:59 pm
I liked it too. (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1360712;topicseen#msg1360712)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 15 February, 2013, 09:50:33 pm
Yep, that's a good review. De Niro was so good, it was fantastic to see him back on form.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 16 February, 2013, 08:05:01 am
Last night we watched a DVD of The Artist. Excellent! Highly recommended!
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bumper on 16 February, 2013, 08:06:14 am
Losers

The clue is in the film title.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 February, 2013, 08:29:04 am
I give it a year.

Bit patchy but a few funny bits, most of which were in the trailer. Stephen Merchant had a supporting role as an annoying character that was too annoying to watch. Could have done with more of Minnie Driver's character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 16 February, 2013, 06:25:24 pm
It struck me that Danny Elfman did the music for Silver Linings Playbook and Hitchcock and both films have a crucial shower scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 16 February, 2013, 09:47:55 pm
The Dark Knight Rises. Not quite as good as its immediate predecessor. Just very, very, very good, then, and a fitting end to Nolan's trilogy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 17 February, 2013, 10:56:17 am
Infidel written by David Baddiel and starring Omis Djalili as a Jew who was adopted at birth and brought up as a muslim.  Very perceptive and very funny.  I recommend it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 17 February, 2013, 04:16:27 pm
The Leopard.

Sumptious 60s film, fundamentally about a changing social order in Italy (but no doubt has lots of other subtexts).  At 3 hours, perhaps not one for the youtube generation, but for those with the patience (and are comfortable with subtitles) this is a fine movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 February, 2013, 05:07:05 pm
Shame.

Pretentious tedious cock and balls.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 February, 2013, 06:50:04 pm
Shame.

Pretentious tedious cock and balls.

Well, yes. Plenty of those. But Fassbender was good wasn't he? And whilst at the time I saw this film I just thought it was the re-iteration of an old message, one that no-one is interested in, I do find that his affecring performance comes back to haunt me (and haunting it is) when certain subjects come up in the press. Especially at the moment when murder victims are being eroticised and child rape is hidden and when the souls broken by the likes of Savile are labelled 'liar'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 17 February, 2013, 07:00:37 pm
By osmosis, Aquamarine, a trashy Disney-style mermaid early teen love story. My 7-year-old has it playing on loop seemingly.

Why, oh why do Americans have to say "Arkquamarine" when the rest of the world can say it properly? It wouldn't grate on me so much normally, but having to hear it for the 500th time got a tad wearing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 February, 2013, 07:24:46 pm
Shame.

Pretentious tedious cock and balls.

Well, yes. Plenty of those. But Fassbender was good wasn't he? And whilst at the time I saw this film I just thought it was the re-iteration of an old message, one that no-one is interested in, I do find that his affecring performance comes back to haunt me (and haunting it is) when certain subjects come up in the press. Especially at the moment when murder victims are being eroticised and child rape is hidden and when the souls broken by the likes of Savile are labelled 'liar'.

Would have been un-watchable without Fassbender. Blimey, that film wanted to have its cake and eat it. One minute it's a bold art-house movie on the raw realities of sex  with low camera angles and SIGNIFICANT PAUSES where nothing happens, the next Carey Mulligan's got her bush out. There was no need to see Carey Mulligan's bush, it didn't advance the plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 February, 2013, 07:47:35 pm
Shame.

Pretentious tedious cock and balls.

Well, yes. Plenty of those. But Fassbender was good wasn't he? And whilst at the time I saw this film I just thought it was the re-iteration of an old message, one that no-one is interested in, I do find that his affecring performance comes back to haunt me (and haunting it is) when certain subjects come up in the press. Especially at the moment when murder victims are being eroticised and child rape is hidden and when the souls broken by the likes of Savile are labelled 'liar'.

Would have been un-watchable without Fassbender. Blimey, that film wanted to have its cake and eat it. One minute it's a bold art-house movie on the raw realities of sex  with low camera angles and SIGNIFICANT PAUSES where nothing happens, the next Carey Mulligan's got her bush out. There was no need to see Carey Mulligan's bush, it didn't advance the plot.

I took that as a direct challenge to the audience - the objectification of a human being, the damage it does, and then you find yourself doing it.  It was no accident that the opening scenes showed Fassbender naked, and then as the surface was scraped off and you found the wounded person beneath, it was the same challenge.  Powerful stuff really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 February, 2013, 08:08:42 pm
Using nudity as a metaphor my arse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 February, 2013, 08:11:23 pm
I think his part was under-written, he had too little to do so you didn't really get him, he was just fixated. It left too much up to the audience, maybe that's why views differ.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 February, 2013, 08:13:20 pm
See I thought that was the greatest strength of this film - everything that was left unsaid. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 17 February, 2013, 08:32:15 pm
Django.

Not that one, the 1966 Spaghetti Western, filmed in Spain with Italian dialogue and the worst ever dubbing. But everything you can ever want from the genre: the cool, blue-eyed, mysterious sharpshooter; the heroine who needs saving; drunken Mexican bandits & evil American ones; a ghost town populated by the saloon owner and his ladies of disrepute; a 30 metre polished bar for sliding whiskey glasses down; horses, dynamite, gold, quicksand, ears chopped off, you name it... Fantastic stuff - exactly what Sunday afternoons were made for.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 17 February, 2013, 08:38:37 pm
Big Fish

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Fish

At the moment on Film4.
IMO one of Tim Burtons best films   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 February, 2013, 01:33:36 pm
Munich.

I know a Munich competitor. I haven't asked him if he was in the village during the incident. Don't know if I should really.

Munich is a good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 18 February, 2013, 04:10:58 pm
Le Quattro Volte. Non-dialogue film set in the Calabrian Mountains. Beautifully filmed.

Last night… Die Hard 2 for the umpteenth time. Bloody awful but great at the same time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ewan Houzami on 18 February, 2013, 04:19:30 pm
Why, oh why do Americans have to say "Arkquamarine" when the rest of the world can say it properly?

Because they might think it makes them sound sophisticated? But listening to US commentary of the Tour last year, it seems that more Americans are at last pronouncing 'France' in the way Europeans do - with a long 'a', and not saying 'Frayantz'

I watched Prometheus last night. Great visually, but the story and plot contained too many holes and clichés, so I gave up trying to take it seriously by the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 18 February, 2013, 04:25:46 pm
My 7-year-old has it playing on loop seemingly.
I've never understood this. Why don't you turn it off? Aren't you the grown up?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 18 February, 2013, 04:44:08 pm
Thanks for the parenting lesson. "Seemingly" had implied some sort of irony. Never mind.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 19 February, 2013, 10:20:17 pm
Infidel written by David Baddiel and starring Omis Djalili I recommend it.

Bah ! Read the write up earlier this week and meant to record it....promptly forgot....another senior moment. I'll get it next time round.

Just watched The Keep on Film Four. Absoloute twaddle, but Jurgen Procnow was excellent (as usual). Why isn't he a bigger star?. He was awesome as the U-boat captain in Das Boot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 20 February, 2013, 01:24:16 pm
Perfect Sense

With Eva Green and Ewan McGregor.
What a complete pile of wank.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 20 February, 2013, 01:29:30 pm
The Cannonball Run

It's probably one of my favourite films for reasons I can't quite put my finger on, but then it could be because of .... Him (dun dun DUURRRRRH!)1

1 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Chaos
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 February, 2013, 02:42:37 pm
Infidel written by David Baddiel and starring Omis Djalili I recommend it.

Bah ! Read the write up earlier this week and meant to record it....promptly forgot....another senior moment. I'll get it next time round.

Just watched The Keep on Film Four. Absoloute twaddle, but Jurgen Procnow was excellent (as usual). Why isn't he a bigger star?. He was awesome as the U-boat captain in Das Boot.

I think it's on iplayer - I saw a tweet from Omid a day or so ago to that effect I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 20 February, 2013, 06:21:28 pm

I think it's on iplayer - I saw a tweet from Omid a day or so ago to that effect I think.

Oooh, ta, I'll have a look-see.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 February, 2013, 11:13:36 pm
The Cannonball Run

It's probably one of my favourite films for reasons I can't quite put my finger on, but then it could be because of .... Him (dun dun DUURRRRRH!)1

1 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Chaos

Hah!  You post that and ten hours later we're being followed by Burt Reynolds.

Or at least a new user called BurtReynolds531.

It's SallyFields436 I'm holding on for.

(Incidentally back on topic, Sally Fields was great in Lincoln)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 February, 2013, 11:28:00 pm
The Departed.  Again; always worth a rewatch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: padbeat on 21 February, 2013, 11:05:58 am

Just watched The Keep on Film Four. Absoloute twaddle, but Jurgen Procnow was excellent (as usual). Why isn't he a bigger star?. He was awesome as the U-boat captain in Das Boot.
[/quote]

because Air Force One, Judge Dredd and The Da Vinci Code. That's a lot of bad karma to overcome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 February, 2013, 01:59:48 pm
Skyfall.  A Bond James Bond film where Suddenly!  Not much happens! is a waste of time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 21 February, 2013, 03:05:14 pm
Bad Bosses, it's ok, in a kind of forget you have a brain kind of way.

I am currently watching Caracremada to make up for it, though :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 21 February, 2013, 03:08:49 pm
Skyfall.  A Bond James Bond film where Suddenly!  Not much happens! is a waste of time.
There's at least one person in York who feels the same way - one of the posters near the college has been doctored to read 'SKYFAIL'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 21 February, 2013, 06:08:39 pm
Skyfall.  A Bond James Bond film where Suddenly!  Not much happens! is a waste of time.

Yes. Our thoughts too. I think boab fell asleep, and missed... nothing.

For Sale: One Blu-Ray copy of Skyfall. Used once.  :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 21 February, 2013, 07:50:28 pm
It gets better with repeat viewings, but parts are very lame, the tube crash, the trafficked woman, the waving torch on the moor, Finney's Scottish accent, the product placement. Where the hell did a dirty great frozen lake come from, you couldn't see their breath a minute ago?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 February, 2013, 09:50:56 am
The tube crash was especially bobbinsmungous.  There weren't even any crash test dummies on the train, never mind passengers >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 February, 2013, 12:18:34 pm
A Good Day to Die Hard (aka Die Hard V). Sadly, instead of filling me brimful with joy, it made me cry little tears of sadness. Dear movie company, you have the raw material of Die Hard, cinematic pure gold. What kind of brainless alchemy did you have to work to turn it into a turd? Script? Oh let's not bother. Direction? I think the director got lost on the way to the studio. Basically, they took a second rate straight-to-DVD actioner and levered John McClane into it (and he spent most of his time looking like he was wondering why too). Stuff blows up for no particular reason since the story had evidently been eviscerated and there's little to no wisecrackery or humour, which are the trademarks of the franchise. It's a Die Hard movie: a few things need to happen:

- JM inadvertently ends up in shit
- lots of bad guys try to kill JM
- shit blows up
- JM kills bad guys
- wisecracks
- JM gets bashed up (preferably in a increasingly bloodied vest)
- wisecracks
- more bad guys die
- there's a really bad guy
- really bad guy has a really bad henchman
- neither of them like JM's meddling ways
- they die
- a battered and bloody JM saves the day with a well-deserved "yippeekayay motherfucker"

A crying shame, there was massive scope for affectionate and funny Die Hard follow-up, riffing on the passed time, and they pissed it away on this.

(Actually, seemed to follow the Skyfall meme, a James Bond film effectively without all the things that make a James Bond film, altogether admittedly better put together).

There's some things people shouldn't be allowed to mess with. Die Hard is one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 22 February, 2013, 01:38:33 pm
A Good Day to Die Hard (aka Die Hard V). Sadly, instead of filling me brimful with joy, it made me cry little tears of sadness. Dear movie company, you have the raw material of Die Hard, cinematic pure gold. What kind of brainless alchemy did you have to work to turn it into a turd? Script? Oh let's not bother. Direction? I think the director got lost on the way to the studio. Basically, they took a second rate straight-to-DVD actioner and levered John McClane into it (and he spent most of his time looking like he was wondering why too). Stuff blows up for no particular reason since the story had evidently been eviscerated and there's little to no wisecrackery or humour, which are the trademarks of the franchise. It's a Die Hard movie: a few things need to happen:

- JM inadvertently ends up in shit
- lots of bad guys try to kill JM
- shit blows up
- JM kills bad guys
- wisecracks
- JM gets bashed up (preferably in a increasingly bloodied vest)
- wisecracks
- more bad guys die
- there's a really bad guy
- really bad guy has a really bad henchman
- neither of them like JM's meddling ways
- they die
- a battered and bloody JM saves the day with a well-deserved "yippeekayay motherfucker"

A crying shame, there was massive scope for affectionate and funny Die Hard follow-up, riffing on the passed time, and they pissed it away on this.

(Actually, seemed to follow the Skyfall meme, a James Bond film effectively without all the things that make a James Bond film, altogether admittedly better put together).

There's some things people shouldn't be allowed to mess with. Die Hard is one.

A case of Yippeekayoh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 February, 2013, 12:28:17 am
Iron Sky.  It's the film that Snakes On A Plane wasn't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 23 February, 2013, 12:36:18 am
Still on my classic British gangster film binge I've just watched "The Long Good Friday" for the umpteemth time.   Best British Gangster Film Evah ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 23 February, 2013, 10:59:59 am
Iron Sky.  It's the film that Snakes On A Plane wasn't.

Just watched it the other day (would have seen it at the cinema or bought it already had it not been for Revolver Entertainment being a bunch of stupid....). The odd clunky bit of scripting and acting here and there, but more than redeemed by the smart bits of scripting and acting (liked the USB gag) thoroughly enjoyable. Roll on the extended cut BR (which I will hopefully be able to buy direct from Finland...).

Also: Death Proof. Quentin's weakest film, but still worth watching (IMHO).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 23 February, 2013, 06:34:55 pm
Watched Tumbledown last night.

Brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 23 February, 2013, 09:31:36 pm
Untouchable (http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1675434/)

Absolutely superb.

Agreed. Thoroughly recommended. Funny because it's true. In a stylised movie way but true nevertheless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 24 February, 2013, 01:24:40 am
The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec

On Film 4 last night.

Loved it. Perfect silly entertainment.

I just watched it, and as you say, very silly, but surprisingly entertaining. :thumbsup:

I didn't realise it was written and directed by Luc Besson, until the end credits.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 24 February, 2013, 08:14:40 am
Red Dawn. (The remake). It was actually better than I expected!. (Still very very very dumb, but I'm down with a cold and it was perfect for that)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 24 February, 2013, 08:54:19 pm
Just watched Colombiana.

Tosh of this highest order.   I only sat through it because the other half pointed out that since the introduction of Sky Plus, I was becoming impatient. Example, the 20th Centrury Fox logo appears and I'm ready to delete and move on.

I mean, a 14 year old girl would decide to be an asassin at such an early age , wouldn't she ?

Does Luc Besson know nothing else but revenge?

I mean for god's sake.

I thought Joan of Arc was stupendus, and Leon was excellent, but he has been treading water since then.


 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 24 February, 2013, 09:34:51 pm
We Need to Talk About Kevin.  Oof, not exacly a comedy.  Strangely gripping, well shot and moves like a tanker about to run aground (you can see it coming, with inevitability, but it is still a shock when you see it crunch into the rocks).  Good performances all round, but Tilda Swinton's was great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 24 February, 2013, 09:54:02 pm
We Need to Talk About Kevin.  Oof, not exacly a comedy.  Strangely gripping, well shot and moves like a tanker about to run aground (you can see it coming, with inevitability, but it is still a shock when you see it crunch into the rocks).  Good performances all round, but Tilda Swinton's was great.
With that cast it would be hard to fuck up what is an outstanding book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 24 February, 2013, 10:36:18 pm
Does Luc Besson know nothing else but revenge?

... two posts in front of yours; "The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec".  It's not revenge, Adèle is trying to find a cure for her sister's medical problem.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 24 February, 2013, 10:43:35 pm
We Need to Talk About Kevin.  Oof, not exacly a comedy.  Strangely gripping, well shot and moves like a tanker about to run aground (you can see it coming, with inevitability, but it is still a shock when you see it crunch into the rocks).  Good performances all round, but Tilda Swinton's was great.
With that cast it would be hard to fuck up what is an outstanding book.

Tilda is a force of nature.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 February, 2013, 11:21:01 am

Does Luc Besson know nothing else but revenge?

I mean for god's sake.

I thought Joan of Arc was stupendus, and Leon was excellent, but he has been treading water since then.

I'm not sure where it comes in his filmography but, The Fifth Element is a darned good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 25 February, 2013, 03:46:28 pm
Well Caracremada was, errr, different, no need for subtitles, really as there is only about 3 lines of dialogue in it.

Now watching "Butterfly's Tongue", a lovely, lovely piece of cinema about a boy growing up in Franco's Spain. Funny, sad, touching, it is all of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 February, 2013, 10:52:31 am
Started to watch 'No Way Out' last night. It was very dated, which I could handle,  but just plain awful, which I couldn't. It got turned off.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Morrisette on 26 February, 2013, 03:45:44 pm
A Good Day to Die Hard (aka Die Hard V).

The TV advert was quite good.
On Valentines Day everyone is waiting to hear those three little words.
Yippee
Ki
Yay.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Morrisette on 26 February, 2013, 03:46:27 pm
On another note.

bobbinsmungous

Post Word of the Day
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 26 February, 2013, 04:18:55 pm
A Good Day to Die Hard (aka Die Hard V).

The TV advert was quite good.
On Valentines Day everyone is waiting to hear those three little words.
Yippee
Ki
Yay.


The alternative tag was:

"Yippee Ki Yay, Mother Russia"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 February, 2013, 01:33:04 pm
Still working my way through Atamé, but watching it on my tablet whilst on the train.  Worth watching a second time as I realised that it's a Farce in the finest tradition of Farces.

At home watching Y Tu Mama Tambien.  A road trip movie set in Mexico, all the right elements, 2 stoners, a hot cuckolded woman, a car and beer!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 28 February, 2013, 04:15:25 pm
We watched 9 Queens last weekend at home which is hard to comment on without giving anything away.

We also went to watch Roman Holiday on the small cinema they put up in the library occasionally. Notable because for £3 each we got tea and cakes in the interval they put in after an hour (this was a really good idea as the chairs were a little uncomfortable) and then they had a raffle and I won the DVD they'd just shown us.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 01 March, 2013, 10:29:05 am
Watched Sucker Punch last night. A chaotic jumble of music-video set pieces with big explosions and skimpy anime-computer-game costumes, under the flimsy plot pretext of being the hallucinations of someone who's in an insane asylum.

 :thumbsup:

I actually rather enjoyed it, though I feel I should have been drunker. In fact, my only complaint was that it wasn't chaotic and insane enough. I think it needed lots of continuity errors/dissonance (like Black Swan) to try and make the audience feel they were losing their minds as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 March, 2013, 10:37:34 am
Watched Sucker Punch last night. A chaotic jumble of music-video set pieces with big explosions and skimpy anime-computer-game costumes, under the flimsy plot pretext of being the hallucinations of someone who's in an insane asylum.

 :thumbsup:

I actually rather enjoyed it, though I feel I should have been drunker. In fact, my only complaint was that it wasn't chaotic and insane enough. I think it needed lots of continuity errors/dissonance (like Black Swan) to try and make the audience feel they were losing their minds as well.

My favourite bit is the dogfight between a dragon and a WWII era bomber.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 01 March, 2013, 10:50:47 am
Watched Sucker Punch last night. A chaotic jumble of music-video set pieces with big explosions and skimpy anime-computer-game costumes, under the flimsy plot pretext of being the hallucinations of someone who's in an insane asylum.

 :thumbsup:

I actually rather enjoyed it, though I feel I should have been drunker. In fact, my only complaint was that it wasn't chaotic and insane enough. I think it needed lots of continuity errors/dissonance (like Black Swan) to try and make the audience feel they were losing their minds as well.

My favourite bit is the dogfight between a dragon and a WWII era bomber.

I preferred the bit with the zombie steampunk nazis (the bit you showed us one drunken evening), but that's probably because I like the song that's used for it a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 March, 2013, 10:59:42 am
Watched Midnight Run last night. One of those classic 80s action comedies that I've managed to avoid thus far, but I was in the mood for some brainless fun. Wish I hadn't bothered. I know you're not meant to take these things too seriously but I soon started to get pretty annoyed with it. The bit that really got me going was when De Niro and Grodin get off a bus and within seconds are swarmed by police, then moments later, a bunch of mob snipers - armed with rifles with telescopic sights - open fire from the surrounding rooftops. Miraculously, the snipers completely miss their targets. The police, however, returning fire with pistols and shotguns from a range of 50 metres or more, take them out.  :facepalm:

On the plus side, it does have an exploding helicopter.

Started to watch 'No Way Out' last night. It was very dated, which I could handle,  but just plain awful, which I couldn't. It got turned off.

I remember going to watch that on a date in the cinema many years ago. It says something about how well it went as a date that I remember the film better than I remember the girl.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 March, 2013, 11:07:05 am
Watched Midnight Run last night. One of those classic 80s action comedies that I've managed to avoid thus far....

d.

I missread that as 'Midnight Express' at first glance and though  :o at your description of the genre ::-)

A film I must revisit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 March, 2013, 11:19:39 am
I've not seen Midnight Express either, but I think I would have preferred it last night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 March, 2013, 11:30:50 am
I've not seen Midnight Express either, but I think I would have preferred it last night.

Do it. A truly excellent film IMHO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 March, 2013, 11:36:38 am
I've not seen Midnight Express either, but I think I would have preferred it last night.

Do it. A truly excellent film IMHO.

I'm in the contrary camp - hate Midnight Express, love Midnight Run.

Great buddy/action/comedy that probably wouldn't have worked so well without Charles Grodin. Pure popcorn of course but great fun.

Also no-one swears as well as Dennis Farina does.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 March, 2013, 11:45:05 am
Great buddy/action/comedy that probably wouldn't have worked so well without Charles Grodin. Pure popcorn of course but great fun.

To be fair, Charles Grodin is excellent in it.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 01 March, 2013, 10:01:25 pm
Currently half-way through the second season of Romanze Criminale.

Brutal, gripping thriller with brilliant acting.

It's been tucked away of the Sky plus box for ages.

Fantastico !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 01 March, 2013, 10:03:26 pm
Rust And Bone with Marion Cotillard who is Crusty's girlfriend.

 I have absolutely no idea what that waa all about.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 March, 2013, 10:12:18 pm
Safe Haven, dear gods, what shite. Still better than Gangster Squad though...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 01 March, 2013, 10:12:52 pm
Rust And Bone with Marion Cotillard who is Crusty's girlfriend.


I'm sure you said that about at least two other actresses last night - Helen Hunt and... someone else. How many does he have?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 01 March, 2013, 11:44:10 pm
Dozens. Including all of Girls Aloud.

The other actress last night was probly Bridget Fonda. She's been his girlfriend even longer than I have  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 March, 2013, 12:02:35 am
Skyfall. (With the train bits excised)

Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 02 March, 2013, 07:13:12 am
The Life of Pi and the Hobbit.

Pi was amazing. The Hobbit was very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 02 March, 2013, 08:22:48 am
Dozens. Including all of Girls Aloud.

The other actress last night was probly Bridget Fonda. She's been his girlfriend even longer than I have  :)
What a hussy. I have been faithful to Irene Jacob since 1993.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 March, 2013, 05:52:52 pm
I just watched Monster Inc in 3D, and it was as good as ever.

 "Roz, my tender, oozing blossom ..."
 "Good morning, Roz, my succulent little garden snail ..."


Uniquely for a 3D BluRay, everything on the disc is 3D, including the menus (not unusual), and the Bonus Features.

I wonder if Monsters University will be as good?  Watching the trailer, it obviously reminds me of every other US university based film, in a rather clichéd fashion, which hopefully it'll avoid, other than for some comedy effect.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 02 March, 2013, 11:18:24 pm
Just got back from watching Jack the Giant Slayer.
We worked on it and called it 'Jack the Artist Killer'. It was a nightmare project and given the circumstances, I'm amazed how good it looked...and the movie itself was nowhere near as bad as I expected either!.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 March, 2013, 08:38:16 am
Went to see Life of Pi last night, very very good is my verdict.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 March, 2013, 05:07:09 pm
Cabin in the woods last night, Cloud Atlas this afternoon - enjoyed both immensely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 03 March, 2013, 05:16:59 pm
Skyfall
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 03 March, 2013, 05:18:53 pm
Transporter 3.

not for the first time
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 03 March, 2013, 08:56:05 pm
Watching 'Rocky' for the very first time - its very good  :thumbsup:
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 March, 2013, 09:28:41 pm
We've just watched Rocky too. I've seen it several times before but it was my son's first time. He loved it. The boy has taste. Great film.

We also watched Excalibur this morning, which was one of my top two or three most-watched films when I was his age. Bonkers but brilliant. A bit dated in some respects but still the best cinematic telling of the Arthurian legend.

d.
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 03 March, 2013, 09:32:22 pm
Taxidermia. Was expecting weird and I wasn't disappointed there!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 05 March, 2013, 06:36:29 am
Red Dawn. Actually really enjoyed it but that might have been more circumstance than the actual film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 05 March, 2013, 09:13:30 am
The Tourist.

Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Timothy Dalton, Rufus Sewell and Steven Berkoff doing his Bad Guy thaing.

SWMBO and I enjoyed it though we had the 'reveal' some time before the end.

Angelina and venice. What's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 05 March, 2013, 09:50:55 pm
Holy Motors.

Holy moly, what the hell have I just watched? I can't even begin to process this one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 March, 2013, 12:14:28 pm
Holy Motors.

Holy moly, what the hell have I just watched? I can't even begin to process this one.

I was intrigued so I looked it up. Ah... Leos Carax. That would explain your reaction.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 06 March, 2013, 11:14:53 pm
X-Men First Class - enjoyed it in the cinema, less so on a rewatch.

Formula looks tired, despite reboot, although enlivened by some nice touches and performances from a good cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 07 March, 2013, 01:14:20 pm
The Woman in Black

Quite reasonable really. Also the spooky house on a remote Scottish island cut off at high tide is actually in the middle of a village down the road from me in Northamptonshire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 March, 2013, 10:13:49 pm
Last night we started watching Paranorman, but it was just a bit too weird, so switched to Ice Age Continental Drift, which we enjoyed.  Tonight it is The Immortals. If your king of movie is one where everyone wears weird headwear, has a plot that a school child would write and the trees are the best actors, then this is for you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 09 March, 2013, 11:40:27 pm
Just watched The Grey.

Missus Sox got fed up with it half-way through and went to bed.

I was quite drawn into it, and having just read the user reviews on IMDB think it might repay a second viewing at some point.

It's a lot deeper than man vs wilderness, which on first inspection is what it appears to be.

God on yer Liam Neeson, keep up the good work (well, except the A-Team, anyway).

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 March, 2013, 06:08:29 am

God on yer Liam Neeson, keep up the good work (well, except the A-Team, anyway).

Uhmm. Taken 2? Battleship? Wrath of the Titans?

His list of shitty movies is quite impressive.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gandalf on 10 March, 2013, 08:41:51 am
The Enemy Below with Robert Mitchum and Curt Jurgens, looks a tad dated now but well worth a look.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 March, 2013, 10:02:24 am
Made in Dagenham.

A very good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 11 March, 2013, 11:07:16 pm

Uhmm. Taken 2? Battleship? Wrath of the Titans?

His list of shitty movies is quite impressive.

Oh, wasn't aware he was in so many bad ones. I'll add them to my list of avoid.

Just watched Up.

Thouroughly intruiging !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 12 March, 2013, 09:44:01 pm
Made in Dagenham.

A very good film.

I watched that with my husband, seen it before but we both enjoyed it very much.

Watched Rocky 2 and loved it. Excruciatingly powerful scenes in the ring and has wonderful heart. They don't make films like that anymore.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 13 March, 2013, 10:26:48 pm
The Wish.

In Japanese with  subtitles.

One of those films with no taint of Hollywood whatsoever. Two children whose parents have split up trying to deal with the fallout. Gentle and magical.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 13 March, 2013, 10:33:52 pm
Made in Dagenham.

A very good film.

I watched that with my husband, seen it before but we both enjoyed it very much.

Now that's how I like my feelgood movies - a cause worth fighting for, pantomime baddies and some classic Barbara Castle moments.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 14 March, 2013, 10:27:03 am
Habemas Papam.  (We Have A Pope, tbc).

Very funny, very quirky film, with a surprise ending.  I don't think I'd watch it again. 

But I might.

If you've ever had anything to do with the dressing-up, ritual and high camp of church there are bits in this that are just hilarious.

This film may have been more prophetic than it was intended to be!

Recommended to all who have an interest in matters Catholic, just at the moment.

You have to wonder, having seen this film, exactly why Ratzinger had had enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Marco Stefano on 14 March, 2013, 05:33:23 pm
Micmacs (French film, was on Film4 a couple of nights ago). Bizarre, funny, clever, great set pieces, great characters.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 14 March, 2013, 10:08:58 pm
Just watched End Of Days.

Not half bad (if you can accept Arnold Schwarzenneger taking on Beelzebub with an Uzi 9 mm)

Hoh hum.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 March, 2013, 10:30:29 am
Broken City; solid and stolid political crime thriller.  Ok but nothing too world shaking.

Robot & Frank; low key but remarkably good and quite moving in places.  Avoids over sentimentality despite the subject and doesn’t under or overstate the issues that it raises.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 16 March, 2013, 03:54:59 pm
Priest, which I think was better than its critical reception implied.  The imagery and footography was certainly impressive, but the storyline and characters were a bit predictable.

(click to show/hide)

Overall I think it was well done, and worth seeing for the cinematography.  They could have been a bit more original with some of the ideas, but what's been done is impressive, just lacking originality, too much of what's shown having been done before, not always better, but this new version isn't always distinct enough.  A shame really, with the money they clearly spent on it, it could have been a very successful blockbuster with a more carefully written and thought out script.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2013, 10:07:08 pm
Source Code

Been meaning to see this for ages and glad I finally go round to it. Fantastic. Loved it. Trying not to think too hard about it now though, because I'll only expose the flaws and spoil my enjoyment...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 17 March, 2013, 02:44:39 pm
I just watched Burn After Reading, which definitely has it's very good bits.  It's a mixture of political thriller and sex farce, with a cast of some very well known actors, possibly a better set than the movie deserves.  There's not a vast amount of story to it, it's mostly set ups for some other events in the film, but it does kind of work.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 March, 2013, 09:08:21 pm
We Need to Talk About Kevin. A not bad adaptation of the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 18 March, 2013, 10:59:50 am
Lawless

That was quite good. There were a few moments of "why on earth did they..." but that's presumably because it's based on real events. Excellent visuals and soundtrack too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 18 March, 2013, 11:15:36 am
On The Road

Oh dear, what a shame. I've been trying to work out why it was so crap. Yes, we all know the characters in the book were based on real people, but Kerouac used those characters to write a cracking good story. The makers of the film seem to have turned that round and made a biopic about those actual people, with what we know about them now, using the pseudonyms from the book. Oh and adding 20 random sex scenes does not make it any more interesting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 19 March, 2013, 04:52:31 pm
The Amazing Spiderman.

Denis Leary dies, Rhys Ifans gets sent to jail and the guy who looks like he should be in Twilight Saga, but isn't, turns out to be spidey...

It was ok, not brilliant, just ok, and better than previous attempts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 March, 2013, 05:48:50 pm
Lawless

That was quite good. There were a few moments of "why on earth did they..." but that's presumably because it's based on real events. Excellent visuals and soundtrack too.

I saw it in the cinema -   I felt the film was overly long and wasn't all that impressed with Shia Unspellable-Surname's acting but overall ok.  The soundtrack was great though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 20 March, 2013, 10:24:38 pm
The Master.  A recent film by PT Anderson.  Had the typically slow, intense feel I get from most of his films.  Another tale of a dominating, older central character who uses manipulation and  force of  character to accrue power and influence.  This time based loosely on Ron L Hubbard and his cult.  If you like There Will Be Blood, this film is for you (as it was for me).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 20 March, 2013, 10:53:37 pm
Priest, which I think was better than its critical reception implied.  The imagery and footography was certainly impressive, but the storyline and characters were a bit predictable.

(click to show/hide)

Overall I think it was well done, and worth seeing for the cinematography.  They could have been a bit more original with some of the ideas, but what's been done is impressive, just lacking originality, too much of what's shown having been done before, not always better, but this new version isn't always distinct enough.  A shame really, with the money they clearly spent on it, it could have been a very successful blockbuster with a more carefully written and thought out script.

Oh, not this  Priest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priest_%281994_film%29),  which was rather good, but lacked vampires..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 21 March, 2013, 10:25:16 pm
Just watched Skyfall on DVD.

Mini review :

Daniel Craig looks old and craggy (but still in very good shape)
New Q ? ...... episode of Spooks
Didn't recognise Albert Finney ?
What a way to treat a DB5
Let me get this right - 6 blokes with Hechler & Coch autos on rapid fire miss Bond with every shot, and he then picks them off one by one with his Walther
Ah, Judie Dench....bless

James Bond will return.

There you go, save yourselves 2 hours.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Byronius Maximus on 21 March, 2013, 11:04:42 pm
Watched Side Effects last night. It got a little far fetched and some things didn't make much sense towards the end, but thought it was pretty good overall.

Also saw Primer earlier in the week after a recommendation from a friend. It made my brain hurt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 22 March, 2013, 07:43:47 am
Funeral in Berlin, excellent cold war, period piece, set, strangely enough in early 60's Berlin.  As a film perhaps not as good as The Ipcress File.

Skyfall?  Yes rubbish, but I enjoyed it.  Just don't take it seriously and you'll be fine. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 22 March, 2013, 10:53:47 pm
Tremors 4: The Legend Begins.

Low-budget cheese prequel that doesn't disappoint.  In fact, it totally holds up.

Big guns, beans, one-liners, CAKE, Brooks saddles, slack chains *and* belts, steam engines, more beans and badly-timed tea.  I'm convinced a YACFer had their hand in the script.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 22 March, 2013, 11:35:21 pm
Tremors 4: The Legend Begins.

Low-budget cheese prequel that doesn't disappoint.  In fact, it totally holds up.

Big guns, beans, one-liners, CAKE, Brooks saddles, slack chains *and* belts, steam engines, more beans and badly-timed tea.  I'm convinced a YACFer had their hand in the script.

Beans, tea, CAKE, one liners, big guns........... sounds like the sort of breakfast we _should_ have been enjoying tomorrow in Banbury...... those survivors that were not being treated for frostbite & hypothermia...... ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 March, 2013, 08:22:44 am
Let me get this right - 6 blokes with Hechler & Coch autos on rapid fire miss Bond with every shot, and he then picks them off one by one with his Walther

See my earlier comments on Midnight Run. I find myself increasingly annoyed by this kind of thing in Hollywood movies. Yes, I know it's only meant to be stupid entertainment, but ffs!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 March, 2013, 08:25:38 am
Now that's how I like my feelgood movies - a cause worth fighting for, pantomime baddies and some classic Barbara Castle moments.

Makes me wish Barbara Castle was a character in more films. Played by Miranda Richardson, of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 23 March, 2013, 10:38:18 am
Let me get this right - 6 blokes with Hechler & Coch autos on rapid fire miss Bond with every shot, and he then picks them off one by one with his Walther

See my earlier comments on Midnight Run. I find myself increasingly annoyed by this kind of thing in Hollywood movies. Yes, I know it's only meant to be stupid entertainment, but ffs!

Your problems are that you care what a 'Hechler & Coch' and 'Walther' is.  Worse still you can identify them and apparently know their qualities!  That's worrying :o.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 March, 2013, 02:36:26 pm
No, you're confusing me with Littlesox. I only know enough about guns to know that six trained men armed with automatic weapons will have much better odds of hitting their target than a lone gunman armed with a small pistol.

Perhaps my problem is that I've been on the firing range a few times, so I know how hard it is to hit a stationary target from 50yds with a powerful rifle with decent sights, even when you're not being shot at yourself and have all the time you want to take aim.

I don't expect realism from Hollywood but I don't like being treated like an imbecile either.

d.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 23 March, 2013, 02:42:20 pm
Let me get this right - 6 blokes with Hechler & Coch autos on rapid fire miss Bond with every shot, and he then picks them off one by one with his Walther

See my earlier comments on Midnight Run. I find myself increasingly annoyed by this kind of thing in Hollywood movies. Yes, I know it's only meant to be stupid entertainment, but ffs!

Your problems are that you care what a 'Hechler & Coch' and 'Walther' is.  Worse still you can identify them and apparently know their qualities!  That's worrying :o.



I hate to be the bangstick pedant here, but it is Heckler & Koch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 March, 2013, 03:12:20 pm
Let me get this right - 6 blokes with Hechler & Coch autos on rapid fire miss Bond with every shot, and he then picks them off one by one with his Walther

See my earlier comments on Midnight Run. I find myself increasingly annoyed by this kind of thing in Hollywood movies. Yes, I know it's only meant to be stupid entertainment, but ffs!

Your problems are that you care what a 'Hechler & Coch' and 'Walther' is.  Worse still you can identify them and apparently know their qualities!  That's worrying :o.



I hate to be the bangstick pedant here, but it is Heckler & Koch.
I thought he was carrying a Glock
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 23 March, 2013, 03:23:22 pm
I can't comment on the specifics in the film, I just knew that company name.

However, depressingly, there is an Internet Movie Firearms Database, with an entry for Skyfall (http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Skyfal)

Seems that, while Bond has his usual Walther PPK/S, he does use someone else's Glock 17 at some point
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 March, 2013, 03:32:38 pm
I hate to be the bangstick pedant here, but it is Heckler & Koch.

I was pretending I didn't know that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dinamo on 23 March, 2013, 09:39:05 pm
Monsters

Recorded last night on Film4 just watched it.
A SciFi adventure on a journey through alien infested Mexico, by Gareth Edwards.

IMO ......... Brilliant   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 March, 2013, 11:05:12 pm
That Hitchikers Guide To The Galaxy film (currently in iPlayer).  I didn't think much of it the first time round, but it's all in the visual details rather than the characters, and as such it grows on you with a second viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 24 March, 2013, 03:45:37 pm
We watched Prometheus last night. Looked beautiful, great cast but there were so many plot-holes that it made it quite 2-Dimensional and clunky. It actually started to pick up around 20 minutes before the end. I don't think it was all that bad, but it was frustrating that there was real promise to this film and that it was wasted  :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 March, 2013, 06:34:07 pm
Winter's Bone. Jennifer Lawrence was excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 25 March, 2013, 07:38:40 am
Ted. 

Couple of laugh out moments, couple of wry smiles.  Which for a modern comedy is a pretty good payback, even if it is filled with film cliches and tropes.  With added Sam Jones (if you don't know who Sam Jones is, then shame on you).

Pity the bear is voiced by Seth McFarlane.  He should be committed for crimes against humanity for his TV "comedy" Family Guy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 25 March, 2013, 08:03:51 am
Pity the bear is voiced by Seth McFarlane.  He should be committed for crimes against humanity for his TV "comedy" Family Guy.

The whole film is a Seth McFarlane production.

FWIW I find there are two types of people in this world, those that get Family Guy and those that don't.  Same with American Dad and Robot Chicken.  I get Family Guy and Robot Chicken, but can't stand American Dad.

Last night watch RED, again.  I love that film for what it is, just pure, stupid, unadultarated trash.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 March, 2013, 08:29:05 am
With added Sam Jones (if you don't know who Sam Jones is, then shame on you).

Gordon's alive!

I would say I "get" Family Guy but I find it cringe-inducingly unfunny. Ted is just another incarnation of the Stewie character, isn't he? Doesn't appeal.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 25 March, 2013, 08:34:56 am
Godfather part 1.

Well, two thirds of it at least. Sailed through the wedding, shooting of Don Corlione, Lucca Bravo Foxtrot Delta swimming with fishes, Michael shooting the police captain and Taggliatelle, Michael on holiday in Sicily and marrying a girl, then it all got far too much for me: "Look your tired, go to bed, there's another hour and half still to go!!!"

Still thoroughly enjoyed it, for the umpteenth time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 25 March, 2013, 09:09:22 am
With added Sam Jones (if you don't know who Sam Jones is, then shame on you).

Gordon's alive!

I would say I "get" Family Guy but I find it cringe-inducingly unfunny. Ted is just another incarnation of the Stewie character, isn't he? Doesn't appeal.

More like Peter crossed with Brian.

I also don't get American Guy (even more so than Family Guy).  That humanity splits into two on whether they get it or not, makes me hopeful that maybe mankind does have a future after all.

Robot Chicken is amusing though.  At least the few episodes I've watched (mainly the SW ones) and the clips on youtube.  It's funny in the same way that (warning - videogame reference) the radio stations and TV shows within Grand Theft Auto 3/4 are funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 25 March, 2013, 10:59:18 am
Just watched Skyfall on DVD.

Let me get this right - 6 blokes with Hechler & Coch autos on rapid fire miss Bond with every shot, and he then picks them off one by one with his Walther

Errr..yes...he's James Bond. 

What was it about the previous 20 or so Bond films that made you think he'd get shot and die, or miss the baddies, in this one?

Normally he has a futuristic magnetic watch that makes it easier to unzip a woman's dress then using traditional fingers.  Come to think of it, he's been amazingly lucky over the years, that his predicaments have precisely matched the gadgets he has been supplied with.

Micro SCUBA-Pen?  "Crikey..this will be handy if I fall into a pool of sharks...."

Circular Saw Watch? "Let's hope I get tied up in the precise way so I can use it to cut the ropes"

He rarely gets trapped in a pool of sharks with a pair of shoes that turn into binoculars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 25 March, 2013, 11:24:22 am
Although if he did, no doubt there would be a comedy moment when the shot from the perspective of being viewed through the binoculaurs suggesting a large shark was revealed to be a tiddler.  Mind you, the days of light Bond, a la Roger "Eyebrow" Moore are long gone.  It's all so fracking serious now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 March, 2013, 12:34:05 pm
Just watched Skyfall on DVD.

Let me get this right - 6 blokes with Hechler & Coch autos on rapid fire miss Bond with every shot, and he then picks them off one by one with his Walther

Errr..yes...he's James Bond. 

What was it about the previous 20 or so Bond films that made you think he'd get shot and die, or miss the baddies, in this one?

Normally he has a futuristic magnetic watch that makes it easier to unzip a woman's dress then using traditional fingers.  Come to think of it, he's been amazingly lucky over the years, that his predicaments have precisely matched the gadgets he has been supplied with.

Micro SCUBA-Pen?  "Crikey..this will be handy if I fall into a pool of sharks...."

Circular Saw Watch? "Let's hope I get tied up in the precise way so I can use it to cut the ropes"

He rarely gets trapped in a pool of sharks with a pair of shoes that turn into binoculars.

Ah! But he does. You just don't realise it.

At the beginning of filming, the Bond character and the Q character do the whole "Well Bond, what you have there is a compressed CO2 boosted, laser sighted right threaded lousepoodle. Turn that so, slide this thus and press the red button marked "Do Not press"- try not to break it" with gazillions of gadgets. The production crew then wait to see what peril Bond gets himself into and what he uses to get out of it. They then leave the bits of film about unsuded gadgets on the cutting room floor.

As for the shooting thing- You all fail to realise that Bond is an Officer and a Gentleman, a BRITISH Officer and a Gentleman. He is therefore, naturaly a far better shot than all those foreign oiks shooting in his general direction.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 March, 2013, 12:35:49 pm
Last night watch RED, again.  I love that film for what it is, just pure, stupid, unadultarated trash.

Not seen it before but hey, that was a laugh. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 25 March, 2013, 06:17:05 pm
Kill List.

a very enexpected ending
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ran doner on 25 March, 2013, 08:15:07 pm
Kill List.

a very enexpected ending

+1 to the ending. I notice it won Empire magazine's horror film of the year the other day. Not sure how good that is mind ? 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 30 March, 2013, 12:29:53 pm
Last night watch RED, again.  I love that film for what it is, just pure, stupid, unadultarated trash.

RED suits my choice in films perfectly, utterly stupid escapism.  Perfect. :)

FWIW I find there are two types of people in this world, those that get Family Guy and those that don't.  Same with American Dad and Robot Chicken.  I get Family Guy and Robot Chicken, but can't stand American Dad.

I quite like Family Guy and American Dad, so long as they don't get moralistic, which is fairly rare with both of those, but a common failing of American productions.  I've never seen Robot Chicken, so can't comment on that.


Rise of the Guardians.

Quite fun, although a little bit too much child appeal in places (but heah, it is a kid's film).  The 3D worked OK in places, although it had less necessity than in many other films.

I did particularly like the Australian Easter Bunny with his boomerangs. :thumbsup:

"I hope you like carrots". ;D

The other side-kicks, the fairies, elves, stone eggs, and sasquatches were also quite amusing, especially the elves and sasquatchi, although they all seem to be single gendered (excepting the eggs which don't really have a gender, conceptually or visibly).  Possibly the sasquatch are male and female, and like Pratchett's dwarves, it's difficult to tell which is which!  You kind of wonder how they all reproduce though!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 March, 2013, 12:50:49 pm
"Tess", for the first time in years.  Leaving aside the question of whether Roman Polanski was knobbing the star, it's a pretty much perfect adaptation of the book.  As you get older you appreciate that Angel is in fact the villain - he's prudish, hypocritical, inept and apparently cops off with Tess's younger sister at the end of the book - and Alec, although a pantomime cad, is not bad through and through.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 30 March, 2013, 02:35:21 pm
Kill List.

a very enexpected ending

+1 to the ending. I notice it won Empire magazine's horror film of the year the other day. Not sure how good that is mind ?

‘Kill List’ won that in 2012, it was ‘Woman in Black’ this year.

However, ‘Sightseers’, another very dark film from Ben Wheatley won Best British Film this year
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 March, 2013, 11:39:48 pm
Skyfall 2

It was much better than the first one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 31 March, 2013, 04:37:07 pm
Skyfall

The best bit was the appearance of the iconic DB5 & the proper Bond theme over the end credits.

The rest left me wondering what all the fuss was about
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 31 March, 2013, 05:18:19 pm
No, you're confusing me with Littlesox. I only know enough about guns to know that six trained men armed with automatic weapons will have much better odds of hitting their target than a lone gunman armed with a small pistol.

Perhaps my problem is that I've been on the firing range a few times, so I know how hard it is to hit a stationary target from 50yds with a powerful rifle with decent sights, even when you're not being shot at yourself and have all the time you want to take aim.

I don't expect realism from Hollywood but I don't like being treated like an imbecile either.

d.
The books make it clear that Mr Bond is the best shot in the service. The henchmen are obviously not.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 31 March, 2013, 05:27:24 pm
Apollo 13.  Ed Harris is very good.  Everyone else just seems to play themselves, especially Tom Hanks who is the same in every movie.  Except Forrest Gump where he affects a different accent.

I like the fat nerds at Mission Control and the chain smoking.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 31 March, 2013, 05:48:27 pm
Source Code

Been meaning to see this for ages and glad I finally go round to it. Fantastic. Loved it. Trying not to think too hard about it now though, because I'll only expose the flaws and spoil my enjoyment...

(click to show/hide)

This has made made want to watch it again.

Most recently, we watched District 9. It was rather different, and very good indeed.

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 31 March, 2013, 06:27:24 pm
Oranges and Sunshine. Very moving.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rhys W on 31 March, 2013, 08:28:16 pm
I didn't watch either of them completely, but Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Uncle Buck were on last night. John Hughes 80s middle class American family feel good nostalgia overkill!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 31 March, 2013, 08:32:52 pm
Nowt wrong with oodles of John Candy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 01 April, 2013, 09:06:19 am
End of Watch

Good reviews but decidedly rubbish. The hand-held home video style is completely tedious and not at all clever after the first few minutes, also does not work when there's no-one else in the scene to supposedly hold the camera. The introduction/character development took three quarters of the film, and the storyline was all over the place. Good acting but ultimately a waste of time.

Looper

Silly, predictable, but enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 April, 2013, 09:22:50 am
Because it was £2 for two films at the s/h DVD shop:

American Pie presents: Band Camp

One of the straight-to-DVD spinoffs.  Not much plot but I've seen worse.  The Chinese kid who thinks he's a gangsta rapper is quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 April, 2013, 12:31:16 pm

I like the fat nerds at Mission Control and the chain smoking.

"You Sir are a steely-eyed missileman"   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 April, 2013, 12:49:18 pm
End of Watch

Good reviews but decidedly rubbish. The hand-held home video style is completely tedious and not at all clever after the first few minutes, also does not work when there's no-one else in the scene to supposedly hold the camera. The introduction/character development took three quarters of the film, and the storyline was all over the place. Good acting but ultimately a waste of time.

Looper

Silly, predictable, but enjoyable.

I was kind of the other way round, I disliked the had-held camera style which added nothing and made the film less enjoyable.  I did enjoy it overall though and thought it was refeshing to have a cop film which had cops not being bad guys/other side of the coin from criminals.*  I liked the just riding around and gernally bullshitting each other day to day stuff.  I'm wondering what Fuzzy would make of it?

Looper I enjoyed up until it turned into Carrie - was quite enjoying the time travel film, despite the expanding plot holes and paradoxes so the latter part of the film didn't work for me.  I might enjoy it more the second time around.










*I don't mind that as a plot but good to see the other side too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 April, 2013, 04:03:43 pm
Son Of Rambow

Surreal 80s nostalgia comedy in the same vein as Moone Boy.  Automatically hilarious to anyone on the Gen X/Y borderline, especially if you ever made a bad action film[1] with bunch of 11 year olds and borrowed video equipment.


[1] While our stunts weren't in the same league, our sound[2] and special effects[3] were better, but continuity suffered from the director/lead actor re-writing the script between takes for different camera angles.
[2] A utility on an Amiga Format coverdisk allowed us to rip all the machine gun and explosion noises from computer games and cue them up during editing.
[3] We had ketchup in *squeezable* bottles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 01 April, 2013, 04:23:24 pm
Up. Disney/Pixar do infertility and death poignantly in the first 11 minutes, then it's standard fare.

Restless Natives. One of those understated 80s, Scottish comedies. They did them so well, so why did they stop? Big Country soundtrack as an added bonus.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 April, 2013, 05:05:54 pm
I've said it before, but Up would have worked best as a short, finishing as the house lifts off from the construction site.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 01 April, 2013, 07:19:44 pm
Son Of Rambow
That's a brilliant film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 01 April, 2013, 09:25:11 pm
The Raid

Little plot, and what little there is tends to be variously cliched or confused, but fupp me if it didn't have the most kickass kick ass sequences I've seen for a fair while.  Such kinetic, brutal fight choreography, it had me agog in places.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 01 April, 2013, 10:27:49 pm
How I spent my summer vacation/Get the gringo

Kind of the unofficial sequel to Payback. If you liked Payback, and you aren't too bothered about/have forgiven Mel Gibsons various personal problems/views it's quite an entertaining film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 April, 2013, 07:40:32 am
American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile.

The first 20 minutes are very funny indeed, although utterly depraved.  After that it descends into a second-rate frat house comedy where the USP is that the rival frat house is composed of highly aggressive and intelligent dwarfs (plus one village idiot of normal height who only got in by being related to the chief dwarf).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 02 April, 2013, 12:56:55 pm
This weekend we enjoyed In Bruges after seeing the recommendations on here, so thanks for those. I was expecting Jeremy Hardy to turn up after the phonecalls from Harry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 April, 2013, 09:06:34 am
End of Watch

Good reviews but decidedly rubbish. The hand-held home video style is completely tedious and not at all clever after the first few minutes, also does not work when there's no-one else in the scene to supposedly hold the camera. The introduction/character development took three quarters of the film, and the storyline was all over the place. Good acting but ultimately a waste of time.

Looper

Silly, predictable, but enjoyable.

I was kind of the other way round, I disliked the had-held camera style which added nothing and made the film less enjoyable.  I did enjoy it overall though and thought it was refeshing to have a cop film which had cops not being bad guys/other side of the coin from criminals.*  I liked the just riding around and gernally bullshitting each other day to day stuff.  I'm wondering what Fuzzy would make of it?


It is on my list of films to watch.

Due to the location (LA?) I was wondering if it had overtones of 'The Shield'* for the Big Screen?

*For those who have not discovered/ seen it, The Shield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shield) is a TV series that I am very happy to recommend.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 April, 2013, 10:46:33 am
"White Mischief".  Worthless moneyed shits faffing around in Kenya in 1940 while the rest of the Empire was dodging metal delivered by the absolutely-not-gentlemen of the Third Reich.  Gregor Fisher is unrecognisable without his string vest (though his hat does appear to have a bandage round it).  And Greta Scacchi displays her usual aversion to clothes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 April, 2013, 11:30:16 am
End of Watch

Good reviews but decidedly rubbish. The hand-held home video style is completely tedious and not at all clever after the first few minutes, also does not work when there's no-one else in the scene to supposedly hold the camera. The introduction/character development took three quarters of the film, and the storyline was all over the place. Good acting but ultimately a waste of time.

Looper

Silly, predictable, but enjoyable.

I was kind of the other way round, I disliked the had-held camera style which added nothing and made the film less enjoyable.  I did enjoy it overall though and thought it was refeshing to have a cop film which had cops not being bad guys/other side of the coin from criminals.*  I liked the just riding around and gernally bullshitting each other day to day stuff.  I'm wondering what Fuzzy would make of it?


It is on my list of films to watch.

Due to the location (LA?) I was wondering if it had overtones of 'The Shield'* for the Big Screen?

*For those who have not discovered/ seen it, The Shield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shield) is a TV series that I am very happy to recommend.

'Rampart' had more in common with 'The Shield' - very loosely based around some of the same issues (i.e. the Rampart squads, police brutality) but it's not a very enjoyable film in my view.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 04 April, 2013, 04:34:08 pm
Armageddon. Apparently not having seen it was a huge hole in my cultural knowledge and a lack that I would forever feel until rectified.

Doubtless Wowbagger & barakta are the only other forumites who haven't seen it, so any review is superfluous.

When it came out, in 1998, I was busy producing No2Daughter. All the actors look the same now as they did then- No2Daughter does not, and neither do I.

aside: I didn't believe that the Aerosmith song was written for the movie but Wikipedia tells me it was nominated for best original song, so I was clearly wrong. It won't be the last time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 04 April, 2013, 04:42:15 pm
"White Mischief".  Gregor Fisher is unrecognisable without his string vest (though his hat does appear to have a bandage round it).
Wait till you see him as the Bernard Cribbins character in the remake of The Railway Children! I was expecting him to have a bottle of Buckie secreted in every fire bucket.

And Greta Scacchi displays her usual aversion to clothes.
You say that like it's a bad thing ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 05 April, 2013, 12:39:19 pm
The House of Sand and Fog.

Not as good as the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 05 April, 2013, 05:13:35 pm
No Country for Old Men. Gripping throughout, though almost unwatchably violent in parts. I last saw it on a tiny screen on a flight, so it was good to see it on a bigger screen. Javier Bardem was a plausible, murderous psychopath. Tommy Lee Jones was a good sheriff. Superb cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 05 April, 2013, 05:20:51 pm
'Trance', Danny Boyle's latest offering - fair enough modern Film Noir but will probably lose a lot on a small screen and second viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 05 April, 2013, 11:33:57 pm
Arbitrage.

Richard Gere as a second-rate George Clooney in a second-rate Michael Clayton. But without wonderful Tilda Swinton.

The girl out of Another Earth was in it though and I really like her.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 06 April, 2013, 10:34:47 am
Armageddon. Apparently not having seen it was a huge hole in my cultural knowledge and a lack that I would forever feel until rectified.

Doubtless Wowbagger & barakta are the only other forumites who haven't seen it, so any review is superfluous.

When it came out, in 1998, I was busy producing No2Daughter. All the actors look the same now as they did then- No2Daughter does not, and neither do I.

aside: I didn't believe that the Aerosmith song was written for the movie but Wikipedia tells me it was nominated for best original song, so I was clearly wrong. It won't be the last time.

Steve Buscemi - was good value, as always. 

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 April, 2013, 05:34:17 pm
Armageddon. Apparently not having seen it was a huge hole in my cultural knowledge and a lack that I would forever feel until rectified.

Doubtless Wowbagger & barakta are the only other forumites who haven't seen it, so any review is superfluous.

Just checked, she hasn't.  Which is odd, given the number of times she's seen Deep Impact (the more cerebral, hobbity asteroid film of 1998).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 06 April, 2013, 06:10:11 pm
The Hunger Games.  Nobody looked hungry.  ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 06 April, 2013, 09:01:48 pm
Really?  Hollywood females usually look like they lost the key to the pie cupboard.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 06 April, 2013, 09:56:01 pm
I haven't seen Armageddon, ftr.

I'm not rushing to plug that gap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 April, 2013, 06:25:33 am
I haven't seen Armageddon, ftr.

I'm not rushing to plug that gap.

It's kind of Con Air meets Deep Impact and is fun if you're in the right mood.  Both Armageddon & Deep Impact have their flaws but the latter is better written and has Morgan Freeman as President  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 07 April, 2013, 07:45:14 am
Holy Motors.

Holy moly, what the hell have I just watched? I can't even begin to process this one.

I was intrigued so I looked it up. Ah... Leos Carax. That would explain your reaction.

d.

We saw it last night. Can't improve on Hillblly's synopsis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 07 April, 2013, 08:50:12 am
I haven't seen Armageddon, ftr.

I'm not rushing to plug that gap.
I think I recommend it. It's outrageous  USA loving tosh. The yanks save the world, there's bombs and stupid soldiers and heroes in boiler suits. It's crap, but in a fun way. Your disbelief isn't suspended for a nano second, but it's silly macho fiction.
I don't think I'd enjoy Deep Impact. Cerebral? In a disaster movie? What's the point of that?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 April, 2013, 08:59:31 am
I haven't seen Armageddon, ftr.

I'm not rushing to plug that gap.
I think I recommend it. It's outrageous  USA loving tosh. The yanks save the world, there's bombs and stupid soldiers and heroes in boiler suits. It's crap, but in a fun way. Your disbelief isn't suspended for a nano second, but it's silly macho fiction.
I don't think I'd enjoy Deep Impact. Cerebral? In a disaster movie? What's the point of that?

Nah, it's a good mixture I reckon, it plays pretty well the first time around, when you're really not sure how it's going to end.  It's got Robert Duvall in it too  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 07 April, 2013, 09:47:01 am
Why waste your time watching Armageddon or deep impact, when 2012 surpasses all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 April, 2013, 10:05:12 am
Why waste your time watching Armageddon or deep impact, when 2012 surpasses all.
In the amusing nonsense stakes?  Let's be honest, it's The Day After Tomorrow with geology rather than climate change.  Still, according to Wikipedia:

Quote
Emmerich has announced that the film will be his last involving disasters

Thanks $DEITY for that.  Stargate was quite original.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 07 April, 2013, 11:38:39 am
Really?  Hollywood females usually look like they lost the key to the pie cupboard.

Well, there isn't a single fat person (that much credit to the casting team).  But the starving peons are just badly dressed, which is Hollywood Deprivation.  "We're so hungry we ate the colour from our clothes!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 07 April, 2013, 01:02:03 pm
You've forgotten to mention 'Knowing'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 April, 2013, 05:58:23 am
Peggy Sue Got Married - came out the year after Back to the Future and was a different take on the 'back to the 50s' movie.

Quite enjoyed it overall but the ending was a bit weak.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 April, 2013, 07:44:22 am
Bridesmaids. Not as good as everyone seems to think it is, but not terrible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 April, 2013, 10:07:51 am
I haven't seen Armageddon, ftr.

I'm not rushing to plug that gap.
I think I recommend it. It's outrageous  USA loving tosh. The yanks save the world, there's bombs and stupid soldiers and heroes in boiler suits. It's crap, but in a fun way. Your disbelief isn't suspended for a nano second, but it's silly macho fiction.
I don't think I'd enjoy Deep Impact. Cerebral? In a disaster movie? What's the point of that?

Nah, it's a good mixture I reckon, it plays pretty well the first time around, when you're really not sure how it's going to end.  It's got Robert Duvall in it too  :thumbsup:

Deep Impact-

Frodo Baggins onna motorbike.

President Morgan Freeman.

Robert Duval and friends
(click to show/hide)
.

Was an OK film. I still watch bits of it when channel hopping.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 08 April, 2013, 10:12:31 am
New jack City. I saw this in '91 at the cinema. At the time it felt really gritty and hard-hitting. Watching it again all these years later it felt about as hard-hitting as Fresh Prince.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 08 April, 2013, 10:13:46 am
Bridesmaids. Not as good as everyone seems to think it is, but not terrible.

I enjoyed it. Has one of the funniest uses of the word 'cunt' in film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 08 April, 2013, 10:58:45 pm
White Chicks.

Not my choice. Bloody awful. Still, I got some ironing done
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 08 April, 2013, 11:52:36 pm
White chicks. Worth it just to watch Terry Crews sing Thousand Miles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tibpUpXsK04
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 09 April, 2013, 12:35:18 pm
That was the bit I admitted was funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 09 April, 2013, 12:51:07 pm
I thought John Woo had made some decent movies. Paycheck is not one of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 April, 2013, 01:17:15 am
I thought John Woo had made some decent movies. Paycheck is not one of them.

John Woo hasn't made any decent movies since leaving Hong Kong and even those movies relied heavily on Chow Yun-Fat.
That series is probably still worth watching, though (Michael Bay clearly got his main inspiration from those):
The Killer
A Better Tomorrow
Hardboiled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 11 April, 2013, 03:11:07 am
On the bus with wings last weekend:
Quartet - Old British act-ors plus Billy Connoly playing an old codger who is a bit durty. Faintly amusing.
I Give It A Year - Made in Britain rom-com. Pretty shit, though the love interest was quite dishy.
Cloud Atlas - turns out I've read rather more of the book than I thought I had. Quite good, but long. OTOH it's not like I was doing anything else.
I also watched something else but it escapes me entirely, so it must have been rly good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 11 April, 2013, 10:47:14 am
Juno (http://www.imdb.co.uk/title/tt0467406/) - a very refreshing, intelligent and amusing film. Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 April, 2013, 11:13:16 am
Son Of Rambow

Surreal 80s nostalgia comedy in the same vein as Moone Boy.  Automatically hilarious to anyone on the Gen X/Y borderline, especially if you ever made a bad action film[1] with bunch of 11 year olds and borrowed video equipment.

Ho yuss! We actually did an A-Team spoof for a school project. I absolutely loved Son Of Rambow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 April, 2013, 11:17:41 am
Finally got round to seeing Taken at the weekend when it was on telly. In line with my previous comments on the flaws of modern Hollywood action films, I was expecting to hate it...

I abso-frickin-lutely loved it. Brilliant. Just brilliant. That is how to make an action movie. And given that the bad guys were such appalling scum, it didn't even send my moral compass spinning too much when he started bumping them off messily and in great numbers.

Just one question though...

WHO'S DRIVING THE BOAT?

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Biggsy on 11 April, 2013, 12:10:53 pm
On BBC4 recently:

Oil City Confidential.  Julian Temple's rockumentary on Dr Feelgood.  Introduced me to the greatness of their live music (I was too young to appreciate them first time around), and Wilko is such an irresistible character.  He now has terminal cancer. :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLTknW-79tM
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Marco Stefano on 11 April, 2013, 09:13:53 pm
Just now on Film 4, 'The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec'.

More weird French film making, including Egyptian mummies, strange powers, Le President, a pterodactyl (of course) & bizarre coma-inducing tennis accidents (no, really). Like Indiana Jones on acid in French, but with rather better jokes & conceits.

Even more weird, Adele's twin sister (you know, the one in the coma following the bizarre tennis accident) bore more than a passing resemblance to Mme Charlotte OTP.  Spooky.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 11 April, 2013, 09:19:58 pm
The Sound Of Music.

Thought it might cheer me up. It hasn't. Still good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 April, 2013, 08:26:51 am
Oblivion

Straightforward sci-fi. Enjoyable, as long as you ignore the fact that the leading man is Tom Cruise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 April, 2013, 06:17:14 am
Oblivion

Straightforward sci-fi. Enjoyable, as long as you ignore the fact that the leading man is Tom Cruise.

I saw it yesterday and really quite liked it.  I think I would have enjoyed it an awful lot more if I was in my early teens and hadn't already seen a lot of the films it was riffing off (or read a lot of SF) but I went in with low expectations and came out pleasantly surprised.  The plot is probably too spoilery to discuss and you'll see the story twists, reveals and dialogue coming from a light year away but it was enjoyable despite that.

Felt a bit long but possibly because the latter part of the film wasn't as well structured as the early part  - which was pretty tight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 14 April, 2013, 10:08:04 am
At a teen nephew's insistence we rented a film from ITunes last night.

Arachnoquake. Sweet jeebus, it was bad. Like an exercise in how to act badly, use CGI from 1985 (it was only made last year), and write a lousy script! Lots of giant spider about to eat person who is holding a shotgun, so person stands still and stares as spider jumps on them… or big hole in ground where spiders live, so let's go down the hole… or we're safe if we all stick together with guns, so let's all run off in different directions into the spider infested woods...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 14 April, 2013, 10:14:26 am
Just now on Film 4, 'The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec'.

More weird French film making...

We've watched a lot of films recommended in this thread, and saw The Extraordinary Adventures last night. Not disappointed, very enjoyable. However, having watched Holy Motors last week, it did prompt the comment "Are all French films completely crazy?"

Still unsure whether to order Quantum Apocalypse, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 14 April, 2013, 10:18:52 am
Last night was movie night here, so we watched "Wreck It Ralph" whilst eating hotdogs.

It is fun, I love the references to old arcade games and the subtle humour.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 14 April, 2013, 10:55:39 am
A French Film - Adieu Berthe, or Granny's Funeral. Silly French comedy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 14 April, 2013, 12:00:52 pm
.. Even more weird, Adele's twin sister (you know, the one in the coma following the bizarre tennis accident) bore more than a passing resemblance to Mme Charlotte OTP.  Spooky.

Hmm, that didn't occur to me when I watched it, but I must dig out the Bluray and have a check.

... and saw The Extraordinary Adventures last night. Not disappointed, very enjoyable. However, having watched Holy Motors last week, it did prompt the comment "Are all French films completely crazy?"

That seems a reasonable judgement, albeit probably based on just the small cross section that are popular outside of the French borders.

Still, crazy is good, I like crazy films. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 14 April, 2013, 05:38:12 pm
Oblivion

Straightforward sci-fi. Enjoyable, as long as you ignore the fact that the leading man is Tom Cruise.

Mrs Sox and have a pact. We don't like Tom Cruise.

But we have at times both enjoyed some his films (Few Good Men, War of the Worlds and some other that escapes me set in the future when he a policeman with ESP trying to prevent a crime from happening)
As for Eyes Wide Shut, Vanilla Sky and Days of Thunder, absoloute tosh.

(Well some of them - forget Eyes Wide Shut, Vanilla Sky
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 April, 2013, 05:46:56 am
Wargames (yet again) since we seem to be back in the 80s.

Either I'm an unreliable judge due to how long I have had a relationship with the film or it has aged really well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 15 April, 2013, 07:03:14 am
The Hunter

Thoughtful Australian film starring Willem Defoe about a hunter for hire dropped into a family whilst he attempts to track down the tasmanian devil.  Lushly filmed, well acted and an absorbing story.  Two thumbs fresh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 April, 2013, 01:02:08 pm
Wargames (yet again) since we seem to be back in the 80s.

Either I'm an unreliable judge due to how long I have had a relationship with the film or it has aged really well.

I saw it when it was on TV some time last year, for the first time in a very long time, and had exactly the same reaction. It's just a very well made film. And Matthew Broderick is great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 15 April, 2013, 01:38:45 pm
... and some other that escapes me set in the future when he a policeman with ESP trying to prevent a crime from happening ...

I believe you mean Minority Report (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minority_Report_%28film%29), one of the various films based on a Philip K Dick story (in this case a short story (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Minority_Report)).  I was tolerant of Tom Cruise in this, unlike in the Mission Impossible films, which don't live up to the original TV series.


The Hobbit, in 3D (of course!) which I quite liked.  I felt that the Lord of the Rings tried to pack too much into the three films, whereas The Hobbit seemed more reasonably paced, even though others have criticised it for being too long.  It's the first film on Bluray that I've bought, where it's split over two discs.

I loved the trolls and the goblin king, very humorously done. :thumbsup: ;D

Definitely looking forward to the next two films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 15 April, 2013, 11:39:23 pm
Oblivion. Enjoyed it.

Does feature the worlds most pathetic motorbike too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 April, 2013, 10:13:27 am
Scanners - good to see it again but not as great as I remembered.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 April, 2013, 11:01:36 pm
Seven Psychopaths - way more fun than the mixed reviews had led me to believe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 April, 2013, 10:58:29 am
Oblivion. I quite enjoyed it too. Indeed the plot is telegraphed way ahead, but the twists are handled deftly and how they're going to handle them keeps up the interest. I'd agree too long though, the second half did seem to occasionally stop to regard its footwear rather than run apace like a first half.

Cool swimming pool too. Want one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: martint235 on 17 April, 2013, 11:47:26 am
Cabin in the Woods. I was expecting it to be the standard "5 teenagers go to stay in a cabin and end up dying horribly" but it has a different slant on it which I quite liked. Got silly but I don't find anything wrong with a bit of silliness in a film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 17 April, 2013, 03:41:51 pm
Oblivion.


Y'know, it's starting to seem like Oblivion is a bit of a surprise success.  Everyone I chatted to about it a few weeks ago was a bit 'meh' about going to see it, but I'm another one who quite enjoyed it.  I think we're all getting old.  Or maybe that last year's Promethean bollock-drop corrected my expectations!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 April, 2013, 04:12:46 pm
It's almost the opposite of Prometheus. Simplish story. Clean, simple sets. Some emotional engagement with the characters, with limited use of throwaway characters who are just there to be slaughtered.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 17 April, 2013, 04:30:42 pm
… a bit like any never-before-seen-character-on-Star-Trek visiting the surface of a planet with Captain Kirk, et al.

What could possibly go wrong for them I wonder?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 April, 2013, 07:17:52 pm
It's almost the opposite of Prometheus. Simplish story. Clean, simple sets. Some emotional engagement with the characters, with limited use of throwaway characters who are just there to be slaughtered.

Not to mention characters lacking the PhD in stupid where they're one minute scared of a dark corridor and the next offering a not-exactly-cuddly alien a chin tickle like it's some kind of space kitten.

I think someone accurately retitled Prometheus as Idiots in Space.

As a bonus, I got the IMAXed trailer for Pacific Rim. Heh, giant robot punching a giant monster right in the chops. Bring. It. On.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 17 April, 2013, 07:55:15 pm
Rocket punch, no less.  :)

Last night was The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford.  Languid pace, stonkingly creepy performance by Casey Affleck as Ford, lovely soundtrack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 19 April, 2013, 09:29:30 pm
Yay!

My favouritist fillum is on now.

Airplane!

Best fillum evva!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pancho on 19 April, 2013, 09:59:03 pm
We Need to Talk About Kevin

Sorry, but that is a really, really duff film. I cannot understand how it received the praise it did. It was pedestrian to watch yet failed entirely to even try do anything but tell a very boring story. And yet the subject matter had the potential to be thought provoking, interesting and challenging.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 April, 2013, 10:35:38 pm
Oh. I thought it was an incredibly powerful film that said a lot about what it's like to be a mother in that situation. (YMMV, of course.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 21 April, 2013, 10:18:50 pm
The Karate Kid (2010 Jackie Chan Jaden Smith). I wasn't expecting much, it's a remake of a cheesy 80s 'classic' after all, but this was vastly superior to the original. Better setting, better cast, better acting, better direction. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 22 April, 2013, 05:19:38 am
Resident Evil Retribution

I wouldn't recommend it unless you are a fan of sticking your nose in freshly soiled pants and inhaling deeply.  I say this as a person who has enjoyed past entries in this low brow but at times fun series.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 22 April, 2013, 08:27:09 am
Olympus has Fallen. A friend described it as watching like someone play Call of Duty really badly.

It's a terrible and stupid film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 22 April, 2013, 07:12:58 pm
Resident Evil Retribution

I wouldn't recommend it unless you are a fan of sticking your nose in freshly soiled pants and inhaling deeply.  I say this as a person who has enjoyed past entries in this low brow but at times fun series.

Main problem is that Milla Jovovich isn't naked at any point in the movie.


(But yeah, I've enjoyed the series for what it was, but this one was really bad)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 23 April, 2013, 12:17:01 am
Captain America: The First Avenger

OK enough as a sort of half arsed super hero film.  It's not as good as it's sequel, Avengers Assemble, even with the traditional WW2 Nazi derived baddie, Red Skull, but it's not too bad a pulp fantasy "feel good" adventure.

It did have a great line from Tommy Lee Jones' Colonel Phillips to Captain America; "I'm not kissing you". ;D

I was amused that Doctor Who's Clara Oswald (Jenna-Louise Coleman) appears at the start, and the Dream Lord from "Amy's Choice" a couple of series ago, Toby Jones, also makes a slightly longer appearance as Dr Zola (it took me a while to work out that I'd seen him in that recently!)  I couldn't spot any other Doctor Who actors!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 23 April, 2013, 08:00:06 am
Resident Evil Retribution

I wouldn't recommend it unless you are a fan of sticking your nose in freshly soiled pants and inhaling deeply.  I say this as a person who has enjoyed past entries in this low brow but at times fun series.

Main problem is that Milla Jovovich isn't naked at any point in the movie.


(But yeah, I've enjoyed the series for what it was, but this one was really bad)

She was, kind of.  Two paper sheets preserving her modesty.

Another tragedy of this (and other recent zombie films) is that the fuckers can run fast.  Gone are the days of the shuffling zombie whose threat was weight of numbers, relentlessly closing in on your hideout.  Now it's all about fast edit shocks.  Come on Hollywood, we deserve to be treated like people with things zombies want to munch on between our ears.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 23 April, 2013, 08:13:02 am
Zombies. Don't. Run.
The films that have fast zombies are not zombie films, 28 Days/Weeks Later are not zombie films, they're disease films and the people are infected with the 'rage' virus, they are not dead. I Am Legend, again people infected with a virus, not dead.

And that is why the upcoming World War Z will be a steaming pile of...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 April, 2013, 11:13:28 am
I'll come out and say it. Zombies are shit and they should be expunged from the canon of horror movies and stories. A movie about zombies is about as exciting as dodging drunk tramps on Victoria Street. It's about time we faced up to the fact. Zombies are useless and Not Very Scary. Their main threat seems to be that there's so many of them you might get squashed. You could say the same of the crowd at a One Direction concert, yet unlike zombies, the audience there is genuinely scary. What you say? They bite. So do football players, who also do the moronic shambling thing. Scary? I don't think. Challenge them to a game of keepy-uppy and walk off. Job done.

Be gone zombies, let us speak of them no more.

(I'll make the following exception: I'd pay good money to watch Chuck Norris battle zombies with roundhouse kicks.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 23 April, 2013, 11:25:56 am
I'll come out and say it. Zombies are shit and they should be expunged from the canon of horror movies and stories. A movie about zombies is about as exciting as dodging drunk tramps on Victoria Street. It's about time we faced up to the fact. Zombies are useless and Not Very Scary. Their main threat seems to be that there's so many of them you might get squashed. You could say the same of the crowd at a One Direction concert, yet unlike zombies, the audience there is genuinely scary. What you say? They bite. So do football players, who also do the moronic shambling thing. Scary? I don't think. Challenge them to a game of keepy-uppy and walk off. Job done.

Be gone zombies, let us speak of them no more.

(I'll make the following exception: I'd pay good money to watch Chuck Norris battle zombies with roundhouse kicks.)

Zombies are terrifying. They are the embodiment of death that awaits us all. Implacable, relentless, unstoppable. They cannot be bargained with, pleaded with, or reasoned with. You cannot frighten them away, 'shock and awe' would be wasted on a zombie, or on a zombie horde. Modern firearms are almost useless against them, because there are more zombies than bullets, and no-one can manage a perfect headshot every time. Yet one scratch or bite from a zombie and you're dead, it's game over for you.
Zombies are the perfect horror fodder.

Vampires on the other hand are effete wankers easily dealt with by a water pistol of holy water.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 April, 2013, 11:55:56 am
Vampires on the other hand are effete wankers easily dealt with by a water pistol of holy water.

Doesn't work against Jewish vampires, thobut ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 23 April, 2013, 01:06:06 pm
Vampires on the other hand are effete wankers easily dealt with by a water pistol of holy water.

Doesn't work against Jewish vampires, thobut ;D

Presumably holy steam works though?  My grandpa, Herman, told me that gas is the best way to see off Jewish bloodsuckers.


*hangs head in shame - ticket to hell please etc*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 23 April, 2013, 01:29:41 pm
SpeciesCountryApproved method of disposal
SampiroAlbaniaStake through heart
NachtzehrerBavariaPlace coin in mouth, decapitate with axe
OgoljenBohemiaBury at crossroads
KrvoijacBulgariaChain to grave with wild roses
KathakanoCreteBoil head in vinegar
BrukulacoGreeceCut off and burn head
VampirHungaryStake through heart, nail through temple
Dearg-dulIrelandPile stones on grave
VryolakasMacedoniaPour boiling oil on, drive nail through navel
UpierPolandBury face downwards
GierachPrussiaPut poppy seeds in grave
StrigoiulRomaniaRemove heart, cut in two; garlic in mouth, nail in head
VlkoslakSerbiaCut off toes, drive nail through neck
NeuntoterSaxonyLemon in mouth
VampiroSpainNo known remedy

Keep a copy of this in your wallet.  When confronted with a suspected vampire, ask to see his passport (if it shows a birthdate in the eighteenth century, so much the better).  Cross reference the place of birth with the chart.  Wait until the daylight, when the vampire is dormant, and take him out with the suggested method.

Before starting this, or any other vampire eradication program, you should consult your doctor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 April, 2013, 02:07:16 pm
Love the list, Tim!

I'm particularly taken by the Bulgarian solution; wild roses are my favourite flower.

Does anyone here know what happens to a vampire if you cut off their head and burn the head?

I've been working on restoring an old axe (for woodwork, honest) and think it could have a secondary vampire-decapitating purpose:

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lP1HpcK-wXQ/UXQRGObsUhI/AAAAAAAAAv8/zWKN_V74ZwM/s395/IMAG0367.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 April, 2013, 02:29:54 pm
I'll come out and say it. Zombies are shit and they should be expunged from the canon of horror movies and stories. A movie about zombies is about as exciting as dodging drunk tramps on Victoria Street. It's about time we faced up to the fact. Zombies are useless and Not Very Scary. Their main threat seems to be that there's so many of them you might get squashed. You could say the same of the crowd at a One Direction concert, yet unlike zombies, the audience there is genuinely scary. What you say? They bite. So do football players, who also do the moronic shambling thing. Scary? I don't think. Challenge them to a game of keepy-uppy and walk off. Job done.

Be gone zombies, let us speak of them no more.

(I'll make the following exception: I'd pay good money to watch Chuck Norris battle zombies with roundhouse kicks.)

Zombies are terrifying. They are the embodiment of death that awaits us all. Implacable, relentless, unstoppable. They cannot be bargained with, pleaded with, or reasoned with. You cannot frighten them away, 'shock and awe' would be wasted on a zombie, or on a zombie horde. Modern firearms are almost useless against them, because there are more zombies than bullets, and no-one can manage a perfect headshot every time. Yet one scratch or bite from a zombie and you're dead, it's game over for you.
Zombies are the perfect horror fodder.

Vampires on the other hand are effete wankers easily dealt with by a water pistol of holy water.

Terrifying? About as a terrifying the local care home's OAP day out to Worthing. In fact, just think Worthing on a Wednesday afternoon. You get in the way of one of those old biddies and you'll learn the true meaning of implacable, relentless, and unstoppable. I'm sorry but any kind of monster you can escape from my merely doing a moonwalk is no kind of monster at all. It's time they were relegated to the lower divisions of monsterdom, with the carnivorous slugs and bad luck leprechauns.

Vampires aren't effete, they're stylishly attired and immaculately groomed. They can ride motorbikes and do kung fu. They can probably do kung fu while riding a motorbike. Female vampires have very nice hair. Holy water might sting, but no worse than Old Spice. Jewish vampires can, of course, be warded off with pork scratchings, but as Tim suggests, choose your weapon with care. Pelting an Iberian vampire with pork scratchings, for instance, will merely make him hungrier and probably annoyed, especially if you make a mark on his fresh shirt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 23 April, 2013, 06:40:18 pm
I'll come out and say it. Zombies are shit and they should be expunged from the canon of horror movies and stories. A movie about zombies is about as exciting as dodging drunk tramps on Victoria Street. It's about time we faced up to the fact. Zombies are useless and Not Very Scary. Their main threat seems to be that there's so many of them you might get squashed. You could say the same of the crowd at a One Direction concert, yet unlike zombies, the audience there is genuinely scary. What you say? They bite. So do football players, who also do the moronic shambling thing. Scary? I don't think. Challenge them to a game of keepy-uppy and walk off. Job done.

Be gone zombies, let us speak of them no more.

(I'll make the following exception: I'd pay good money to watch Chuck Norris battle zombies with roundhouse kicks.)

Zombies are terrifying. They are the embodiment of death that awaits us all. Implacable, relentless, unstoppable. They cannot be bargained with, pleaded with, or reasoned with. You cannot frighten them away, 'shock and awe' would be wasted on a zombie, or on a zombie horde. Modern firearms are almost useless against them, because there are more zombies than bullets, and no-one can manage a perfect headshot every time. Yet one scratch or bite from a zombie and you're dead, it's game over for you.
Zombies are the perfect horror fodder.

Vampires on the other hand are effete wankers easily dealt with by a water pistol of holy water.

Terrifying? About as a terrifying the local care home's OAP day out to Worthing. In fact, just think Worthing on a Wednesday afternoon. You get in the way of one of those old biddies and you'll learn the true meaning of implacable, relentless, and unstoppable. I'm sorry but any kind of monster you can escape from my merely doing a moonwalk is no kind of monster at all. It's time they were relegated to the lower divisions of monsterdom, with the carnivorous slugs and bad luck leprechauns.

Vampires aren't effete, they're stylishly attired and immaculately groomed. They can ride motorbikes and do kung fu. They can probably do kung fu while riding a motorbike. Female vampires have very nice hair. Holy water might sting, but no worse than Old Spice. Jewish vampires can, of course, be warded off with pork scratchings, but as Tim suggests, choose your weapon with care. Pelting an Iberian vampire with pork scratchings, for instance, will merely make him hungrier and probably annoyed, especially if you make a mark on his fresh shirt.

You assume zombie singular. Try thinking millions. And they don't stop, they never rest, they follow, and follow, and follow, while you have to rest, have to find a safe place to stop, and all the time they are following, relentless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 23 April, 2013, 07:14:42 pm
Zombies, can be an overridingly powerful force, so tend to have some limitation to make them a plausible monster.  The inability to move very fast is the classic approach to this, so allowing them speed, risks making them into a excessively potent beastie.

Interestingly, the TVTropes website splits Zombies (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/OurZombiesAreDifferent) into:
Most Zombies in films seem to fall into one or both of the Flesh Eating and Plague Zombie categories (possibly with Artificial Zombie aspects).  I think Zombies by themselves have been done a bit too death, in films.  In more modern films, they tend to mix them in with some other concept, like the Umbrella Corporation in the Resident Evil franchise, which provides something else to flesh out the story a bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 23 April, 2013, 08:13:29 pm
Tyrannosaur is the best British film for ages. You really do end up loving the couple. I don't like Eddie Marsan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 23 April, 2013, 09:07:16 pm
Zombies, can be an overridingly powerful force, so tend to have some limitation to make them a plausible monster.  The inability to move very fast is the classic approach to this, so allowing them speed, risks making them into a excessively potent beastie.

Interestingly, the TVTropes website splits Zombies (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/OurZombiesAreDifferent) into:

  • Artificial Zombie
  • Flesh Eating Zombie
  • Plague Zombie
    • Revenant Zombie
    • Voodoo Zombie

    Most Zombies in films seem to fall into one or both of the Flesh Eating and Plague Zombie categories (possibly with Artificial Zombie aspects).  I think Zombies by themselves have been done a bit too death, in films.  In more modern films, they tend to mix them in with some other concept, like the Umbrella Corporation in the Resident Evil franchise, which provides something else to flesh out the story a bit.
I am so not clicking on the link.

http://www.xkcd.com/609/ refers.   ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 24 April, 2013, 02:27:22 am
Just watched Cockneys vs Zombies. Was awesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 27 April, 2013, 06:44:46 am

Main problem is that Milla Jovovich isn't naked at any point in the movie.


Agreed. +1. whatever.




Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 April, 2013, 09:36:51 am
Avengers Assemble. Rather fun and some laugh out loud bits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 27 April, 2013, 01:16:33 pm
Tyrannosaur is the best British film for ages. You really do end up loving the couple. I don't like Eddie Marsan.

Thanks spindrift, you reminded me to watch this.

It's excellent isn't it. I wonder how Paddy Considine researched his material - he got it spot on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 27 April, 2013, 03:52:17 pm
Never tipped over into parody Linda, was well-judged. Some of Mike Leigh's stuff seems to be taking the mickey or patronising. Also, if Peter Mullan was having a go at me I think I'd start crying, Christ, that bloke's so angry. He pretty much personifies Wodehouse's "It is very hard to confuse a ray of sunshine for a Scotsman with a grievance".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 27 April, 2013, 05:09:38 pm
Airplane II: The Sequel!   :thumbsup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeLnS8O08ng (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeLnS8O08ng)

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 April, 2013, 07:59:44 pm
Iron Man 3

That was dire even by hollywood standdards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 28 April, 2013, 06:09:05 pm
44 inch chest.

Disappointing. Some excellent dialogue, well acted, but despite being promising a bit of an overall fail. It's like a theatre play, in fact mostly shot in a single location. But if you're going to make a film, then use the medium, otherwise it might as well be a play. In fact, it would have been really good on the radio, but as a film it was a waste of time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 28 April, 2013, 06:12:46 pm
44 inch chest.

Disappointing. Some excellent dialogue, well acted, but despite being promising a bit of an overall fail. It's like a theatre play, in fact mostly shot in a single location. But if you're going to make a film, then use the medium, otherwise it might as well be a play. In fact, it would have been really good on the radio, but as a film it was a waste of time.

That is almost word-for-word what my Grandad said about Les Mis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 28 April, 2013, 07:02:01 pm
Iron Man 3

That was dire even by hollywood standdards.

I'm curious, did you like other films in the Avengers franchise?

I saw it today and thoroughly enjoyed it, thought it was way better than 2. Possibly because of Shane Black's touch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 April, 2013, 07:53:49 pm
Anyone knows you kill Zombies with peas.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 April, 2013, 11:22:54 pm
Iron Man 3

That was dire even by hollywood standdards.

I'm curious, did you like other films in the Avengers franchise?

I saw it today and thoroughly enjoyed it, thought it was way better than 2. Possibly because of Shane Black's touch.
It is better than 2.

It is poor compared to 1

Yes I enjoyed the other films in the franchise. I guess the whole 'islamic terrorist threaten  our american way of life' schtick got up my nostrils too much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 April, 2013, 09:57:56 am
Avengers Assemble. Rather fun and some laugh out loud bits.

Watched it last night on Blu Ray.

None too shabby.

As you say, some laugh ot loud bits.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 April, 2013, 10:13:15 am
Iron Man 3

That was dire even by hollywood standdards.

I'm curious, did you like other films in the Avengers franchise?

I saw it today and thoroughly enjoyed it, thought it was way better than 2. Possibly because of Shane Black's touch.
It is better than 2.

It is poor compared to 1

Yes I enjoyed the other films in the franchise. I guess the whole 'islamic terrorist threaten  our american way of life' schtick got up my nostrils too much.

My take on the franchise so far (not yet seen IM3)

Iron Man- a very enjoyable film with excellent portrayal by Hugh of Tony Stark. Jeff Bridges is very good as Obidiah Stone. Gets the psycho bit off pat.

The Hulk- I had only seen bits of earlier Hulk films so had not really got the back story in full (Holywood version as opposed to the Bill Bixby version). Ed Norton was a good Bruce Banner. Nice use of locations as well.  I also have a bit of a soft spot for Liv Tyler so the film was bound to get a bit of a vote from me.

IM2- good story development but not as good as IM1.

Thor- for my tastes, the best film of the franchise so far. My cup of tea precisely. Angry aliens, Superhero's with god like power, otherworldy locations, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo and Natalie Portman.

Captain America- An OK film. Not brilliant but quite watchable. A tad too patriotic but then, what should I expect from a film with this title. The Hydra line had visual similarities to Sky Captain and the world of tomorrow, a film which some slated but I quite enjoyed.

Avengers Assemble- as per my previous post.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 29 April, 2013, 10:18:24 am
44 inch chest.

Disappointing. Some excellent dialogue, well acted, but despite being promising a bit of an overall fail. It's like a theatre play, in fact mostly shot in a single location. But if you're going to make a film, then use the medium, otherwise it might as well be a play. In fact, it would have been really good on the radio, but as a film it was a waste of time.

That is almost word-for-word what my Grandad said about Les Mis.

 ;D

The swear-word count is a bit different though!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 April, 2013, 10:48:08 am
Spoilers abound

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 29 April, 2013, 02:31:34 pm
Hotel Transylvania. A vampires/humans moral tale for kids. The kids loved it. I didn't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 April, 2013, 03:22:49 pm
Avengers Assemble. Rather fun and some laugh out loud bits.

Watched it last night on Blu Ray.

None too shabby.

As you say, some laugh ot loud bits.

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
  ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 April, 2013, 03:39:21 pm
Failure to Launch - Romantic comedy with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey

Well it was 2:00 in the morning and I was alone a hotel room with limited TV channels and couldn't sleep. Mildly amusing. Zooey Deschanel as Ms Parker's room mate was good value though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 29 April, 2013, 04:53:06 pm
IM3.

Loud, fast and tasteless.  Better than 2, not as good as 1, for (amongst other) reasons MrC has outlined above in his spoilerified paras.

The end is a bit of a mess.  The post-sig is amusing, but unlike previous ones it doesn't add to the wider Marvel Universe, so it's not a must-see if you need to catch your bus.

Having said that, I kind of enjoyed it. 

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 29 April, 2013, 05:01:55 pm
Failure to Launch - Romantic comedy with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey

Well it was 2:00 in the morning and I was alone a hotel room with limited TV channels and couldn't sleep. Mildly amusing. Zooey Deschanel as Ms Parker's room mate was good value though.

Not the worst romcom in the world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 April, 2013, 05:25:05 pm
I usually cannot remember movies watched in flight. Really, they flit away like dreams for some reason, the moment I get off the plane all memory of what I just watched scatters. However, to thwart the mockery of my wife, I took a note of them this time.

Django Unchained. Seen before, and still 90 minutes too long, and the cartoon gore was a bit unpalatable and tiresome (maybe I'm getting old). Despite being the core character, Django was strangely one-note. Ah, it's OK, but like the last couple of Tarantino films, too much style, too little substance, and a flabby attitude to editing. It's OK to leave something on the cutting room floor. Still better by about five hundred times than Inglourious Basterds and it did fill half a flight, even if there were a few moments spent scanning the Sahara below for camels (none spotted).

Cloud Atlas. Hmm. Rather laboured and pretentious. I've not read the book, but I assume it tried to channel the literary style. Leastways it felt like that. It managed to hang onto my attention, but it was all a bit meh in the end.

Seven Psychopaths. Hmm, not sure there were seven either. Entertaining, if rather obvious and contrived.

Argo. Didn't think I'd like this, but it was actually quite good and rather suspenseful, especially the airport scene, despite the fact that you know the ending. I give it extra points for that. Only slightly spoiled by the elbow of the large person next to me continually changing the volume.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 29 April, 2013, 09:52:33 pm
Beasts of the Southern Wild. 

I thought I'd give it a go
Based on comments below
Turns out it's not my cup of tea
Hey ho,
if you don't see
You don't know.

Adrian Mole age 39 3/4
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 May, 2013, 03:26:40 pm
IM3 (in rather pointless 3D).

Also loved it. I don't do the it-must-be-faithful-to-the-comic (oops graphic novel) thing. The one liners were amusing and there was plenty of reckless boom-bang, all the more impressive for being on an Imax screen.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 04 May, 2013, 12:11:49 pm
Failure to Launch - Romantic comedy with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey

Well it was 2:00 in the morning and I was alone a hotel room with limited TV channels and couldn't sleep. Mildly amusing. Zooey Deschanel as Ms Parker's room mate was good value though.

Not the worst romcom in the world.

Remember that old KitKat eadvert from the 80's where the punky band audition for the record company exec and he says "You can't sing, you can't play and you look awful - you'll go a long way"

I think that's what happened with SJP. I just don't get it. My mate thinks she is a goddess.

I think she has a face like a horse and acts like a wooden plank.

Still, as the man said, she's gone a long way.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 May, 2013, 02:00:37 pm
I think she has a face like a horse and acts like a wooden plank.

SJP
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/Afghan_Hound_cream_portrait.jpg)

Afghan hound
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSeNZUJJyn73YYp8c11-otdKBtUBpnCFS5KNXDDcsFOrnv1zdgY)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 06 May, 2013, 06:35:46 pm
Star Trek.

I've been holding off watching it because I find JJ Abram's 'style' to be intensely irritating, and he doesn't disappoint here. A very good movie spoiled by gratuitous 'special' effects ; I now want track Abrams down and hit him repeatedly over the head until he forgets what lens-flare is.

Having recently watched 'Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle', seeing John Cho as Sulu was a bit of a mind-screw ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 08 May, 2013, 08:51:52 pm
Green Zone

Cospiracy theorists wet dream?

Not a bad film TBH. Matt Damon is a reasonable action movie lead.

I thought it was very good.  The first part of the film showed what 'professional soldier' means, which I got a lot out of.  And I think we all know the conspiracy weren't no dream.  I don't like violent films, and this was violent, but none of the violence was gratuitous in the context of the plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 09 May, 2013, 06:46:07 pm
I think she has a face like a horse and acts like a wooden plank.

SJP
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/Afghan_Hound_cream_portrait.jpg)

Afghan hound
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSeNZUJJyn73YYp8c11-otdKBtUBpnCFS5KNXDDcsFOrnv1zdgY)

Spot on !

Talk about lookey-likey

I stand corrected. SJP - Face like an Afghan Hound
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 10 May, 2013, 01:45:03 pm
The Accidental Tourist.

Again.

It's a beautiful film, and the longer I live the more this film gives me.

One of many things that I wouldn't have discovered without Crusty.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 10 May, 2013, 03:06:12 pm
Remember Me, with Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the main character in Twilight) and Pearce Brosnan.

Has a sad start
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 May, 2013, 03:18:03 am
Thor - been making my way through the Avengers franchise from the start again.  Iron Man 2 was a lot better than I remembered and the post credit bit at the end of Thor makes the start of Avengers make a bit more sense (had forgotten it by the time I saw Avengers).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 12 May, 2013, 03:25:40 pm
Just watched Traffic.

Highly recommended.

Don't be put off by the fact that it stars Mr & Mrs Zeta Jones.

Dennis Quaid was excellent (as usual).

Top notch !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 12 May, 2013, 06:56:43 pm
The Silence of the Lambs.

It's a while since I watched it. I forgot what a supremely creepy and Most Excellent performance Anthony Hopkins gives.

Jeez - everyone looks so young!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 13 May, 2013, 09:46:02 am
Badlands with Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek*. I love this film, it captures the atmosphere beautifully, and the them tune - Gassenhauer by Carl Orff - is an eternal favourite.

Discovered she is now 63. I. Feel. Old.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 13 May, 2013, 10:00:28 am
Napoleon Dynamite.

Deeply, deeply strange film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 13 May, 2013, 01:44:12 pm
Coming soon:

Guy Ritchie's remaking The Man From Uncle with Tom Cruise as Napoleon Soho. Sounds like shit on toast.

Him off Rust and Bone is making "A Little Chaos" - he's a gardener at Versailles who meets the strict authoritarian head gardener Kate Winslet. I expect they resent each other at first and then  fall in lurrrve.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 13 May, 2013, 07:16:35 pm
Pitch Perfect. By request, with No2Daughter.

I better get rewarded for this.

She owes me. Big Time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 14 May, 2013, 09:09:24 am
'Mud' with Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. A most enjoyable film, well shot and with some excellent performances. Sadly marred by an unnecessary (imo) shoot-out at the end. The same story could have been told, the same themes explored without it.

Such stuff concerns me; why do some films feel the need to have guns, killings, car chases, etc? Ok, in action films it's in context but it sometimes seems to me that guns have become a common currency. It can ruin an otherwise bloody good film for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 14 May, 2013, 02:22:30 pm

Don't be put off by the fact that it stars Mr & Mrs Zeta Jones.


This looks good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqAC1yiIROw
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 14 May, 2013, 07:39:45 pm
Something of a Nick Cage theme going tonight.

(NB: This is all largely wallpaper - I'm actually working)

Gone in 60 Seconds - Decent soundtrack, lots of one liners, and Angelina J for some News-based topical connectivity.
Kick Ass - Decent soundtrack, lots of one liners, sweary child  :thumbsup:.

I'm guessing I'll have time - work is open-ended...

Birdy - Decent soundtrack, freak deaky weirdos - and a Most Excellent ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 14 May, 2013, 08:12:01 pm
Fiddler on the Roof

Brings back memories.  No, I didn't grow up in a Jewish enclave in rural Imperial Russia.  Just reminds me of the sort of films they used to show on telly back when I were a lad, weekdays and weekends.  Times change.  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 14 May, 2013, 08:46:32 pm
Kick Ass - Decent soundtrack, lots of one liners, sweary child  :thumbsup:.

Dammit! I'm trying to work here!

This is way too distracting :).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 14 May, 2013, 09:08:08 pm
Dale and Tucker Vs Evil

Started watching it not expecting much, but it actually turned out to be a wryly funny schlock comedy.  A clever take on the teen slasher movie (think The Cabin).  Well worth some of your free time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 14 May, 2013, 09:13:29 pm
Fiddler on the Roof

Brings back memories.  No, I didn't grow up in a Jewish enclave in rural Imperial Russia.  Just reminds me of the sort of films they used to show on telly back when I were a lad, weekdays and weekends.  Times change.  :-\

This is why I have the BluRay of Dr Zhivago in my collection.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 14 May, 2013, 11:56:51 pm
Star Trek.

I've been holding off watching it because I find JJ Abram's 'style' to be intensely irritating, and he doesn't disappoint here. A very good movie spoiled by gratuitous 'special' effects ; I now want track Abrams down and hit him repeatedly over the head until he forgets what lens-flare is.

Having recently watched 'Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle', seeing John Cho as Sulu was a bit of a mind-screw ;)

I really liked it!  Great Star Trek fun.  Loads of self-referential stuff.  Hilarious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 May, 2013, 11:27:03 pm
"I'm so excited"

http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/York_Picturehouse/film/Im_So_Excited/ (http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/York_Picturehouse/film/Im_So_Excited/)

Utterly camp madcap film from Almodovar
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 16 May, 2013, 12:07:29 am
Doomsday
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 16 May, 2013, 12:08:36 am
Babel.

Depressing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 17 May, 2013, 07:23:37 pm
We've been a bit underwhelmed by the Three Colours trilogy recently. Not sure what I was expecting but to me they weren't that much to write home about. If anyone wants to take the trouble to explain what we were missing I'd be happy to read it.

We enjoyed Le Cercle Rouge more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 17 May, 2013, 07:49:08 pm
Ronin.  Sean Bean starting his 'Not making it to the end of the film' career meme, De Niro employing two of his three facial expressions, Jean Reno and great car chases.

Jonathan Pryce's Oirish accent was painful though
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 17 May, 2013, 10:43:10 pm
Up In Smoke and Pineapple Express.
Back to back.

I seem to have watched rather a lot of stoner movies recently ...  8)

"Dave's not here, man ..."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Fab Foodie on 17 May, 2013, 10:50:41 pm
Life of Pi
Always wanted to read the book
Was looking forward to seeing the film
Very dissapointed
Yawn
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 17 May, 2013, 11:55:44 pm

Up In Smoke and Pineapple Express.
Back to back.

I seem to have watched rather a lot of stoner movies recently ...  8)

"Dave's not here, man ..."

Next Movie is much funnier than Up In Smoke.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 May, 2013, 01:19:30 am
Mississippi Burning.  May have taken some liberties with The Truth for dramatic porpoises, but something like that happened in my lifetime.  The mere thought of this makes me want to open my premium economy-size box of Stab.

On the plus side, it's got Frances McDormand.  In it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 18 May, 2013, 11:08:50 am
Harold Lloyd in "High & Dizzy" and "The Freshman."

Something a bit different last evening in that these two black and white classics were shown at the Symphony Hall Birmingham along with live music by the CBSO under Carl Davis.

Most enjoyable with the live score really adding to the films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 18 May, 2013, 01:24:11 pm
Life of Pi

On the plus side, it was lovely to look at. And it had the longest credits I've ever seen on a movie. The production must have employed the population of a small nation.

But, yes, whilst a faithful version of the book the film did somehow lack the enigma.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 May, 2013, 01:32:02 pm
Cabin in the Woods (again). I never usually bother with the director's commentaries that clutter up DVDs, but I was curious so gave it a spin. It's quite obvious that Mr Wheedon and Mr Goddard really, really enjoy what they do, and I'd like to do their jobs when I grow up, please.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 May, 2013, 01:36:30 pm
"I'm so excited"

http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/York_Picturehouse/film/Im_So_Excited/ (http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/York_Picturehouse/film/Im_So_Excited/)

Utterly camp madcap film from Almodovar

Obv. statement "Aren't they all?"

I shall add that to my list of must sees.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 May, 2013, 02:10:43 pm
erm, no.

Volver is pretty soundly hetero with no camp element. Nor 'Women on the edge of a nervous breakdown'.

The latest is *really* camp.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 18 May, 2013, 02:22:15 pm
I'm not a fan of Almodovar. He does what he does very well, I acknowledge that, it's just not my sort of thing. It's as if everything he's about, I just don't get. The style IS the substance sort of thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 May, 2013, 08:58:57 pm
All these (http://deaffest.co.uk/deaffest-2013-2/online-program-for-deaffest-2013/saturday-18th-may/)

Favourites were: 'Strangers'  - a simple point made tear-jerkingly well; 'I won't Do That Again' for the hilarious intersection of evil clones, martial arts and year 9 quality woodwork; and 'Retreat' because I'm a sucker for the understated post-apocalyptic.

'300 SECS' deserves honourable mention as a true story set in Swindon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 May, 2013, 06:05:08 pm
The Outlaw Josey Wales.  Clint does what Clint does best i.e. keep schtum and shoot people, but it's Chief Dan George who steals the film and runs cackling with it over the try-line a Several of times.

Clint + horse = :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 May, 2013, 06:44:42 pm
The Outlaw Josey Wales.  Clint does what Clint does best i.e. keep schtum and shoot people, but it's Chief Dan George who steals the film and runs cackling with it over the try-line a Several of times.

Clint + horse = :thumbsup:

"I could have missed"   ;D

A great film - however, google the author, Forest Carter's name if you want to read some serious WTF!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: longers on 19 May, 2013, 10:19:28 pm
We watched The Master last night, we were expecting to watch it in two sittings due to the length printed on the Lovefilm cover but we were engrossed and the timing was incorrect.

Forgot to mention we gave up on Holy Motors the other week, but did try.

Edit: Enjoyed Moonrise Kingdom too, thanks for the suggestion. Was pleased to have a good reason for blurting that it reminded me of Fantastic Mr Fox without knowing why.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 May, 2013, 10:41:47 pm
The Flying Leathernecks on TV on Saturday.

This is one WWII action film I have never seen before. Its got John Wayne and some real aerial footage rather than models so whats not to like ?
Its about a US Marine squadron and follows events at Guadalcanal. The story is at first sight a typical gung ho WWII story (it was made in 1951) with John Wayne as the tough commanding officer and Robert Ryan as the more compassionate XO. It's actually a story about leadership and how a commanding officer has to maintain some distance from his men and make difficult decisions and it's quite good at that.
The flying scenes are very good though there are some obvious anachronisms if you are a WWII plane buff. The Wildcats in the first half of the movie are obviously Hellcats form later in the war (due to there being few Wildcats left by 1951) and the Zero's being Hellcats painted in Japanese colours. The Corsairs in the second half of the film are genuine though. The aerial footage is a mixture of shot for the film, original WWII footage and some footage from the Korean War a fair bit of which I have never seen before.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 May, 2013, 12:14:24 am
Day 3 (http://deaffest.co.uk/deaffest-2013-2/online-program-for-deaffest-2013/sunday-19th-may/)

Notable were:

Shadow Stalker: Brilliantly executed zero-budget genre horror.
Diary of a Cat: Did exactly what it said on the tin.
Tache Off: I don't really get visual vernacular (or poetry generally), but the effect was striking.
I Sign, I Live: Some fascinating perspectives.  I'll forgive the hideous headache-inducing deinterlacing artefacts.
Iron Man 3: Marvel.  Fighting robots.  Witty quips.  Possible homage to a blue hearing aid?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 May, 2013, 09:22:16 am
This weekends DVD viewing was-

Contact. Carl Sagan is probably right.

Replacement Killers. Not seen this before. Was expecting plent of Cow Yun Fat kick ass. Got plenty of Chow Yun Fat shoot ass.

The Bourne Identity. Thought I would revisit the trilogy.

Enjoyed them all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 May, 2013, 10:21:02 am
Air Force One.

Haven't seen this for at least a decade, just as ridiculous as I remember but still not as shit as Olympus Has Fallen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 20 May, 2013, 10:34:49 am
'La Piscine' - a French uber-cool classic full of cigarettes, blank expressions, stripped bare dialogue,  and 60s style. Much is unspoken, leaving you to figure the depths of the pool. Arguably, it hasn't aged well. By today standards, it's somewhat insipid and slow. You're left feeling 'yeah, and'?

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 20 May, 2013, 01:39:25 pm
Margin Call Lots of excellent and likeable actors playing detestable investment bankers, and doing so rather well, apart from Paul Bettany bizzarrely switching between American and British several times a scene. At the end it just sort of stops and you're left thinking "and?" - but I guess you're expected to put it into the historical context of the last few years.

Stitches Irish comedy with Ross Noble as a dead clown resurrected to seek revenge on the kids who accidentally killed him. Includes copious amounts of stage blood and some of the worst ever puns, but quite funny in parts. Don't watch if you don't like the idea of watching a teacher rip off a boy's genitals and tie them to a helium balloon in front of the class.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 20 May, 2013, 04:43:52 pm
Sightseers.  Can recommend it to the non-squeamish (whether about blood or 100% pure British embarrassment and awkwardness).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Flynn on 20 May, 2013, 05:14:58 pm
The Bedford Incident. Outstanding Cold War anti-war/nukes pressure cooker staring Rchard Widmark and Sidney Poitier.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 May, 2013, 05:33:20 pm
The Bedford Incident. Outstanding Cold War anti-war/nukes pressure cooker staring Rchard Widmark and Sidney Poitier.

Great film - a reworking of Moby Dick too of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 May, 2013, 03:13:27 am
Jack Reacher  -- on the plane to London and quite enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 21 May, 2013, 12:46:31 pm
Lore

It was very good and I found myself fixed to it unable to look away or do anything else, which is a shame as I put it on in the background.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Domestique on 26 May, 2013, 02:16:37 pm
"Le gamin au vélo" - The kid with a bike

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1827512/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1827512/)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 26 May, 2013, 04:19:54 pm
Still watching it, actually. Volcano. The incomparable Tommy Lee Jones wryly laughs a lot of fiery lava into submission by pointing his wrinkles at it. I do love a good disaster movie. The best bit is the melting railway boss.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2013, 02:31:38 am
The Man Who Fell To Earth.

I think I last saw it (probably not the whole thing) when I had a fever some time in the early 90s.

It made a bit more sense this time, but was still beautiful, surreal and tragic in equal measures.  David Bowie and Jim Lovell playing themselves, and 70s cinema pacey goodness.  What's not to like, really?  It's almost as good as Volcano.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 May, 2013, 07:55:19 am
The Great Gatsby.  It's had plenty of scathing criticism but seemed an acceptable interpretation of the book IMO.  Very much in the Di Caprio style, if that floats your boat (so to speak).  Lots of CGI.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 27 May, 2013, 09:15:54 am
The Great Gatsby.  It's had plenty of scathing criticism but seemed an acceptable interpretation of the book IMO.  Very much in the Di Caprio style, if that floats your boat (so to speak).  Lots of CGI.
I went to see it with No1Daughter last week. Acceptable pretty much sums it up. Di Caprio was largely di Caprio, and equally Maguire was very much Maguire.
I liked the Luhrmann musical interludes but was irritated by shots seemingly only there to bring out the 3D. We watched in 2D as I really can't see the point of 3D in anything other than action movies, and even then it's only ever going to be a gimmick for me.
I did think that even fewer kids with it on a set book list will actually read it now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 31 May, 2013, 02:55:18 am
Rio Bravo.

Might watch the repeat El Dorado later today  ;D

(If you're not a fan of Westerns, or haven't seen Get Shorty (where Chilli Palmer explains the follwoing point) El Dorado is basically a remake of Rio Bravo with different actors playing the main characters; except John Wayne "Who plays John Wayne in both movies")
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 31 May, 2013, 08:50:44 am
Bad Boys

'Store Clerk: Hey, freeze bitch!

Mike Lowrey: YOU freeze, bitch!

Store Clerk: Oh shit, I'm fucked.

Mike Lowrey: Now back up, put the gun down, and get me a pack of Tropical Fruit Bubblicious.

Marcus Burnett: And some Skittles.'

 ;D


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 31 May, 2013, 09:28:14 am
"I'm not scared"

Saw this on TV when I was away last week. Beautiful filmed Italian movie set in the hottest summer of the 70s about a group of kids in a poor farming area and a boy kidnapped by a gang that one of their fathers is part of and kept in a hole in the ground for ransom.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 31 May, 2013, 12:24:13 pm
Django Unchained

It's ..err...fun I suppose.

30 minutes too long but very tongue in cheek (in a Sam Peckinpah way) and Christopher Walz steals the show again.

Basically it's 2 good guys shooting lots of bad guys whilst everyone says N****r all the time.  Trust me, that is the storyline.

6/10.  Mostly fun, lots of ketchup and a good soundtrack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 31 May, 2013, 12:50:08 pm
Woody Allen's To Rome With Love

Some amusing moments but a loooooong way from his best. Several distinct storylines, all set in Rome, all broadly on the theme of discovering that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Imagine a whimsical version of Short Cuts set in Rome. Actually, it's more disjointed than Short Cuts since the stories don't really overlap. I could think of worse ways to pass a couple of hours but it's really not great.

Ronin.  Sean Bean starting his 'Not making it to the end of the film' career meme, De Niro employing two of his three facial expressions, Jean Reno and great car chases.

"Raspberry jam, yeah? Raspberry jam?"

I think I've seen that film far more times than I really need to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 31 May, 2013, 08:03:29 pm
Finally got around to the latest Star Trek. It was fell into the OK bucket with a minor splash. Plenty of boom-bang, a reasonably witty script, and the casting and interplay between Kirk, Spock, and Bones is still exquisite. Simon Pegg as Scotty just doen't seem to work unfortunately. The Otter bloke was suitably bad. The story was a bit lacklustre though. Enterprise, as ever, lost her NCD. The 3D was pointless and I think they only levered in about one actual 3D scene, and I will mention that Hollywood starts don't quite look so pretty when their mugs are blown up to IMAXian proportions. God alone knows what one of us normal mortals would look like. Facial pores big enough to hide the Millennium Falcon in, I'd expect.

Saw Zero Dark Thirty on the plane. I probably can't agree that glamourised torture, it seemed to be reasonably ambivalent on the matter, which I expect was the point since her earlier films ploughed the same field. Anyway, better than expected.

Itching to get my hands on those Pacific Rim tickets. IMAX 3D monster vs. robot mayhem. Man of Steel first though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 01 June, 2013, 08:40:52 am
"I'm not scared"

Saw this on TV when I was away last week. Beautiful filmed Italian movie set in the hottest summer of the 70s about a group of kids in a poor farming area and a boy kidnapped by a gang that one of their fathers is part of and kept in a hole in the ground for ransom.

We watched this last year.

Mesmerising, and highly recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Littlesox on 01 June, 2013, 08:42:24 am
Dream House, starring Mr and Mrs James Bond.

Not what we expected, and really rather good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 01 June, 2013, 05:09:46 pm
Mr and Mrs James Bond were furious about the trailer, there were some editorial fall-outs on that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 03 June, 2013, 07:14:57 am
A Royal Affair.

Overview: A very good Danish period drama set at the time of the enlightenment, brimming with court intrigue.

Pros: The script and the performances are excellent, giving a real sense of the period and the politics of the day.  The cinematography is excellent, in particular the external shots.

Cons: Although based on a true story, the power shifts from the court run by and for the nobles to a hegemony for citizens felt slightly at odds with the development of a love triangle.  At 2 hours and 17 minutes, and subtitled, it requires a bit of concentration to keep track of the various threads (not one for having on in the background).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 06 June, 2013, 10:13:44 am
Behind The Candelabra. It's Soderburgh, so you get lots of shots of people walking through lobbies with the camera at a low angle, but very funny and tender in places:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO5pOnVL_5k
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 07 June, 2013, 03:22:05 pm
Be Kind, Rewind - a lovely, silly film with Jack Black, Mia Farrow and Danny Glover. I was reminded of Cinema Paradiso, only this is much much sillier!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 10 June, 2013, 12:00:10 pm
Stone Roses: Made of Stone.

For those of a certain age, the Stone Roses were one of those bands who meant the world: take the bloke who, to get a ticket for their Warrington gig (the first in 18 or so years) was happy to leave a hole in the wall of the house he was renovating to queue up, or the deputy head teacher to tried to bribe a part time teacher with a full time job for their tickets: people would do just about anything to see Ian, John, Mani and Reni.

Then of course there was the Spike Island gig…. Our generations Woodstock (which I missed due to being unemployed and broke) and the “attack” on Silvertones offices (oh how we laughed at the photos in the MNE) without even thinking about the music. And what music!

The film itself was made by a fan and it shows! Lots of interviews with other fans, with the band and various other hangers on, along with the some songs from the Warrington gig (it really reminded me of Morrissey’s first gigs after leaving The Smiths) and the Heaton Park gig.

Overall, I really enjoyed feeling 20 odd years younger for the evening. My wife was less impressed thinking the first half dragged a bit. Whatever, but I feel you may find it difficult to argue with how uplifting the excepts from the live shows were.

If you were a Roses fan, or a fan of indie music from the middle 80’s to the mid 90’s, it’s a film well worth seeing IMHO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 10 June, 2013, 04:58:02 pm
Cosmopolis

Croenenberg written and directed, this is an attempt at a current social commentary that is interesting but falls a little flat of its ambition.  Robert Pattison (ask any teenage girl...) plays an otherwordly corporate vampire, who keeps reality at a distance (wonder why they cast him) as reality closes in on him.  Told largely from the interior of his limosine, his journey moves to its inevitable conclusion (or does it - ambiguous ending ahoy!)

I rather enjoyed it, but I suspect some will find it rather cold and calculated, like the main character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 10 June, 2013, 11:35:15 pm
Dumb and Dumber.

A high point in American humor. 

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 10 June, 2013, 11:46:48 pm
The Guard (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1540133/)

Dark humour, swearing, Irish - a in all a good flick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 11 June, 2013, 08:51:20 am
Last night I watched Gangster Squad, Nick Nolte and Sean Penn doing what they do best, i.e. NN is a rubber faced cop hell bent on cleaning the town up and SP is an ex-boxer.  Good, all in all.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 17 June, 2013, 10:24:32 pm
Amour

Powerful film about old age.  Not one for the laffs, but incredibly poignant stuff.

Made me realise.  Yet another great French film - why is it they are knocking out some brilliant films at the moment, whereas the UK is variously aping bad Hollywood or rehashing bleak social drama so beloved of Ken Loach and his left leaning ilk. 

I realise we get la creme of the French output, and there are no doubt some right chiens in their output, but I can list many fantastique films from France but struggle to recall more than two fingers worth from the UK.  Ho hum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 June, 2013, 10:40:52 pm
Quartet.

Set in a retirement home for musicians.

A stellar cast:  Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, Michael Gambon.

The age of the characters in the film was a kind of backdrop to the story.  And there was some nice music.  The 'Vissi d'arte' was really quite moving when 'sung' by someone older than your conventional Tosca. 

The story itself was nice though, but I think the film seemed somehow too short - there wasn't time for the necessary character development.  Maybe it was a problem with the editing.

A pleasant diversion.  Made me smile.  6/10

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 June, 2013, 08:18:22 am
Re-watching Land and Freedom, a Ken Loach film.

I like it (as you can maybe tell by the fact I am watching it for the third time!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 June, 2013, 05:25:16 pm
InnerSpace

The blatant misogyny and disablism have dated even worse than the racial stereotypes in Short Circuit.  Not to mention the hair.  And I'm old enough not to care about the anatomy they got wrong.

But the pod computer voice is still sexy as ever, pre-CGI special effects are just *better* and of course the immortal line "Jack... it worked.  You just digested the bad guy." never gets old.


We seem long overdue for another remake of Fantastic Voyage, actually...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 18 June, 2013, 05:47:44 pm
We seem long overdue for another remake of Fantastic Voyage, actually...

IMDb is your friend - and if the earlier posting dates for the related topics on the IMDb message board are any guide, it's currently stuck in one of the circles of Development Hell (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DevelopmentHell)...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1087521/board/threads/?p=4
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 19 June, 2013, 08:58:44 am
Taking of Pelham 123

The new version (can't say remake). I have memories of the original, I saw it at the pictures when I was a kid. I remember liking it hugely, even at my young age. I particularly remember the 'Gesundheit' clincher.

Ok, the new version - true enough to the old storyline but revamped for a new age, so pretty much a different film. And it was going great guns (unfortunate choice of words under the circumstances) but then it lost the plot in the final 20 minutes and became plain switchoffable. How could a film offer so much just to throw it away with crass stupidity? A crap 'hero' ending with obligatory (offensive I'd say) shoot out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 19 June, 2013, 09:00:51 am
Finished watch Land and Freedom, noticing bits I hadn't previously.

Then I moved onto Cloud Atlas slow, very very slow, to start, but then it picks up as the threads start intermingling.

Haven't finished watching it yet as I fell asleep!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 19 June, 2013, 08:16:30 pm
I watched two films last night. One was a gentle, quite sweet sort-of-comedy called 'Skeletons', via iPlayer. The other was shit. It was called "Stranded", but it should have been called Shit.

I picked it up for something to watch on the cheaper DVD stacks at the supermarket, and within five minutes I was asking myself why. From the beginning, for example, it was stated clearly that the waste product of human respiration is CO. Monoxide. Which apparently gives you hallucinations and psychosis. There were other meaningless 'technical science' comments, clearly intended to make the film look advanced.
Plot crap, premise stupid (and multiply ripped off from earlier and better films), effects crap, acting crap, and, most of all, I was left without my standard ability to scream "Why are you being so STUPID?" at the actors because they were clearly bereft of any intelligence whatsoever.

Shite. Utter shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 21 June, 2013, 10:42:56 pm
...and then yesterday I saw the Liberace bio-pic. A real gem!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 24 June, 2013, 02:21:54 pm
I went right off Michael Douglas in the eighties when he kept casting himself in films he produced. Loved him in The Game and Falling Down and in Liberace he is brilliant, it's quite a warm-hearted film, and nice to see Debbie Reynolds with a huge prosthetic nose. Rob Lowe nearly walks off with the film under his arm, but Damon and Douglas are so good he's eclipsed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 24 June, 2013, 02:35:00 pm
'A Serious Man' - Coen Brothers 2009 maybe?

It was on the telly a few weeks ago, took me by surprise as I don't remember hearing anything about this on general release.

Possibly because it's rubbish. Completely inoffensive, just not interesting and only very occasionally amusing. I couldn't see any point to it whatsoever.

(The highlight was spotting Howard from Big Bang Theory as a junior rabbi. Yup.)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 25 June, 2013, 07:22:02 pm
Yesterday: Flight (Denzel Washington). Utterly not what I was expecting. Really quite good  :thumbsup: (forgiven for the vomit scene - flying an airliner inverted pretty much makes that a given).

Today: Avatar. I've watched this many many times. On Blu-Ray, it's an experience - especially once the bio-luminescence kicks off. Oh, and that is one Big Fucking Tree.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 25 June, 2013, 10:59:08 pm
High Fidelity - one of those films that I enjoy more if I don't watch it too often.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 26 June, 2013, 11:56:24 am
Warm Bodies, with No1Daughter, No2Daughter & No2Daughter's mate.

Shite. My disbelief was not suspended one jot. John Malkovic is clearly whoring himself for any crap these days. £30 wasted, and my evening.

Saw this, yes it was fairly crap but No3Son and No1Daughter enjoyed it. Would not have been happy spending cash on it!

Shock non-tragedy ending, given the main characters were "R" and "Julie"  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 26 June, 2013, 01:47:45 pm
"Sharpe's _____"  Yes, all 14 over the last week (yewtube).

I saw part of one (ep11?) a number of years ago, but that's all.  Haven't read any of the books, either.

Not sure how historically accurate they are, but if casualties were anything close to accurate I'm surprised there were enough men left to fight after a year or so.

As for critique, certain things are really noticeable when you watch them in close succession.  Like the episodes where Sharpe doesn't have a woman throwing herself at him or he doesn't get injured. 

Overall, entertaining.  Don't think I'll be looking to pick up the boxed set, but if I come across it again on the telly I'll probably watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 28 June, 2013, 02:57:45 pm
I just watched Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters, which was apparently criticised by mainstream critics, however to quote Wikipedia, the horror genre critics termed it "unpretentiously entertaining", which seems like a reasonable description.

It's certainly not a deep and meaningful film, basically just a silly, fairly violent medieval action film.

I enjoyed it, it's note very often you have a beloved character from a fairy tale say "fucking" and using similar terms. ;D

Whilst Wikipedia says that a "sequel is currently in development", from the end of the film, it's pretty clear that one was always intended, it very much finishes along the lines of "... next week in Hansel and Gretel", and a good bit of the film is explaining the background to the characters.  If not a film, you could probably base a TV series on this, although that would likely get boring very rapidly.  A few well funded films should be able to continue the concept without getting too repetitive.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 29 June, 2013, 07:43:03 am
Amateur (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109093/)

An excellent film with a very unpromising précis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 02 July, 2013, 03:38:19 pm
Alien
It should have been in lovely bluray 1080p goodness, except my Samsung Bluray player found the disc difficult to read, causing the film to stop in several places..   :demon: 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 03 July, 2013, 05:51:38 pm
Killer Joe

Not bad, but the twist wasn't particularly unexpected and the performances so-so.  Lacked the menace of, say, "Wild at Heart".  If that had been present it would have been more what I had anticipated.  Good general sense of trailer trashiness though, and tight direction.  Also the last couple of minutes were worth the build up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 July, 2013, 02:21:57 pm
Hot tub time machine

Had its moments. Quite good at poking fun at the 80s.

Somewhere

I really liked this one. Sophia Coppola's meditation on ennui and parenthood. Glacially paced, nothing much happens and there are no jokes but it's beautifully filmed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 10 July, 2013, 11:53:31 pm
Kind Hearts and Coronets - as wonderful as ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 July, 2013, 12:33:17 pm
Sightseers

Watched this on the basis of a recommendation on here, and it is really quite excellent.

Down Terrace (also by Ben Wheatley) has arrived for this weekend's viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 12 July, 2013, 07:58:17 am
Odd Thomas

from a Dean Koontz novel. A film well worth watching, balancing a nice plot line with suspense, humour (verging on black) and sentimentalism, not going overboard in any direction. A brave twist too, though I suspect if you've read the book then it isn't!   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 12 July, 2013, 08:04:54 am
The Andromeda Strain (1971)

Based on the book of the same title by Micheal Crichton.
Still a great movie despite it's age!   :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 12 July, 2013, 09:18:51 am
Magic Mike
"Comedy Drama". My arse. Not comedic, not dramatic.
Quote from: No1Daughter, 45 minutes in
I'm waiting for it to get funny. I haven't even smiled yet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 13 July, 2013, 12:01:00 am
Booked tickets to see Pacific Rim on Sunday. £40 for 2 tickets.  Stupidly expensive, but I'm giddy as a school girl in anticipation. Giant Robots vs giant monsters, what's not to like.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 July, 2013, 12:02:46 am
Booked tickets to see Pacific Rim on Sunday. £40 for 2 tickets.  Stupidly expensive, but I'm giddy as a school girl in anticipation. Giant Robots vs giant monsters, what's not to like.
Rocket Punch! yeah!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 13 July, 2013, 02:52:17 pm
Saw it at the late show last night (overslept til NOW!). 

Eeeeeee!

EEEEEEEEE!

*throws panties at del Toro*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 13 July, 2013, 08:04:40 pm
Gerald, and especially Andy, I hate you!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 July, 2013, 09:02:22 am
I don't know if it was over-anticipation but I was a bit underwhelmed by Pacific Rim.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 July, 2013, 12:33:33 pm
I don't know if it was over-anticipation but I was a bit underwhelmed by Pacific Rim.

I am moderating my excitement levels (either that or my wife is back to administering tranquilisers in my coffee). Anyway, tickets booked for Tuesday at the IMax. I'm spoiled, I can't see movies on little screens now, and the sound needs to be loud enough to make my bones vibrate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 14 July, 2013, 05:06:10 pm
...with every step.

I need to see it again from a less stupendous angle - I sat front and centre in 3D, so there was a lot of wonderful confusion and mass. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 July, 2013, 10:02:05 pm
Booked tickets to see Pacific Rim on Sunday. £40 for 2 tickets.  Stupidly expensive, but I'm giddy as a school girl in anticipation. Giant Robots vs giant monsters, what's not to like.

Saw this Friday and despite fairly low expectations, I was still quite disappointed. The characters are just flat out poor, almost at the level of Star Wars I-III
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 14 July, 2013, 10:05:34 pm
Ray - the Ray Charles biopic. I gave up after maybe 30 minutes. I wanted to like it but I just felt it was without heart. Like watching wikipedia.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 14 July, 2013, 11:14:44 pm
Pacific Rim.
Loved it. Left wishing I had my Sega Saturn at home so I could fire up Virtual On, and get some giant robot combat simulation up an running. I've been waiting all my life for live action giant piloted robots fighting giant monsters, and this will more than suffice for now.

First thoughts. The little kid from Queer as folk really has grown up. How does Australia afford it's own Jaeger?

It was interesting to see how they treated Hong Kong as a location. Other half deducted marks as they featured tuk tuks in Hong Kong (they don't have them) and coolie hats, no one wears them anymore, and especially not that type.

Plot spoilers follow:
Loved the sword action, but why didn't they start with the sword seeing how effective they were

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 15 July, 2013, 07:42:15 am
DrUnKeN MaStEr

Early Jackie Chan.  Absolutely top drawer martial arts film.  The plot?  Pffft. Let's face it, these are watched for the fights and most of them in this film are truly jaw dropping in their athleticism and energy.  Almost balletic.  Awesome.

It's a shame many people will have formed an impression of Jackie Chan based on films like Around the World in 80 Days.  He's one of the greatest action stars of all time, in my opinion, and his western films only hint at this (in part because he was knocking on a bit when he was first lure by  the $$$$ tinseltown offers).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 16 July, 2013, 03:46:04 pm
Despicable Me 2.

I want to live with those funny little henchmen, they are hilarious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 16 July, 2013, 03:58:33 pm
Despicable Me 2.

I want to live with those funny little henchmen, they are hilarious.

If you have an iThing or an Android thingy, download and play "Minion Rush".  Hours of endless fun :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 July, 2013, 04:01:30 pm
Despicable Me 2.

I want to live with those funny little henchmen, they are hilarious.
napple!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 16 July, 2013, 04:39:17 pm
Lost Boys

Apparently a vital cultural reference that I'd missed, and nothing at all to do with Peter Pan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 July, 2013, 05:53:10 pm
My wife brought home a DVD the other day containing a double bill of quirky 60s gems: The London Nobody Knows and Les Bicyclettes De Belsize.

The former is a documentary in which James Mason wanders round the back streets of London, pointing out and and passing comment on interesting features such as goldfish in public toilet cisterns and meths-swilling tramps fighting. A lot of it is filmed around the area now known as Bankside, near where I work, and most of it is barely recognisable. Fascinating. More info here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2003/nov/21/history

The latter is a bizarre piece of musical whimsy in which a dapper young chap rides his bicycle round the streets of North London searching for the love of his life, a young fashion model who he has fallen in love with after crashing into her image on a billboard. Quite amusing. Very much of its time. More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Bicyclettes_de_Belsize (whoever authored that Wiki piece has a very strange notion of Mod fashion.)

Both are highly recommended, albeit more for curiosity value than anything else.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 17 July, 2013, 12:45:24 am
Despicable Me 2.

I want to live with those funny little henchmen, they are hilarious.

While nowhere near as good as the first one, I still really enjoyed this one. I'm also a big fan of pose-to-pose animation, something Pixar/Disney abhors, so it was refreshing to see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 17 July, 2013, 01:05:56 pm
Sightseers

Watched this on the basis of a recommendation on here, and it is really quite excellent.

Down Terrace (also by Ben Wheatley) has arrived for this weekend's viewing.

It wasn't very good, had a bit of the Mike Leigh about it, but didn't quite hit the spot. Kill List for this weekend...

Django was much more enjoyable, if a little over-long. Not something to take too seriously though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 17 July, 2013, 10:10:36 pm
LOTR - The Fellowship of the Ring.

For the first time in simply ages. My word, Boromir's last battle is very very good stuff. The arrows slamming into his chest as he musters his last half ounce of ATP. Cor it's lovely stuff that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 18 July, 2013, 07:18:44 am
Pacific Rim.

It failed the Bechdel Test.  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 18 July, 2013, 07:48:25 am
Agora

I found it hard to follow in places, couldn't remember who was who etc, but a very good film if somewhat (perhaps) overly simplistic in places. An Alejandro Amenábar movie, Rachel Weisz plays Hypatia, a philosopher/mathematician in 4th century Greece.   The 'pagans' set to the Christians, Christians biff back and take over then later decide to have a pop at the Jews. Worth a watch if only to make the blood boil.

Surprisingly, given it's subject matter (religious fanaticalism and subjugation of women), maybe would have failed the  Bechdel test too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: noisycrank on 18 July, 2013, 08:30:29 am
Pacific Rim
the trailers seem to suggest it is basically big budget Power Rangers without the catchy theme tune (or the dodgy lycra). Am I wrong?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 July, 2013, 08:35:31 am
Despicable Me 2

It's funny. Some bits are very funny. We liked it. While walking home we had a serious discussion about how you'd make a quacomale hat
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 July, 2013, 11:04:29 am
Pacific Rim. I quite enjoyed it, but then my parents were in fact Japanese monster movies, so that was to be expected. Definitely Imax material for full on monster–robot battles, thought the 3D was (as usual) pointless.

Came in rocking, went out rocking, but left the middle a bit slack. They should have just turned all the dials up to 11 and left them there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 23 July, 2013, 05:09:36 pm
Silent Running
I could have sworn that this was a film starring Charlton Heston.
Great film none the less!  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 July, 2013, 05:48:38 pm
Red 2. Had an evening to kill before flying home and that's really all it's good for. (Wasn't really expecting much else).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 July, 2013, 06:56:17 pm
Dredd.

Watched it last night as an antidote to the news, which was almost driving me to revolution.

Mixed feelings about this one. I loved the comics when I was a teenager and I must admit that the film is faithful to their spirit. It also has a well-structured narrative.

However, what I really didn't like was the number of shots that were clearly designed purely for the sake of 3D - things flying towards the camera in slo-mo etc. It got extremely tiresome after a while - and would have done even if I'd actually been watching in 3D. I also didn't like the excessive, gratuitous gore - oodles of exploding body parts in gloriously detailed cgi.

Not shocked by it, just not interested in that kind of thing. I'd prefer more story, tbh.

I think I have to accept that I'm no longer the target demographic for this kind of thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 July, 2013, 07:55:51 pm
I loved Dredd. Easily the best action movie of 2012. It's 1h20m (which is what an action movie should be), it keeps the characters relatively simple and similarly with the story. It's a movie I wished I had worked on. Sure, there's some shots that are made only to show of stereo, but there's only a few and they're still ok in mono.
 Also, Dredd behaved like Dredd, unlike the Stallone version which was truly horrible.
Fairly low budget movie (~$50mil), which failed at the box office, but did extremely well at DVD sales and they're now finally pushing for a sequel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 July, 2013, 09:02:57 pm
It's 1h20m (which is what an action movie should be), it keeps the characters relatively simple and similarly with the story. ...
 Also, Dredd behaved like Dredd, unlike the Stallone version which was truly horrible.

Good points well made.

I initially thought there was too much assuming prior knowledge of the main character but on reflection I think it's more that they aren't labouring the mythology. Which is a good thing.

Even if you weren't familiar with the comics, you'd soon pick up an idea of Dredd's status and reputation within the Justice Dept (in much the same way you do in the first Dirty Harry film).

It feels like the introductory episode of a series as well, so good to know there's going to be a sequel. I hope they keep Karl Urban in the lead role.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LindaG on 23 July, 2013, 11:22:58 pm
Robot and Frank.

Retired ex-con manipulates his healthcare robot to help him do one last cat burglary.

Sweet, funny and sad. And that robot knew every one of my tricks for dealing with grumpy old men. Scary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 25 July, 2013, 09:45:22 am
World's End.

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

More mature and reflective than any of the other Cornetto films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 25 July, 2013, 12:09:52 pm
World's End.

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

More mature and reflective than any of the other Cornetto films.

Excellent - looking forward to this one!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kathy on 25 July, 2013, 03:45:41 pm
World's End.

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

More mature and reflective than any of the other Cornetto films.

Excellent - looking forward to this one!

Oh, and it has potential as a drink-along-a film game. And a much simpler one than Withnail & I. I'm not sure whether it should be done by declaring that everyone has to drink along with Simon Pegg's character, or whether it should be seen in a group of five and each person shadows one of the main characters (it's the person drinking along with Nick Frost's character I feel sorry for!), but there's definitely potential!

But see it sober first, to appreciate it as a film first. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 26 July, 2013, 12:09:42 am
Monsters University, in the company of an 11 year old, a 6 year old and a 5 year old. 

Utterly charming short beforehand.  We stayed to the end of the credits, and liked the slug, which the SmallestCub can do a very good impersonation of.  We were all disappointed that the glitterball scene from the trailer wasn't actually in the film.  And we all thought that having very nearly an hour of adverts and trailers was silly although I'm undecided if that was the deciding factor that caused the 5 year old to spend the last 20 minutes or so asking if we were nearly there yet.

SmallestCub's favourite bit was the "bit with the pink spiky things where they got all fat".  I don't think that constitutes a spoiler... The Smallest-Superhero-Next-Door liked the "scaring the grown ups" sequence.  EldestCub declined to comment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 27 July, 2013, 06:42:33 pm
Just got back from The World's End.

It's about a 40 something guy who drinks too much, dresses like he did when he was a teenager and is a dick to his friends.

I'm seriously thinking of suing*.

As Kathy said - this is a bit more mature and reflective and while it employs some of the Spaced style editing that made them all famous, it's probably the furthest away in style.

I didn't hate it but of the three Cornetto films, Hot Fuzz remains my stand out favourite.  Probably because I love the genre they send up so well in it.





*By running up behind someone and shouting "SUE!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 27 July, 2013, 07:00:08 pm
24hr Party People

Been meaning to watch it for ages, but I've always put it off because I think that Steve Coogan is such a complete twat irrespective of whether he's acting or not. Anyway, that aside it's actually a pretty good film - more of an 'inspired by the events of' type of thing rather than a true-and-accurate account of how the whole Madchester thing came (and went)  but despite the liberties taken in places I really enjoyed it.

Awesome soundtrack too, if you're into that kind of thing, and lots of cameos (including one by Tony Wilson1).

1 - before he died, obviously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 27 July, 2013, 07:23:36 pm
Only God Forgives.

Bloody hell, this film lives on in your mind. I didn't really like Bronson, it was a bit horrible and just nasty, Drive was brilliant although a bit over-reliant on CLOSE UPS OF RYAN GOSLING NOT DOING ANYTHING and this was the same, he barely says twenty words the whole film. He's not really the main character, it's Chang who I think may be God. Kristin Scott Thomas turns up and walks out with the film under her arm. Think a female Don off Sexy Beast. Who's had sex with her son.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 July, 2013, 07:52:37 pm
24hr Party People

I saw that in the campus arthouse cinema when I was at university.  I don't think I was particularly well at the time, and was overwhelmed by it being Too Loud (visually as much as audio), so I slept through most of it.

(I had a similar experience with the first Lord of the Rings film, which was ruined by the sound levels being turned up to 12 in whatever crappy cinema it was.  There's only so much distortion my brain can take before the crowbar kicks in.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 29 July, 2013, 06:46:24 am
Igby Goes Down

First film for a while where I struggled to squeeze enjoyment out of it.  It's not a bad film, just one that serves little to no purpose.  One of the Culkin clan rebels against his upbringing, slowly drifting apart when the matriarchal glue starts to come undone.  Not as funny or as insightful as it could have been, with a good cast not really firing on all cylinders.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 29 July, 2013, 08:58:40 am
Wreck It Ralph.

Disney prove once again that they just can't do it as well as Pixar.

A confusing hot-potch of a story trying to be a computer game version of Toy Story (and failing).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 July, 2013, 09:36:34 am
The Raid.

Feck me :o  Talk about kick ass and just about everything else that you can kick (and a few body parts you would struggle to kick).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 July, 2013, 11:00:54 am
The Wolverine

Not my choice, CFS-sick child wanted to see movie, that was the one we could get to.

As his big sister said "It's like they took a 4-hour movie and edited it down to two hours, missing out most of the story."

Some great action sequences.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 29 July, 2013, 11:06:13 am
As his big sister said "It's like they took a 4-hour movie and edited it down to two hours, missing out most of the story."
That's pretty much SOP for films these days, isn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 July, 2013, 11:15:04 am
As his big sister said "It's like they took a 4-hour movie and edited it down to two hours, missing out most of the story."
That's pretty much SOP for films these days, isn't it?
Nah, I think with most of them they don't bother with the story to start with. This film had distinct overtones of having a complex story there somewhere. Probably in the graphic novel on which it was based.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 July, 2013, 01:09:14 pm
IME the opposite is mostly true - they take 60-90 minutes worth of story and drag it out to a four-hour film.

As mentioned upthread, one of the best things about Dredd is that it's 90 minutes worth of story in a 90 minute film. I'm very much of the Roger Corman school of thought on this matter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 29 July, 2013, 06:40:29 pm
Ali

Really disappointed. And I mean really. It should have been a great film given the subject. It could have been a good film but missed even that, for me anyway. Plus side, Will Smith as Ali is extremely good. He got so much of Ali just about spot-on, as far as I could tell. The voice, some of the swagger. He's always going to be Will Smith, popular in so many other films as a completely different character, so you cut him slack for that. But for me he missed that mischievous, sparkling glint in the eye, the slightly smug grin, that Ali had. Ali was a quick thinker, an intelligent man and maybe a manipulator. He knew what he was doing and when to do it. That glint and smile said that to me, and Smith couldn't get that.

The film showed Ali's political and religious side. His involvement with Malcolm X and Islam. It didn't portray Ali as only a boxer so it's to be commended for that. And for that, it had some added interest for me. But sadly where it failed, imho, was it's overuse of sound track. I just don't think of Ali and soul music together. At times, I felt as if I was being emotionally manipulated by the music, music that only really served to set the era rather than be relevant to the man. It was almost cliché too, love scenes to soul music. That's not Ali, that's almost lazy. It's why I threw the towel in.

'When We Were Kings' is a far far better movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 31 July, 2013, 11:46:46 am
Monday night:

Jack The Giant Slayer

The first 20 minutes or so are the stock Brothers Grimm fairy tale, then it goes off at a (enjoyable) tangent.  Nicely done, storyline was predictable, but there is only so far you can change such a story without messing it up completely.  Ian McShane was very good as the king, Jack was dopey enough, without looking like Benny from Crossroads but the princess was just not princess-y enough.  All in all a good yarn.

Tuesday night:

Hansel and Gretel, Witch Hunters

What a crock.  Gretel is done up to try to out do Ms Beckinsale in Underworld, but obviously the production budget couldn't stretch to a full leather outfit for her, not that she could have carried it off.  Hansel just gurned his way through, he was better as Hawkeye.  The plot had huge holes in it and the ending was visible from about 5 minutes after the opening credits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 31 July, 2013, 05:59:23 pm
Hell and High Water

Submarine war film with sweaty shirtless men and a striking looking woman I didn't recognise but thought looked Polish, so I looked up her rather sad story:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bella_Darvi
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 01 August, 2013, 12:57:46 am
13 Assassins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Assassins)

A remake of of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 black-and-white Japanese film of the same name, Jûsan-nin no shikaku, and rather good, if somewhat bloody.

Must dig out Hagakure for a re-read...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 02 August, 2013, 03:14:33 pm
Resident Evil starring Milla Jovovovich in Zombie Bashing Action!   :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 August, 2013, 03:29:31 pm
Pacific Rim

Great Robots, Great Action, ok acting, weak on story

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 02 August, 2013, 04:12:41 pm
13 Assassins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Assassins)

A remake of of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 black-and-white Japanese film of the same name, Jûsan-nin no shikaku, and rather good, if somewhat bloody.

Must dig out Hagakure for a re-read...

Saw 75% of that the other night too Speshers, but still not a patch of Itchy Knee Chiaroscuro's 7 Samarai, which (for me) one can't help but make a comparison.

More modern ones I've also enjoyed have starred Byung-hun Lee (Korean) in: A Bitter Sweet Life A Bitter Sweet Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X9q1ho0ULQ), and no, the link isn't to a violent scene, but plays the title music (for a change!). He's also in The Good, the Bad, the Weird (http://youtu.be/OzNnCK5cd8Q) which is a very odd film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 02 August, 2013, 04:50:12 pm
Last film I saw was 13 Assassins also.  On Film4 as part of their Heroes season (I don't usually comment on TV broadcast films, only cinema/DVD/bluray, but will make an exception for this peculiarity). 

I started off watching it thinking I would give it half an hour, and ended up seeing it through the whole 2 hours and more that it was screening for.  An good film that, despite being alien, took time to build up some characterisation and relationships between the characters.  The build up to the battle scene in the last 45 minutes was gradual, but when it got going it was relentless.  Glad to have seen it, and restored some faith in UK telly (it isn't often that subtitles, obscure Asian films are shown at the 9pm slot rather than silly o'clock in the morning).

Will give Bitter Sweet Life a try.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 02 August, 2013, 09:39:43 pm
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.  What a waste of a Lovefilm rental. Tiermat got it spot on so won't add anything more.  :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 02 August, 2013, 10:27:46 pm
The Europa Report (itunes only): Proper hard-science sci-fi for people raised at Arthur C Clarke's teat.  Recommended.

(breezes the Bechdel test if you're counting; Anamaria Marinca is standout as the pilot)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 03 August, 2013, 07:59:21 pm
RED2 Standard fare, nothing eyeopening but good fun for a mindless evening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 04 August, 2013, 01:29:25 pm
Valhalla Rising. What the buggery chuff was all that about?
He can see into the future.

Your fate is set - Viking belief.

Saw this on Friday and apart from the scenery it's a total pile of wank. It has a high score on IMDB so I had a look at the reviews to see what I missed. In amongst all the "I love this film, I'm so clever, if you don't get it you're thick" style reviews, there was this which neatly sums it up:

Quote
...a few of the rosier reviews would lead one to believe that this is a piece of life changing existentialist art. Those reviews are every bit as vacuous and pretentious as the aimless direction provided by Nicolas Refn. How self involved, how self important, how narcissistic was Refn's directing? We could have spent 90 minutes watching Refn masturbate on film, and in essence that's just what we did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 August, 2013, 10:20:08 am
Byzantium

I really enjoyed it. Yes, it is yet another vampire flic, but quite different from most. 

Gemma Arterton is brill as the unchanging vampire whore and mother. Best bit of acting I've seen from her yet.

My son didn't enjoy it as he doesn't like carols and they used the Coventry Carol as the backing soundtrack through out the movie (sung or played in a variety of ways and tempos - it worked for me).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 06 August, 2013, 12:48:00 pm
I started watching Solomon Kane last night, but part way through I paused it to go and get a drink and it wouldn't start again, for some reason.  Shall have to re-load it onto my tablet next week.

Instead I watched Admission

The premise is sound, Tina Fey plays a student admissions officer at Princeton, who finds out one of the students who has applied is her son.

I can't tell if it's supposed to be funny, serious or neither (although if the former then it is missing a vital element, humour!)

It just drags and drags, eventually falling exhausted, rather than actually ending.

Not worth the time, in my opinion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 06 August, 2013, 04:00:05 pm
The Kids Are Alright.

Hilarious. Juilianne Moore and Annette Benning are a lesbian coupe with two kids (One is Mia Wasikowska off Jane Eyre) and the father- the sperm donor- Mark Ruffalo turns up. What a cast. Very sweet and funny and touching. It's odd that lesbians in films sometimes get off with men but gay men in films don't get off with women.  Can't think of any.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 06 August, 2013, 07:40:40 pm
Oblivion. Much better than I expected. Ending is a bit meh, but first half of the movie is very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 08 August, 2013, 08:57:00 pm
Naked Lunch

Cronenberg from the early nineties.  A tripped out film that riffs on William S Borough's life and work.  Fucked up but strangely compelling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 August, 2013, 08:14:14 am
Worlds End

Not as funny as Shaun Of The Dead or Hot Fuzz but still a good chuckle.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 09 August, 2013, 09:38:33 pm
Am currently watching 'Anonymous' with Rhys Ifans. I think its worse than 'The White Queen'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 10 August, 2013, 07:36:46 am
But it does have Rhys Ifans in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 10 August, 2013, 07:46:51 am
The Lone Ranger

Uneven. Patchy. Curious. I can see why some critics hated it, I can see why some might like it.

It's a hoot in parts, silly (not good silly) in others, offensive (needlessly high body count) in others. Dark. Could be viewed as being deeply critical of the American dream, of capitalism.  A rewrite of the LR & Tonto story.

Reminds of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' (same director, producer & Johnny Depp) - aiming for a simiar kind of slapstick I think. Depp again clearly enjoys playing a comedy character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: her_welshness on 10 August, 2013, 06:55:19 pm
But it does have Rhys Ifans in it.

True, but even the gleam in Ifan's eye could not save it. The dialogue was just poor and it was very tedious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 10 August, 2013, 11:24:26 pm
Oblivion. Seen a better film on coffee.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 August, 2013, 10:35:04 am
Searching for Sugar Man

Totally enthralling stuff. Highly recommended. Can't say much more without spoiler tags.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 11 August, 2013, 02:43:06 pm
Yes, Searching for Sugarman is a fantastic music doc; an interesting story very well told.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 August, 2013, 02:57:06 pm
My son is at Wilderness this weekend and saw Rodriguez last night. He's already texted me to say how keen he now is to see the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 August, 2013, 03:23:23 pm
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 11 August, 2013, 06:06:36 pm
Flash Gordon which was on cooncil tv this afternoon!
Forgot how great, if somewhat cheesy, this film is!   :D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 12 August, 2013, 09:27:08 am
Flash Gordon which was on cooncil tv this afternoon!
Forgot how great, if somewhat cheesy, this film is!   :D ;D

"Dispatch War Rocket Ajax to bring back his body"

Etc.

Cheesy it may be, but in comparison to Flesh Gordon?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 12 August, 2013, 10:00:21 am
Passport to Pimlico.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 12 August, 2013, 10:13:43 am
The Man Who Wasn't There (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243133/?ref_=sr_1)

Very entertaining and definitely recommended. It's been on the telly (I watched a recording) so it will probably come round again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: microphonie on 12 August, 2013, 07:09:29 pm
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa - was expecting a big disappointment but it's really rather good  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 13 August, 2013, 10:01:06 am
Watched Solomon Kane last night.

It strats out really really well, Solomon is a, for want of a better phrase, pirate.

In the opening segment he is raiding a North African castle when he is confronted by the Devil's Reaper, who he manages to escape from.

He then turns his back on violence, knowing that the devil will come to claim his soul if he does not.

The next hour or so is him struggling with his non-violent life, and his search for the daughter of a family he meets up with.

Then it gets a bit silly.  He is captured by evil forces, and crucified.  He manages to get off the cross (by pulling his hand off the nails) and can still sword fight!  He then goes to the castle and gets stabbed through the shoulder (all the way through) with a sword.  After a bit of grimacing he gets up and has a sword fight, weilding two swords!

Other than the silly bit it was good, totally enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 15 August, 2013, 12:01:04 am
Cockneys V Zombies.

Oh dear.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 15 August, 2013, 08:18:31 am
Kick Ass 2

Excellent. Funnier than the first one, gorier too.

We loved it.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 15 August, 2013, 08:22:08 am
The angels' share
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 15 August, 2013, 08:59:13 am
Kick Ass 2

Excellent. Funnier than the first one, gorier too.

We loved it.

(click to show/hide)

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 16 August, 2013, 11:52:49 am
Resident Evil: Extinction
 :thumbsup: Zombie Crows! :)
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 August, 2013, 11:08:13 pm
Untouchable

French film based on a true story about a kid from the projects who gets a job as a carer for a quadriplegic rich dude.

I loved it. It's wet-your-pants funny and has great performances by the two leads.

Can't help wondering how much the story has been Hollywoodised though - there are a lot of cracks that have been heavily and glossily papered over...

Edit: Kermode has it spot on, as usual:
http://youtu.be/b7Sw51qFjhg
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 18 August, 2013, 11:19:58 pm
Untouchable

French film based on a true story about a kid from the projects who gets a job as a carer for a quadriplegic rich dude.

I loved it. It's wet-your-pants funny and has great performances by the two leads.

Can't help wondering how much the story has been Hollywoodised though - there are a lot of cracks that have been heavily and glossily papered over...

Edit: Kermode has it spot on, as usual:
http://youtu.be/b7Sw51qFjhg

I bloody loved that film. Absolutely excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 August, 2013, 06:39:23 am
The Breakfast Club (only took me 30 years).  Didn't think it was all that great; the dialogue is rather mumbled and I may have missed some of the humour.  Would have stopped watching if it hadn't had Ally Sheedy in it.

The central message seems to be that disparate teenagers will get on with each other after smoking enough dope.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 August, 2013, 01:49:33 pm
Kick Ass 2.  I liked it but there was a feeling of diminishing returns compared to the original.  I think that the original was so fresh and fun that any follow up was always going to be a lesser piece.

While I enjoyed it, I would prefer them to leave it there but if it does well in the box office I doubt they will though.  They did inevitably kind of hint at a further sequel possibility right at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 19 August, 2013, 02:34:45 pm
Cool Hand Luke, with cool haired Macbobb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 August, 2013, 03:09:36 pm

The Breakfast Club (only took me 30 years).  Didn't think it was all that great; the dialogue is rather mumbled and I may have missed some of the humour.  Would have stopped watching if it hadn't had Ally Sheedy in it.

One of those films you have to be 15-16 to fully appreciate.

Also you really ought to be around that age to be allowed to look at its stars in that way, Mr Z. I used to have a serious crush on Molly Ringwald, but last time I saw the film, a couple of years ago, I felt very uncomfortable about how young she looked in it...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 19 August, 2013, 11:30:10 pm
Wolverine. Not 3D.

Hugh Jackman. Oh my.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 August, 2013, 12:09:30 am
Life of Pi at home on the big screen, not in 3D.

Just as magical.

It's got a tiger in it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 20 August, 2013, 12:26:45 am

The Breakfast Club (only took me 30 years).  Didn't think it was all that great; the dialogue is rather mumbled and I may have missed some of the humour.  Would have stopped watching if it hadn't had Ally Sheedy in it.

One of those films you have to be 15-16 to fully appreciate.

Also you really ought to be around that age to be allowed to look at its stars in that way, Mr Z. I used to have a serious crush on Molly Ringwald, but last time I saw the film, a couple of years ago, I felt very uncomfortable about how young she looked in it...

Quite.

Molly Ringwald (DOB 18/2/68) and Anthony Michael Hall (DOB 14/4/68) were the only two of the five leads who were still of high school age during production of the film (released February 1985). Emilio Estevez (DOB 12/5/62) and Ally Sheedy (DOB 13/6/62) were in their early twenties, and Judd Nelson (DOB 28/11/59) was playing a high school student at the age of 25!

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 20 August, 2013, 01:01:05 am
"Olympus has Fallen".

This movie boasts some of the worst VFX in a Hollywood movie. They tried to do it on the cheap and went with a studio in Bulgaria and it backfired big time. The CGI is truly terrible. Most of our pre-vis stuff is better than the final FX in that movie and in many ways it did our industry a huge favour. proving that there's a reason that VFX are so expensive.

 Despite that, it's not a bad action flick. Gerard Butler is a reasonably believable action hero type guy (a la Bruce Willis in Die Hard) and the action sequences plays along nicely enough and aren't interrupted by too much story
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 20 August, 2013, 12:40:19 pm
The Dancer Upstairs

On Movie Mix on Sunday night. A detective in an unidentified South American country is trying to find the leader of a terrorist group whilst at the same time falling for his daughters ballet teacher.  John Malkovich directed and  Javier Bardem who was the villain in the last Bond movie plays the detective. Lovely atmosphere to this film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 August, 2013, 12:51:53 pm
MacBobb and I watched the Shawshank Redemption yesterday. He hadn't seen it before. I think he's a convert.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 August, 2013, 01:50:25 pm
"Olympus has Fallen".

Interesting to read your take on the SFX.  I think they kind of matched the poor quality of the film overall though.  If I hadn't already seen Gangster Squad, this would have been my worst film of the year so far.  Wondering if White House Down will be any better?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 21 August, 2013, 10:10:12 pm
Oblivion. On Blu-Ray.  You've seen Privates On Parade? Well it looked absolutely beautiful, and oddly it made me want to go cycle camping. But Privates On Parade is a much better film. Even though it's in black and white. Rear Window? No comparison. Watch Rear Window if you have a choice.

Don't get me wrong. It was OK. It looked great. But it wasn't a great film.

Post alien invasion, Tom Cruise and an English readhead are tasked with the protection of the remnant of the human race.  Morgan Freeman appears to play Morpheus out of the Matrix, at the same time as being Geoff Goldblum in Independence Day.  No, really.

You'll have to watch it if you don't believe me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 August, 2013, 11:38:47 pm
"Olympus has Fallen".

Interesting to read your take on the SFX.  I think they kind of matched the poor quality of the film overall though.  If I hadn't already seen Gangster Squad, this would have been my worst film of the year so far.  Wondering if White House Down will be any better?

It's an Emmerich film. I doubt it...although supposedly Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx hit it off and there's a lot of good humour/interaction between them, with both of them ad-libbing their dialogue.
The VFX are guaranteed to be better, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Illegal Combat Ant on 21 August, 2013, 11:59:24 pm
Alpha Papa. Very shitfaced so it was very werry funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 22 August, 2013, 08:18:27 am
A Single Man  Quite simply, one of the best movies I've ever seen. It'll slot easily into my top ten list, that's for sure. Colin Firth is brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 22 August, 2013, 12:41:46 pm
The Hunt

Yeah, we seem to be on a Mads Mikkelsen season... this film by contrast was truly excellent, if rather* emotional.


*major understatement.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 22 August, 2013, 09:27:08 pm
Planes, in the company of both Cubs, the Smallest-Superhero-Next-Door and the EldestCub's car-mad mate-that-he's-know-since-toddler-group.  Oh, and CrinklyUncle!

Much less advert/trailer nonsense than last time I took them all, which made the expotition mush easier and meant we got out in time for the bus home although then discovered that it only went half way home. 

SmallestCub particularly liked 'the bit where they go through the sideways bit'.
Smallest-Superhero thought 'it was a bit rubbish at first but then it got really really good'.
Car-mad mate couldn't pick out a best bit because 'it was all brilliant'.
EldestCub says 'pretty cool!'.
I liked it.  Especially the tunnel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 23 August, 2013, 01:06:09 pm
Airplane on the tellybox the other night.

Again.

I still laughed like a loon at lots of it  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 August, 2013, 05:26:22 pm
Elysium.

It was good overall, started well but kind of descended into a lengthy chase scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 23 August, 2013, 06:43:33 pm
ET, on the big screen!

SmallestCub spent quite a lot of it hiding behind his jumper.
The Car-Mad-Mate liked it, thought it was better on the big screen.
EldestCub thought it was good.
the Smallest-Superhero-Next-Door cried quite a lot, even though we had _promised_ him that Spielberg wouldn't let him down and it would work out OK in the end.

I was a bit shocked by what was a U certificate 30 years ago compared with today.

But not as surprised as I was by them choosing this as one of the trailers.
http://youtu.be/F30PYWYdkZ4

Hmm.

Good film thobut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 August, 2013, 09:11:36 pm
Downfall.  Everyone knows the history but it's extremely well done.  Not as distressing as you might think, because it's hard to feel sorry for the uglies at the top of the Nazi tree.   Good to watch the way it all gradually falls apart.  You have to ask...WTF were the German people thinking when they put that lot in power?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 23 August, 2013, 09:15:30 pm
Downfall.

There's also a fairly decent line in internet memes from re-subtitling a particular scene from Downfall. (following Youtube clip may contain spoilers if you speak german and/or never went to school)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv6hoGgGVcM

As for me, I'm watching Star Wars: A New Hope. Not for the first time, of course, but I've just picked up the blu-rays. Episodes 1, 2 and 3 will be staying in the box forever because George Lucas is DEAD TO ME.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 23 August, 2013, 09:18:21 pm
Downfall.  Everyone knows the history but it's extremely well done.  Not as distressing as you might think, because it's hard to feel sorry for the uglies at the top of the Nazi tree.   Good to watch the way it all gradually falls apart.  You have to ask...WTF were the German people thinking when they put that lot in power?

I did feel some sympathy toward the Germans in the bunker. They knew a tidal wave of death was rolling towards them, and over a hundred thousand rapes.   I asked my Polish friend if she felt the same. "No", she said.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 25 August, 2013, 02:18:52 pm
Hitchcock. Slightly strange dream sequences, but all superbly acted by Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren and a lovely feelgood ending :thumbsup: Well worth a watch
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 25 August, 2013, 02:32:18 pm
Untouchable

French film based on a true story about a kid from the projects who gets a job as a carer for a quadriplegic rich dude.

I loved it. It's wet-your-pants funny and has great performances by the two leads.

Can't help wondering how much the story has been Hollywoodised though - there are a lot of cracks that have been heavily and glossily papered over...

Edit: Kermode has it spot on, as usual:
http://youtu.be/b7Sw51qFjhg

We saw this last night. Brilliant. Thanks for the recommendation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 26 August, 2013, 12:11:29 am
Oblivion

It's not bad, and as Ruthie said (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1547776#msg1547776), it looks very impressive.  The storyline isn't entirely predictable, and Morgan Freeman does behave somewhat as Ruthie described, which isn't a criticism of him, it's the sort of part that he plays well.  I suspect that the backdrops could have looked impressive in 3D, but relatively unusually for a recent release there isn't a 3D version (not even one generated in post production).

Unusually, the Bluray version (and possibly the DVD for all I know) has an isolated score, which is quite rare, I've only got a handful of discs which have this (out of quite a few hundred).

In the category of post-apocalyptic films, I don't think it's a bad example, there have certainly been many worse films, and it is very well done, with some impressive CGI.  I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, but he's not too annoying in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 August, 2013, 01:39:31 am
Pain & Gain: The proof that Michael Bay can only 'direct' movies with big action sequences and sucks at telling a real story.
It has it's moments and as with all Bay movies, has high production values, but it's otherwise really dire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 26 August, 2013, 09:25:05 am
The Place Beyond the Pines A reasonable plot but fairly shallow. At well over 2 hours long this film seems to think its something great, but it isn't. Not bad though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 26 August, 2013, 09:27:30 am
The Place Beyond the Pines A reasonable plot but fairly shallow. At well over 2 hours long this film seems to think its something great, but it isn't. Not bad though.

Is it worth the price of the Blu-Ray? I was thinking about buying this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 26 August, 2013, 09:36:22 am
The Place Beyond the Pines A reasonable plot but fairly shallow. At well over 2 hours long this film seems to think its something great, but it isn't. Not bad though.

Is it worth the price of the Blu-Ray? I was thinking about buying this.

Well, visually and musically it's quite good, but I don't think it's worth watching twice - it was predictable enough the first time round! I can lend you the DVD if you want to watch it and then send back to LoveFilm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 26 August, 2013, 09:44:03 am
Thanks J but I'm away for three weeks now so I'll pass  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 26 August, 2013, 10:08:22 am
Elysium.

The Good The Bad
Future world where the US is reduced to the status of third world country and healthcare is only available to the tiny privileged minority provides an interesting premise for satire / allegory. The allegorical content of the film never develops beyond this straightforward premise.
All the grimy near-to-death exploited underclasses have perfect white teeth.
With one exception (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001209/) (who is always a baddie), all the baddies are foreign (to the US).
Has a fetishistic fascination with weaponry.
Lots of tedious goodie vs baddie fighting pads out most of the film.
Gaping plot holes galore.
Men fight and women women nurture (with one 'ice-cold' exception).
It's 2154 when tech allows magic health wands to cure all known disease and traumas but computers still go beep as lots of numbers scroll past.
Computer operators who, on seeing a second of beeping scrolling hex, are able to identify a program as one that will shut down an entire space station, dethrone the president and install a new government.
On running the program above, as a safety measure, computer operator is presented with a 'Overthrow current government? Y/N with flashing cursor. (OK, a little rhetorical licence here, but not far off.)
etc. etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 August, 2013, 12:41:24 pm
Iron Man. Not the worst film I've ever seen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aikon on 26 August, 2013, 12:56:32 pm
Samsara, thought provoking
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 26 August, 2013, 04:40:25 pm
It's 2154 when tech allows magic health wands to cure all known disease and traumas but computers still go beep as lots of numbers scroll past.

Computer operators who, on seeing a second of beeping scrolling hex, are able to identify a program as one that will shut down an entire space station, dethrone the president and install a new government.

On running the program above, as a safety measure, computer operator is presented with a 'Overthrow current government? Y/N with flashing cursor.

All many of the standard features of MovieOS, obviously along with fonts which display an inch high, prefect voice recognition and generation, high resolution animated graphics for just about any function, passwords which a five year old could guess, and the ability to access any other computer anywhere.

Conveniently, everyone uses the same version of MovieOS, including aliens, and all storage media is compatible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 26 August, 2013, 06:10:14 pm
Sightseers

British dark comedy, a phrase that generally means "not very funny and not very good".  But this one bucks the rule and is wryly funny and actually rather good. 

A dysfunctional couple come together as they fall apart at the seams (or some such guff).  Contains caravans.  Knitted crotchless panties.  Dog licking a man's arse.  The expression "Don't come a knocking if the wagon's a rocking".  If that doesn't sell it, I don't know what will.

It's also quite good fun spotting places and thinking "I've cycled there".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 August, 2013, 06:31:47 pm
(Looking forward to Sightseers - saw lots of press about it during the launch ... )

Shame about Elysium, reviews were promising.

Quote
Future world where the US is reduced to the status of third world country and healthcare is only available to the tiny privileged minority provides an interesting premise for satire / allegory.
...
The allegorical content of the film never develops beyond this straightforward premise.

Hmm. All too common in blockbusters. The money men want an action movie, someone points out that a few geeks also like a neat story idea [allegory, satire, exploration of the human condition, yada yada] - so surely combining the two is a winner, right?  ::-)


[I don't give a flying f**k about "un-realistic" IT - anyone care to describe what 2154 IT will look like?!? ]


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 26 August, 2013, 06:43:36 pm
Despicable Me

It's taken me a while to get round to watching it, which is a pity 'cos I don't think I've laughed so much in ages. I want a Minion! Or even better, an army of Minions!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 August, 2013, 07:24:05 pm
American Pie Presents: Beta House

The cinematic equivalent of a deep-fried Mars Bar.  Totally exploitative (women are all sex objects) and badly edited so the flow is a bit odd, but there are still some good laughs.  It's like a ruder version of Animal House, which is basically what the makers intended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Biff on 26 August, 2013, 08:25:04 pm
Alice in the cities (1973). I'm a big fan of Wim Wenders. Sometimes a bit bleak, but this one's got some softer moments.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 26 August, 2013, 08:28:07 pm
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.

Still no women to be seen in either the Empire or the Rebel Alliance, but I think there's a more diverse population in Cloud City. And black people too! *faints*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 26 August, 2013, 09:05:26 pm
Wasn't Vadar black?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 26 August, 2013, 09:13:57 pm
Wasn't Vadar black?
His voice was ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 August, 2013, 09:47:03 pm
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.

Still no women to be seen in either the Empire or the Rebel Alliance, but I think there's a more diverse population in Cloud City. And black people too! *faints*
Yebbut the black person was a gambler, cheat and general rogue.

The racism the Americans have the biggest problem with is apparently the Trade Federation dudes in the prequels, who seem to have Singaporean accents.  Americans are very sensitive about Orientals (or "Asians" as they call them over there), and "Jap" is about as offensive in the US as "Paki" is in the UK.  Nuclear guilt?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 27 August, 2013, 11:00:18 pm
Dogma
Again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 August, 2013, 11:38:45 pm
The Desert Fox (James Mason as Rommel).  Cheekily excessive use of library footage by 20th Century Fox.  I bet they hated it when colour films became de rigeur and they had to spring for SFX. 

The accents are uniformly appalling, and Hitler is more like Chaplin's Great Dictator than the real one, but von Rundstedt is quite good.

The interesting thing about Rommel is that he has a sky-high reputation but it's not clear what he actually did to deserve it, except for some early actions in north Africa.  By all accounts he was a good egg, and the rest of the German generals were a pretty dodgy bunch of Nazi sycophants, so maybe that's it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 28 August, 2013, 09:22:54 am
American Pie: the Wedding

The Stiffmeister makes these films.  I was LOL'ing and ROFL'ing at some of the jolly japes he was involved in.  The rest of the film is a bit meh.  Nowhere near as good as the first and second.  But enough to inspire me to rent out the "Reunion" and, possibly, to buy the boxset as I feel dirty watching ITV2.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 28 August, 2013, 05:46:20 pm
Dogma
Again.

It's good.  I think Alannis Morissette is very good as God as well.  I think God is probably really like that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 29 August, 2013, 09:07:26 pm
It's No2Daughter's choice this week, so...

Lady and The Tramp
O yes.

Obviously, the spaghetti scene is the iconic scene of the film, but I had forgotten how good the Siamese Cats were.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 29 August, 2013, 09:10:07 pm
Obviously, the spaghetti scene is the iconic scene of the film...

I was going to suggest a re-enactment, but spag is not Low Carb.  :hand:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 29 August, 2013, 09:20:00 pm
Obviously, the spaghetti scene is the iconic scene of the film...

I was going to suggest a re-enactment, but spag is not Low Carb.  :hand:
We can re-enact the Siamese Cats instead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 29 August, 2013, 09:23:42 pm
Obviously, the spaghetti scene is the iconic scene of the film...

I was going to suggest a re-enactment, but spag is not Low Carb.  :hand:
We can re-enact the Siamese Cats instead.

Cool!  ;D

(watches video)

We get to slide down your curtains, right?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 29 August, 2013, 09:32:16 pm
Obviously, the spaghetti scene is the iconic scene of the film...

I was going to suggest a re-enactment, but spag is not Low Carb.  :hand:
We can re-enact the Siamese Cats instead.

Cool!  ;D

(watches video)

We get to slide down your curtains, right?
I want to see you get in a fish bowl ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 August, 2013, 09:43:38 pm
Obviously, the spaghetti scene is the iconic scene of the film, but I had forgotten how good the Siamese Cats were.

Stands to reason.  It's the main cat bit in a film that's otherwise full of dogs, and dogs are rubbish.   :P

Interesting how so many people's idea of the temperament of Siamese cats is lifted straight from that scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 29 August, 2013, 11:49:02 pm
Just in from an evening in Leeds.  A Gourmet Burger followed by a pint of eminently quaffable cider both accompanied by quality nattering with a good mate and a new acquaintance then going to see a film with no kids.  That feels almost like being a growed up!

The Way Way Back, at the Vue right in the middle of Leeds.  I liked it.  A coming of age movie in which all the adults appear to exist in a state of arrested development.  I snorted unattractively with laughter on several occasions and managed to concentrate for the length of an entire film.  That doesn't happen very often, so I reckon that's a good sign.  Plus also it had a teenage boy riding a too small and very pink bike with sparkly handlebar streamers and grinning and that's the sort of sight that makes the world a better place.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 31 August, 2013, 10:10:35 pm
Moebius (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117069/)

Excellent adaptation of the A.J. Deutsch short story, which I only just discovered had been made into a film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 31 August, 2013, 10:18:22 pm
Moebius (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117069/)

Excellent adaptation of the A.J. Deutsch short story, which I only just discovered had been made into a film.

I thought you'd have been snuggled up with "The Deer Hunter"......  :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 31 August, 2013, 10:29:34 pm
Stupid deer.  Hardly need hunting if they're going to lemming themselves at passing vehicles like that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 31 August, 2013, 10:36:56 pm
Stupid deer.  Hardly need hunting if they're going to lemming themselves at passing vehicles like that.

Hope the poor thing was OK,   I've had "Who Killed Bambi" running through my head all day.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 31 August, 2013, 10:40:33 pm
Obviously, the spaghetti scene is the iconic scene of the film, but I had forgotten how good the Siamese Cats were.

Stands to reason.  It's the main cat bit in a film that's otherwise full of dogs, and dogs are rubbish.   :P

Interesting how so many people's idea of the temperament of Siamese cats is lifted straight from that scene.
I remember being very scared of the cats in the film when I was very little. Our dentist then had a pair of Siamese cats in the surgery and I remember being scared of them too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 31 August, 2013, 10:48:18 pm
See, that's the wrong way round.  I had an intense fear of dogs from an early age, and once I got to know a couple and  realised that Siamese cats were just like normal cats but with the volume turned up to 11, I decided the were pretty cool.  Understandably I wasn't a fan of the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 01 September, 2013, 09:20:57 am
Doctor in the House

Interesting to watch this after maybe 25 years since I last saw it. Some great one-liners, mostly from James Robertson-Justice as Sir Lancelot Sprat. Also some interesting footage of London that has changed considerably since 1954; I discovered my place of work used to have a whopping great church next to it that has since been replaced by a block of flats.

The depiction of student life just wouldn't be recognised by current 18 year olds. And there is one shockingly racist gag in the film which I suppose is reassuring in that it shows just how much things have changed for the better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 01 September, 2013, 10:51:53 am
Star Trek 2: Crappy story, but Sherlock is good.
Iron Man 3: Best of the lot. (But that's not saying much!)
Only God Forgives: Apart from his girlfriend, it's a movie full of people you don't care for.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 September, 2013, 12:48:33 pm
Elysium.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 September, 2013, 01:17:08 pm
The Right Stuff.  Must have seen it half a doz times by now. Love the unashamed slightly cynical gung-ho-ness of it, not to mention the planes and Lyndon Johnson beating up the inside of his limo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 01 September, 2013, 04:55:03 pm
Elysium.

(click to show/hide)

Elysium is basically Occupy Wall Street: In Spaaaaaaaace! with cyborg smack-downs added so that it's not too preachy. ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 September, 2013, 06:14:03 pm

All many of the standard features of MovieOS, obviously along with fonts which display an inch high, prefect voice recognition and generation, high resolution animated graphics for just about any function, passwords which a five year old could guess, and the ability to access any other computer anywhere.

Conveniently, everyone uses the same version of MovieOS, including aliens, and all storage media is compatible.

I know someone who has made the MovieOS for several top Hollywood films. It probably won't surprise you to learn that he's a graphic designer, not a computer engineer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 02 September, 2013, 07:08:23 am
Just came back from watching Elysium. Pretty disappointed, but hey, at least my shots looked cool and didn't get destroyed in comp/DI.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 September, 2013, 09:21:39 am
The Expendables (starring every action hero in Hollywood).

It's exactly as good as I thought it would be.  I hope that Stallone made the film with tongue firmly in cheek (although I sort of doubt it).

Adding action heroes to a movie is very much like multiplying more and more fractions together.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 02 September, 2013, 09:47:27 am
51st State - again.

Meatloaf explodes - what's not to like ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 September, 2013, 09:51:57 am
51st State - again.

Meatloaf explodes - what's not to like ?

Not seen 51st State yet but, having caught a few minutes which included a kilt clad Samuel L Jackson getting all Jedi Master with a Golfsaber, I must say, my interest is piqued :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 September, 2013, 03:58:16 pm

The Lone Ranger

Uneven. Patchy. Curious. I can see why some critics hated it, I can see why some might like it.

It's a hoot in parts, silly (not good silly) in others, offensive (needlessly high body count) in others. Dark. Could be viewed as being deeply critical of the American dream, of capitalism.  A rewrite of the LR & Tonto story.

Reminds of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' (same director, producer & Johnny Depp) - aiming for a simiar kind of slapstick I think. Depp again clearly enjoys playing a comedy character.

Saw this last week. Completely agree with your assessment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 02 September, 2013, 05:21:28 pm
Monte Carlo or Bust on bluray.

Excellent stuff, Terry Thomas, Peter Cook et all  in HD.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 September, 2013, 09:39:49 pm
Star Trek 2: Crappy story, but Sherlock is good.
Iron Man 3: Best of the lot. (But that's not saying much!)
Only God Forgives: Apart from his girlfriend, it's a movie full of people you don't care for.

- girl.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 03 September, 2013, 06:13:11 am
Star Trek 2: Crappy story, but Sherlock is good.
Iron Man 3: Best of the lot. (But that's not saying much!)
Only God Forgives: Apart from his girlfriend, it's a movie full of people you don't care for.

- girl.

Huh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 03 September, 2013, 06:51:18 am
I may have this wrong, it's just a theory. The early scene with her was the slow reveal as he ran his hands up her legs, then cut away, Crystal refers to her as "May" when her name is Mai, the maternal phallus motif re-occurs throughout the film, Crystal sexually bellittles her surviving son. I'm probably wrong, but it added another dimension to an unsettling film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 03 September, 2013, 06:53:39 am
Pacific Rim - Hack job. God spare us cliche backstories.
Oblivion - cliche ridden Cruise/Morgan bankraid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 03 September, 2013, 10:41:06 am
The internet has ruined my brain.  I read Pacific Rim.  And automatically add "Job" at then end  :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 08 September, 2013, 10:02:26 pm
The Amazing Spiderman

Replace "The" with "Not So". 

I went into this thinking "it might be ok, Marvel have been on a bit of a hot streak recently" and had my limited expectations disappointed.  Too blunt and not an engaging enough story.  Spiderman actor was half decent though (better than Toby McGuire).  Pity he was up against a rather weak villain.  I just didn't feel the menace.  I also found some of the CG pretty ropey for a key IP film. 

A pity, because I look back on the Sam Raimi films as some of the best superhero films of the early 21st century.  Particularly #2.  I'm trying to remember if I had the same reaction to the first in that series, and if I did then perhaps The Amazing Spiderman 2 will rebound towards something more substantial.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 September, 2013, 10:08:39 pm
The Hangover. Brainless fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 08 September, 2013, 10:17:32 pm
Kick Ass II, nowhere nearly as good as good as the first one. :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 10 September, 2013, 08:50:48 pm
Congo.
Nice to see Winstone Zeddmore (sans Proton Pack).  Disappointed in the lack of Um Bungo though...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 September, 2013, 01:12:12 am
Congo.

That film's major fault was not having been made in the 70s.  It could have been vaguely good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 September, 2013, 11:10:52 pm
Following on from the above, I discovered that there was a 2008 mini-series (read: long TV movie) of The Andromeda Strain (which is my all-time favourite film).

Obviously it was going to be a disappointment, but I actually thought they did a pretty good job wrt pace and faith to the original story, while re-telling it in a modern setting.

At least until I watched the second half.  Oh dear.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 12 September, 2013, 06:17:21 pm
"We're the Millers"

A very predictable but extremely funny comedy.

Well worth seeing if you like knob jokes and like the idea of a semi naked  Jennifer Aniston. Its also worth waiting for the outakes at the end of the film  :)


Question: if there is no one in the cinema, do they play the film? I ask as SWMBO and I were the only ones in the cinema for the 2.05pm showing (which of course didn't start until 2.40!!!!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 12 September, 2013, 07:05:27 pm
Question: if there is no one in the cinema, do they play the film?

Ah, that age-old philosophical question (I think the answer depends on whether or not the film is about unstable trees in forests).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 12 September, 2013, 07:22:33 pm
Star Trek 2: Crappy story, but Sherlock is good.
Iron Man 3: Best of the lot. (But that's not saying much!) ...

I quite enjoyed both of them.  I'm not claiming that either are classics, but I'm quite happy with fairly mindless escapism. ;D

Iron Man 1 was OK, and obviously started the series, 2 wasn't dramatically different from 1 in many features, 3 was however quite well done.  As you say, possibly the best of the three.  They seem to have largely closed up the series with that one, but it has left a small opening, should they feel the need to continue it further.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 12 September, 2013, 10:29:58 pm
Out Of Africa

I'd like to say it was for cerebral reasons, or the glory of African landscapes an all that.

But it's not. I'm just ogling Robert Redford.

/stereotype
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 September, 2013, 11:22:13 pm
I'm just ogling Robert Redford.

Known in this house as "The exception that proves the rule"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 13 September, 2013, 06:05:20 pm
Damn. What was the film we watched last night..?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 13 September, 2013, 06:16:34 pm
Le Grand Boucle. I watched it on the plane. A bit like Run Fat Boy Run, but about cycling. I rather enjoyed it. Formulaic but funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 14 September, 2013, 10:24:40 am
Le Grand Boucle.

I've seen loads of ads for it (I live in France) and it strikes me as something I might watch at home on a rainy Sunday afternoon, if I was bored and at a lose end. Something inoffensively amusing to pass the time - the perfect airline movie really!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 14 September, 2013, 10:51:41 am
Le Grand Boucle.

I've seen loads of ads for it (I live in France) and it strikes me as something I might watch at home on a rainy Sunday afternoon, if I was bored and at a lose end. Something inoffensively amusing to pass the time - the perfect airline movie really!

That's exactly it. It was fun spotting all the veteran pro cyclists.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mike J on 14 September, 2013, 06:29:10 pm
Wreck it Ralph - was really good  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 14 September, 2013, 08:51:42 pm
Little Fockers  :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 15 September, 2013, 11:11:34 pm
Pans Labyrnth. Very good though not as good as I'd hoped given the reviews.
(the last of my 5 for 30 quid blue rays from hmv, despite resolving not to buy any mair dvds !)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 16 September, 2013, 07:23:44 pm
No2Daughter is ill, so gets to choose (it's all a bit arbitary, really) so last night we had Sense & Sensibility (Emma Thomson as Miss Dashwood, Alan Rickman gets the girl, that kind of thing) and tonight we'll be visitng Pemberley for Pride & Prejudice (the Kiera Knightly one). Later in the week, to continue the theme, I'm heading over the road to the theatre to see Mansfield Park (belongs in another thread, I think) and by Friday I'll presumably be rocking this look on the bike:
(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Jane-Austen-dress-ladies-regency-BALL-GOWN-made-to-measure-/00/s/NTg0WDI0Mw==/z/6zQAAOxyBC1R~AY0/$(KGrHqVHJ!8FH6ouQLfNBR+!Y0HQH!~~60_12.JPG)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 16 September, 2013, 08:56:12 pm
Despicable Me 2, in the minuscule Screen 4 at the Reel (formerly Odeon) cinema - there are people who have TVs in their living rooms bigger than the screen, and I reckon it probably only seats between 40 and 50.  Kids Club showing, so all six of us got in for £11.20 including the online booking fee.  We all thought it was quite splendid and the Smallest Superhero Next Door was apparently doing purple minion impersonations on the way home from school today whenever he got a purple one in his packet of smarties :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 17 September, 2013, 03:04:48 am
Last night on i-player, the original King Kong. Wonderfully dated and yet still  fresh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 17 September, 2013, 09:17:20 pm
Vanilla Sky.

If nothing else, it was this movie that introduced me to Sigur Rós.

It's all a bit of a mind-fuck. Like Inception - don't watch it when pissed  :hand:.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 17 September, 2013, 10:14:16 pm
Elysium. 

I rather enjoyed it!

I said earlier to Crinklylion that I required splosions, space and handsome men's back bottoms.

Two out of three ain't bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 September, 2013, 11:47:56 pm
Anaconda 4 A Trail Of Blood

A blip in the series.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 September, 2013, 07:43:16 pm
The Happening.

OK, I knew that was supposed to be bad, but it was a £1 in the cheapo bin at the Coop. I mostly like bad. I've seen Battlefield Earth twice. Come on, my brain said, give it a go. Of course, it's the same brain that has assiduously catalogued the splendid outerwear of Mr Steven Seagal.

At least with BE, well it's a Scientology wet dream, so of course it's going to be more mental than lucky dip in the pharmacy's psychoactive section. You just have to read the words "John Travolta as a 9 foot alien" and all can be forgiven. If that's what it's like in a Scientologist's brain I want to be miniaturised and sent there in a little Fantastic Voyage submarine.

The Happening though, I have trouble describing. I googled it after the fact, because to be honest I wasn't sure it had actually happened. Maybe I'd drank too much Chateauneuf and set sail on a sloshing red ocean of feverish dreams. But it did apparently happen. My traitorous little brain didn't distill it out of mid-range French plonk. Its probably too late for spoilers, and I'm telling you this because you don't want to see it, but I think the plot can be summarised as the cast of Sesame Street gets hayfever. Every aspect is awful. There's a school of thought (if the internet can be believed) that it's actually a parody, a pastiche of B-movie cliches, but in case it's the most inept parody ever. So inept, in fact, that Oscars would need to invent an entire new Inept Parody category and make this movie the all-time winner before promptly closing the category and denying all knowledge that it ever existed.

It's one of those movies where you just have to imagine the look on the studio executives' faces when they saw the final cut and realisation hit that they'd let that Nocturnal Shamalamadingdong guy spend $50 million. I can only imagine it was elaborate revenge for some slight in a previous movie. If so kudos, if not, he's made the kind of movie that just defies every law of filmmaking. It's not just defying those laws, it's stripping down and beating its chest and offering to fight every single one of those laws. The CDC should lock it in vault with the smallpox and Miley Cyrus.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 19 September, 2013, 08:00:18 pm
I've just looked that one up and read the plot summary.   Wow.  I feel robbed of precious life having just spent a few minutes looking up and reading about the plot.  At least I now know never to actually watch that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 September, 2013, 05:49:49 pm
Rush (hopefully spoiler-free review)

Some might put this in our "Vroom" sub-forum, but it really doesn't belong near any F1 fans*!

Probably a 3-stars-out-of-5. Some great bits, but it all failed to gel into a whole, and the mix of probably fact with probably dramatic licence kept bugging me. The first 10 minutes REALLY made me want to be James Hunt  :P

It had Austin Powers style sexy scenes, high drama on the track, cartoon-stereotype Brits, and a slightly hard-to-believe rivalry, where both drivers acted like arseholes most of the time. Several lump-in-the-throat moments (to my surprise, a guy deciding to just stop racing was the most affecting one). A peculiar mix. Lots of scenes felt like things that must have happened, but had been tweaked for drama so that they felt fictional. I await an authoritative list of real vs made-up with interest

The early track scenes were really great. Worth going to the cinema for the engine-noise alone. The finale was a bit spoilt with too much Gladiator-style music - the best motorsport films have used just the real sounds of the sport, they're all you need.

So overall I'd recommend it (if you like noisy cars and all that), but i felt a little let down. It's an amazing story, and Howard did so many bits well that you felt they could have made a REALLY good film with a few subtle changes.


Footnote: I liked that the best-looking woman in the thing married Lauda :) (She didn't get many lines, but 1 was probaby the best in the whole script). I was convinced I knew the actress - Alexandra Maria Lara - from somewhere. IMDB suggests not (I have never watched Downfall!). WHo the heck does she look like that I DO know???


*I was prepared for a film aimed at non-fans, but fans will probably hate it! I didn't spot any glaring errors EXCEPT filming done at Brands passed off as other european circuits. Nice try Mr Howard - but most fans will know Brands Hatch faaaar too well to let that one slip by  :hand:
[Christ I hope they did film at Brands .... ]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 20 September, 2013, 06:39:19 pm
I don't find Hunt and Lauda acting like arseholes at all improbable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 September, 2013, 07:02:25 pm
Hunt: absolutely! Virtually his USP (except with budgies)

Lauda? Well all I know about him is from this film, and lots of clips of his famous crash, and rare short interviews at modern Grands Prix. I assumed he was a bit too sensible to say some of the twattish things he said in the film, but I may be very wrong about this. Perhaps he's more complicated than that.
I'd like to know if the (brief) narration by 'present day' Niki are words actually written/spoken by him. They presented a more feasible/bearable character than the portrayal in the filmed scenes.


EDIT: further research finds only evidence that they were in fact good friends. They were flatmates in F3. I think all those pre-race and post-race sweary confrontations were totally invented. Shame :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hillbilly on 22 September, 2013, 11:57:04 pm
American Pie Reunion.  Enough laughs to make it worthwhile, but a lot of it was essentially "hey, remember when..."  It was a bit unsettling to see older versions of the leads.

Jim's dad was great in this one.  The actor who plays him has great comedic timing.  The end credits has a great little vignette in a cinema (it tickled my funny bone at least).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 September, 2013, 12:07:48 am
Hang 'em High

On Channel 5, so I'm better placed to review the Wonga adverts. Which were devious, manipulative and mendacious.

The film had quite a few bang bangs, muscular gee gees, some lovely moo moos, some thrusting bosoms and only one man in a bath tub. Classic Western.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bumper on 23 September, 2013, 03:19:41 pm
Sightseers
Very funny. A typical caravaners holiday :D. Some great stereotypes. You'll only enjoy it if you have the dark sense of humour.

Riddick
Crap

World war Z
A typical zombie type film but with Brad Pitt
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 September, 2013, 03:48:04 pm
Man on fire - Denzil Washington as an ex CIA and special forces guy who is burnt out and now working as a bodyguard for a little girl in Mexico.

I was really enjoying it's strangely quite atmosphere for such a violent film but I fell asleep before the end. Not the films fault it was on late and I was very tired.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 September, 2013, 04:32:38 pm
Man on fire - Denzil Washington as an ex CIA and special forces guy who is burnt out and now working as a bodyguard for a little girl in Mexico.

I was really enjoying it's strangely quite atmosphere for such a violent film but I fell asleep before the end. Not the films fault it was on late and I was very tired.

Hah!  Snap!

I was watching that yesterday on DVD – watched the first half last night and stopped it before I fell asleep, will finish it off tonight.  I have seen it once before and remember enjoying it.

Tony Scott films are usually a lot of fun, even the very silly ones (and a few are really good movies – True Romance in particular).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 September, 2013, 05:05:34 pm
Gettysburg in the extended edition, all 4½ hours of it. Very absorbing, nothing portentous about it.   Helps if you know about the American Civil War in some detail and have Wikipedia open at the same time.  Going to watch it again in a few days.

I gave it 9/10 on IMDB.  Never done that before.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 September, 2013, 05:26:10 pm
Hunt: absolutely! Virtually his USP (except with budgies)

Lauda? Well all I know about him is from this film, and lots of clips of his famous crash, and rare short interviews at modern Grands Prix. I assumed he was a bit too sensible to say some of the twattish things he said in the film, but I may be very wrong about this. Perhaps he's more complicated than that.
I'd like to know if the (brief) narration by 'present day' Niki are words actually written/spoken by him. They presented a more feasible/bearable character than the portrayal in the filmed scenes.

EDIT: further research finds only evidence that they were in fact good friends. They were flatmates in F3. I think all those pre-race and post-race sweary confrontations were totally invented. Shame :(

Did you see the documentary on BBC2 last night? Cracking stuff. I really want to see Rush though it does sound a bit cheesy...

Hang on... I want to see it because it sounds a bit cheesy.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 September, 2013, 05:30:27 pm
Gettysburg in the extended edition, all 4½ hours of it. Very absorbing, nothing portentous about it.   Helps if you know about the American Civil War in some detail and have Wikipedia open at the same time.  Going to watch it again in a few days.

I gave it 9/10 on IMDB.  Never done that before.

It’s one of the great ‘event specific’ war films that don’t mess around too much with historical detail (Battle of Britain, The Longest Day, & Waterloo being other good examples).

It doesn’t hurt that it was based on a very good novel (The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara), or that it was filmed on the battlefield location for the most part using recreators with a passion for historical accuracy.  It does continue the mythologising of Chamberlain a bit but that’s from the book and played straight.

I have toured the battlefield fairly extensively and followed the routes of the three main days of fighting and the film gives a very good impression of the events overall (apart from the bits it leaves out).

A couple of things made quite an impression on me on the battlefield – firstly the very short distance from the Devil’s Den to where the more exposed regiments to the right of the 20th Maine were and just how murderous the sniper fire must have been.

Secondly some dead ground maybe a few hundred metres from the ‘Bloody Angle’.  It isn’t clear from photographs or maps of the site but being there in person, and looking from both the Union and Confederate points of view, it’s there and perhaps explains what Lee saw when he conceived of the charge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bloody_Angle_(Gettysburg)

History is written in hindsight and the terrible mathematics of Civil War battlefields tend to make the failures emphasised in the retelling to be wasteful stupidity – thing is many of the ‘successful’ actions of that conflict would have been equally bloody and were the Union line to have been broken and some of the other actions on that day to have been better co-ordinated, it’s possible the charge could have caused the Army of the Potomac to either be rolled up or withdraw.

Disclaimer:  I’m no exponent of the ‘Lost Cause’ and I think the Union were always going to win the war, without full outside intervention, which the institution of slavery made all but impossible.

The follow up (prequel) film Gods & Generals isn't anywhere near as good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 September, 2013, 03:03:10 pm
The Breakfast Club

Never seen it. One-of-the-stepdaughters insisted we watch it.

Very wierd to watch this. Partly because the period it is set in (my teenage years). Partly because of the changes in society that are so obvious.

Obviously still resonates with today's teens tho'.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 25 September, 2013, 03:23:45 pm
I don't find Hunt and Lauda acting like arseholes at all improbable.

Hunt got married two weeks after meeting Susan Miller. Not long afterwards as their marriage foundered she bumped into Richard Burton on a ski trip. Burton fell for her and offered Hunt a million dollars for her. Hunt accepted happily, Burton told Liz Taylor their second marriage was over. How rich people do it, I suppose.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 September, 2013, 06:17:49 pm
Hunt: absolutely! Virtually his USP (except with budgies)

Lauda? Well all I know about him is from this film, and lots of clips of his famous crash, and rare short interviews at modern Grands Prix. I assumed he was a bit too sensible to say some of the twattish things he said in the film, but I may be very wrong about this. Perhaps he's more complicated than that.
I'd like to know if the (brief) narration by 'present day' Niki are words actually written/spoken by him. They presented a more feasible/bearable character than the portrayal in the filmed scenes.

EDIT: further research finds only evidence that they were in fact good friends. They were flatmates in F3. I think all those pre-race and post-race sweary confrontations were totally invented. Shame :(

Did you see the documentary on BBC2 last night? Cracking stuff. I really want to see Rush though it does sound a bit cheesy...

Hang on... I want to see it because it sounds a bit cheesy.  ;D
Watched the BBC doc last night. Very good. MUCH better than 'Rush'! They do have rather different strengths (being polite here  ::-) ). It certainly reinforced my opinions posted earlier.

It seems there was a real, bitter and fantastic rivalry between the Ferrari and McLaren teams, but the drivers were just ... well, driving. So Rush invented all this mostly unbelievable stuff between the two of them, pretty much ruining the real story.  :facepalm:


The only thing stupider than Rush that I've seen this week is this:
http://wtf1.co.uk/facepalm-radio-station-caption-niki-lauda-as-david-beckhams-elderly-fan/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 September, 2013, 07:02:38 pm
Goldfinger.  The best Bond film for one-liners.  Pusshy Galore?  I musht be dreaming.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 September, 2013, 08:56:13 am
Hunt: absolutely! Virtually his USP (except with budgies)

Lauda? Well all I know about him is from this film, and lots of clips of his famous crash, and rare short interviews at modern Grands Prix. I assumed he was a bit too sensible to say some of the twattish things he said in the film, but I may be very wrong about this. Perhaps he's more complicated than that.
I'd like to know if the (brief) narration by 'present day' Niki are words actually written/spoken by him. They presented a more feasible/bearable character than the portrayal in the filmed scenes.

EDIT: further research finds only evidence that they were in fact good friends. They were flatmates in F3. I think all those pre-race and post-race sweary confrontations were totally invented. Shame :(

Did you see the documentary on BBC2 last night? Cracking stuff. I really want to see Rush though it does sound a bit cheesy...

Hang on... I want to see it because it sounds a bit cheesy.  ;D
Watched the BBC doc last night. Very good. MUCH better than 'Rush'! They do have rather different strengths (being polite here  ::-) ). It certainly reinforced my opinions posted earlier.

It seems there was a real, bitter and fantastic rivalry between the Ferrari and McLaren teams, but the drivers were just ... well, driving. So Rush invented all this mostly unbelievable stuff between the two of them, pretty much ruining the real story.  :facepalm:


The only thing stupider than Rush that I've seen this week is this:
http://wtf1.co.uk/facepalm-radio-station-caption-niki-lauda-as-david-beckhams-elderly-fan/

I watched both too.  I wouldn't call the documentary so much better because it was, after all a documentary and the other was a fillum so had a different approach.  I'm no present day F1 fan but as a story I thought Rush was an excellent film and almost certainly not nearly so far from the truth as might be thought.   I would not have described the rivalry it showed as 'bitter', very much what you'd expect in such a pressured, competitive activity.  Comparable perhaps to boxers in the weighing room. And let's be honest, 2 more different real-life personalities in the same game as Lauda and Hunt could scarcely be imagined. Its portrayal of the atmosphere of those times and attention to period detail is also noteworthy IMO.  From memory I did think that the film made Lauda look 'prettier' after the inferno he went through, but photos show they did that well too.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 September, 2013, 02:13:58 pm
Last night I watched Avengers Assemble, for the second time. Well, truth be told I saw the first hour then fell asleep.

Today, in an attempt to induce sleep I am watching Storm breaker.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 28 September, 2013, 02:27:35 pm
Despicable Me 2

It took me ages to get round to seeing the original (and I wondered why the hell I'd waited so long) and I loved it.
The sequel? Well I definitely like it (hell, it's got the Minions - what's not to like?) but I think I prefer the original.

Probably won't stop me watching it again, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 01 October, 2013, 08:26:47 pm
The Paradine Case. It was really about the lawyers, not the court case, but it was quite brilliant. There's been a moral sea change since thia film was made so bits of it grated, but there are some fine performances.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 October, 2013, 12:52:00 pm
Sunshine on Leith/Filth/Wild Bill were my viewing pleasures this weekend (I also gave the remake of 'Thomas Crown Affair' a rewatch too).

I really do recommend ‘Sunshine on Leith’ to you all.  I think this one may prove to be a real word of mouth hit.  Would be curious what the locals on here would make of it ("We don't get that much daylight" seems to be the common comment online) as I suspect it gives Edinburgh a bit of the 'Notting Hill' treatment! 

In his review Mark Kermode described it something like “There are lots of things wrong with it but I absolutely loved it” which I would agree with lots.

I’m supposing I was already disposed to like it, being a fan of the Proclaimers (from whose back catalogue the plot is tortuously and whimsically put together) I think one of the reasons that I liked it is that through singing in accents (and not ‘throwing the ‘R’ away’) it rarely went into completely ‘musical’ style singing, which I can’t stand – there’s only one ‘English’ character (though lots of English actors) and her vocal delivery is technically great but in pure musical style and it grates on me.  Also, as the Proclaimers often sing conversational style story songs as a duet, their songbook does lend itself very well to musical interpretation; much more so than I would have thought at first.

It also starts with a quite a complex tone due to the subject matter and I think I would have appreciated a little more of that through the film and a bit more of the challenging side briefly presented  but those are minor gripes and the thing is full on joy from start to finish.

I did like the way that various scenes had passers by giving the proceedings a WTF look and at others the music was fitted in quite naturally (I liked the cameos too).

Oddly enough I watched Dexter Fletcher’s first film ‘Wild Bill’ last night and quite liked it.  It avoids most of the laddish clichés of UK fake gangster movies and is more about families and certainly doesn’t celebrate or glamorise crime.  He manages quite well to mix the sort of social comment that Peter Mullan gets into his films (like Orphans or Neds) but without them being quite so grim or challenging – it’s about difficult family situations but it’s done with some hope and a lighter touch than Scottish social realism films (I wonder if this was what got Peter Mullan signed up to ‘Sunshine’).

I also saw ‘Filth’, based on an Irvine Welsh novel and that presented a very different fictional Edinburgh – a much more complex and dark film and while I think it was well made, I’m not sure it would be right to say I enjoyed it – more that I was glad to have experienced it.  A startling performance from James McAvoy undertaking a very unpleasant role and looking progressively more messed up through the film.  It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that ‘Filth’ makes ‘Trainspotting’ seem like a life affirming film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 October, 2013, 01:02:47 pm
WW, nice to hear some real life (i.e. not film critic's) view of films.  I heard a bit on R4 last week about the Scottish triumverate that was being released nationwide this week (Filth, Sunshine on Leith and For Those in Peril)

To me, Filth sounds the most appealing (but then I don't like musicals, and have a disliking of social dramas, apart from "Brassed Off" :) )

My viewing this weekend consisted solely of "Oz The Great and Powerful".  I loved it, it copied all the cliches from "The Wizard of Oz" without becoming a patiche.  You sort of know where the story is going before it gets there, but it doesn't spoil the film.  There are some great laugh out loud bits, some scary bits (we watched it with a pair of 9 yr olds who hif behind a blanket a couple of times) AND FLYING MONKEYS!!! Well, actually there are two types of flying monkeys, the good type and the bad type.

ETA: Mila Kunis has to be the sexiest witch ever, worth watching the film just to see her...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 October, 2013, 02:22:40 pm
I reviited Se7en the other night.

I had forgotten what a cracking film that was :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 07 October, 2013, 02:44:04 pm
I reviited Se7en the other night.

I had forgotten what a cracking film that was :thumbsup:

Is L3n Go0dm4n in that?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 October, 2013, 02:59:53 pm
I don't know whether to  ::-) or  :facepalm:

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bumper on 07 October, 2013, 10:13:51 pm
Currently watching The Lair of the White Worm.

I bet Bram Stoker is pleased..............not!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 07 October, 2013, 10:51:47 pm
Worlds End

Not as funny as Shaun Of The Dead or Hot Fuzz but still a good chuckle.

Not as funny as Shaun of the Dead but preferred it to Hot Fuzz.

All 3 have a very similar feel/theme though.

I definitely didn't expect that to happen in the gents' toilet though.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 08 October, 2013, 07:24:44 pm
Oblivion.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 October, 2013, 07:34:02 pm
Oblivion.

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 14 October, 2013, 11:17:11 pm
Prometheus

Had low expectations but found it to my liking. 

A friend recommended I watch it but don't think about it as it chugs along.  This was good advice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 15 October, 2013, 05:12:33 pm
Earthquake (1974)

You would think people in disaster movies would know not to take use a lift during an earthquake.....
And yay for polystyrene blocks of concrete falling all over the shop, with the camera man using the old "shake camera for earthquake" special effect.   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 October, 2013, 06:29:42 pm
Earthquake (1974)

You would think people in disaster movies would know not to take use a lift during an earthquake.....
And yay for polystyrene blocks of concrete falling all over the shop, with the camera man using the old "shake camera for earthquake" special effect.   ;D

The use of a dartboard to predict the epicentre of the quake was classic.

(You'd think people in disaster movies would know not to use a lift full stop.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 15 October, 2013, 07:28:21 pm
Speaking of lifts.

I watched Speed at the weekend.  Absolutely brilliant action film.  One of the very best.  Great premise.  Great pace.  Just great all round. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 15 October, 2013, 07:47:27 pm
After Earth.

<will_smith>
Damn!
</will_smith>

Oh Dear.  :facepalm:

Will - work out your family issues yourselves. Don't make them into a film for us all to "enjoy".

ETA: Oh, and you - M Night Shyamalan - you're better than this too. Buck up man!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 October, 2013, 07:52:41 pm
Speaking of lifts.

I watched Speed at the weekend.  Absolutely brilliant action film.  One of the very best.  Great premise.  Great pace.  Just great all round.

A (sadly now deceased) friend of mine worked in the lift industry for decades.  He really liked Speed, because it was about the only disaster movie that took care to get the all the lift stuff right.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 17 October, 2013, 12:06:56 pm
After Earth.

<will_smith>
Damn!
</will_smith>

Oh Dear.  :facepalm:

Will - work out your family issues yourselves. Don't make them into a film for us all to "enjoy".

ETA: Oh, and you - M Night Shyamalan - you're better than this too. Buck up man!

Based on your review, I thought I would see if I could endure it.  I managed 10 minutes then switched it off.

Instead I watch "The Last Ride", which is this: BRILLIANT!

Plot (such as it is) is in spoiler...
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 19 October, 2013, 10:15:43 pm
Killing Them Softly

Styled crime flick with high concept "hitman comes to town to kill some petty crooks".  Some excellent slo mo camera work (albeit overlaid with CG).  Some tedious slo mo plot lines.  Kind of ok, with typically charismatic performances through the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 October, 2013, 12:51:05 am
Stonehenge Apocalypse

Low-budget disastery nonsense with a cast who only signed up because they thought they'd get to visit England, and very conspicuously didn't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 21 October, 2013, 08:51:53 am
Zero Dark Thirty.

OK, but not as good as had been led to believe (and not as good as a typical episode of "Homeland").
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 21 October, 2013, 10:33:31 am
Hot Fuzz.

Brilliant from start to finish. Don't know why I hadn't got round to seeing it sooner.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 21 October, 2013, 10:37:28 am
Its great.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 22 October, 2013, 04:36:42 am
Pacific Rim.

I loved it, great action. I liked the story but sadly I wasn't sure if that was because I'm such a Neon Genesis Evangelion fan so used that to fill in the gaps. Yes everyone claims that it had nothing to do with this film so it's the biggest coincidence ever.

Well worth watching in HD on a large screen with the subs on 11 (sorry neighbours).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 22 October, 2013, 07:25:53 pm
Gladiator.

The extended version definitely makes this a two evening movie. Part two tonight. I'll cry, I know I will...  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: noggy on 22 October, 2013, 07:38:28 pm
Captain Phillips

An excellent film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 22 October, 2013, 08:09:55 pm
I liked the story but sadly I wasn't sure if that was because I'm such a Neon Genesis Evangelion fan so used that to fill in the gaps. Yes everyone claims that it had nothing to do with this film so it's the biggest coincidence ever.

Hahah...traumatized neurotic Japanese girl manning a big stompy robot with a sword to kill monsters, whilst having various breakdowns/flashbacks. It was such a blatant rip-off.

FYI, when I was at Weta Digital 10 years ago (10 years already!), the Workshop was doing costume/design test for an Evangelion feature film. Sadly, it never got greenlit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 October, 2013, 01:45:40 am
CAT 8

The trailer made it out to be basically the film version of xkcd 673, but without the pace, acting or effects budget of The Core (they did, however, borrow the plot of The Core). Instead of a shuttle full of NASA's hottest astronauts, they had a dubious B-plot about a defence secretary with a really stupid personal grudge.  This was a mistake, which let the film down greatly.  Bonus points for a superluminal coronal mass ejection, though, and I should stress that the title has nothing whatsoever to do with UTP cable.

Noteworthy for the way that all the characters make sensible decisions in the early stages of the disaster, if only as a lesson in why stupid disaster movie characters are actually better.

It was still a better movie than Stonehenge Apocalypse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 23 October, 2013, 06:38:09 pm
Like Father, Like Son

At the ICA, a Japanese film about a wealthy businessman discovering his 6 yrs old son was swapped at birth.  Very sensitive study of family life.

Only minor gripe, as with most Japanese films and dramas, the driving and street scenes show a remarkable lack of other traffic and people, totally unreal for Tokyo!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 24 October, 2013, 08:41:04 pm
It's so long since I did or didn't watch The Wizard of Oz, I can't remember if I ever watched it or not.

Whatever "Online offsite backup" I downloaded, it wasn't the original. A Musical Porn version. Awesome  :thumbsup:.

But not really in the mood for musical BJs, so I switched to the next "Unviewed" in the XBMC queue.

"To Sir with Love". Lordy - it's not exactly Politically Correct, is it? LOL  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 24 October, 2013, 08:54:13 pm
It's so long since I did or didn't watch The Wizard of Oz, I can't remember if I ever watched it or not.

Whatever "Online offsite backup" I downloaded, it wasn't the original. A Musical Porn version. Awesome  :thumbsup:.

Don't pack that one for the trip to the Ancestral Homelands, m'kay?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 24 October, 2013, 09:03:02 pm
Start Trek into Darkness.

Well, I enjoyed it. Maybe because I don't think I've seen any other Star Trek films. Apart from the one with the Ewoks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gattopardo on 24 October, 2013, 09:33:44 pm
Start Trek into Darkness.

Well, I enjoyed it. Maybe because I don't think I've seen any other Star Trek films. Apart from the one with the Ewoks.

That is the other space one from the 70's....

Young adult - Scarlett what ever her face is in it, she gets naked in it twice and shags an ugly alegedly deformed bloke for his personality.  That is a better explanation than the real blurb.

despicable me - funny interesting and totally amusing apart from russel brand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 26 October, 2013, 10:15:15 pm
We are watching Micmacs. I love Jeunet films :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 27 October, 2013, 06:45:56 pm
Oblivion

Sci-fi that wants to be taken seriously, but ultimately fails to get the grades it needs as it flits between story and memory.  All of the standard elements are present and correct:

(click to show/hide)

but don't quite click as a film.  It's neither profound enough, nor action packed enough, to really grab the attention.

Tom Cruise is good, if a little prone to looking angst ridden.  Morgan Freeman is barely noticeable.  Andrea Riseborough is, as always, great (and I've got a bit of a thing for her, so won't hear a word said against her). 

The drones were also rather funky, reminding me of the bastard lovechild of a mute GLaDOS crossed with a Turret (cf Portal, a videogame - keep up at the back).  Speaking of videogames, there was a dogfight sequence between the Cruisenator and drones that felt as intense as a videogame.  If the film had tkept he momentum of that sequence throughout, it would have elevated it to something more memorable (maybe).

Worth catching if it's on telly, but not going out of your way to see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 October, 2013, 07:05:08 pm
24 Hour Party People.  The soundtrack's cover describes three of the main protagonists thus:

Ian Curtis: Genius
Sean Ryder: Poet
Tony Wilson: Twat

It's quite poignant given that TW died shortly afterwards, and also appears in a cameo.  Probably also Peter Kay's sleaziest role ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 October, 2013, 11:46:49 am
End Of Watch.

Very American in its feel (for obvious reasons) but conveyed to 'Brotherhood' feeling of being a cop, that is felt over here also very well.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 October, 2013, 11:50:42 am
This weekend I watched "Despicable Me 2", with TLD.

It was great fun.

We then watched the 3 shorts that come with the DVD/BR release, which were a little hit and miss, Training Wheels being the best one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 28 October, 2013, 08:27:52 pm
End Of Watch.

Very American in its feel (for obvious reasons) but conveyed to 'Brotherhood' feeling of being a cop, that is felt over here also very well.

Was curious what you were going to make of that one!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 28 October, 2013, 11:48:36 pm
World War Z.

Surprisingly good, and I'm not generally a big enthusiast of zombie movies.

(click to show/hide)

... oh and it has Dr Who in it, even if he hasn't actually been seen in that series yet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 29 October, 2013, 02:51:35 pm
The Five Year Engagement, very funny, a bit overlong, Emily Blunt's lovely in it, the humour's like Knocked Up or This Is 40 then I realised Judd Apatow produced it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 October, 2013, 03:38:34 pm
Tommy.

My hands hurt to type, it was on iplayer and I'd never seen it.  Now I have.

I suppose it looked different in the 70s.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 29 October, 2013, 03:49:51 pm
I saw ‘Ender’s Game’ on Friday.  There’s a boycott on over the author’s dramatic and increasingly virulently homophobic views over the years*, so technically I saw ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2’, at least that’s what I bought a ticket for.

The later opinions of the author aside, ‘Ender’s Game’ was an enjoyable novel, with some interesting points and I was curious to see what they had done with it on film.  If there was going to be a big budget SF war film, I would much rather they had made Joe Haldeman’s ‘The Forever War’ but we’ll have to wait for that one.

Some of the key, or at least good bits in the original novel take place in zero gravity and I was very interested in seeing those on film.  For the most part, the zero-g scenes are good, apart from the scene in a shuttle where people are tethered in their seats and just waving their arms around unrealistically.  Story wise they seemed to get most of the main elements in but in a way that made the film seem both lengthy and truncated, although I suspect this may not be the case if you haven’t read the book.

I was entertained but as with any adaptation of a book I know well, it’s difficult to be objective on first viewing.  People I know who saw it and haven’t read the book enjoyed it.  Hardly a ringing endorsement I know but there you go.


*The rise of which curiously coincides with how increasingly messianic the lead characters in his novels have become over the years.  He seems to be adding Tea Party appeasing crazy racism too with a recent SF ‘essay’ on the totalitarian state that Obama is about to usher in.  With search disabled I can’t find my previous comments on this – I think there was a boycott discussion thread.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 October, 2013, 02:00:35 pm
Side effects.

Watchable. Incorrect lesbians in it, and a mild twist.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 October, 2013, 02:01:25 pm
Now you see me.

I'll have to watch it again as it was like Oceans 11 with bits taken out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 October, 2013, 06:17:06 pm
Incorrect lesbians

Dare I ask?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 October, 2013, 06:28:56 pm
More the quality of acting/realism than any particular activity... it was incongruous but necessary for the plot, I'd say.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Guy on 31 October, 2013, 09:04:45 am
Watched WHITE HOUSE DOWN last night. Die Hard films aren't the same without Bruce. Even if the hero does remove his jacket, shirt and tie and go running around in his vest, he still ain't Bruce.

(bit of a spoiler)
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 31 October, 2013, 09:23:27 am
Butterfly's Tongue (La lengua de las mariposas)

Events in a village in Galicia leading up to the civil war. One of those beautiful, ponderous continental films that leave you thinking it over for a long time afterwards. (The pun in the title was lost in the given translation though.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 31 October, 2013, 09:28:45 am
Butterfly's Tongue (La lengua de las mariposas)

Events in a village in Galicia leading up to the civil war. One of those beautiful, ponderous continental films that leave you thinking it over for a long time afterwards. (The pun in the title was lost in the given translation though.)

I loved that film!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 November, 2013, 10:46:00 am

Worlds End

Not as funny as Shaun Of The Dead or Hot Fuzz but still a good chuckle.

Not as funny as Shaun of the Dead but preferred it to Hot Fuzz.

Saw this last week myself. Very much enjoyed it. I never really liked Shaun Of The Dead that much but I loved Hot Fuzz, and I'd put World's End between the two in order of preference. I might have to revisit SOTD in case I missed something first time around, but really I think it's just that I'm not into zombie films so didn't quite get it. (By contrast, I love the type of films that are referenced in Hot Fuzz - in fact, Point Break is one of my all-time favourites, so...)

Quote
I definitely didn't expect that to happen in the gents' toilet though.

I was just starting to wonder how the film fitted into the "trilogy" when that happened... ;D

Also saw Monsters University last week. Meh. Pretty lame. The story is totally formulaic and predictable and the humour mostly quite flat. Still, decent animation, as you'd expect.

Last night we went en famille to a screening of the 2011 National Theatre production of Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller (the two Sherlocks), directed by Danny Boyle. A spectacular production, as you'd expect from Boyle, but the adaptation by Nick Dear was pretty ropey, and as a piece of theatre, it was deeply flawed in many other ways.

I share many of the criticisms voiced in the comments under this Guardian review, should anyone be interested in reading further: http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2011/feb/24/review-frankenstein-olivier-theatre-boyle

The review itself is well wide of the mark - Billington is an old duffer.

One criticism I emphatically do not share is over the casting of a black actor as father to a white character. It may well not be "naturalistic" but very little else in the production is naturalistic either, so it seems an irrelevant complaint. Besides, I've BTDTGTTS - I casted a black Cameroonian as father to a white middle class Surrey girl in a student production I directed. They were the best choices for the parts. End of.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 November, 2013, 11:11:15 pm
The Fourth Kind (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1220198/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast), a 'documentary' film about unexplained disapearances in Nome Alaska.

Quite eerie in places and stars Mila Jovovic so whats not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 02 November, 2013, 09:33:53 pm
Star Trek: Into Darkness

Enjoyed it, even if the homages to Star Trek 2 were a little bit obvious and over laboured.

That said, it was a warp jump away from Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith.  I had on in the background this pm.  I'm surprised they got away with the anagram in the last word of the subtitle, but tip my hat to their honesty.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 November, 2013, 07:50:45 pm
The Lost Boys. Wheeeeeeeeeeee.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 04 November, 2013, 11:56:54 am
The Lost Boys. Wheeeeeeeeeeee.

Me too. Kiefer Sutherland isn't a real vampire, not like Nicolas Cage, because he's definitely got older.

O the fashion!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 04 November, 2013, 12:22:24 pm
Saw the new Thor film on Saturday – was ok but wasn’t bowled over by it.  Felt a bit flat in the scenes without Loki and the endless punch-up to reach the conclusion wasn’t as exciting as the end of the first Thor (for reference, I really liked the first film. This felt a lot lighter on characterisation and more splodey).

Oh and if you do see it in the cinema, there are two credits/post credits additional scenes, including one right at the end.  It doesn’t really feel worth waiting for but it does round the film off.

The trailer for the next Captain America film looks pretty good, if somewhat spoilery.

Then on DVD over the weekend ‘The Right Stuff’ (well the last hour or so that I didn’t watch the other night), ‘The Fugitive’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven’.

Other than the first of those three, seem to be on a ‘films that spawned disappointing sequels’ kick there.

Also saw all but the first twenty minutes of ‘Beckett’ on BBC2 starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole (I imagine there were some drinks consumed on that shoot) – was really good.  Look forward to seeing it in full another time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 November, 2013, 05:40:57 pm
Other than the first of those three, seem to be on a ‘films that spawned disappointing sequels’ kick there.

I never saw any of the first ten so can't really compare, but I thought the 11th instalment in the Oceans franchise was alright.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 November, 2013, 06:29:08 pm
Austenland.  FFS.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 04 November, 2013, 06:40:01 pm
Ender's Game. S'awright. Good effects. Great Harrison Ford-ing from Harrison Ford.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 November, 2013, 09:43:31 am
Thor 2 or Thor returns or something.

'twas ok. Some bits of humor. Loki gets the best scenes.

Prolonged trailers before the film. Every single one seemed to be for a film where the hero leaped about swinging a sword and defeating monsters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 November, 2013, 10:02:02 am
One day while I was off work a couple of weeks ago, the afternoon matinee on Film4 was Tora! Tora! Tora! which I've never seen before, and it turns out to be a lot less gung-ho than I'd imagined, and a lot more balanced in its portrayal of the two sides, not particularly favouring the Americans as you might imagine. Very interesting indeed. And the attack is spectacularly done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 November, 2013, 10:11:32 am
Philomena

It's very good IMO, Steve Coogan has done an excellent job of handling an emotional subject in a way that doesn't wallow in it.  Judi Dench as good as ever.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 05 November, 2013, 04:59:41 pm
One day while I was off work a couple of weeks ago, the afternoon matinee on Film4 was Tora! Tora! Tora! which I've never seen before, and it turns out to be a lot less gung-ho than I'd imagined, and a lot more balanced in its portrayal of the two sides, not particularly favouring the Americans as you might imagine. Very interesting indeed. And the attack is spectacularly done.
It makes Pearl Harbor (the film) look like the unmitigated pile of shite that it is.

Yamamoto is great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 November, 2013, 07:25:46 pm
Quite enjoyed Thor 2 on the big IMAX telly. The 3D was a bit pointless, as usual, but I quite wearing the big glasses, though it seems the Jimmy Savile impressions are now frowned upon. Anyway, it didn't seem to take itself too seriously, there was plenty of crash-bang. Though it did upset someone ('Greenwich is not three stops from Charing Cross' someone in the row ahead of us indignantly pointed out, to have his companion declare 'it's not even on the Tube!').

It's no wonder Americans get lost.

I think Gravity's up next on the big telly. I'm going to make it 4D by drinking heavily beforehand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 November, 2013, 01:19:56 pm
'Greenwich is not three stops from Charing Cross' someone in the row ahead of us indignantly pointed out, to have his companion declare 'it's not even on the Tube!'

Ironically [kind of], Charing Cross used to be on the Jubilee Line until they built the extension. It would have been more than three stops to [North] Greenwich though.

Anyway, when it comes to taking liberties with Tube geography, Sliding Doors is surely a far greater offender.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 07 November, 2013, 01:31:11 pm
Took No2Son & No2Daughter to the metropolis (Ipswich) to see Ender's Game as for some reason Hicksville are shunting it to crap time slots.

Was OK. No2Son & I thoroughly bored No2Daughter (to the extent she walked off and left us to it) with our inevitable ways-it-disappointed-compared-to-the-book geekery.

The best thing about it was the trailer for Catching Fire. *excited*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Guy on 07 November, 2013, 02:49:57 pm
Django Unchained. It's a looong film.

What I found interesting is that with films like Spartacus, Lawrence of Arabia, A Bridge Too Far etc, when the film ends you look at the clock and think Crikey! Is it that time already? Tarantino, on the other hand, has managed to make a long film seem even longer than it is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 November, 2013, 03:02:37 pm
The Pathfinder on TV last night when I couldn't sleep.

Blimey that was violent. Virtually no dialogue and very dark cinematography. Vikings versus native Americans.
I quite liked it but maybe just because it was a lot better than what's usually on at 3:00am in the morning.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 November, 2013, 04:13:01 pm
'Greenwich is not three stops from Charing Cross' someone in the row ahead of us indignantly pointed out, to have his companion declare 'it's not even on the Tube!'

Ironically [kind of], Charing Cross used to be on the Jubilee Line until they built the extension. It would have been more than three stops to [North] Greenwich though.

Anyway, when it comes to taking liberties with Tube geography, Sliding Doors is surely a far greater offender.

Sliding Doors took a much greater liberty in suggesting that someone endlessly reciting a Monty Python sketch, in public, would result in widespread hilarity.

The rowing bit involved members of my old rowing club.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 07 November, 2013, 04:41:50 pm
Anyway, when it comes to taking liberties with Tube geography, Sliding Doors is surely a far greater offender.

Sliding Doors took a much greater liberty in suggesting that someone endlessly reciting a Monty Python sketch, in public, would result in widespread hilarity.

It took greater liberties still in suggesting that somebody watching that film even for 10 minutes might think it time well spent. Although I do admire the way they managed to depict two parallel worlds that simultaneously combined both a smug sub-Curtis middle class fairytale London with American cultural imperialism. And both without recourse to irony.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 November, 2013, 10:26:34 pm
Dead Poets Society for about the 30th time.  It's still the best final scene in cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 09 November, 2013, 12:35:12 pm
Berberian Sound Studio

Slightly off kilter British film in which a sound engineer slowly unravels.  A film that is more about building a chilling, otherworldly atmosphere, than plot progression.  That's a poncey way of saying nothing much happens, but it is still slightly engaging.  Worth catching in passing if you don't mind that not a huge amount happens in its 90 minute running time.  It's not one you can have on in the background though, as it needs a bit of concentration to keep pace with WTFIGO.

Contains melon and radish abuse most foul and unnatural.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 10 November, 2013, 12:42:47 am
2001: A Space Odyssey

I thought I'd seen it before, but acksherly it seems I'd just seen lots of bits of it over the years and possi-probably read it 30-odd years ago.  Playing as part of Leeds Film Festival, onna big screen, in Leeds Town Hall.  It made my head hurt.  I haven't decided yet if I liked it or not.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: padbeat on 10 November, 2013, 12:49:03 am
Dog Soldiers is on at the minute. High quality British horror movie rubbish. It's got Sean faacking Pertwee as a squaddie, so it must be good, innit?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 November, 2013, 01:00:20 am
2001: A Space Odyssey

I thought I'd seen it before, but acksherly it seems I'd just seen lots of bits of it over the years and possi-probably read it 30-odd years ago.  Playing as part of Leeds Film Festival, onna big screen, in Leeds Town Hall.  It made my head hurt.  I haven't decided yet if I liked it or not.

*is jealous*

I grew up on Clarke novels, and it's a perfectly good one that actually makes sense and everything.  2010 is fine too.  Best to stop after that one though.

The film of 2001 is basically Kubrick loosely wanking around the same story, but he does it *so* fantastically well.  Never mind the plot, it's all about the pretty spaceships and physics pr0n.  No CGI here, remember...

2010 is, in contrast, a completely unremarkable 80s film notable only for mostly making sense and having Helen Mirren in it. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 10 November, 2013, 07:16:08 am
2001: A Space Odyssey

I thought I'd seen it before, but acksherly it seems I'd just seen lots of bits of it over the years and possi-probably read it 30-odd years ago.  Playing as part of Leeds Film Festival, onna big screen, in Leeds Town Hall.  It made my head hurt.  I haven't decided yet if I liked it or not.

I first saw it in about 1980.  I still haven't decided if I liked it or not.

I've read a lot of Clarke, including the 2001 series (Edit: Wikipedia tells me there's a furth book in the series i wasn't aware of).  Confudingly, I read The Sentinel afte i read 2001.  I didn't reakise its signifivsncr until i was some way into it.

Personally, i prefr Rendezvous With Rama.

Apols for poor typing.  I've got a bairn asleep on me, and I'm rubbidh at typimg with one hand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 November, 2013, 12:55:21 pm
Personally, i prefr Rendezvous With Rama.

I'm rather glad that nobody's made a film of that.  The window of opportunity for it doing the book justice closed in about 1978.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Byronius Maximus on 10 November, 2013, 02:03:57 pm
Watched Cape Fear last night - been meaning to watch it for a while but never knew it was a remake.

Really enjoyed it on the whole, despite a bit of weirdness occasionally. DeNiro is so unbelievably good at playing a psychopath, he's just terrifying. That scene between him and the girl is so uncomfortable to watch - superb film making.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 10 November, 2013, 04:46:52 pm
Watched Cape Fear last night - been meaning to watch it for a while but never knew it was a remake.

Really enjoyed it on the whole, despite a bit of weirdness occasionally. DeNiro is so unbelievably good at playing a psychopath, he's just terrifying. That scene between him and the girl is so uncomfortable to watch - superb film making.

Yes, one of my favourite suspense films that, mostly due to DeNiro.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 10 November, 2013, 06:31:26 pm
Shifty - surprising good movie even though the review moaned about the low budget (which I think helped create the mood in the movie)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 10 November, 2013, 09:31:59 pm
Predators

Mostly recycled hokum but not too bad. The closing shot was nicely done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 November, 2013, 11:16:12 am
Gravity (3D)

Wow, what a ride, believe the hype. OK there's a crappy backstory but it doesn't get in the way of the mind-boggling effects. Like 2001 (also another film wasted on the small screen) with knobs on.

Go see it, in 3D, on a big screen, and sit down the front :o

[You will find yourself wondering though, if astronauts really need that many pens.]

I’ll have to disagree with you there – great film, stunning visuals but the back story wasn’t crappy, at least not for me.

As a film it’s a great example of how SFX can be used to tell an amazing story, great zero-g effects but I liked the human element, without which you are just watching pretty fireworks (admittedly very pretty ones).

Also, while it mainly seems to be a 3D release, I saw it on a reasonably big screen in 2D and it was still pretty impressive (I can’t see 3D).  This is, I think the only 3D film that I’ve ever heard Mark Kermode to recommend seeing in 3D.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 11 November, 2013, 12:31:24 pm
The only spare seats in my local cinema for Gravity 3D were in the front two rows. I normally hate sitting too close to the front as it gives me neck ache and eye strain. But after Oranj's recommendation I went for it.

Absolutely stunning experience which does indeed work well when close to the screen giving it an IMAX feel. For those who can see in 3D, definitely worth the cinema and glasses treatment. I have to disagree with WW though that this was "an amazing story". I thought that aspect was weak and rather small in its ambition compared with the rest of the film. But a good story wasn't the purpose of the film, but rather to immerse you in the experience of the protagonist. I thought it touched in the philosophy of existence and insignificance without being too intellectual about it.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 November, 2013, 04:21:21 pm
I have to disagree with WW though that this was "an amazing story" though. I thought that aspect was weak and rather small in its ambition compared with the rest of the film.

That’s fair comment – great spectacle then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 November, 2013, 05:03:53 pm
Stephen King's IT (1990)

Another one of those important cultural references that I'd somehow missed.  It's quite good if you're into Tim Curry playing a creepy clown, but is strikingly of the era when you could make films about women in high-achieving business roles, as if that were a plot.  It's an hour too long and not sinister enough in the second half.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 November, 2013, 05:29:09 pm
Personally, i prefr Rendezvous With Rama.

I'm rather glad that nobody's made a film of that.  The window of opportunity for it doing the book justice closed in about 1978.

I'm genuinely curious what you mean by that?

Because the world/knowledge of the solar system has changed?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 November, 2013, 05:36:24 pm
Personally, i prefr Rendezvous With Rama.

I'm rather glad that nobody's made a film of that.  The window of opportunity for it doing the book justice closed in about 1978.

I'm genuinely curious what you mean by that?

Because the world/knowledge of the solar system has changed?

Because the way Hollywood treats science fiction has changed.  You can't make a film about exploring alien artefacts without lots of danger, sexual tension, fighting and BOOM!  Which gets in the way of the science and mystery, somewhat.  I think Rendezvous With Rama is closer to The Andromeda Strain (not the dodgy remake) than it is to Stargate, as it were.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 11 November, 2013, 05:38:12 pm
I can see how it might work with the aesthetic of Dark Star or Silent Running (among my favourite scifi films).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 November, 2013, 05:41:34 pm
I can see how it might work with the aesthetic of Dark Star or Silent Running (among my favourite scifi films).

Exactly!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 November, 2013, 10:24:15 pm
Personally, i prefr Rendezvous With Rama.

I'm rather glad that nobody's made a film of that.  The window of opportunity for it doing the book justice closed in about 1978.

I'm genuinely curious what you mean by that?

Because the world/knowledge of the solar system has changed?

Because the way Hollywood treats science fiction has changed.  You can't make a film about exploring alien artefacts without lots of danger, sexual tension, fighting and BOOM!  Which gets in the way of the science and mystery, somewhat.  I think Rendezvous With Rama is closer to The Andromeda Strain (not the dodgy remake) than it is to Stargate, as it were.

I would say that now is exactly the right time to make the film of the book.

A director with the balls (or other anatomical parts) to make this film true to the book has a raft of tools at their disposal to do the majesty of the Raman landscape justice. I can see the moment the lights come on in my mind now. A good CGI team would blow the audience away without needing to resort to 'splosions and ray guns and shit.

To see Rama diving into the sun as the end title music starts to play? Poetry :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 November, 2013, 12:00:32 am
Duncan Jones, perhaps?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 12 November, 2013, 06:14:16 pm
Bad Grandpa

I am sure I have said this before in film reviews but...if you like fart and male part jokes, then you will like this film..... I do and did. Can't say my good lady enjoyed it that much but then, she likes neither.

Not as good as “Borat” but there were some very funny: “OMG they can't do that” sections including the fart in the café scene or the “OMG they are going to get killed” scenes such as in the dance club.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 12 November, 2013, 09:00:24 pm
Gravity 3D

7/10 (but 10/10 for the stunning look of the film).

It was good for 3D but I could live without it to be honest (I suspect my brain filters out the false 3D and I don't see what less "susceptible" people see).

Anyway, it's a visually stunning adventure nicely played by its two, and only, actors.  It's not afraid to devote long spells to just being in space (Think the long shuttle docking sequence from 2001)

The science is so much better than most (the utter silence of the ISS being torn apart by debris for example, where other films would have had huge explosive noises and tearing metal).

A big screen is essential.  I'd watch it again on a 2D IMAX given the choice.

It's a must have BluRay

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 13 November, 2013, 11:28:12 pm
Also Gravity.

Very fine film.  Enthralling.  Beautiful.  Like the two leads.

The opening 5 minutes made me want to be a spaceman, drifting about looking at the Earth and the stars.  Then the remaining 90 minutes reminded me why I am an actuary rather than an astronaut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 14 November, 2013, 09:21:59 am
Two more for Gravity 3D  :thumbsup:.

I/We found it impossible not to flinch at the flying debris as it came at us.

It's a fantastic rollercoaster between agoraphobia and claustrophobia! We liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 16 November, 2013, 08:55:34 pm
The snowman.
The snowman and the snowdog.
The 8 films in the official selection in the "Films by Young Animators" category (http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/Events/BAF/2013/B/~/~/link.aspx?_id=BD4114C41C84434A890FA98EF5934E09) in which my mate David-the-Animator worked on one of the nominated films and won.
The official selection screening of the eight Films for Children nominations  (http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/Events/BAF/2013/B/~/~/link.aspx?_id=B1B8AAEED64844C298954EAD8645D269)
Fantastic Mister Fox

All in the Cubby Broccoli at Bradford NMeM.  That's a lot of films in one day!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 November, 2013, 12:08:18 am
Moonrise Kingdom.

Charmingly quirky coming of age yarn. Very Wes Anderson. Most enjoyable. If you like Wes Anderson. Which I do.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 November, 2013, 08:31:17 am
I didn't like the Snowman and the Snowdog.  Single-parent family just to show how modern and relevant it is, and a puppy for Christmas (oh dear...Dogs Trust are going to have a problem with that).  And of course it's completely lazy and derivative.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 17 November, 2013, 09:17:14 am
Whereas we went to see it as a single parent family that includes a 6 year old who is utterly besotted with dogs, although knows he ain't getting one ever let alone at Christmas, and all loved it.  Interestingly said 6 year old commented that he "thought it was clever and a good idea that they showed the two straight away".  It read to me as homage not derivative.  And all three kids - who unlike me had seen the Snowdog before - found it unobjectionable to watch it twice in one day, as it was also nominated and screened in the Films for Children.

A bit of rummaging leads me to the conclusion that one of the non-winning films in the young animators category which didn't list any credits information might indeed have been a school project but, unlike many of the films in competition, made by one person.  Myths of Sisyphus.  It's a really rather beautiful hand drawn one and I commented afterwards that it felt a bit like a 'bedroom project'.  It looks all drawn by one person, the sound track is a solo clarinet, a few sound effects and a recorded narration that either by plan or happenstance or, I thought, due to circumstance sounds somewhat home-recorded.   Possibly my favourite, although I have to declare myself content with the winner since he's my mate :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 17 November, 2013, 02:34:42 pm
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Not sure about this one.  A slick film that serves as an origins story.  Didn't particularly engage me, despite a vaguely coherent script.  I find this quite a lot with films that James Franco has a lead role in.  I also found the CGI effects a little off putting - they are technically very good, but I suspect suffer from a trip to the uncanny valley.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 November, 2013, 07:31:45 am
Born on the 4th of July.

It deserved its Oscar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 18 November, 2013, 07:30:32 pm
Gravity. Totally unrealistic. No woman tied to George Clooney would cut the rope.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 November, 2013, 08:33:53 pm
I didn't like Dr Strangelove except for Major Kong riding the bomb and the famous "you can't fight in here" joke.  The last line is also a good joke, but Peter Sellers hams it up so much that it's not very clear.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 18 November, 2013, 08:47:23 pm
PT 109 on the TV on Sunday.

1963 Biopick of JFK's service as a motor torpedo boat commander in the Pacific in WWII.

I know JFK was a genuine war hero and everything but this film does ham it up dreadfully. A manly arm round the shoulder and a carefully chosen remark and every crewman's problem is solved.

I enjoyed it immensely :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ewan Houzami on 19 November, 2013, 04:33:51 pm
Gravity. In 3D IMAX awesomeness and wondering how they can make a follow-up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 November, 2013, 08:28:27 pm
Gravity. In 3D IMAX awesomeness... oh.

Yes, very good. However, it's put me off becoming an astronaut when I grow up.

I'm terrified of fairground rides so had that happened to me, I suspect the atmosphere in my space suit would be flashing up a methane warning.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 21 November, 2013, 12:45:45 am
The Hosts. I loved it though there wasn't much to it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Von Broad on 21 November, 2013, 01:09:34 am
Born on the 4th of July.

It deserved its Oscar.

Oh yes, I caught that at the weekend too.
Never seen it before, and Tom Cruise does a terrific job of keeping up the intensity and agony of it all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 21 November, 2013, 08:28:47 am
I finally got around to watching "World War Z"

Its good, isn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 22 November, 2013, 12:47:17 am
I finally got around to watching "World War Z"

Its good, isn't it?

It depends:I reckon it's decent if you haven't read the book. It's utter trash if you have and expect something remotely like it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Von Broad on 22 November, 2013, 01:27:32 am
Haven't seen a Mike Leigh film for years, and lost touch with what he's up to these days, but I caught 'Another Year' -[2010] on Film4 this evening.
And what a masterpiece. Beautifully filmed, beautifully acted and showered with much hilarity and poignancy in equal measures. Brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 22 November, 2013, 07:34:29 am
I finally got around to watching "World War Z"

Its good, isn't it?

It depends:I reckon it's decent if you haven't read the book. It's utter trash if you have and expect something remotely like it.

I deffo fall into the former camp, then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 22 November, 2013, 09:00:23 am
OMFG THE HUNGER GAMES CATCHING FIRE OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!

And in less excitable teenager fashion, we really liked it, every bit as good as the trailers teased, pretty true to the books, cut out nothing important, the additions all added a certain something (Sutherland, mostly) and we're on tenterhooks for the next one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Lady Cavendish on 22 November, 2013, 09:07:19 am
Me too me too.

I loved it. OMG OMG OMG!!!!

Have you read the 3rd book? I have :) Thought it was really true to the books too, can't wait for the next film, I'm also on tenterhooks.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 22 November, 2013, 09:10:11 am
Oh yes.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 November, 2013, 10:26:10 am
I finally got around to watching "World War Z"

Its good, isn't it?

It depends:I reckon it's decent if you haven't read the book. It's utter trash if you have and expect something remotely like it.

I thought the book was a bit shit (they never, ever put my quotes on the movie posters) and much preferred the movie. Generally, I'm not scared of zombies because they're the crappest of the monster fraternity. Anything you can outrun on a poorly assembled Halford's bicycle isn't worth worrying about. But they were speedy zombies, which is a lot better. You'd need a better class of bicycle to outrun those. Or possibly a hill and a Waitrose shopping trolley (they have brakes for the bottom of the hill, Tesco ones don't and there's no point escaping zombie peril and then breaking your head on a wall).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 November, 2013, 12:27:38 pm
Haven't seen a Mike Leigh film for years, and lost touch with what he's up to these days, but I caught 'Another Year' -[2010] on Film4 this evening.
And what a masterpiece. Beautifully filmed, beautifully acted and showered with much hilarity and poignancy in equal measures. Brilliant.

I still remember driving home from the cinema with my wife after seeing that. We both loved it but were too affected by the film to be able to talk about it. Lesley Manville should have got every award going for her performance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 November, 2013, 12:11:26 am
The Hunger Games.

Never read the book, so it was good to have it unfurl in front of me. The frocks were stupendous, and the archery.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 23 November, 2013, 08:02:02 am

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(click to show/hide)

/Hunger Games Nerd
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 November, 2013, 09:06:21 am
Gravity. Only me and my wife in the cinema!
Best and most visually beautiful film I've seen in a long time...and that's despite Sandra Bullocks constant whimpering.

VFX were as flawless as they get (Although I also know they spent a *very* long time on them). It's a shoe-in for the Oscar.

The destruction of the ISS is one of the single best VFX shots I've ever seen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 26 November, 2013, 09:15:58 am
I saw the second Hunger Games film on Saturday and found it a bit flat.  I thought it was well made and the performances were good (new characters well casted for the most part).

I think the problem I had with it was that the second book (and therefore the film, which was a fair adaptation of the book) proceeds with Katniss not knowing what's going on - having read the book and knowing the plot, it worked less well for me, at least the first time around.

I enjoyed the first film a lot more as I had no idea what was going to happen and I think I would have enjoyed this one a lot more too had I been similarly unaware of the plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 30 November, 2013, 11:11:01 am
Zazie dans le Metro.  A surreal film from the 60s that I've been meaning to watch for 20 years, but never got around to it (we were due to show it at the film society at university, but it didn't get sent by the distributor and in the end we watched Orphee - no bad switch).  The whole film makes no sense, but has a playful energy that is difficult to resist.  Judged by today's standards, some of the interaction of the child with the adults is a bit close to the bone (gone are the days when kiddy fiddlers are included for comic effect) but on the whole it stands as a film.

Even better, the DVD came with "Vive la Tour!" by Louise Malle.  For those that haven't seen this great little homage to the Tour de France, enjoy:

http://vimeo.com/21306164
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 01 December, 2013, 07:30:08 pm
Sister Act, on the telly.  It's an awful, awful film. 

I enjoyed it very much and it definitely passes the Bechdel test.  Entertaining and undemanding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 01 December, 2013, 08:43:46 pm
It's one of Granny Annie's favourites :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 December, 2013, 09:21:02 pm
Attack Of The Clones with the kids.  Too much CGI by half and some cringeworthy acting, redeemed by Natalie Portman in a somewhat distressed skin-tight outfit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 December, 2013, 09:30:35 pm
A thing called Immortal, mainly from curiosity.  Daft story quite well done - 80% CGI, 20% human. Oddly satisfying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 01 December, 2013, 09:35:16 pm
Of Gods And Men is on at 10pm on Channel 5 tonight, marvellous.  I really want to see that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bumper on 01 December, 2013, 09:42:28 pm
Of Gods And Men is on at 10pm on Channel 5 tonight, marvellous.  I really want to see that.

BBC 4 if you're watching it ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 December, 2013, 10:52:56 am
Zazie dans le Metro.  A surreal film from the 60s that I've been meaning to watch for 20 years, but never got around to it

I love that film! It's about 20 years since I watched it, funnily enough - I borrowed it from the university French department film library. The book is supposed to be very good too but I've never read it.

Quote
Even better, the DVD came with "Vive la Tour!" by Louise Malle.  For those that haven't seen this great little homage to the Tour de France, enjoy:

Excellent!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 02 December, 2013, 10:58:50 am
Yes, thanks, Billy.  I know we hope for a "cleaner" race, these days, but that film is somehow more like I imagine the "real" TdeF.  It all looks very polished these days.  I loved the bit in the Pyrenees - non-comedy off-road!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 02 December, 2013, 10:59:44 am
Of Gods And Men is on at 10pm on Channel 5 tonight, marvellous.  I really want to see that.

BBC 4 if you're watching it ;D

It was excellent.  Very human.  Very moving.  An honourable and thoughtful treatment of an interesting series of events.

A group of Catholic brothers living peacefully alongside Muslim Algerian villagers find themselves caught up in a civil war.  An exploration of faith and religion, good and bad. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 02 December, 2013, 12:11:57 pm
Of Gods And Men is on at 10pm on Channel 5 tonight, marvellous.  I really want to see that.

BBC 4 if you're watching it ;D

It was excellent.  Very human.  Very moving.  An honourable and thoughtful treatment of an interesting series of events.

A group of Catholic brothers living peacefully alongside Muslim Algerian villagers find themselves caught up in a civil war.  An exploration of faith and religion, good and bad.

I saw that at the cinema about 3 years ago.  A very good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 04 December, 2013, 08:09:14 am
To lower the tone, completely (sorry), last night I watched "Iron Man 3".

I liked it, I really liked it. Ben Kingsley is brilliant as the Mandarin, RDjnr is his usual Tony Stark self and you get to see Gyneth Paltrow in her skimpies.  What's not to like? :)

Tonight I am going to watch "Man of Steel" the first Superman movie I have actually, actively, wanted to watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 December, 2013, 02:37:25 pm
To lower the tone, completely (sorry), last night I watched "Iron Man 3".

I liked it, I really liked it. Ben Kingsley is brilliant as the Mandarin, RDjnr is his usual Tony Stark self and you get to see Gyneth Paltrow in her skimpies.  What's not to like? :)

Inexplicably set at Christmas.  Implausibly bad planning by Stark (seriously, he let his house get blown up in a missile attack?), and yet again Pepper gets an incredibly raw deal.

But oddly the Iron Man films are the only Marvel franchise that I've actually found in any way compelling.  Maybe that's why Pepper puts up with it all?  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 04 December, 2013, 03:18:57 pm
To lower the tone, completely (sorry), last night I watched "Iron Man 3".

I liked it, I really liked it. Ben Kingsley is brilliant as the Mandarin, RDjnr is his usual Tony Stark self and you get to see Gyneth Paltrow in her skimpies.  What's not to like? :)

Inexplicably set at Christmas.  Implausibly bad planning by Stark (seriously, he let his house get blown up in a missile attack?), and yet again Pepper gets an incredibly raw deal.

It’s a personal quirk of the director, Shane Black.  Many of the screenplays he wrote and latterly the films he has directed are set at Christmas.  This usually has nothing to do with the plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 04 December, 2013, 10:04:42 pm
Man of Steel.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 December, 2013, 11:01:58 pm
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 December, 2013, 10:13:28 am
Last night was a twofer.

First up was "Man of Steel", I disagree with Chris, but then I am useless at remembering who was what in what film, so it made sense to me.

Second up was "The Wolverine". Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 December, 2013, 10:28:07 am
Not seen 'the man of steel' but one of the stepkids has and was very very cross about his hair; "He flies through a freaking skyscraper, bits exploding everywhere but his hair isn't even messed up!"

Last film watched here; Now You See Me. Entertaining and fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 05 December, 2013, 10:32:09 am
Man of steel got steel plaited hair, in'it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 December, 2013, 11:32:33 am
To me, the hair wasn't an issue, really.  There are a few points that don't make sense (and the hair issue is an age old one, I seem to remember similar comments regarding Christopher Reeves' hair), like, during the main fight scene, on SmallVille's high street, the US Army fire a missile at the Kryptons, lead by Zod.  This missile explodes, all the superheroes/villains are still alive AND all the shop windows are intact!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 05 December, 2013, 11:33:56 am
Last nights fayre was a PVR playback of The Admirable Crichton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Admirable_Crichton_(1957_film)).

Predictable but fun late 50's Brit flick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 05 December, 2013, 05:53:37 pm
The same actors playing different roles. It makes it really really hard to suspend disbelief. And on this one, I failed.

Can I recommend Kind Hearts and Coronets? It's very popular  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 05 December, 2013, 06:02:54 pm
The same actors playing different roles. It makes it really really hard to suspend disbelief. And on this one, I failed.

Can I recommend Kind Hearts and Coronets? It's very popular  :thumbsup:

Probably - there were just too many actors who I identify with particular roles, all together in one fillum. Kinda spoiled it. That, and I'm old.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 05 December, 2013, 06:33:21 pm
Second up was "The Wolverine". Meh.
Even Jack Hughman can't make this shit watchable. And I love big time objectify Jack Hughman.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 05 December, 2013, 08:04:28 pm
Man of Steel

I KNOW WHAT IT IS!!

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 05 December, 2013, 08:14:40 pm
Of Gods And Men is on at 10pm on Channel 5 tonight, marvellous.  I really want to see that.

BBC 4 if you're watching it ;D

It was excellent.  Very human.  Very moving.  An honourable and thoughtful treatment of an interesting series of events.

A group of Catholic brothers living peacefully alongside Muslim Algerian villagers find themselves caught up in a civil war.  An exploration of faith and religion, good and bad.

I saw that at the cinema about 3 years ago.  A very good film.

Bloody Nora!  I've just realised I've actually seen that one!  That hardly _ever_ happens when I read this thread  :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 06 December, 2013, 08:33:30 am
Last night's "entertainment" was The Lone Ranger

An even bigger bag'o'shite than The Wolverine, I turned it off after 30 mins...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 December, 2013, 10:56:24 am
Couldn't stomach any more of Tony Blair et al being wheeled out to "pay their respects" last night so ended up flicking through the film channels. Caught the end of Elf, which is always heartwarming. Then switched over to Basic Instinct, which I've not seen for a long, long time... Bloody hell, I'd forgotten what a truly terrible film it is. After about 20 minutes, couldn't stomach any more of that either so went to bed.

I enjoyed The Lone Ranger though, tiermat. Very silly - in a good way, mostly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 06 December, 2013, 11:19:02 am
Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Post apocalyptic dystopia for young people. What's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 December, 2013, 07:12:15 pm
The ending.  It didn't really.  I suppose they want us to watch the next episode.  Which I shall.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 December, 2013, 07:31:51 pm
The two things I know about Hunger Games:
The next episode will be 2 films (Hobbit styleee). And fans say it's the weakest book.

Calling the current film "... colon catching fire" provides schoolboy sniggers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 07 December, 2013, 09:20:47 pm
Really? Which fans? I live in a household that listened to the books on audio as a family over several weeks, a chapter at a time. We did not find the 3rd book weak. There are a lot of events to cover, and unlike the bloomin Hobbit, the producers have resisted the temptation to add whole new characters and needless new plotlines.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 08 December, 2013, 09:12:10 am
Byzantium

Vampire movie set in Ireland.  Beautifully shot and well acted, but didn't really include anything new or of particular note.  In fact it was riddled with vampiric tropes.  Average.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 December, 2013, 09:35:25 am
Basic Instinct is great because it doesn't pretend to be anything other than trashy sexploitation.  Apparently a load of actresses turned it down before Sharon Stone took it, and she did quite well as a result.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 08 December, 2013, 09:44:04 am
Trance

Rather good heist-based story involving the addition of a Harley St hypnotist. Deliberately confusing, never knowing whether the action is in real life, dream or hypnosis until you feel like it's you that's having your mind messed with not just the characters. It still hangs together very well, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 08 December, 2013, 04:24:17 pm
IMAX Hubble 3D

On my super-dooper new massive midlife crisis 3D telly.

Oh my.  It is absolutely stupendous.  There were little astronauts in my telly fixing the Hubble telescope!  And I flew through the Orion Nebula!

Daisyhill was reading on the sofa and looked up at me and laughed at me trying to bat the stars away from my face 'like a kitten in a snowstorm with no snow".

You really did get an idea of what life might have been like in the Space Shuttle.  A wonderful use of the 3D technology.  I'll watch this, again and again.  I'm sure the 3D was better than in 'Gravity'.  If you like space stuff, it's so cool to just watch people living and working in space, and the Hubble footage is wonderful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 December, 2013, 05:36:46 pm
The Butler. Drop everything, go now, take all the tissues.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 December, 2013, 06:10:21 pm
Clear History.

A vehicle for Larry David, playing himself - at least, the version of himself from Curb Your Enthusiasm. So if you like Curb... well, it's just a feature length episode of that, really. Very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 08 December, 2013, 06:18:34 pm
Silver Linings Playbook.
Every character in this film has issues, and at first I wasn't sure I liked them, or whether the film was ridiculing serious mental illness.
It won me over.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 December, 2013, 07:58:39 pm
The Butler. Drop everything, go now, take all the tissues.
Why?  is it a porno?  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 08 December, 2013, 08:09:55 pm
Byzantium

Vampire movie set in Ireland.  Beautifully shot and well acted, but didn't really include anything new or of particular note.  In fact it was riddled with vampiric tropes.  Average.

Shouldn't it have been set in Istanbul ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 08 December, 2013, 09:12:37 pm
Silver Linings Playbook.
Every character in this film has issues, and at first I wasn't sure I liked them, or whether the film was ridiculing serious mental illness.
It won me over.

We saw that, from a recommendation in this thread. It was quite hard to watch at some points, for exactly the reasons you say, but ended up being a a very moving film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 09 December, 2013, 02:04:38 am
The girl who played with fire.

Very good film :) though very tv movie-esque
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gattopardo on 09 December, 2013, 04:19:08 am
The original subtitled ones or the modern british one?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 December, 2013, 08:44:41 am

The Butler. Drop everything, go now, take all the tissues.

From what I know of that film, it sounds like a very similar idea to The Remains Of The Day - would that be a fair assessment?

Both the film and the book of TRotD had me blubbing like a baby at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 December, 2013, 09:12:46 am
Really? Which fans? I live in a household that listened to the books on audio as a family over several weeks, a chapter at a time. We did not find the 3rd book weak. There are a lot of events to cover, and unlike the bloomin Hobbit, the producers have resisted the temptation to add whole new characters and needless new plotlines.

I read an explanation for that yesterday which was that Tolkein had lots of other ideas and bits he'd written for TH and Jackson squeezed them all together into three films.

I'm boycotting TH until all three films are out on discounted BluRay.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 December, 2013, 10:37:47 am
THG - 2nd installment

Went with #1 son. I've read the books, he hasn't.  I didn't have high expectations, since many people have commented on it being a bit flat.

To the contrary, I think it is better than the first film. The lead star has opened up a lot and actually acts. The closing scene is very very good. I expect her to be slagged off for this, accused of hamming it up.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 December, 2013, 10:51:56 am
I read an explanation for that yesterday which was that Tolkein had lots of other ideas and bits he'd written for TH

Yeah. And there was a reason he left them out.  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 09 December, 2013, 05:11:45 pm
Elysium. Meh. That and Oblivion are kind of similar. Both mediocre, Jodie Foster gave good evil.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 December, 2013, 08:56:30 pm

The Butler. Drop everything, go now, take all the tissues.

From what I know of that film, it sounds like a very similar idea to The Remains Of The Day - would that be a fair assessment?

Both the film and the book of TRotD had me blubbing like a baby at the end.
African-American man born on a cotton plantation, taken indoors to work as a "house Negro" (although that wasn't the term used in the film), goes on to work in posh hotels, then gets a job as a butler in the White House, stays there through 8 successive presidents, while all around there are civil rights struggles, the Vietnam war, the prospect of sanctions against South Africa etc. I was leaking from the eyes from quite early on and full-on sobbing by the end, but there are moment of real humour in it too. Even if you don't want to see it for the story, see it for Forest Whitaker's performance. If he doesn't get best actor at the next Oscars, there's no justice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 December, 2013, 09:05:34 pm
It was quite fashionable to have a black butler/valet/batman in mid-20th century America.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 10 December, 2013, 01:46:01 am
The original subtitled ones or the modern british one?

The one I got from you with the subs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 December, 2013, 11:36:33 am
African-American man born on a cotton plantation, taken indoors to work as a "house Negro" (although that wasn't the term used in the film), goes on to work in posh hotels, then gets a job as a butler in the White House, stays there through 8 successive presidents, while all around there are civil rights struggles, the Vietnam war, the prospect of sanctions against South Africa etc.

Ah. Sounds like the race angle is more significant than I realised, so probably not that much like Remains Of The Day at all.

Quote
If he doesn't get best actor at the next Oscars, there's no justice.

I can't think of any film I've seen him in that isn't improved by his presence. It's about time he got another Oscar to go with his well-deserved one for Last King Of Scotland.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 December, 2013, 12:05:14 pm
African-American man born on a cotton plantation, taken indoors to work as a "house Negro" (although that wasn't the term used in the film), goes on to work in posh hotels, then gets a job as a butler in the White House, stays there through 8 successive presidents, while all around there are civil rights struggles, the Vietnam war, the prospect of sanctions against South Africa etc.

Ah. Sounds like the race angle is more significant than I realised, so probably not that much like Remains Of The Day at all.

Quote
If he doesn't get best actor at the next Oscars, there's no justice.

I can't think of any film I've seen him in that isn't improved by his presence. It's about time he got another Oscar to go with his well-deserved one for Last King Of Scotland.

Not just film.

His portrayal of Captain Jon Kavanaugh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Kavanaugh) in The Shield was exceptional.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 December, 2013, 12:15:20 pm
He was fantastic in ER as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 December, 2013, 12:26:29 pm
His portrayal of Captain Jon Kavanaugh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Kavanaugh) in The Shield was exceptional.

Yes! He was superb in that. The on-screen dynamic between him and Michael Chiklis was what really made that show.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 10 December, 2013, 11:42:05 pm
Holiday is bloody awful, Jack Black is so annoying, there is no way he'd end up with Winslett, pffft.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 11 December, 2013, 12:04:38 am
He was fantastic in ER as well.

And very good in Bird the Charlie Parker biopic by Clint Eastwood
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 December, 2013, 07:57:57 am
Time Machine- the Guy Pearce, Samantha Mumba and Jeremey Irons as Uber Morlock version.

Not seen it for ages and enjoyed it again.

The time machine in this version is a fantastical prop.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 15 December, 2013, 03:18:30 pm
Iron Man Three

Yeah baby.  Whoop whoop. Etc.

Another high tempo, action packed, enjoyable film from Marvel Studios.  Put your intellect to one side for 2 hours and it hits the spot.  I reckon it is best tackled after a couple of lagers.

It leaves me hopeful for the Disney takeover of Lucasfilm. (Please please please....)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 15 December, 2013, 09:12:43 pm
The Country Girl.

Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, William Holden.

Bing Crosby plays an alcoholic with Oscar-worthy subtlety and depth.  The disease is portrayed with great understanding, as is co-dependency by Grace Kelly as his tortured wife.  Bill Holden is the third corner of this dysfunctional triad, set in an era of different sexual mores and gender power relationships.  The past really is another country, and it's necessary to remember that watching a film like this.

Oh, and you get to hear Bing's liquid gold singing voice, which is always a real treat.

You'd not see such an accurate and un-Hollywooded portrayal of an issue like that these days.  Silver Linings Playbook, for instance, which kind of shows what life is like with a serious mental illness, but it's still a bit 'nicey nicey'.  Take it from me, living with a psychotic person can break you, and nobody really comes close in 'Playbook'.  Whereas Country Girl is all about being broken.

What a great movie.  How did they manage to get Grace to look so dowdy?  When to me, she has always been the epitome of '50s poise, glamour and beauty. Maybe it's just that she can really act.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 December, 2013, 09:47:20 pm
Time Machine- the Guy Pearce, Samantha Mumba and Jeremey Irons as Uber Morlock version.
I think this was about the time when "Viz" printed a notorious letter referring to Samantha Mumba.

On here if you can lower yourself to look for it.

http://drownedinsound.com/community/boards/social/2785099
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2013, 09:49:11 pm
By Dawn's Early Light

One of those obscure films I saw so long ago that I have no memory of low production values or dodgy writing/acting (though given the budget it was made on, I can't criticise), and has effectively turned into a book in my brain.  Watching it again was less disappointing than I expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 15 December, 2013, 10:16:14 pm
The Country Girl.

Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, William Holden.

Bing Crosby plays an alcoholic with Oscar-worthy subtlety and depth.  The disease is portrayed with great understanding, as is co-dependency by Grace Kelly as his tortured wife.  Bill Holden is the third corner of this dysfunctional triad, set in an era of different sexual mores and gender power relationships.  The past really is another country, and it's necessary to remember that watching a film like this.

Oh, and you get to hear Bing's liquid gold singing voice, which is always a real treat.

You'd not see such an accurate and un-Hollywooded portrayal of an issue like that these days.  Silver Linings Playbook, for instance, which kind of shows what life is like with a serious mental illness, but it's still a bit 'nicey nicey'.  Take it from me, living with a psychotic person can break you, and nobody really comes close in 'Playbook'.  Whereas Country Girl is all about being broken.

What a great movie.  How did they manage to get Grace to look so dowdy?  When to me, she has always been the epitome of '50s poise, glamour and beauty. Maybe it's just that she can really act.

I've never heard of this film. But I've been to the pub a few times (not as often as Basil, thobut). I will keep an eye out for it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 15 December, 2013, 10:17:23 pm
City Slickers is on as I type. Top 30 for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 15 December, 2013, 10:34:38 pm
City Slickers is on as I type. Top 30 for me.

Me too.  Brilliant film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 15 December, 2013, 10:43:19 pm
The Desolation of Smaug.

Why has it taken me so long to realise Peter Jackson is just taking the piss?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 December, 2013, 11:14:02 pm
The Desolation of Smaug.

Why has it taken me so long to realise Peter Jackson is just taking the piss?

Because I think all the padding in the recent films is soaking up the excessive amounts of urine before Jackson can properly remove it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 15 December, 2013, 11:25:21 pm
The Desolation of Smaug.

Why has it taken me so long to realise Peter Jackson is just taking the piss?

Because I think all the padding in the recent films is soaking up the excessive amounts of urine before Jackson can properly remove it.

Given that LOTR, even in the director's cuts, was a slimmed down version of the source material, The Hobbit had to have a bad case of padding-out in order to be in accordance with the law of conservation of literary mass.  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 15 December, 2013, 11:59:26 pm
The Country Girl.

Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, William Holden.

Bing Crosby plays an alcoholic with Oscar-worthy subtlety and depth.  The disease is portrayed with great understanding, as is co-dependency by Grace Kelly as his tortured wife.  Bill Holden is the third corner of this dysfunctional triad, set in an era of different sexual mores and gender power relationships.  The past really is another country, and it's necessary to remember that watching a film like this.

Oh, and you get to hear Bing's liquid gold singing voice, which is always a real treat.

You'd not see such an accurate and un-Hollywooded portrayal of an issue like that these days.  Silver Linings Playbook, for instance, which kind of shows what life is like with a serious mental illness, but it's still a bit 'nicey nicey'.  Take it from me, living with a psychotic person can break you, and nobody really comes close in 'Playbook'.  Whereas Country Girl is all about being broken.

What a great movie.  How did they manage to get Grace to look so dowdy?  When to me, she has always been the epitome of '50s poise, glamour and beauty. Maybe it's just that she can really act.

Bing Crosby didn't get the Oscar that year, by the way, although Grace Kelly did.  Bing was merely nominated.  Best Actor that year was Marlon Brando in On The Waterfront.

If you're still interested, Best Actor last time was Daniel Day Lewis for Lincoln.  Best Actress was Jennifer Lawrence for Silver Linings Playbook.

Which was the drier year?  You can answer that one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 16 December, 2013, 12:57:47 am
By Dawn's Early Light

One of those obscure films I saw so long ago that I have no memory of low production values or dodgy writing/acting (though given the budget it was made on, I can't criticise), and has effectively turned into a book in my brain.  Watching it again was less disappointing than I expected.

...And followed this up with the 2000 remake of Failsafe, which deals with similar themes.

I thought it was rather good, but I'm a sucker for understated radio-style dramatisation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 December, 2013, 06:54:13 am
I saw that this week too, interesting live production, gripping story and a great cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 16 December, 2013, 09:53:44 am
The Country Girl.

Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, William Holden.

Bing Crosby plays an alcoholic with Oscar-worthy subtlety and depth.  The disease is portrayed with great understanding, as is co-dependency by Grace Kelly as his tortured wife.  Bill Holden is the third corner of this dysfunctional triad, set in an era of different sexual mores and gender power relationships.  The past really is another country, and it's necessary to remember that watching a film like this.

Oh, and you get to hear Bing's liquid gold singing voice, which is always a real treat.

You'd not see such an accurate and un-Hollywooded portrayal of an issue like that these days.  Silver Linings Playbook, for instance, which kind of shows what life is like with a serious mental illness, but it's still a bit 'nicey nicey'.  Take it from me, living with a psychotic person can break you, and nobody really comes close in 'Playbook'.  Whereas Country Girl is all about being broken.

What a great movie.  How did they manage to get Grace to look so dowdy?  When to me, she has always been the epitome of '50s poise, glamour and beauty. Maybe it's just that she can really act.

Thank you for the review, I shall have to check it out. For my money this topic hasn't really been covered properly, in modern times, since "Leaving Las Vegas", another of my favourites, and possibly the onlt Nick Cage film I really like (Face/Off is ok, but not as good as LLV)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 December, 2013, 10:56:31 am
'Seven Psychopaths'.

Great cast. As usual, Colin Farrell does a great job of displaying an idiot and Woody Harrelson is suitably menacing.

So, I didn't really like the film. Couldn't work out why. I think that somehow there isn't really any great tension and it's hard to feel sympathy for the characters.

The contrast with 'In Bruges' is noted. Colin Farrell plays a similar idiot in that film but with a lot of self-torment that makes it possible to empathise with him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 16 December, 2013, 11:01:19 am
'Seven Psychopaths'.

Great cast. As usual, Colin Farrell does a great job of displaying an idiot and Woody Harrelson is suitably menacing.

So, I didn't really like the film. Couldn't work out why. I think that somehow there isn't really any great tension and it's hard to feel sympathy for the characters.

The contrast with 'In Bruges' is noted. Colin Farrell plays a similar idiot in that film but with a lot of self-torment that makes it possible to empathise with him.

I watched the first 30 minutes of this the other week, and just couldn't get with it (and this is from someone who usually enjoy "odd" films, such as Pan's Labyrinth etc).  Glad it's not just me, don't think I'll try any more of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 16 December, 2013, 11:15:23 am
The Desolation of Smaug.

Why has it taken me so long to realise Peter Jackson is just taking the piss?
The fact that he planned to turn The Hobbit into three films should have been a fairly big clue.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 16 December, 2013, 11:34:14 am
Men of Honour.

DeNiro makes a fantastic piss head Master Chief :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mark on 17 December, 2013, 04:26:57 pm
Watched The Hobbit 2 / The Desolation of Smaug last night. From now on, I think I will enjoy Tolkien on the printed page, as J.R.R. himself intended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 December, 2013, 04:34:33 pm
Watched #1 and thought it much overstretched, like Gollum, or over-padded like Gimli.  A single film would have covered the whole thing adequately and left enough money over for tea & buttered scones.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 December, 2013, 11:58:35 pm
The Way Way Back. Anyone who hasn't seen that film is dead to me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Efrogwr on 18 December, 2013, 12:38:17 am
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Excellent. Great acting, particularly Jennifer Lawrence. She makes her character believable, human and sympathetic. The other main protagonists are very well done too. Donald Sutherland (the President) is horrible in a very quiet and understated way. There is enough tension in the action sequences to hold the audience's attention (unlike in, say, The Hobbit) enough menace is the portrayal of a distopia and enough disgust at the sight of the spectacle to hold the audience's attention.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 18 December, 2013, 01:21:47 pm
Watched The Hobbit 2 / The Desolation of Smaug last night. From now on, I think I will enjoy Tolkien on the printed page, as J.R.R. himself intended.

I'm hoping either the studio (or a committed fan) will re-edit the film to a "original story cut" for a blu-ray special or separate release.

I am definitely not hoping for a director's cut, along the lines of LotR, which gave us additional footage.

"Oi, Jackson, no"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 18 December, 2013, 01:42:47 pm
Watched The Hobbit 2 / The Desolation of Smaug last night. From now on, I think I will enjoy Tolkien on the printed page, as J.R.R. himself intended.

I'm hoping either the studio (or a committed fan) will re-edit the film to a "original story cut" for a blu-ray special or separate release.

I am definitely not hoping for a director's cut, along the lines of LotR, which gave us additional footage.

"Oi, Jackson, no"

An ‘extended’ issue of the first part of The Hobbit is already available.  They seem to be following the exact same release pattern as for the LOTR films – film in cinemas mid December, DVD out six months later, extended edition out a couple of weeks before the next film hits the cinema.

I pretty much slavishly bought, watched & enjoyed each LOTR instalment but, other than seeing them in the cinema on release have little desire to rewatch the Hobbit films.

But yes, I was pondering the other day whether a three hour or so fan edit could be made.  I think the problem people would have in preparing such an edit is they have placed in the padded scenes in such a way that it would be difficult to get a coherent edit together (in fact the padding even seems to have come at the expense of scenes from the written book, some of which are quite sketchily done). 

I’m confident someone will manage it though – there is allegedly a very cut down edit of the Star Wars prequels that supposedly makes reasonably good viewing but it’s never been accessible online to my knowledge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 18 December, 2013, 01:55:53 pm
there is allegedly a very cut down edit of the Star Wars prequels that supposedly makes reasonably good viewing.

Making the impossible possible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 December, 2013, 02:08:54 pm
Just been watching the shortlisted films for the 5Live "Well Done U" competition - amateur short films with the only criteria being that they have to be under two minutes and comply with the bbfc guidelines for a U certificate. They're really very good. Personal fave would be The Colouring Box, which almost had me in tears...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01nbd2l
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 19 December, 2013, 10:27:15 am
Blue Is The Warmest Colour. It doesn't really matter that it's a relationship between two women, it's about the imbalance that can make a couple attracted to each other then tear them apart. I was confused by the timescale then read that the director said it's played out over thirty years but he didn't want to age the actors. It's certainly graphic but it fits with the feel of the film, eating scenes are just as graphic and show as much of the characters, it's the domestic background. It's a film for anyone who's fallen head over heels and had their dreams shatter as they slowly realise a mismatch. The two leads are brilliant, the lesbian bar scene is wonderful, when you can't help staring at someone you are captivated by, I don't know how much was ad libbed but it's so natural and funny and you share Adele's butterflies in the stomach. It's a film about Exarchopoulos really, it's her story. I hope she's ok at the end, a French film with no easily understandable resolution, who'd have thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 21 December, 2013, 04:38:49 pm
"Frozen" for about 25 minutes, then we walked. There's only so much screechy singing and sexist imagery my better half can take. After which we repaired home and watched "Benda Bilili (http://www.bendabilili.co.uk/)" on DVD which we loved.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 December, 2013, 11:28:12 pm
Paul.

Made me larf out loud :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redjeep! on 22 December, 2013, 11:02:12 pm
The Day After Tomorrow whilst on my turbo earlier today. Kept me entertained for a couple of hours.

Life of Pi yesterday.

Enjoyed them both.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 December, 2013, 11:25:30 pm
Alpha Papa.

A bit flimsy but very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 December, 2013, 06:17:34 pm
The Hobbit, part 2. Loved it.
(edit:)
Very little extra fluff in this one. Still amazed by the designs of just about everything.
Smaug was amazing. Easily some of the best character animation in years. Typically, CG has resorted to adding more human features in order for CG characters to emote properly, but they virtually skipped that here.

Too bad there's a year until the next one :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 December, 2013, 09:44:43 pm
For the first time in years, Gerard Depardieu in Cyrano de Bergerac.  My, he's good.   

I suppose the moral of the story is that you save a lot of trouble in the long run if you just ask.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 23 December, 2013, 09:46:06 pm
The Croods.

Brilliant!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 24 December, 2013, 01:06:26 pm
MIDDLE-AGED BLOKE'S FAVOURITE FILM OF THE YEAR IS THE ONE WITH NAKED LESBIANS.

Blue Is The Warmest Colour. (After a bit more thought.)

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 24 December, 2013, 01:13:10 pm
Los amantes pasajeros aka I'm So Excited! (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2243389/)

Rude, fun and a typical Almadova filum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 24 December, 2013, 06:03:07 pm
The Harry Hill Movie: I didn't find it anywhere near as amusing as the girl along the row from me, who was in stitches, but it had its moments. At least 20 minutes too long, though.

Mind you, I had asked for tickets to the Moshi Monster Movie, so it was with great surprise and relief (to me) when we both found out that we were at the wrong screen. Even Little Miss AWL wasn't too disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 24 December, 2013, 08:40:44 pm
Currently watching Airplane II 

Quote
Buck Murdock (William Shatner): We'd better get to the tower, Lieutenant.

Lt. Pervis: We have no tower, sir.

Buck Murdock: No tower?

Lt. Pervis: Just a bridge, sir.

Buck Murdock: Why the *hell* aren't I notified about these things?

:-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 December, 2013, 10:03:48 pm
Shatner makes that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 25 December, 2013, 01:37:46 pm
Avengers Assemble.  Loki is a nommy villain, much nicer than his brother, who looks suited to playing rugby and shouts all the time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 December, 2013, 07:27:52 pm
Casablanca.

Gets me every time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clifftaylor on 25 December, 2013, 08:15:07 pm
Toy Story 3 - excellent  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 December, 2013, 02:38:31 am
Kick-ass 2. A bit meh and unnecessary gory.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 December, 2013, 08:27:39 am
Toy Story 3 - excellent  :)
Yup - still great on 2nd viewing. And a real tear-jerker - HTF do they manage that with a cartoon?!?

Best new (to us) kids film this year - Prep and Landing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 December, 2013, 09:20:01 am
Lone Survivor - Peter Bergs take on the book of the same name, a non-fiction story about a failed Navy Seals operation in Afghanistan.
I got this on a DVD screener (yay, awards season!).
I really wanted to like this movie, but it was a bit, well, simplistic. I think this one is for military nerds only.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 December, 2013, 09:23:06 am
Love Actually.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 26 December, 2013, 09:31:48 am
Now that is a film that is better on your iPad whilst doing something else.

At least that way you don't get to watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 26 December, 2013, 10:27:15 am
I liked the bit where Martine Mcutcheon acted.

Oh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 December, 2013, 02:56:00 pm
Quadrophenia.

My son wanted to see it so we watched it with him. I first saw it when I was a little older than he is now and I loved it then, though I don't think it's aged too well. He enjoyed it though. Which is good. It's a film aimed squarely at the disaffected youth, after all.

Lucky I don't mind him watching films with rude words in. It has rather a lot of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 26 December, 2013, 04:51:12 pm
Hetalia. A manga film that my daughter pestered me to watch. I hadn't a clue what was happening & I fell asleep in the middle (from tiredness, not boredom), but she was keen for me to watch it, so I suffered in silence and feigned interest. She now wants me to watch the TV spin-off. Maybe tomorrow...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 December, 2013, 06:56:35 pm
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (which for a while I was convinced was Attack of the Clowns). Not as bad as I remembered it after the dog-awful Phantom Menace. To be honest, even the older Stars Wars movies weren't as good as everyone likes to remember them, so the bar wasn't exactly left high at the close of the credits to Return of the Jedi. It seemed to pack all the usual elements, though good god, the script was abysmal. I've no idea how much moolah it takes to get Portman, MacGregor, and Jackson to drop by and do their acting shtick, but I reckon Lucus spent the $5 they had left on the script. George Lucas should have spared us and got himself a chow mein instead. I'm also unclear why aliens sound a bit like Jim Davidson pretending to be [/ethnic_stereotype]. If so, first contact is going to more fucked up than Carl Sagan could have guessed at.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 26 December, 2013, 07:05:40 pm
Alice, the Tim Burton one, followed by Cars 2.

A great, chilled out afternoon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 26 December, 2013, 07:34:21 pm
Nicholas announced that he didn't want to watch Alice, 'because it's a silly film'.

Then sat rooted and rapt for the duration of the whole film.

Whatever Tim Burton used to ensnare 7 year olds' brains can I get a tankerload? That'll be to go!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 December, 2013, 08:38:23 am
Nicholas announced that he didn't want to watch Alice, 'because it's a silly film'.

Then sat rooted and rapt for the duration of the whole film.

Whatever Tim Burton used to ensnare 7 year olds' brains can I get a tankerload? That'll be to go!

The visuals are amazing on Alice, especially in stereo as Burton plays around with it a lot more.

I also watched "White House Down". While it doesn't have crappy Bulgarian VFX (See "Olympus has Fallen"), it's still an Emmerich film and is quite poor, even for what it is.
In that sense "Olympus" is a better action movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2013, 08:43:55 am
Hogfather. Excellent fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 27 December, 2013, 09:09:02 am
The Dam Busters followed by Apollo 18.

Dam Busters wins it hands down.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 27 December, 2013, 09:45:50 pm
Last night we watched Tim Burton's Big Fish.
Tonight we're watching Troll hunter. It's like the Blair Witch Project, in Norwegian, with trolls. And it's silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 December, 2013, 10:25:46 pm
The Artist followed by Ocean's Eleven.

From the sublime to the other genre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pingu on 27 December, 2013, 11:39:07 pm
Just watched Trollhunter. It was very silly  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 28 December, 2013, 07:36:20 am
Diamonds Are Forever, one of the worst Bond films and only relieved by Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd's campness.  Sean Connery looks very old (he was only 41, possibly 40 during actual filming).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 28 December, 2013, 09:26:40 am
Untouchable.  A French film about the relationship between a carer from a Parisian sink estate and a wealthy paraplegic.  It was a hugely succesful film over La Manche, but I found it so trope heavy that I lost interest after 20 minutes and started being distracted by other things.  It  did have some amusing scenes and was well shot and acted.  I suspect it is one you need to be in the mood to watch (it is the usual life affirming, warming stuff with a heart of larkness).

 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 28 December, 2013, 11:32:11 am
Just watched Trollhunter. It was very silly  :thumbsup:

It's very hard to stop yourself from shouting "Troll!" in a fake Norwegian accent for several days or even weeks after having seen that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2013, 10:43:20 pm
Arachnoquake.

I've watched an awful lot of shit disaster movies over the years, but this one's in the top 5.

It spectacularly failed to deliver on the 'quake' aspect.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 29 December, 2013, 08:38:04 am
Just watched Trollhunter. It was very silly  :thumbsup:

It's very hard to stop yourself from shouting "Troll!" in a fake Norwegian accent for several days or even weeks after having seen that film.
This has been taped for consumption at New Year. I have high hopes :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 29 December, 2013, 11:35:42 pm
Coriolanus, with a Fiennes directing and starring. Stonkingly good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2013, 12:54:16 am
Skyfall.

Load of tosh. But mostly enjoyable tosh none the less. The only bit that really turned my stomach was Dame Judi's poetry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 December, 2013, 10:58:14 am
HP and the Philosophers Stone followed by The Chamber of Secrets.

I will view the rest of teh films over the next week or so.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 30 December, 2013, 12:18:21 pm
Rust and Bone.

Rather implausible, but moving. Terribly under-stated.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 30 December, 2013, 11:32:25 pm
Rust and Bone.

Rather implausible, but moving. Terribly under-stated.

I didn't understand that film at all.  We left the cinema completely baffled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 31 December, 2013, 12:20:51 am
47 Ronin. Another Crouching Tiger style film, and none the worse for that. Keanu Reeves looking a bit scruffy does sword fighting. Surprisingly enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 31 December, 2013, 11:29:26 am
Rust and Bone.

Rather implausible, but moving. Terribly under-stated.

I didn't understand that film at all.  We left the cinema completely baffled.

I wasn't sure of its tone till the very end.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bumper on 31 December, 2013, 11:33:44 am
The Desolation of Smaug

SMORG or SMOWG?

7/10. It was okay, better than the first part but it lacks something. It's also being really drawn out to produce three films.

There's lots that shouldn't be there too, you'll know of you've ever read the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 31 December, 2013, 11:38:29 am

Rust and Bone.

Rather implausible, but moving. Terribly under-stated.

I didn't understand that film at all.  We left the cinema completely baffled.

I wasn't sure of its tone till the very end.

(click to show/hide)
Nope, still don't get it.  Must be French then eh?

If you want to watch a film with a whale in it, I recommend 'Mental' with Toni Colette.  Think Muriel's Wedding without the political correctness. 

It got a rotten tomatoes pasting, but my family was mental too, and it's refreshing to be able to laugh about that stuff, and I thought this film was hilarious.

And I love Toni Colette, she's played some of my favourite film roles, and always seems like a real woman, not a Hollywood Star.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 31 December, 2013, 11:39:00 am
The Desolation of Smaug

SMORG or SMOWG?

7/10. It was okay, better than the first part but it lacks something. It's also being really drawn out to produce three films.

There's lots that shouldn't be there too, you'll know of you've ever read the book.

SMOWG
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 31 December, 2013, 11:58:06 am
The Desolation of Smaug

SMORG or SMOWG?

7/10. It was okay, better than the first part but it lacks something. It's also being really drawn out to produce three films.

There's lots that shouldn't be there too, you'll know of you've ever read the book.

LOTR was 3 large volumes condensed into 3 long films.  Personally I think it was a triumph of editing, distilling the essential bits.

The Hobbit is a fairly short book excruciatingly stretched into 3 long films.  It's 2 films at most but surely would have made a cracker of a 3 hour film.  It could have been an all-time classic but I doubt anyone really wants to see 30 minutes of Dwarves washing the dishes again (or ever).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 31 December, 2013, 12:24:48 pm

Rust and Bone.

Rather implausible, but moving. Terribly under-stated.

I didn't understand that film at all.  We left the cinema completely baffled.

I wasn't sure of its tone till the very end.

(click to show/hide)
Nope, still don't get it.  Must be French then eh?

If you want to watch a film with a whale in it, I recommend 'Mental' with Toni Colette.  Think Muriel's Wedding without the political correctness. 

It got a rotten tomatoes pasting, but my family was mental too, and it's refreshing to be able to laugh about that stuff, and I thought this film was hilarious.

And I love Toni Colette, she's played some of my favourite film roles, and always seems like a real woman, not a Hollywood Star.

Ta, I'll look it up, I love Toni Colette too, I want to be her best friend, she's wonderful in The Way Way Back I mentioned upthread, with the great Sam Rockwell.

(http://www.guitarforworship.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Sam-Rockwell-Galaxy-Quest.gif)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 31 December, 2013, 01:09:46 pm
Howl's Moving Castle (Studio Ghibli).
It was pretty good for that sort of thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 01 January, 2014, 01:33:21 pm
'The Right Stuff' on Blu-Ray, on the projector, and through the hi-fi. I showed it to friends who'd never heard of it. I was a bit worried about filling the evening with a 30 year old film about test pilots and astronauts which is 3 hours 12 minutes long. It looks great on Blu Ray, and we all enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 01 January, 2014, 02:29:14 pm
Despicable Me 2

I LOL'd, but I prefer the original.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 January, 2014, 06:16:41 pm
Aliens

BluRay, Big TV, big sound system.

Still a 10/10 film after all these years (although BluRay tends to show up some of the back-projection).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 01 January, 2014, 06:27:48 pm
Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines.  Some splendid aerial sequences let down by poor studio work.  But jolly fun, nonetheless.

Currently most of the way through Cabaret.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 January, 2014, 08:23:29 pm
WarGames 2: The Dead Code

Silly straight-to-DVD sequel to the Matthew Broderick classic.  I say 'sequel', it's practically a remake.  Unfortunately, it's a plot that hasn't aged well, and it comes off as a kind of low-budget version of Die Hard 4.0 without Bruce Willis or any of the action sequences.

Worth it for the homages to the original, including a cameo by WOPR (complete with 5.25" floppy disks).



Sharknado

Enough said!  Best film of 2014 so far.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 01 January, 2014, 10:27:32 pm
West Side Story.

I think I have something in my eye....


Actually, every time I watch that film (and that's a lot of times), I see something else bold and radical about the lighting design.  Really wonderful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 01 January, 2014, 10:38:35 pm
The Fifth Element.

To my surprise, I realised I'd never watched this.  A feast for the eyes, with set and costume design that is amongst the best I've seen and steals the film from the "talent".  Bruce Willis does his usual turn as a Ross Kemp wannabe, Gary Oldman has fun playing an iconic malevolent and Mila Jovavich plays to her limited strengths as an actor. 

Someone described this to me as what Star Wars would be like if it was made in France.  I can see where they are coming from.  Definitely one of the better sci-fi films of the late 20th century.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: marcusjb on 02 January, 2014, 04:09:47 am
The Wolf of Wall Street

Scorsese on form. Di Caprio is just amazing and it is a funny, shocking film based on a true story amazingly.

The cerebral palsy scene had me in tears of laughter - that'll make sense if you see the movie!

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 January, 2014, 08:54:21 am
Zero Dark 30. In my opinion a great film. tense and thought provoking, event though the outcome was a given.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 02 January, 2014, 11:12:37 am
On Hogmanay we watched The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, which was good but too long and then we watched Angel-A (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473753/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1) which was a French nod to It's A Wonderful Life (at least it borrowed bits) but was quite amusing. End dragged on too long, though that might have been partially due to the time racing towards 2am.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 02 January, 2014, 09:33:23 pm
Slade in Flame.  A harsh look at the rough and cynical side of the pop music industry.  It didn't do their career much good at the time, but, in retrospect, one of the best rock movies.

Now watching The Italian Job (the proper one, it barely needs saying).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 02 January, 2014, 11:08:12 pm
Scott of the Antarctic
Wonderful period piece, great music, and what a story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 January, 2014, 12:36:49 am
A good day to make a crap film.

I think that was the working title, and they then switched one of the CGI actors for Bruce Willis and called it Die Hard.

TBH the CGI computer game sequences included as extras were the best part of the Bluray, and they were utterly appalling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 03 January, 2014, 01:54:09 am
A good day to make a crap film.

I think that was the working title, and they then switched one of the CGI actors for Bruce Willis and called it Die Hard.

TBH the CGI computer game sequences included as extras were the best part of the Bluray, and they were utterly appalling.

Hah, I saw that too yesterday. (On Netflix). Amazingly bad hammy acting....even for Bruce Willis' standards. Helicopter crash at the end was cool, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 January, 2014, 09:48:23 am
Iron Man 3, again.

Still as good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 03 January, 2014, 01:47:26 pm
Anchorman 2. Completely potty! As weird a collection of bizarre sketches as I think I've ever seen (plot? No chance!), and some truly cringeworthy moments, but I actually quite enjoyed it. I'm still at a loss to say why.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 January, 2014, 02:00:55 pm
German documentary (http://youtu.be/aTlaBEo34kw) about the bombing of Dresden. Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 January, 2014, 06:50:31 pm
A good day to make a crap film.

I think that was the working title, and they then switched one of the CGI actors for Bruce Willis and called it Die Hard.

TBH the CGI computer game sequences included as extras were the best part of the Bluray, and they were utterly appalling.

As a big Die Hard fan (I am indeed the man of class and culture), I was so looking forward to this. Really, guys, you have the damn multi-million-dollar spurting franchise fountain that is Die Hard. You've got Bruce Willis signed up. And this is what you did with it? It's not like ingredients of a Die Hard script are that sophisticated, but hey, why bother, just take some generic half-rate actioner that had evidently been sitting on the slush pile since the late 80s (seriously, Chernobyl?) and pad it with some special effects and frenetic running around and chases. They could have done the entire thing in cheap CGI. Perhaps they did.

I dunno how Hollywood works, but really, seeing the script written in crayon and the words DiE HaRd scrawled over the crossed-out original title should have been a give-away.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 January, 2014, 06:51:20 pm
Octopussy - nowhere near as bad as I remembered it.  The special effects are actually very good even by modern standards, and embarrass some of the crappy CGI in the Brosnan era.  Roger Moore is frankly far too old and portly by this point but he's still the Bond with the most charm.   Oh, and the sexist innuendo in this one is unmatched.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 05 January, 2014, 11:57:27 am
http://youtu.be/043WEs_6TAo
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 05 January, 2014, 05:20:56 pm
Turbo, which was playing at the Reel Kids Club so me, both Cubs, my-mate-ang and her Eldest all got in for £6.75!

A snail dreams of race cars, accidentally gets super-charged, is found by a Taco salesman and takes on the Indie 500.  We thoroughly enjoyed it :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 January, 2014, 12:43:41 pm
Catch Me If You Can

Seen it before, twice, but it was on telly yesterday evening and I had nothing better to do... I'm not sure what exactly it is about this film that I like so much, but I do. Maybe it's just the Spielberg factor - he knows how to tell a story and make his characters sympathetic. It's slick, polished and perfectly paced. DiCaprio and Hanks are both great too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 07 January, 2014, 10:24:30 pm
The first bit of 'Worlds End'.  A friend came for tea and brought the DVD round to watch, but I was so bored I asked him to make it stop.  He made it stop.

Thank goodness.  Is it supposed to be funny?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 07 January, 2014, 10:28:15 pm
The first bit of 'Worlds End'.  A friend came for tea and brought the DVD round to watch, but I was so bored I asked him to make it stop.  He made it stop.

Thank goodness.  Is it supposed to be funny?

I saw it the other day too, and thought the same thing. It gets better, although it's still the weakest of the Cornetto Trilogy IMO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 January, 2014, 10:44:15 am
The first bit of 'Worlds End'.  A friend came for tea and brought the DVD round to watch, but I was so bored I asked him to make it stop.  He made it stop.

Thank goodness.  Is it supposed to be funny?

Yes and no. I think the first part isn't actually supposed to be all that funny. In fact, it's a bit sad, the way Gary is clinging to the past while all his friends have moved on. I must admit, I wasn't convinced at first, and after about half an hour of it was starting to wonder how it fitted into the trilogy, apparently being nothing at all like Shaun Of The Dead or Hot Fuzz...

But when it kicks off, it really kicks off. I won't say any more than that, but I would say it is worth giving it another chance. I really enjoyed it. I would even go so far as to say I preferred it to Shaun Of The Dead, though Hot Fuzz is still my favourite of the trilogy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 08 January, 2014, 11:37:41 am
The first bit of 'Worlds End'.  A friend came for tea and brought the DVD round to watch, but I was so bored I asked him to make it stop.  He made it stop.

Thank goodness.  Is it supposed to be funny?

Yes and no. I think the first part isn't actually supposed to be all that funny. In fact, it's a bit sad, the way Gary is clinging to the past while all his friends have moved on. I must admit, I wasn't convinced at first, and after about half an hour of it was starting to wonder how it fitted into the trilogy, apparently being nothing at all like Shaun Of The Dead or Hot Fuzz...

But when it kicks off, it really kicks off. I won't say any more than that, but I would say it is worth giving it another chance. I really enjoyed it. I would even go so far as to say I preferred it to Shaun Of The Dead, though Hot Fuzz is still my favourite of the trilogy.
I didn't choose it, and can have trouble maintaining focus for a whole film (I often don't really watch, hence I don't like Breaking Bad) but like citoyen, it really won me over. I think I too prefer it to SotD.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 January, 2014, 12:02:55 pm
The first bit of 'Worlds End'.  A friend came for tea and brought the DVD round to watch, but I was so bored I asked him to make it stop.  He made it stop.

Thank goodness.  Is it supposed to be funny?

Yes and no. I think the first part isn't actually supposed to be all that funny. In fact, it's a bit sad, the way Gary is clinging to the past while all his friends have moved on. I must admit, I wasn't convinced at first, and after about half an hour of it was starting to wonder how it fitted into the trilogy, apparently being nothing at all like Shaun Of The Dead or Hot Fuzz...

But when it kicks off, it really kicks off. I won't say any more than that, but I would say it is worth giving it another chance. I really enjoyed it. I would even go so far as to say I preferred it to Shaun Of The Dead, though Hot Fuzz is still my favourite of the trilogy.
I didn't choose it, and can have trouble maintaining focus for a whole film (I often don't really watch, hence I don't like Breaking Bad) but like citoyen, it really won me over. I think I too prefer it to SotD.

My Cornetto pecking order is thus-

Hot Fuzz
Shaun of the Dead
Worlds End.

All are films with very funny moments but HF is an absolute classic of British comedy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 January, 2014, 02:58:05 pm
The first bit of 'Worlds End'.  A friend came for tea and brought the DVD round to watch, but I was so bored I asked him to make it stop.  He made it stop.

Thank goodness.  Is it supposed to be funny?

Yes and no. I think the first part isn't actually supposed to be all that funny. In fact, it's a bit sad, the way Gary is clinging to the past while all his friends have moved on. I must admit, I wasn't convinced at first, and after about half an hour of it was starting to wonder how it fitted into the trilogy, apparently being nothing at all like Shaun Of The Dead or Hot Fuzz...

But when it kicks off, it really kicks off. I won't say any more than that, but I would say it is worth giving it another chance. I really enjoyed it. I would even go so far as to say I preferred it to Shaun Of The Dead, though Hot Fuzz is still my favourite of the trilogy.
I didn't choose it, and can have trouble maintaining focus for a whole film (I often don't really watch, hence I don't like Breaking Bad) but like citoyen, it really won me over. I think I too prefer it to SotD.

My Cornetto pecking order is thus-

Hot Fuzz
Shaun of the Dead
Worlds End.

All are films with very funny moments but HF is an absolute classic of British comedy.

+ Massive agreement on your ranking and comments
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 January, 2014, 03:44:32 pm
(I often don't really watch, hence I don't like Breaking Bad)

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 January, 2014, 08:30:55 am
The Man Who Fell To Earth.

Do I need to partake of recreational narcotics for it to make sense?

Nice to see unshaved bits for a change though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 09 January, 2014, 01:57:47 pm
American Hustle. Everyone else loved it, I thought it was a mess, it was ripping off Scorcese all the time, right down to De Niro pimping himself out on yet another role that exploits him as a shady criminal, and Jermy Renners stupid squished nose rodent face doesn't help.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 January, 2014, 02:10:15 pm
The Man Who Fell To Earth.

Do I need to partake of recreational narcotics for it to make sense?

I mentioned this a while ago.  I don't recommend trying to follow it if you've got a fever.

Having a thing for David Bowie probably helps, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 09 January, 2014, 08:18:23 pm
Batman Begins

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 January, 2014, 11:30:47 pm
The Man Who Fell To Earth.

Do I need to partake of recreational narcotics for it to make sense?

I mentioned this a while ago.  I don't recommend trying to follow it if you've got a fever.

Having a thing for David Bowie probably helps, though.

Hasn't everyone got a thing for David Bowie?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 January, 2014, 11:36:40 pm
Hasn't everyone got a thing for David Bowie?

I think that only applied up to the mid to late 70s .  Those of us whose introduction to David Bowie was via the film Labyrinth found it a bit more difficult (unless of course we were particularly interested in giant testes).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 January, 2014, 09:19:06 am
The Man Who Fell To Earth.

Do I need to partake of recreational narcotics for it to make sense?

I mentioned this a while ago.  I don't recommend trying to follow it if you've got a fever.

Having a thing for David Bowie probably helps, though.

Hasn't everyone got a thing for David Bowie?

Erm.. no ???

He's alright and I like some of his stuff but he's not a must hear artist.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 January, 2014, 11:31:33 am
he's not a must hear artist.

So wrong. So, so wrong. <shakes head in disappointment>

I confess to having a thing for Bowie. Yes, I would gay up for him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 12 January, 2014, 10:13:10 am
Gravity, in the cinema of my childhood and teenage years.  2D.  I don't think Pock is ready for 3D yet.

S'good, innit?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 12 January, 2014, 11:31:19 am
Rear Window.

It's worth seeing these old films now and again to remind youself how much craft and skill has been replaced by wizzbangs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 12 January, 2014, 02:53:10 pm
Rear Window.

It's worth seeing these old films now and again to remind youself how much craft and skill has been replaced by wizzbangs.

That is one of my favourite films. And Grace Kelly makes the best entrance EVER.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 13 January, 2014, 11:55:13 am
Burke and Hare (Pegg and Serkis).

A good laugh from iffy subject matter. Great cameos from the likes of Christopher Lee, Ronnie Corbett etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 13 January, 2014, 12:34:14 pm
Burke and Hare (Pegg and Serkis).

A good laugh from iffy subject matter. Great cameos from the likes of Christopher Lee, Ronnie Corbett etc.

Paul Whitehouse and Robert Webb too!
Loved it :).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 13 January, 2014, 01:06:51 pm
Fitzcarraldo. Klaus Kinski and Claudia Cardinale. Delightful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 13 January, 2014, 03:24:08 pm
Cadillac Records on TV last night. The story of Chess Records. Not a bad film and Beyonnce does a fine turn as Etta James - great rendition of I'd rather go blind.

http://youtu.be/Oph377VI36w
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 13 January, 2014, 05:37:05 pm
12 Years A Slave.

Fassbender over-acts, Brad Pitt does his Aldo Raine accent and is an utterly implausible character, the beatings and whippings are indulgent and serve as a kind of titillation, the script was wonky and the plot was never believable. I hated it like I hated Shame, Steve McQueen has done shit since The Magnificent Seven.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 13 January, 2014, 05:40:19 pm
Burke and Hare (Pegg and Serkis).

A good laugh from iffy subject matter. Great cameos from the likes of Christopher Lee, Ronnie Corbett etc.
Paul Whitehouse and Robert Webb too!
Loved it :).
Bill Bailey too (and  Christopher Lee who I think must be required by law for British films)
It was a bit weird, but I enjoyed it. I got a bit distracted spotting the cameo actors :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 14 January, 2014, 09:15:20 am
A Sunday in hell (at last).

A fantastic film for lovers of the sport.

Rare steak and rice for breakfast.

Merckx, De Vlaeminck, Maertens, Kuypers, Moser :thumbsup:

Some serious sideburns going on in the peleton. Not a helmet (other than the odd hair net) in sight.

Mechanics riding on the roof of the cars, amongst the bikes to ensure speedy deployment.

The crap quality of the Eurovison footage that was broadcast live really gave atmosphere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 January, 2014, 09:40:35 am
The Wolf of Wall Street.
First half is really good. Second half is very slow and makes the whole thing about 1 too long.

Di Caprio is amazing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 14 January, 2014, 09:44:13 am
Dark Knight Rises.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 January, 2014, 09:59:31 am

A Sunday in hell

Great film!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 14 January, 2014, 10:00:52 am

A Sunday in hell

Great film!

To quote some Left Pondian folks- 'fuckin A!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 16 January, 2014, 01:11:47 pm
Gravity.

Wow!

Gripping doesn't even start to cover it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 16 January, 2014, 01:17:34 pm
The Hobbit - Desolation...

Finally.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 16 January, 2014, 01:20:15 pm
(click to show/hide)

I was quite irritated.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 16 January, 2014, 02:08:58 pm
Gravity.

Wow!

Gripping doesn't even start to cover it!

An item on the radio a short while ago suggested that, barring the actors' faces, the entire film was created in Soho.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 16 January, 2014, 02:15:29 pm
(click to show/hide)

I was quite irritated.

In the words of the oft maligned Paul Daniels- Thats Magic! You'll like it- not a lot but you'll like it. ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 January, 2014, 08:55:50 pm
Gravity.

Wow!

Gripping doesn't even start to cover it!

An item on the radio a short while ago suggested that, barring the actors' faces, the entire film was created in Soho.

That's stretching the truth a bit, but it's probably fair to say that something around 90% of it was CG. However, there was still a huge amount shot on stage, using very eloborate lighting/motion control rigs, an area where the UK have lead the way since the 90's.
It's also one of the few 'life action' films to have VFX before catering in the credits and I'll be curious to see if it wins the Oscar for best cinematography, if the DoP will do a 'Life of Pi' and take all the credit. (Virtually none of the shots used to highlight the cinematography on Life of Pi were shot in camera).

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 January, 2014, 11:12:20 pm
Limitless

Quite a fun film with a silly ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 January, 2014, 12:00:45 am
That new Die Hard rubbish, which was even worse than the last lot of Die Hard rubbish.  That's a trilogy that really should have stopped at three.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 17 January, 2014, 12:21:55 am
Gravity.

Wow!

Gripping doesn't even start to cover it!
Pity they forgot about physics, though ... quite enjoyable otherwise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 17 January, 2014, 07:36:00 am
Gravity.

Wow!

Gripping doesn't even start to cover it!
Pity they forgot about physics, though ... quite enjoyable otherwise.

Yes, but the actual story was good enough stop me getting irritated by such things, which is very rare.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 January, 2014, 09:37:50 pm
Elysium. Load of unmitigated shit.  Poor old Jodie Foster, getting shoved into roles like that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 18 January, 2014, 11:57:40 pm
Broken.

Briefly:
(click to show/hide)

Exceptionally good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 January, 2014, 01:44:28 pm
This weekend I watched-

Equilibrium- a very good take on the 1984 genre with gun toting martial arts and sword play  :thumbsup:

GATTACA- Uma Thurman! Like :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 20 January, 2014, 01:53:53 pm
Monsters University.

I don't normally do the prequel/sequel/whatever-quel thing, but this was really rather good - whilst you don't have to have watched Monsters Inc., some of the jokes will make more sense if you have. Of course, since it's Pixar you've got drop-dead gorgeous animation, and since the Mouse is involved you've also got periods of anvilicious moralising. Even so, it's worth a watch.

I still prefer the original Monsters Inc. though (it's one of my all-time favourite movies)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 January, 2014, 02:38:29 pm
Monsters University.

I don't normally do the prequel/sequel/whatever-quel thing, but this was really rather good - whilst you don't have to have watched Monsters Inc., some of the jokes will make more sense if you have. Of course, since it's Pixar you've got drop-dead gorgeous animation, and since the Mouse is involved you've also got periods of anvilicious moralising. Even so, it's worth a watch.

I still prefer the original Monsters Inc. though (it's one of my all-time favourite movies)

Absolutely! For me, one of the revelations of that film was the wind playing through Sully's fur in the snow- fantastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 January, 2014, 02:51:26 pm
12 Years a Slave – getting a lot of attention and rightly so.

I thought it was a very well made film as well as a very well told story.  It’s interesting just *how* they tell the story too.

It could easily just be filmed as a catalogue of the horrors and evils of slavery but it manages to do something more and show the impact on people, including the slaveholders – it’s very impressive on the banality of evil as much as it is on the visceral horrors of the conditions and tortures slaves had to endure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 20 January, 2014, 06:26:10 pm
Monsters Inc. (again)

Pixar's best movie by a country mile, IMO (closely followed by 'The Incredibles'. The 'Toy Story' movies were amazing technical feats, but didn't do it for me story-wise; 'Finding Nemo' I found to be insufferably cute and I thought 'Cars' was a bit 'meh')

As I mentioned above, the prequel's pretty good but this is yet another case where the original is best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 20 January, 2014, 09:03:28 pm
Beasts of the Southern Wild

Very good, beautiful and moving, but perhaps not quite as good as the raving on imdb would have you believe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 January, 2014, 10:00:48 am
Enders Game - surprisingly boring.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 January, 2014, 10:22:42 am
Enders Game - surprisingly boring.

I liked how they had realised the Battleroom scenes but yes a pretty dull film with the only suspense the deep struggle within the mind of Harrison Ford, seemingly torn between texting or phoning in his performance. 

Perhaps a good thing in that it neither raises the profile of the unpleasant views of the author nor risks any sequels based on the later (duller and increasingly messianic) sequels.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 21 January, 2014, 01:13:03 pm
Atom Egoyen's 'Calendar'.

He's one of my favourite film makers. He let's the camera linger, he allows space and silence. It all adds up to quite haunting viewing with stories being told slowly, visually. You realise the story rather than be told. 'Calendar' is an earlier work, and one I took great pleasure immersing myself in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 21 January, 2014, 06:04:42 pm
I've had Letters to Juliet on with no sound on tonight, the few bits I've peered at have looked like marvellous vintage chick-flick stuff.  I may actually watch that properly tomorrow.

I watched this the other night. It was an OK-ish chick flick, made worth watching by Vanessa Redgrave being old, girlish, womanly, beautiful, strong, and vulnerable, all at the same time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 22 January, 2014, 12:56:15 am
Wolf of Wall Street. Very enjoyable cautionary tale about greed. Not really that cautionary about drugs though, as we all walked out wandering if Qualuudes really were that good. The Qualuude marketing board couldn't have made a better advert.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 22 January, 2014, 11:15:03 pm
The Soldier's Girl.

Obvious interest...
No spoilers here, for it is all over the internet. Soldier meets transwoman. Love ensues. Comrades have differing opinions.
Brilliantly acted, with a man playing the transwoman. I wept gallons. I could say more, but I am still crying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 25 January, 2014, 08:27:35 am
Frances Ha

Pile of pretentious crap about a bunch of grown up spoilt brats in New York.
"Beautifully shot in black and white" - no, it was poorly lit and muddy-looking.
"Comedy of the year" - you're 'aving a laugh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 25 January, 2014, 07:43:38 pm
Flash Gordon

(click to show/hide)

 :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 25 January, 2014, 07:54:19 pm
Frances Ha

Pile of pretentious crap about a bunch of grown up spoilt brats in New York.
"Beautifully shot in black and white" - no, it was poorly lit and muddy-looking.
"Comedy of the year" - you're 'aving a laugh.
Bear in mind it's still only January ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 26 January, 2014, 12:20:14 pm
The East

Ex-FBI agent infiltrates group of eco-warriors.

Fairly good film, if a bit meandering and predictable. Let down by the fact that the lead character (played by Brit Marling) is totally miscast in the role. As she co-wrote the script I guess she had first dibs. The corporate corruption portrayed appeared to exaggerated for effect, but it turns out that part was closely based on real events. Unlike the "anarchists" who were more like caricatures.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: madcow on 27 January, 2014, 04:18:42 pm
Railway Man.
The film is nothing like the book, which is more of a chronologically ordered biography if I recall correctly.
It jumps from Lomax meeting his second wife on a train, with some dodgy scenery out of the window, to Berwick and thence to Thailand .
I think the opening title suggests it starts in 1980 , by which time Lomax would have been 60ish but he doesn't look it. Also he was  from Edinburgh but Colin Firth speaks without a trace of accent.
Not a bad film but a lot of artistic licence.
Bridge over the River Kwai revisited, with a few strange twists along the way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: noggy on 27 January, 2014, 07:18:33 pm
American Hustle

Overrated

a lot >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 January, 2014, 08:25:38 pm
The 2009 Star Trek reboot.

Much less annoying than I was expecting, presumably as a result of having had my hopes thoroughly crushed by Enterprise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 27 January, 2014, 08:26:45 pm
Much less annoying than I was expecting, presumably as a result of having had my hopes thoroughly crushed by Enterprise.
Obviously you have some way of tuning out lens-flare at a wetware level, 'cos otherwise it's bloody annoying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 January, 2014, 09:02:21 pm
Much less annoying than I was expecting, presumably as a result of having had my hopes thoroughly crushed by Enterprise.
Obviously you have some way of tuning out lens-flare at a wetware level, 'cos otherwise it's bloody annoying.

Lens flare makes Star Trek look like it's trying to be Babylon 5 and missing the point.

(I was more annoyed by the mumbly audio in the first half.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 27 January, 2014, 09:11:35 pm
Much less annoying than I was expecting, presumably as a result of having had my hopes thoroughly crushed by Enterprise.
Obviously you have some way of tuning out lens-flare at a wetware level, 'cos otherwise it's bloody annoying.

Lens flare makes Star Trek look like it's trying to be Babylon 5 and failing miserably.
FTFY.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 27 January, 2014, 09:20:59 pm
Trollhunter. Quite entertaining. And funny. Mixed messages there from the Norwegian Tourist Board.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 27 January, 2014, 11:43:24 pm
Just watched Judge Dredd (2012/3?). Really really liked it. It's believeable. And scary with plenty of action.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 28 January, 2014, 01:50:27 am
Just watched Judge Dredd (2012/3?). Really really liked it. It's believeable. And scary with plenty of action.

It was easily the best action film of 2012. 1h20min running time. Has enough story to drive the action and the action is pretty good.
I loved it.  It was what a Dredd movie should be like.
It completely bombed at the box office, but much of that was due the woeful marketing. It had a huge re-surgence when it was released for DVD/download, possibly sparking enough support for a sequel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 28 January, 2014, 02:29:12 am
Just watched Judge Dredd (2012/3?). Really really liked it. It's believeable. And scary with plenty of action.

It was easily the best action film of 2012. 1h20min running time. Has enough story to drive the action and the action is pretty good.
I loved it.  It was what a Dredd movie should be like.
It completely bombed at the box office, but much of that was due the woeful marketing. It had a huge re-surgence when it was released for DVD/download, possibly sparking enough support for a sequel.

I hated it. A trivial titillating plot padded out by disfigurement porn, gratuitous horror and special effects.

3/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 28 January, 2014, 07:51:50 am
Just watched Judge Dredd (2012/3?). Really really liked it. It's believeable. And scary with plenty of action.

It was easily the best action film of 2012. 1h20min running time. Has enough story to drive the action and the action is pretty good.
I loved it.  It was what a Dredd movie should be like.
It completely bombed at the box office, but much of that was due the woeful marketing. It had a huge re-surgence when it was released for DVD/download, possibly sparking enough support for a sequel.

I hated it. A trivial titillating plot padded out by disfigurement porn, gratuitous horror and special effects.

3/10

My recollection of 2000AD sez "…it's Dredd, as expected.  There are almost no redeeming features." 

I quite liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 January, 2014, 09:45:45 am
12 Years a Slave – getting a lot of attention and rightly so.

I thought it was a very well made film as well as a very well told story.  It’s interesting just *how* they tell the story too.

It could easily just be filmed as a catalogue of the horrors and evils of slavery but it manages to do something more and show the impact on people, including the slaveholders – it’s very impressive on the banality of evil as much as it is on the visceral horrors of the conditions and tortures slaves had to endure.

Yes, I saw it on Sunday.  I think that is a good description of what I found to be gripping account of Solomon Northrup's kidnapping and slavery.

Sadly, we still have slavery in the world although it is no longer legalised by the US constitution.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 January, 2014, 01:07:45 pm
Just watched Judge Dredd (2012/3?). Really really liked it. It's believeable. And scary with plenty of action.

It was easily the best action film of 2012. 1h20min running time. Has enough story to drive the action and the action is pretty good.
I loved it.  It was what a Dredd movie should be like.
It completely bombed at the box office, but much of that was due the woeful marketing. It had a huge re-surgence when it was released for DVD/download, possibly sparking enough support for a sequel.

I hated it. A trivial titillating plot padded out by disfigurement porn, gratuitous horror and special effects.

3/10

I'm a Dredd fan and the film worked for me. Good characterisation, the atmosphere matched the comics.

It was sort of how I think a Dredd comic at Hogwarts would work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 January, 2014, 01:12:17 pm

I'm a Dredd fan and the film worked for me. Good characterisation, the atmosphere matched the comics.

It was sort of how I think a Dredd comic at Hogwarts would work.

Come on, then, do tell how many times you were pounding the beat thinking "I am the LAAAAAAAAWWWW" :D

Bonus points if you ever had the Anthrax song going through your head at the same time...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 January, 2014, 03:15:47 pm

I'm a Dredd fan and the film worked for me. Good characterisation, the atmosphere matched the comics.

It was sort of how I think a Dredd comic at Hogwarts would work.

Come on, then, do tell how many times you were pounding the beat thinking "I am the LAAAAAAAAWWWW" :D

Bonus points if you ever had the Anthrax song going through your head at the same time...

Would I ever let such childish fantasies intrude on my time which I spent protecting and serving?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 January, 2014, 03:18:44 pm

I'm a Dredd fan and the film worked for me. Good characterisation, the atmosphere matched the comics.

It was sort of how I think a Dredd comic at Hogwarts would work.

Come on, then, do tell how many times you were pounding the beat thinking "I am the LAAAAAAAAWWWW" :D

Bonus points if you ever had the Anthrax song going through your head at the same time...

Would I ever let such childish fantasies intrude on my time which I spent protecting and serving?

Go on, tell us the truth :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 January, 2014, 03:24:17 pm

I'm a Dredd fan and the film worked for me. Good characterisation, the atmosphere matched the comics.

It was sort of how I think a Dredd comic at Hogwarts would work.

Come on, then, do tell how many times you were pounding the beat thinking "I am the LAAAAAAAAWWWW" :D

Bonus points if you ever had the Anthrax song going through your head at the same time...

Would I ever let such childish fantasies intrude on my time which I spent protecting and serving?

Go on, tell us the truth :)

Of course I did- especially when swooping silently on the wrongdoers whilst reassuring the good from the saddle of my trusty Smith and Wesson Custom patrol mountain bike- my very own 'Lawmaster'.

My earworm of choice at the time thought was "I fought the Law and the Law won".

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 January, 2014, 03:28:39 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 January, 2014, 03:43:57 pm
Coulda done with a few canisters of Stumm Gas and riot foam though  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 28 January, 2014, 04:01:04 pm
Fruitvale Station

I approached this with uncertainty as it's 'based on a true story'. And given the story, I was afraid it might have that 'after the fact righteous indignation' that such films can have. It didn't. It mercifully stayed off that course.

In fact, it was a story gently told - full of warmth and, generally speaking, believable (ok, the main man was perhaps a little too reformed to be credible but that's a maybe/maybe not thing). The incident itself was filmed by many witnesses on mobile cameras etc, so I  suspect the film's portrayal of it was accurate.

It's not a film that looks to take a balanced view of the incident.  That the main man is an innocent victim is unquestionable (the facts speaking arguably for themselves). What the film does do very very well is show us the man that became the victim. A kind of a 'there but for the grace of God' approach. In that respect, it works. And that's how I judge a film; whether it stays true to the goal it sets itself.

I'm not entirely sure that it's worthy of all the accolades it has received but it is none-the-less a very watch-able film, very well directed with some credible and understated performances. I'd watch it again, and there's not too many films I say that of.

 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 January, 2014, 04:44:47 pm
Europa Report

Re-hashing of parts of Clarke's Odyssey series in a Defying Gravity-esque modern realistic style.  They appeared to have done their homework properly, especially with regard to Europa itself.  There's a conspicuous amount of NASA in the credits.

Slow-paced SF with actual science in it.  Best thing since Pioneer One.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 28 January, 2014, 07:55:04 pm
Her

Quite simply brilliant.

Not in a 'change your life' kind of a way, nor is it a challenging or deeply profound watch (though it does have some interesting ponders), but as a touchingly light and highly creative comedy. But then we've come to expect a high degree of near off-the-wall originality from Spike Jonze.

Highly recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 28 January, 2014, 11:55:05 pm
Sunshine on Leith.

Sheer unadulterated joy, just brilliant, I love the Welsh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 29 January, 2014, 05:30:55 am
Europa Report

Re-hashing of parts of Clarke's Odyssey series in a Defying Gravity-esque modern realistic style.  They appeared to have done their homework properly, especially with regard to Europa itself.  There's a conspicuous amount of NASA in the credits.

Slow-paced SF with actual science in it.  Best thing since Pioneer One.   :thumbsup:

Hmm. I found it rather short on science.
-The first EVA trip: They're working on a revolving surface and not having to hold them selves on?.
-Only 20minute oxygen margin?.
- A tear that size on the glove is not catastrophic.
- And no, he could not survive 'popping out of his suit and into the airlock'.
- deceleration to establish orbit: I forget how many months (14?)...but they were going *fast* if we're talking months rather than years and Europa's gravity field is rather small, so it would be a very long burn in order to slow down. More realistic would be to use Jupiter gravity field to assist with the acceleration and then sling out to Europa.

Then from the moment they land, it turns into a dumb pseudo horror movie.
Nice science things included the watershield and dumping it, although the timeframe in which that happens is rather improbable.

I did like the use of 'built in' cameras for the majority of the shots, although the crappy framerate effect on some of them was silly in the era of $300 GoPros.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 29 January, 2014, 09:01:13 am
Inside Llewyn Davis

A lovely film and bound to be one of my long term faves.

I like the Coen brothers... but not all of their stuff. I didn't enjoy 'Big Lebowski' nor 'No Country for Old Men' (I found the nature of the violence disturbing), so I was uncertain what Llewyn Davis might offer.

It's a gentle story well told. It's apparently based on - or inspired by - a real folk singer, whose name evades me at the moment. I'm sure there's some mythological reference intended with the cat, or a significance of some sort, but that bypassed me. No worries as I doubt it's essential to get it.

What remains could be seen as a slightly cynical view of talent v money, real v sham. I began by disliking Davis, he used people because he was an 'artist', but as the story progresses I began to warm to his plight. He considers himself real, genuine - in both experience and desire. This is contrasted with, amongst others,  the matching fishermen's' cable knit sweaters of a 'look the part' trio - they've probably never been near a boat whereas Davis is a card carrying merchant seaman. Davis' final performance (of the film) is full  of gut belief, but he's somewhat unappreciated beyond the confines of this poky club. He's doomed to repeat the cycle and never find success in his terms.

And who's the act the follows him? Why, I'm sure that's meant to be Bob Dylan!

'Inside Llewyn Davis' is a well made film, well shot and acted. John Goodman makes an inspired appearance as heroin addicted jazzman,  and amusingly disses folk and Davis generally, seemingly to alleviate his own boredom. The guy who plays Davis (again, the name's gone) is a singer turned actor and he owns the role, a truly engaging and committed performance. And Justin Timberlake shows a similar - though less complete - performance.  What's her name, the English girl currently garnering a name for herself, gives a solid and believable performance too - as I say, great acting all around.

Again, a film I'd recommend.

(Btw, I'm employing a new tactic for selecting films to watch and - so far - it's working!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 January, 2014, 04:28:11 pm
Europa Report

Re-hashing of parts of Clarke's Odyssey series in a Defying Gravity-esque modern realistic style.  They appeared to have done their homework properly, especially with regard to Europa itself.  There's a conspicuous amount of NASA in the credits.

Slow-paced SF with actual science in it.  Best thing since Pioneer One.   :thumbsup:

Hmm. I found it rather short on science.

I was thinking in terms of the planetary stuff, rather than the space travel, though they got more of that right than the average Hollywood effort.  (Gravity is clearly well above average.)

Quote
-The first EVA trip: They're working on a revolving surface and not having to hold them selves on?.

I thought they were working on a stationary surface, occasionally shown from a camera on the revolving section.


Quote
-Only 20minute oxygen margin?.
- A tear that size on the glove is not catastrophic.

Agreed.  Well, it might be if you've only got a 20 minute margin.   :facepalm:


Quote
- And no, he could not survive 'popping out of his suit and into the airlock'.

Survivable or not, it's pretty much impossible to "pop out" of a space suit.   :facepalm:

(click to show/hide)


Quote
- deceleration to establish orbit: I forget how many months (14?)...but they were going *fast* if we're talking months rather than years and Europa's gravity field is rather small, so it would be a very long burn in order to slow down. More realistic would be to use Jupiter gravity field to assist with the acceleration and then sling out to Europa.

I thought they did swing round Jupiter?  Though, TBH, all details of propulsion were conspicuously handwaved.  The ship didn't appear to have any significant volume dedicated to fuel or water shields.  (And while we're at it, the solar array was far too small.)


Quote
I did like the use of 'built in' cameras for the majority of the shots, although the crappy framerate effect on some of them was silly in the era of $300 GoPros.

I thought the 'crappy framerate effect' was supposed to be an artefact of camera malfunction or $spoilers-related data corruption.  They did at least avoid gratuitous analogue video noise (though admittedly that's something which is alive and well on footage of real spacewalks).


That we're nitpicking these things at all shows that they'd made a half-decent effort to be realistic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 30 January, 2014, 09:30:33 am
Inside Llewyn Davis

It's a gentle story well told. It's apparently based on - or inspired by - a real folk singer, whose name evades me at the moment. I'm sure there's some mythological reference intended with the cat, or a significance of some sort, but that bypassed me. No worries as I doubt it's essential to get it.

What remains could be seen as a slightly cynical view of talent v money, real v sham. I began by disliking Davis, he used people because he was an 'artist', but as the story progresses I began to warm to his plight. He considers himself real, genuine - in both experience and desire. This is contrasted with, amongst others,  the matching fishermen's' cable knit sweaters of a 'look the part' trio - they've probably never been near a boat whereas Davis is a card carrying merchant seaman. Davis' final performance (of the film) is full  of gut belief, but he's somewhat unappreciated beyond the confines of this poky club. He's doomed to repeat the cycle and never find success in his terms.

And who's the act the follows him? Why, I'm sure that's meant to be Bob Dylan!

'Inside Llewyn Davis' is a well made film, well shot and acted. John Goodman makes an inspired appearance as heroin addicted jazzman,  and amusingly disses folk and Davis generally, seemingly to alleviate his own boredom. The guy who plays Davis (again, the name's gone) is a singer turned actor and he owns the role, a truly engaging and committed performance. And Justin Timberlake shows a similar - though less complete - performance.  What's her name, the English girl currently garnering a name for herself, gives a solid and believable performance too - as I say, great acting all around.

Again, a film I'd recommend.

I'd agree with all that.
An evening well spent.
(Oscar Isaac is the hero, Carey Mulligan the girl).
It wasn't what we expected- the trailer made it seem funnier.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 30 January, 2014, 10:11:12 pm
(click to show/hide)
Quite. They're going to a planet (ok, moon) with suspected organic lifeforms and they have no (de)contamination procedures?.

Quote
I thought they did swing round Jupiter?  Though, TBH, all details of propulsion were conspicuously handwaved.  The ship didn't appear to have any significant volume dedicated to fuel or water shields.  (And while we're at it, the solar array was far too small.)

They do get props for actually having watershields. Can't recall ever seeing that in a space movie.

I'm gonna have to replicate this in KSP this weekend :)


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 31 January, 2014, 09:22:06 am
Got half way through Seven Psychopaths on Wednesday night.

This time I actually get it, unlike the last time when I got about 10 minutes in and went "Meh"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 31 January, 2014, 07:04:04 pm
Beasts of the Southern Wild

Just watch it! It's magical (if watched as a fairy tale)... and there's a stunning performance by the young girl, she must be all of 5 years old.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 31 January, 2014, 07:08:34 pm
Beasts of the Southern Wild

Just watch it! It's magical (if watched as a fairy tale)... and there's a stunning performance by the young girl, she must be all of 5 years old.

+1.  That kid is fabulous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 03 February, 2014, 03:50:17 am
Hunger Games Part 2. Had a couple of hours to kill near one of the cinemas and that was the only one that fitted the timing.
I read the first book and saw the first movie and wasn't really planning to watch/read any more of it.
Hate: The love triangle. Why is it that any movie with a teenage(ish) girl lead needs to be flip-flopping between 2 suitors?. Several moments were straight out of Twilight.
Major logic fail when they were spooling out the wire.
(click to show/hide)

I did like the build up to the third book and I may actually just read that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 07 February, 2014, 09:09:08 pm
About Time.

Another piece of Richard Curtis formulaic crap.  I hope I don't get to like this one, like I did Love Actually.  Preachy and annoying.  Couple of good songs though.  A Curtis film is nothing without the music, which is always perfect.

Bill Nighy's in it, but even that doesn't make this any good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 February, 2014, 09:40:58 pm
Alice in den Städten by Wim Wenders. Thought it was going to be dead boring at first but it was quite engaging.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 08 February, 2014, 07:18:31 pm
Another piece of Richard Curtis formulaic crap. 

I watched 4 Weddings the other night... dear lord it had aged, and was bloody awful. It must have caught the mood at the time, or maybe I'm being revisionist, but it really isn't a good film. If  fact, if you're going to be overly serious, it's offensively crap. And, imho anyway, Curtis films didn't get any better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 February, 2014, 07:19:35 pm
The Railway Man.  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 February, 2014, 11:50:26 pm
Hugo in 3D

Apart from some gross crossover, it was much fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 09 February, 2014, 11:06:26 am
The Intouchables

This had been on my shelf for a whle, waiting for the mood to grab me. As a rule I stear away from potentially overly schmaltz films as I don't like being told when and how to feel good. I shouldn't have feared nor waited so long.

This is an excellent film. Well acted, touching without overdoing it (though it did teter dangrously close on ocassion) and well made. I'll watch again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 09 February, 2014, 01:04:54 pm
Free Birds. Don't ask.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 09 February, 2014, 07:46:38 pm
The Intouchables

This had been on my shelf for a whle, waiting for the mood to grab me. As a rule I stear away from potentially overly schmaltz films as I don't like being told when and how to feel good. I shouldn't have feared nor waited so long.

This is an excellent film. Well acted, touching without overdoing it (though it did teter dangrously close on ocassion) and well made. I'll watch again.

Great film, and the wonderful François Cluzet is very good in Tell No One. (his wife is brutally murdered, he slowly recovers and rebuilds his life, then eight years later gets an email that shows she's still alive..)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 10 February, 2014, 01:05:37 pm
About Time.

Another piece of Richard Curtis formulaic crap.  I hope I don't get to like this one, like I did Love Actually.  Preachy and annoying.  Couple of good songs though.  A Curtis film is nothing without the music, which is always perfect.

Bill Nighy's in it, but even that doesn't make this any good.

Whenever I see a pants Richard Curtis film, for some reason I just have to watch "Brassed Off", which reminds me that the UK film industry has managed to turn out a good* movie in the last X years.

*As in a movie that can make me laugh and cry, in equal measure.  A good story line is a must, too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 12 February, 2014, 01:53:51 am
Philomena. Best film I've seen this year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 February, 2014, 09:30:18 am
Rush. Being a F1 fanatic, I had low expectations for this, but it was actually good!. (Apart from Brands Hatch being used in just about every shot).
I was expecting it to be very pro-Hunt and somewhat anti-Lauda, but it was far more nuanced than that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 12 February, 2014, 01:59:48 pm
Rush. Being a F1 fanatic, I had low expectations for this, but it was actually good!. (Apart from Brands Hatch being used in just about every shot).
I was expecting it to be very pro-Hunt and somewhat anti-Lauda, but it was far more nuanced than that.

I had fairly low expectations for this too, but for the reason I have no interest in F1 and have no knowlege of it whatsoever apart from having heard of Hunt and Lauda.

It really is pretty good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 12 February, 2014, 02:34:23 pm
Rush. Being a F1 fanatic, I had low expectations for this, but it was actually good!. (Apart from Brands Hatch being used in just about every shot).
I was expecting it to be very pro-Hunt and somewhat anti-Lauda, but it was far more nuanced than that.

I had fairly low expectations for this too, but for the reason I have no interest in F1 and have no knowlege of it whatsoever apart from having heard of Hunt and Lauda.

It really is pretty good.

It was pretty good I thought too and gave an interesting portrait of Lauda – quite sympathetic and balanced.  It had strong echoes of Senna, particularly the driver conferences.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 February, 2014, 02:38:12 pm
Overall Rush was a very good film.


(You wouldn't have noticed the glaring flaw at its heart if you knew nothing about the real relationship between Hunt & Lauda. I'm almost jealous! :P )


Already discussed a few pages back https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1564461#msg1564461

(I finally watched Senna at christmas. Very different films, very different qualities - I recommend both. )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 12 February, 2014, 04:20:51 pm
Rush. Being a F1 fanatic, I had low expectations for this, but it was actually good!

My mother really enjoyed it, recommended it to me in fact, and she has absolutely no interest in F1, nor car racing, nor even cars!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 12 February, 2014, 04:39:46 pm
Robocop (the new one)

I was a huge fan of the original, so was in two minds about going to see it at all, not because I completely object to remakes (I do a fair bit) but because I thought my strong affection for the original would make it hard for me to relax enough to enjoy this one.

The original was so fresh and darkly comic that it was always going to be a hard act to follow, although it divided opinion at the time in the critical world.  In fact I marked the release year of Robocop as the year that the BBC lead film critic Barry Norman lost his ability to be objective – I think he liked it with very grudging reservations on his first review but was quite scathing about it by the end of the year.

I’m not against remakes per se, some of my favourite films are effectively remakes – the version of The Maltese Falcon that everyone knows, is itself a remake of an earlier film, see also Ben-Hur for that matter.  Even reboots can be no bad thing if Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is anything to go by.  Magnificent Seven, A Fistful of Dollars (and Last Man Standing) are all remakes, the latter two of the same film.  Scorsese’s The Departed takes the central plotting of Infernal Affairs, adds local Boston crime detail for one of his best movies in years.

But that said, many remakes seem like cheap attempts to cash in on the fame and success of the original – I’m told the Total Recall remake was a bit average but I haven’t seen it so can’t comment.  There are times when I hear about a forthcoming remake and wonder why the hell are they making that, Manchurian Candidate being a case in point.

However, I have to report that I quite enjoyed the Robocop remake.  It’s a 12A certificate so the bloody violence is dialled down a bit but not completely, it’s got some of the cynicism of the original but without the biting satire – at times it’s kind of like a Coke Zero version of Robocop with the edgy hit of sugar rush and caffeine removed.

But it tells a good enough story, one that is reminiscent of the original but different enough to claim its own space.  They chose to concentrate a bit more on two threads the original mostly sidelined, namely the scientists ‘creating’ him and Murphy’s family.  If I had read that the family aspect was brought in more it would have put me off, with memories of Robocop 3* but this is done quite well.  I’ve got a personal stake in stories about amputees having difficulty with reconnecting to families and I thought this was done pretty well.

The science creation side is largely the story of Gary Oldman’s character which is another non-scenery chewing performance from him and is a whole other aspect mostly in the background of the original.

There’s some humour here and there but on the whole it’s a fairly solid effort.  Reading back over that and I’ve qualified what I have said quite a bit – it’s got a nice sensibility regarding the power of the media and the businesses that control it (with Samuel L Jackson and Michael Keaton respectively representing those areas), the ED 209s are great and pleasingly chunky too. 

The film is also asking some good questions about drones and policing by consent that aren’t being brought up enough elsewhere in the media.

So on the whole, not as good as the original but certainly better than either of the sequels in my view.





*Jetpack aside, Robocop 3 was arguably the worst of the franchise.  In the first film Murphy has a son.  In the third one he has miraculously changed gender.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 February, 2014, 04:44:58 pm
When I "reboot" a computer, I expect it to go back to the same state it was in straight after the last time I rebooted.

I don't want it to start up with a totally different OS, desktop and apps  ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 12 February, 2014, 04:49:46 pm
When I "reboot" a computer, I expect it to go back to the same state it was in straight after the last time I rebooted.

I don't want it to start up with a totally different OS, desktop and apps  ???

Sure, it's a hateful word.  'Reimagining' is perhaps more accurate but equally hideous on the ear.

Like I said though, I don't see why a film has to be immune from a remake I just think there should generally be better critical judgement applied rather than the pure financial one.

Edge of Darkness was one that I really thought completely unnecessary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 February, 2014, 05:28:44 pm
Oh god yes, "Reimagining" sounds a lot worse!

I have a gut feeling that whenever a film-company uses "reboot" they mean "restart a new multi-million dollar franchise". You don't see the word used so much for more interesting remakes, even where they do things totally differently.

[I also struggle to see why Superman needs rebooting every 5 years, or indeed what new ideas they think they're bringing to the thing. Grumble grumble ... ]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 12 February, 2014, 05:30:31 pm
Ike: A countdown to D.Day  on TV last night

The second time I have seen this made for TV movie. It's an unusual film about WWII in that there are no action sequences instead it focuses on the planning at SHAEF and the way Eisenhower dealt with the politicians and other generals. It's very historically accurate too with only a couple of bloopers. The other generals are given greater depth than the usually cartoon like portraits of the likes of Monty and Patton.
What's particularly notable is the lead. I had always considered Tom Selleck a light weight actor but he gives a great performance as Ike. And he goes without the trademark Tom Selleck toupay !
Definitely worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 12 February, 2014, 06:37:11 pm
Watched Hero last night. Still as good as I remember.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 13 February, 2014, 01:32:50 pm
The Reluctant Fundamentalist

About a bright young Harvard grad, fast-tracking his way in the NY financial world just prior to 9/11. Then a series of unrelated unpleasant incidents push him gradually back to his family in Pakistan and (seemingly) towards muslim fundamentalism. Although the two extremes he switches between are both nasty you can't help sympathising with him most of the time, whereas most of the other characters in the film are not very likeable.

Sunshine on Leith

Had been looking forward to this for a while, but it turned out to be toe-curlingly cringeworthy with very little going for it apart from a good scene at the end.

Wadjda

This is an absolutely amazing film. Shot entirely in Saudi Arabia by a Saudi director - the first such film ever, I believe. Set around a simple story - girl wants a bike, Mum says no, girl finds ways to earn the money - as a vehicle around which the film hangs. It is quite an eye-opener, though the film is carefully non-judgemental, it just shows what suburban life is in Riyadh, and you can make of it what you will. And on top of that it has all the things that make a good film. Highly recommended.

Some other background: when filming the outdoor scenes, the director could not be seen to interact with the male crew, so had to direct over intercom sitting in the back of a van watching screens. She only found the lead actress the week before filming began because so few families would allow their daughters to act. There are no cinemas in Saudi Arabia, but as of last year women are now permitted to ride bicycles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 February, 2014, 01:36:40 pm
I was surprised to really enjoy Sunshine on Leith. I'm in a minority I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 15 February, 2014, 05:43:26 pm
I loved Sunshine, it's light, frothy and funny. Also Mullan and Horrocks are brilliant and moving.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 February, 2014, 12:58:25 am
Two and a half hours enslaved

Certainly found out how uncomfortable the cinemas seats can be as a succession of characters flitting on and off screen broke up the shots of sunsets (or rises) through trees, and the beatings. Discovered a new cinematic motif to denote the passage of time - an actor staring off screen, largely motionless for quite a few minutes.

There were some stunning passages, and some great acting, but it didn't hang together comfortably.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gattopardo on 16 February, 2014, 03:12:16 am
The Reluctant Fundamentalist

About a bright young Harvard grad, fast-tracking his way in the NY financial world just prior to 9/11. Then a series of unrelated unpleasant incidents push him gradually back to his family in Pakistan and (seemingly) towards muslim fundamentalism. Although the two extremes he switches between are both nasty you can't help sympathising with him most of the time, whereas most of the other characters in the film are not very likeable.

Sunshine on Leith

Had been looking forward to this for a while, but it turned out to be toe-curlingly cringeworthy with very little going for it apart from a good scene at the end.

Wadjda

This is an absolutely amazing film. Shot entirely in Saudi Arabia by a Saudi director - the first such film ever, I believe. Set around a simple story - girl wants a bike, Mum says no, girl finds ways to earn the money - as a vehicle around which the film hangs. It is quite an eye-opener, though the film is carefully non-judgemental, it just shows what suburban life is in Riyadh, and you can make of it what you will. And on top of that it has all the things that make a good film. Highly recommended.

Some other background: when filming the outdoor scenes, the director could not be seen to interact with the male crew, so had to direct over intercom sitting in the back of a van watching screens. She only found the lead actress the week before filming began because so few families would allow their daughters to act. There are no cinemas in Saudi Arabia, but as of last year women are now permitted to ride bicycles.
Wadjda - is a great movie, saw it at the bicycle film festival.  Went in knowing nothing and was blown away.  Awesome movie.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 February, 2014, 10:57:45 pm
Marius

First half of Daniel Auteuil's 2013 sepia-tinted remake of the Marcel Pagnol plays/films set in 30s Marseille, Marius and Fanny, on at the local arthouse.

A bit light on exploding helicopters and car chases but lots of typically French histrionics about relationships. Nice weepy ending too.

It was Victoire Belezy as Fanny who really carried it for me. Great performance and mind-bogglingly beautiful.

Daniel Auteuil was also great (of course) as Cesar, Marius's dad.

A nice cosy Sunday evening's entertainment. We definitely liked it enough that we intend to see Fanny when it's on at the same venue in a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 17 February, 2014, 08:53:38 am
I've been very lucky in that I've seen some wonderful films over the last few months. Philomena, seen last night at the local fleapit, was yet another. Dame Judi Dench is a real pro, a master of her art. There's nothing extreme about her performances (in fact to some, she might seem always to be playing variations of herself) but her craft is in the nuance and subtlety. For me, she always convincing.

The film itself, well, yes, it 'moved' me, hugely. Let me just say I was furious at one point. Had I have been Martin Sixsmith, in that particular scene, I think I would have trashed the place! True forgiveness is indeed very hard, and it takes real strength of character.

12 Years a Slave is on this Thursday (the local is really excelling itself of late, showing new release movies in VO!) but I'm unsure. It's a long film and, despite it's accolades, one that might have me feeling like I'm being told what to feel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 February, 2014, 09:37:43 am
I revisited my youth on Saturday evening and watched my first ever X rated film (snuck in to the local flea pit when I was 15) when I put a charity shop find copy of Saturday Night Fever on the DVD player.

Happy days :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 February, 2014, 10:24:12 am

Two and a half hours enslaved

That was on at the arthouse before Marius last night. Lots of earnest discussion among the crowd as they were leaving. Meh.

Chiwetel Ejiofor is a brilliant actor and invariably improves any film with his presence but it seems to be one of those films that you have to like for sheer worthiness alone, and that turns me right off it. (See also: Schindler's List)
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 February, 2014, 10:26:57 am
I was surprised to really enjoy Sunshine on Leith. I'm in a minority I think.

Mamma Mia with Proclaimers songs. What's not to love?

Haven't actually seen it yet but I know I'll love it when I do. I fully expect it to be toe-curlingly cringeworthy. That's half the appeal.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 February, 2014, 10:32:13 am

[I also struggle to see why Superman needs rebooting every 5 years, or indeed what new ideas they think they're bringing to the thing. Grumble grumble ... ]

With you on that (and "reboots" in general). The last couple of Superman reboots have been unutterably tedious, overblown, pompous cack.

I doubt we'll ever see an improvement on the Reeve/Stamp Superman II.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 17 February, 2014, 10:38:21 am
Running Man.

All the usual tropes plus.... (show producer to aide), "Get me the Justice Department, Entertainment Division. No forget that... get me the President's agent".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 February, 2014, 10:39:33 am

Robocop (the new one)...  It’s a 12A certificate

This is a big stumbling block for me. A clear sign they've compromised in order to target the teenage boy demographic. See also: Total Recall.

I was pleasantly surprised when the last Judge Dredd film was an 18. Ruthie's objections to that film noted and broadly agreed with, but at least it didn't tone it down for purely commercial reasons.

Quote
at times it’s kind of like a Coke Zero version of Robocop with the edgy hit of sugar rush and caffeine removed.

Sounds like it lives up to my worst fears then. Ho hum.

I love the original. I see no point in the remake.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 February, 2014, 10:44:35 am
While we're on the subject of remakes...

I saw the Coen brothers version of True Grit on telly at the weekend. Very good. Probably better than the original. At least, Jeff Bridges was a much better Rooster than old Marion.

Very Coen-y - you could tell it was one of theirs even if you didn't know (violence, humour, and bad men brought down by hubris). This is no bad thing in my book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 17 February, 2014, 11:42:48 am
Warm Bodies

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Vince on 17 February, 2014, 02:50:08 pm
I watched Monument Men on Friday.

I thought it a very good film in all respects.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 February, 2014, 03:10:17 pm
I watched Love last night (currently on iPlayer).

A triumph of low-budget claustrophobia over actually making sense.  Well worth a watch if you enjoyed Moon, but expect your questions to remain unanswered.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 17 February, 2014, 03:14:31 pm
I watched Monument Men on Friday.

I thought it a very good film in all respects.

I haven't seen it but understand an important repect in which it was not very good was truth.  Like the one where the Americans solved the enigma code, it accords to the Americans credit which is not owing to them for achievements that were, in fact, British.  Have I got this wrong.  None of that would stop it being a good film, of course!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 February, 2014, 04:27:23 pm
Enigma was broken by Poles:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8158782.stm

Quote
Marian Rejewski, a talented Polish mathematician, had guessed correctly that the wiring connections between the machine's keyboard and encoding mechanism were simply in alphabetical order.
Of course, there were numerous other problems to solve, but Rejewski had made a major breakthrough, by devising equations to match permutations in the machine's settings.

I thought Monuments Men was turgid and awful, a waste of an amazing cast apart from Hugh Super-Injunction, who is always rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 February, 2014, 05:30:12 pm
Indeed.  Turing's work on Engima lead to industrial-scale cracking, but the Poles did the groundwork.

The really cool stuff was cracking the later Lorenz cypher.  That was all British.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 17 February, 2014, 05:43:03 pm
Very Coen-y - you could tell it was one of theirs even if you didn't know (violence, humour, and bad men brought down by hubris). This is no bad thing in my book.

I saw Burn After Reading during the week. Well, actually, I didn't. Not all of it anyway. I turned it off after maybe 30 minutes. It was just didn't work for me at all and I cared not how it ended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 February, 2014, 06:54:49 pm
I felt like that about Frances Ha, someone I trust recommended it and it was quirky and funny but not as good as some claim.

OT, sorry, but I thought Lily Allen's dress at the BAFTAs was amazing:

(https://dub123.mail.live.com/Handlers/ImageProxy.mvc?bicild=&canary=MDn%2fpNuC6I8aX8%2fZu1H813NsYuC7u1NCATXlz7jdJvM%3d0&url=http%3a%2f%2fi.dailymail.co.uk%2fi%2fpix%2f2014%2f02%2f16%2farticle-2560711-1B8D2C5400000578-440_964x1375.jpg)

Shouldn't work but it does. Westwood.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 17 February, 2014, 07:52:37 pm
Indeed.  Turing's work on Engima lead to industrial-scale cracking, but the Poles did the groundwork.

The really cool stuff was cracking the later Lorenz cypher.  That was all British.
So where did the Americans come into this?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 17 February, 2014, 07:59:34 pm
Indeed.  Turing's work on Engima lead to industrial-scale cracking, but the Poles did the groundwork.

The really cool stuff was cracking the later Lorenz cypher.  That was all British.
So where did the Americans come into this?

Hollywood is more powerful than Pinewood.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 February, 2014, 08:48:06 pm
Indeed.  Turing's work on Engima lead to industrial-scale cracking, but the Poles did the groundwork.

The really cool stuff was cracking the later Lorenz cypher.  That was all British.
So where did the Americans come into this?

They were off doing their own thing with ENIAC, on the basis that blowing things up is far more interesting than mucking about with codes.   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 18 February, 2014, 02:41:40 pm
At The Earth's Core (1976)

<Peter Cushing>
You can't mesmerise me, I'm British
</ Peter Cushing>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 20 February, 2014, 09:15:00 pm
Katyn. Harrowing. I knew about how the Russians hid their guilt, I didn't know they also smashed up headstones that proclaimed the truth and imprisoned widows who refused to sign false confessions.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 February, 2014, 09:32:41 pm
Source Code

An extremely watchable film with a misleading name.  This isn't a MovieOS-centric comedy as the name suggests, but rather a more cerebral (pun intended) version of the TV series Seven Days.  Don't try to make too much sense of the plot device, and it's all good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Martin on 20 February, 2014, 09:58:38 pm
The Monuments Men;

didn't really read up about it before I saw it (I generally never do preferring to take the film at face value)

was expecting a sort of Dirty Dozen / Kelly's Heroes but it was more a selection of set pieces by each of the cast connected by a pretty flimsy plot

interesting piece of history though and beautifully shot

The Book Thief next methinks while we are doing things WW2
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 February, 2014, 12:10:58 am
Very Coen-y - you could tell it was one of theirs even if you didn't know (violence, humour, and bad men brought down by hubris). This is no bad thing in my book.

I saw Burn After Reading during the week. Well, actually, I didn't. Not all of it anyway. I turned it off after maybe 30 minutes. It was just didn't work for me at all and I cared not how it ended.

Are you not a fan of the Coens or was it just that one you didn't like?

That and A Serious Man are the only two of theirs I haven't seen yet (unless you count Inside Llewyn Davies but that's coming to the local cinema soon so I shall see it then). I love pretty much everything they do. I even liked Intolerable Cruelty and The Ladykillers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 21 February, 2014, 08:34:03 am
After hearing that it was on Netflix, I tried Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas the other evening.

I lasted about twenty minutes. It was dreadful. Depp was an embarassment to himself and Del Toro not much better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Morrisette on 21 February, 2014, 09:24:59 am
The Monuments Men;

didn't really read up about it before I saw it (I generally never do preferring to take the film at face value)

was expecting a sort of Dirty Dozen / Kelly's Heroes but it was more a selection of set pieces by each of the cast connected by a pretty flimsy plot

interesting piece of history though and beautifully shot

The Book Thief next methinks while we are doing things WW2

I went to see Monuments Men only knowing that it is a bit of a George Clooney vanity project (writes, stars and produces). While I liked it, I think the story would work better as a TV series, something like Band of Brothers. There was a lot more you could do with the story, like going into the back-stories of the characters, the German side/viewpoint could be included, a bit of tension over whether Cate Blanchett's character is a collaborator or not, that sort of thing. In a film it looked a bit easy, they said, 'ooh look there's a place the art could be,' and five minutes later there it was. I want to know things like, how did they actually get behind the lines, was moving around in occupied/just liberated France and Belgium really that straightforward? Saying that I did enjoy it. Clooney only mugs the camera a little bit, he could have been a lot worse!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 21 February, 2014, 09:25:50 am
i watched both of the White House attacked by terrorists films. I'm not sure why. They're both jingo-tastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 February, 2014, 09:42:03 am
After hearing that it was on Netflix, I tried Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas the other evening.

I lasted about twenty minutes. It was dreadful. Depp was an embarassment to himself and Del Toro not much better.
I didn't really like it, but then I don't like Hunter S Thompson

However; that film has the best depiction of being on acid I've seen. Brilliant. You'd almost think the director got the actors, camera crew together and said "Right, We are going to drop a load of acid to help us design this movie".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 February, 2014, 10:58:26 am
Indeed.  Turing's work on Engima lead to industrial-scale cracking, but the Poles did the groundwork.

The really cool stuff was cracking the later Lorenz cypher.  That was all British.

As I understand it, the work of Bletchley Park was initially under funded and under prioritised.  It was also the case that good old Winston Churchill alerted the Germans to the fact their codes were broken in WW1 by writing some memoirs shortly after!  Hence the efforts made by the enemy to make the encryption bombe proof.

I'm trying to discover what role my mother had.  She joined the WRNS in late 1943, working in 'Y' stations at Dover, then HMS Flowerdown (Winchester) and lastly Portsmouth before being demobbed in spring 1945.  She never mentioned her war service (I discovered her naval record after both my parents had died) but I do have a bundle of letters she wrote at the time to my father (serving in NW Europe) that I will read in due course.  She obviously wouldn't have revealed what she did in them but as with my father's censored letters there may be clues.  She spoke French and German well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 February, 2014, 11:00:52 am

I thought Monuments Men was turgid and awful, a waste of an amazing cast apart from Hugh Super-Injunction, who is always rubbish.

I'm afraid I did too!  So much US propaganda..  I have to re-watch Catch-22 asap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Vince on 21 February, 2014, 11:23:59 am
The Monuments Men;

didn't really read up about it before I saw it (I generally never do preferring to take the film at face value)

was expecting a sort of Dirty Dozen / Kelly's Heroes but it was more a selection of set pieces by each of the cast connected by a pretty flimsy plot

interesting piece of history though and beautifully shot

The Book Thief next methinks while we are doing things WW2

I went to see Monuments Men only knowing that it is a bit of a George Clooney vanity project (writes, stars and produces). While I liked it, I think the story would work better as a TV series, something like Band of Brothers. There was a lot more you could do with the story, like going into the back-stories of the characters, the German side/viewpoint could be included, a bit of tension over whether Cate Blanchett's character is a collaborator or not, that sort of thing. In a film it looked a bit easy, they said, 'ooh look there's a place the art could be,' and five minutes later there it was. I want to know things like, how did they actually get behind the lines, was moving around in occupied/just liberated France and Belgium really that straightforward? Saying that I did enjoy it. Clooney only mugs the camera a little bit, he could have been a lot worse!!

From the following article it seems most things in the film did occur, though they played fast and loose with time scales.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-monuments-men-180949569/

Not sure why they changed all the names though (protecting the innocent?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 February, 2014, 12:13:57 pm
Only me who saw the title Monuments Men and thought, "Great, a film about the rivalry between Van Looy and Merckx"?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 21 February, 2014, 01:45:11 pm
Are you not a fan of the Coens or was it just that one you didn't like?

I think it's a case of when they're good , they're very very good etc.  I've not enjoyed some of their bigger successes (Big Lebowski, No Country) so maybe I'm on my own just a wee bit, but would rate Fargo and ILD as faves, and O Brother is a hoot.  I guess my default position is that they're always worth watching even at the risk of disappointment.

I enjoyed 'A Serious Man'.  Low key,  easy to watch, it's appeal is perhaps less obvious but it's thoughtful and funny in a bleak, Jewish humour kind of a way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 February, 2014, 02:05:34 pm

I think it's a case of when they're good , they're very very good etc.

Fair enough. I guess I'm just more forgiving of the weaker points in their oeuvre than you.

Fargo is still my favourite. Quite underrated - compared to Lebowski and O Brother especially.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 21 February, 2014, 07:08:45 pm
They're certainly variable, but I'd rather watch any of them than be hit with a wet fish.
(Haven't seen them all. Certainly not Lllllewwyn - from the reviews I expect I won't love it, but I'll probably watch it on telly some day.)

If you're criticising their inconsistency, you have to give them points for variety. Just look at the films listed in the last couple of posts. There are few writer/producers who've made such varied great films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 21 February, 2014, 08:49:38 pm
I like the Coen Brothers, though there are still a few of their films I haven't seen (O Brother and True Grit in particular).

I enjoyed Burn After Reading, though I didn't realise it was one of theirs until the second time I saw it. Lots of good actors (and Brad Pitt) looking as though they were enjoying themselves, centred around an old-fashioned farce.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 February, 2014, 09:46:48 pm
I thought Burn After Reading was quite good. A lot more sarcastic and less heartwarming than most of their films, but still quite funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 22 February, 2014, 09:55:37 am
If you're criticising their inconsistency, you have to give them points for variety. Just look at the films listed in the last couple of posts. There are few writer/producers who've made such varied great films.

I'd agree with that whole heartedly.

One reviewer I read suggested that the Coens liked to keep everyone on their toes. They'd make a box office hit and then, with almost a perverse wantonness, do something more quirky or off-beat.  I'd prefer not to think it's that contrived, and that they work in fashion that keeps them fresh, interested and motivated.

I don't feel they want to proof anything to anyone. I find their movies, generally speaking, to be ego free (unlike some directors). Honest, self-contained units that are well crafted and stay with the limits they set themselves. That, for mei, is a 'good' movie.

It's just that sometimes they don't work for me. Particularly when it comes to gore or violence, but also when things get just a bit too silly (I've never really got farce - it's too obvious, which I know it's meant to be!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 22 February, 2014, 10:41:22 am
Their films are quite hard to pigeon-hole even individually! I really like gore+violence in the right places (e.g. Reservoir Dogs ... but not Kill Bill. IMO!). I don't even think of Country For Old Men as a violent film, but the brief violent moments are critical to the feel of the thing.

Is 'O Brother ... ' a musical? Surely not, I really hate musicals  :o

For me the most overlooked one is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Wasn%27t_There_(2001_film)
A real quiet, not much happens movie - very difficult to do well. (Has Billy Bowb ever been in a bad film? Perhaps I shouldn't ask ... )

Looking at wiki, it's mainly the early ones that didn't really work for me, like Barton Fink. Until Fargo in 1996. Would it be fair to say that they played a bit too safe/conventional early on?

Burn After Reading was patchy, but you have to like anyone getting Brad Pitt to play such a massive dork!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 24 February, 2014, 07:02:50 am
"Space Dive". Documentary about Red Bulls/Felx Baumgartners record breaking dive.

It's makes it very clear why Baumgartner has no intentions to do it again, as he was scared shitless!. Really amazed that Red Bull didn't pull the plug on this or at least got someone else to do the jump, as he was quite clearly not the right person for it.

Also some nice insights in how upper management can completely screw over a project :).
It's on Netflix here in Canuckistan and is well worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 24 February, 2014, 08:48:06 am
Lost Boys. Proper 1980's frommage with vampires :thumbsup:

" Look at your reflection in the mirror. You're a creature of the night Michael, just like out of a comic book! You're a vampire Michael! My own brother, a goddamn, shit-sucking vampire. You wait 'till mom finds out, buddy! "   ;D

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 February, 2014, 01:02:12 am
Lost Boys. Proper 1980's frommage with vampires :thumbsup:

" Look at your reflection in the mirror. You're a creature of the night Michael, just like out of a comic book! You're a vampire Michael! My own brother, a goddamn, shit-sucking vampire. You wait 'till mom finds out, buddy! "   ;D

Soo many good quotes:

    [Sam shoots an arrow at Dwayne, and misses.]
    Dwayne: You missed, sucker.
    Sam: Only once, pal.
    [Sam shoots again, pinning Dwayne against the stereo making parts of him explode while being electrocuted]
    Sam: Death by stereo!

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Lost_Boys
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 25 February, 2014, 09:58:59 am
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

How to take a not-bad book and balls it up, the romance element was probably unfilmable but this was really awful, the arab character conforms to one of two ways arabs are portrayed in Hollywood films, they are either shooty and explodey or mystical and wise (Morgan Freeman in Robin Hood). This character's given to staring into the middle distance and muttering "We must have faith". There's a lot of that. Not even Emily Blunt could save this, there's a scene where she totters around on absurd high heels at the office like Gwyneth in Iron Man 2, she looks like two dwarfs trying to bunk the cinema in a long rain coat, total rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: interzen on 25 February, 2014, 10:31:09 am
Ghostbusters

Seemed like the thing to do1 and even *mumble* years on I still love it.

1 - For those who didn't know, Harold Ramis died yesterday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 25 February, 2014, 01:55:36 pm
Bunch 'o films in forrin:

Even the Rain - this was lovely, striking, strongly political...and to my utter astonishment pretty closely based on real recent events.

Nostalgia for the Light - a stunning conceit, really: beautiful photography put to a bleak purpose. One of our party walked midway muttering "I don't know what this is about at all!". Which was odd, given that the interviewees kept on explaining the central idea, albeit from a number of angles.

A Separation - much said about this here already ISTR, but I was really surprised at how funny I found the film, especially given how dour I had expected it to be. As mostly, the women had the power, even in such a patriarchal society. I loved the depictions of bureaucracy and the great playing by everyone in view plus the insights into how normal and humane the lives depicted are.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 28 February, 2014, 07:43:24 am
"42", the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American player in MLB.
Decent enough, but maybe tries too hard not to offend anyone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 February, 2014, 08:02:26 am
Gravity.

Now, I am a Child of Apollo, growing up with the space race and the moon landings. As a scruffy, sticky, mud spattered worm eating sprog, I dreamed of being Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, Harrison Scmidt and the like. Oh to be an astronaut. Space films are my bag.

Gravity? Fantastic visual effects and I wish I had seen it at a 3D IMAX but, storyline and credibility? Nah.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 02 March, 2014, 09:28:36 am
Source Code

An extremely watchable film with a misleading name.  This isn't a MovieOS-centric comedy as the name suggests, but rather a more cerebral (pun intended) version of the TV series Seven Days.  Don't try to make too much sense of the plot device, and it's all good.

I saw this a few months back. Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 02 March, 2014, 09:32:03 am
Kings of Summer

An American coming of age type film but apart from the inevitable cheese it's hilarious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 02 March, 2014, 01:22:33 pm
Frozen.

See also 'earworm' thread.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 04 March, 2014, 11:50:54 am
Remembrance.

Slow-paced, well acted WW2 drama, Polish POW dresses up as a German soldier and smuggles his Jewish girlfriend out of a prison camp. Very moving, but the whole time I was thinking "This is so far-fetched, it's just not credible".

Turns out it was a true story:

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/20100724-poland.ece

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 04 March, 2014, 03:13:27 pm
I finished Sunday evening watching the last 3/4 of Erin Brokovich on TV.

I love this film but don't really know why.

Some of it is to do with the David v Goliath element of the story.

Another is that it is full of absolutely cracking quotes-

Theresa Dallavale: Okay, look, I think we got off on the wrong foot here...
Erin Brockovich: That's all you got, lady. Two wrong feet in fucking ugly shoes.


Kurt Potter: Wha... how did you do this?
Erin Brockovich: Well, um, seeing as how I have no brains or legal expertise, and Ed here was losing all faith in the system, am I right?
Ed Masry: Oh, yeah, completely. No faith, no faith...
Erin Brockovich: I just went out there and performed sexual favors. Six hundred and thirty-four blow jobs in five days... I'm really quite tired.


Also, Julia Roberts is absoulutley fantastic as Erin and the Brokovich/ Masry (Albert Finney) interaction is sooooooo good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 04 March, 2014, 03:45:09 pm
Gravity (on blu-ray)   :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 04 March, 2014, 04:22:20 pm
Gravity (on blu-ray)   :thumbsup:

I liked it.  I am normal a real film pedant, but the story in Gravity got me so much I could overlook the stupid bits Like: <Spoiler alert>
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 04 March, 2014, 06:14:40 pm
Well that was a nice little spoiler :) Now I don't need to go and see the master work my mate did to the movie, sadly he wasn't invited to the Oscars but he is on the list of people who made it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 March, 2014, 07:58:30 am
You are right, Wooly, I have now modified my post.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 05 March, 2014, 10:26:00 am
Sandra Bullock got $20m for Gravity, and a share of the box office, so far she's made $70m, the Oscars will be a pretty good boost too. She got $20 for Miss Congeniality 2 and that was 9 years ago when $20m was a lot of money. I heart her:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcLeid8g3MU

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 05 March, 2014, 11:09:31 am
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The Daniel Craig version. I only listened, mind, as I was a) still a bit blind and b) playing onna tablet at the same time.

I've read listened to the book. That was better, but takes (much) longer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 06 March, 2014, 08:19:17 am
Re-watched Source Code last night. Meh. It's not as good the second time around.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 March, 2014, 01:01:12 pm
Airline Disaster

Surprisingly watchable for an Asylum film whose most outlandish plot device, rather than the usual implausible monsters or comedy plate tectonics, was that they'd let an ex-con who'd changed his name to Carl Hitler on a plane without any security checks.  Just the right mix of silly writing, wobbly sets and ham acting - and they got the pace right with this one.

Bonus points for having a female president with a same-sex partner and not making a plot point of it.  I suspect they put that line in entirely to hang a lampshade on the actor's lesbian hair.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 06 March, 2014, 01:52:09 pm
Re-watched Source Code last night. Meh. It's not as good the second time around.

It was for me!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 March, 2014, 12:49:06 pm
Filth

And it was, in many senses of the word.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 March, 2014, 01:40:30 pm
Going Postal. Suitably daft for unwinding of an evening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 15 March, 2014, 08:12:20 pm
Ender's Game.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 17 March, 2014, 10:06:16 am
Budapest Hotel last night.

"Hello chaps."

Not sure if it's my sense of humour, but I'm the only one laughing in the cinema at various points. Go and see it chaps. A very enjoyable film.

Ralph Fiennes. Love 'im!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 17 March, 2014, 10:48:12 am
Planning to see that this Friday.  Looks to be a good laugh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Séamas M. on 17 March, 2014, 01:31:02 pm
The Lego Movie (3D).

Family outing, really enjoyed by all.

Could be Liam Neeson's finest work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 17 March, 2014, 01:55:08 pm
The Matrix.

Master W asked me about it on Saturday (not sure why, forgot to ask) so I suggested we watch it. Now. So we did. The advert breaks (it was a recording off TV) gave convenient points during which I could explain what was going on. What struck me was that visual effects that seemed amazing in 1999 now appear rather mundane ::-). Still a classic though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 17 March, 2014, 08:26:28 pm
Defiance.

Fantastic
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 17 March, 2014, 08:33:00 pm
My Week With Marilyn.

I thought it was very good.  Really enjoyed it.  Playing Marilyn must surely have been pretty daunting.  Somehow, Michelle Williams pulls it off (mostly). 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 March, 2014, 08:23:16 am
A little while ago, I caught about 20 minutes of a Bill Nighey, Rachel Weisz film which I later found out was Page Eight

It was on BBC2 the other night and I recorded it. Watched it through last night. A really good, low key Spy thriller style film without the testosterone and pyrotechnics.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and I have decided, Daniel Craig has competeition. I love Rachel Weisz.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 19 March, 2014, 01:09:27 pm
Budapest Hotel last night.

"Hello chaps."

Not sure if it's my sense of humour, but I'm the only one laughing in the cinema at various points. Go and see it chaps. A very enjoyable film.

Ralph Fiennes. Love 'im!

Funny, funny, funny film. I haven't laughed so much in ages, and I haven't laughed that much in a cinema ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 19 March, 2014, 06:50:25 pm
A little while ago, I caught about 20 minutes of a Bill Nighey, Rachel Weisz film which I later found out was Page Eight

It was on BBC2 the other night and I recorded it. Watched it through last night. A really good, low key Spy thriller style film without the testosterone and pyrotechnics.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and I have decided, Daniel Craig has competeition. I love Rachel Weisz.
Are you sure? ???  Craig is much cuter than Rachel Weisz.

Anyway ... if you liked that, catch the sort-of-sequel tomorrow:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03yrjvc
"Turks and Caicos"
Getaloada this cast:

Johnny Worricker
    Bill Nighy

Margot Tyrell
    Helena Bonham Carter

Melanie Fall
    Winona Ryder

Curtis Pelissier
    Christopher Walken
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 March, 2014, 10:30:54 am
Thoroughly enjoyed it and I have decided, Daniel Craig has competeition. I love Rachel Weisz.
I read that as "I've decided that I prefer Rachel to Daniel".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 March, 2014, 01:16:51 pm
A little while ago, I caught about 20 minutes of a Bill Nighey, Rachel Weisz film which I later found out was Page Eight

It was on BBC2 the other night and I recorded it. Watched it through last night. A really good, low key Spy thriller style film without the testosterone and pyrotechnics.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and I have decided, Daniel Craig has competeition. I love Rachel Weisz.
Are you sure? ???  Craig is much cuter than Rachel Weisz.
Each to their own Matt :thumbsup:

Anyway ... if you liked that, catch the sort-of-sequel tomorrow:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03yrjvc
"Turks and Caicos"
Getaloada this cast:

Johnny Worricker
    Bill Nighy

Margot Tyrell
    Helena Bonham Carter

Melanie Fall
    Winona Ryder

Curtis Pelissier
    Christopher Walken

Shall be recording.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 March, 2014, 01:18:16 pm
Thoroughly enjoyed it and I have decided, Daniel Craig has competeition. I love Rachel Weisz.
I read that as "I've decided that I prefer Rachel to Daniel".

I've always preferred Rachel to Daniel but, I now have to drag hsi wife away from him :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 March, 2014, 05:46:31 pm
Oh I see! That makes sense now. ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 21 March, 2014, 09:14:18 am
Budapest Hotel last night.

"Hello chaps."

Not sure if it's my sense of humour, but I'm the only one laughing in the cinema at various points. Go and see it chaps. A very enjoyable film.

Ralph Fiennes. Love 'im!

Saw this last night.  Absolutely brilliant!  Early showing on a Thursday, so not many people, but lots of laughter from the crowd throughout the film.   It's well-done slapstick, with none of the cringe-worthy bits you get in American comedies.*  The cast, loaded with well-known names, was wonderful.

As Riggers said, go see this film.


* There were 2-3 American comedies previewed last night.  We agreed on all of them:  :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 March, 2014, 11:32:38 am
A little while ago, I caught about 20 minutes of a Bill Nighey, Rachel Weisz film which I later found out was Page Eight

It was on BBC2 the other night and I recorded it. Watched it through last night. A really good, low key Spy thriller style film without the testosterone and pyrotechnics.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and I have decided, Daniel Craig has competeition. I love Rachel Weisz.
Are you sure? ???  Craig is much cuter than Rachel Weisz.
Each to their own Matt :thumbsup:

Anyway ... if you liked that, catch the sort-of-sequel tomorrow:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03yrjvc
"Turks and Caicos"
Getaloada this cast:

Johnny Worricker
    Bill Nighy

Margot Tyrell
    Helena Bonham Carter

Melanie Fall
    Winona Ryder

Curtis Pelissier
    Christopher Walken

Shall be recording.

Watched as opposed to recording.

Was good but not as good as Page Eight.

Salting the Battlefield looks to have promise though.

This is turning into a cooler, calmer Bourne Trilogy ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 23 March, 2014, 12:11:30 am
Many, many years after reading Ian McEwans's novel I finally watched the film version of "The Comfort Of Strangers".   Directed by Paul Schrader & beautifully shot in Venice with a stellar cast, the impossibly gorgeous Rupert Everett, Natasha Richardson, Helen Mirren & Christopher Walken. 

It's a visual feast, but as with the source material  a tad improbable.  Not to go home with tall, elegant weirdos is standard advice for travelers, returning for dinner with them after he's punched you in the guts is unlikely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: closetleftie on 23 March, 2014, 06:35:46 pm
I watched "Searching for Sugarman" last night.

Last week, I finished reading "19 With a Bullet" by a bloke called Granger Korff, who was a Paratrooper (A "Bat") in the Angolan/Namibian war/counterinsurgency/oppressioneffort of the 80's, about five years before my experience of the SADF*.

I met Craig Strydom (Craig Bartholomew, as he called himself then), one of the main protagonists in SFSM, on a plane when I went back to South Africa around three weeks ago. For the first time after my mother's death, nearly six years ago. He was also a Bat, pretty much half way between me and this Korff oke.






It's been a deeply, deeply strange few weeks.



*'90 and '91 for me, (thankfully?) after things had settled down a bit and before they got het up again.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 March, 2014, 08:11:52 pm
Flight.

I wish I hadn't, but I do like Denzel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 24 March, 2014, 01:10:30 am
London River.

The plot was a bit obvious but it was no less affecting because of that.  Two disparate (seemingly) people seek their children in the wake of the London bombings.  Terrific acting from Brenda Blethyn and Sotigui Kouyate, who was probably dying at the time.  Very well shot and the sort of film that couldn't be made in America because the cast all look like real people - except for Kouyate, who looks like a god (but a real one).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 March, 2014, 08:16:39 pm
Gravity.

What it lacked in realism, it made up for in pace.   :thumbsup:

Needed more Sigourney Weaver.  And Tom Hanks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 24 March, 2014, 08:49:59 pm
Jennifer Aniston has done romcoms with pretty much every single leading man in Hollywood and they've all been total rubbish. We're The Millers made me roar with laughter (it's pretty broad humour, anal sex, drugs, sexual favours to cops etc). Will Poulton is great in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 March, 2014, 06:01:28 pm
"Into the Mind" a free-skiing movie, seen through the eyes/mind of a fictional skier.
Quality of the footage is stunning.
http://vimeo.com/54348266
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 27 March, 2014, 10:56:29 pm
Jennifer Aniston has done romcoms with pretty much every single leading man in Hollywood and they've all been total rubbish. We're The Millers made me roar with laughter (it's pretty broad humour, anal sex, drugs, sexual favours to cops etc). Will Poulton is great in it.

In fairness. this film contains a Fairly Hot strip scene from Ms Aniston which all hetero (and - frankly, some less hetero) men would find Pretty Riveting. Erm - I did.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 March, 2014, 11:22:45 pm
Notes on a Scandal (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465551/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_26)

Cate Blanchett and Dame Judy Dench.

SWMBO has acquired it on DVD and decided to play it tonight. I wasn't expecting much but, bloody hell! That was good.

Dame Judy using the F word :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 March, 2014, 11:50:41 pm
Marooned.

Saw it once when I was a kid.  Didn't appreciate the attention to detail for what it was.  Contains all the main elements of a cheesy disaster movie in the vein of Starflight One, but played straight by people making the 1969 predecessor to Apollo 13 and Gravity.  What it lacks in zero-g model shots it makes up for with authentic dialogue, panels and props.

It's important to remember the film pre-dates both Skylab and the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project.

All it needs is an ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 29 March, 2014, 11:32:34 am
Thirteen Days

Carried of very well and held the suspense despite, with it being based on historical events, the ending being known. :)

Could have done with some more (ie: any) coverage of what was going on in the Soviet Union at the same time, or perhaps that could be made into a film in its own right.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 30 March, 2014, 02:06:34 pm
The Grand Budapest Hotel.  I didn't get it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 March, 2014, 08:33:09 pm
Thirteen Days

Carried of very well and held the suspense despite, with it being based on historical events, the ending being known. :)

Could have done with some more (ie: any) coverage of what was going on in the Soviet Union at the same time, or perhaps that could be made into a film in its own right.

I bet no one really knows what was happening in the USSR during those 13 Days.

A good film I thought.

People slate Kevin Costner and I admit, he has appeared in some odd films but, he has done some good shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 31 March, 2014, 01:11:28 pm
Going through another Spanish film fiesta.

Just finished watching "I'm So Excited" and have moved onto what, in my opinion, is Javier Bardem's finest film, i.e. the one where he doesn't look like a David Walliams impersonator, Biutiful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 31 March, 2014, 01:28:54 pm
and have moved onto what, in my opinion, is Javier Bardem's finest film, i.e. the one where he doesn't look like a David Walliams impersonator, Biutiful.

Oh 5h1t.

I forgot just how much this film makes me cry....

Hope work don't ring anytime soon....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 31 March, 2014, 02:37:13 pm
I saw the new Captain America film yesterday.

Better than Thor 2 (I thor-t) which I practically fell asleep in.  That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement I know – all the reviews I read were raving about it, I just thought it was alright. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 31 March, 2014, 02:42:42 pm
The Armstrong Lie

I thought it was very interesting to revisit some of his interviews, on camera denials, protestations and press conferences in the light of the 'confessional'.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 01 April, 2014, 08:00:54 am
Going through another Spanish film fiesta.

Just finished watching "I'm So Excited" and have moved onto what, in my opinion, is Javier Bardem's finest film, i.e. the one where he doesn't look like a David Walliams impersonator, Biutiful.

Is I'm So Excited! any good? It's on my list, but from the reviews it could either be hilariously clever or a complete cringe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 01 April, 2014, 08:05:17 am
Going through another Spanish film fiesta.

Just finished watching "I'm So Excited" and have moved onto what, in my opinion, is Javier Bardem's finest film, i.e. the one where he doesn't look like a David Walliams impersonator, Biutiful.

Is I'm So Excited! any good? It's on my list, but from the reviews it could either be hilariously clever or a complete cringe.

I found it very good, if you can ignore the low rent copy of "Priscilla" scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 02 April, 2014, 12:41:37 pm
Budapest Hotel last night.

"Hello chaps."

Not sure if it's my sense of humour, but I'm the only one laughing in the cinema at various points. Go and see it chaps. A very enjoyable film.

Ralph Fiennes. Love 'im!

Saw this last night.  Absolutely brilliant!  Early showing on a Thursday, so not many people, but lots of laughter from the crowd throughout the film.   It's well-done slapstick, with none of the cringe-worthy bits you get in American comedies.*  The cast, loaded with well-known names, was wonderful.

As Riggers said, go see this film.


* There were 2-3 American comedies previewed last night.  We agreed on all of them:  :sick:

A friend saw this last night and likened it unto "... 'Allo 'Allo on steroids, a big budget, and scenic locations :) "

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 07 April, 2014, 11:56:28 pm
Many, many years after reading Ian McEwans's novel I finally watched the film version of "The Comfort Of Strangers".   Directed by Paul Schrader & beautifully shot in Venice with a stellar cast, the impossibly gorgeous Rupert Everett, Natasha Richardson, Helen Mirren & Christopher Walken. 

It's a visual feast, but as with the source material  a tad improbable.  Not to go home with tall, elegant weirdos is standard advice for travelers, returning for dinner with them after he's punched you in the guts is unlikely.

And I've just watched "Don't Look Now" for the first time.   Venice is definitely off the holiday list !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 08 April, 2014, 09:26:19 pm
Noah. It was rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 April, 2014, 09:30:57 pm
Midnight in Paris, with my secret celebrity husband Owen Wilson.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 April, 2014, 10:05:52 am
Noah. It was rubbish.

Saw the trailer for that a couple of months ago. Resolved not to go see it, or be bothered with DVD or Bluray or TV showing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 April, 2014, 10:51:08 am
"Russell Crowe is back in Master and Commander II: this time there's Noah stopping him!"

MrsC and I watched Beasts of the Southern Wild. Dead good. The kid got awards and acclaim but IMO the person who portrayed her father also deserved them. Never acted before, he put in an amazing performance.
Some great CGI in a film that cost 1.8m to make. Amazing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 09 April, 2014, 11:04:42 am
Sunshine on Leith, just the right light entertainment we wanted for a relaxing evening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Vince on 09 April, 2014, 11:41:23 am
The Sweeney

There are just so many ways this doesn't work. PACE being the main one. It would have been better to have kept it set in the 70's, when falling down the custody stairs was an occupational hazard for villains.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 09 April, 2014, 06:57:16 pm
"Russell Crowe is back in Master and Commander II: this time there's Noah stopping him!"

MrsC and I watched Beasts of the Southern Wild. Dead good.
Some great CGI in a film that cost 1.8m to make. Amazing.

Looks like they got the CGI for free....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 April, 2014, 08:15:28 pm
"Russell Crowe is back in Master and Commander II: this time there's Noah stopping him!"

MrsC and I watched Beasts of the Southern Wild. Dead good.
Some great CGI in a film that cost 1.8m to make. Amazing.

Looks like they got the CGI for free....
Are you referring to the quality of it or the absurdly low budget?
I quite like the 'aurochs'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 09 April, 2014, 10:57:47 pm
I haven't seen it, so I was commenting on the budget. Looks like it was mostly done by an arts school in San Francisco, which is kinda scabby.

http://vfxsoldier.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/vfx-soldier-criticizes-beasts-free-labor-in-wall-street-journal/

Quote
Thirty-three students from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University worked for months to craft most of the post-production visual-effects for the independent feature.

Basically a pay-to-work scheme....Benh Zeitlin have made millions, the people who created the work ends up with a enormous student debt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 April, 2014, 12:50:53 am
I haven't seen it, so I was commenting on the budget. Looks like it was mostly done by an arts school in San Francisco, which is kinda scabby.

http://vfxsoldier.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/vfx-soldier-criticizes-beasts-free-labor-in-wall-street-journal/

Quote
Thirty-three students from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University worked for months to craft most of the post-production visual-effects for the independent feature.

Basically a pay-to-work scheme....Benh Zeitlin have made millions, the people who created the work ends up with a enormous student debt.
That is truly crap. The film company/producer must have literally made millions.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 10 April, 2014, 01:21:03 pm
3000 Miles to Graceland

Don't hear a lot of love for this movie out there but I'm a fan - I think Kevin Costner makes a great villain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 10 April, 2014, 01:40:42 pm
In Bruges last night, the French actress was awfully pretty then I realised it's her off Birdsong, Clemence Poesy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 10 April, 2014, 02:52:02 pm
I haven't seen it, so I was commenting on the budget. Looks like it was mostly done by an arts school in San Francisco, which is kinda scabby.

http://vfxsoldier.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/vfx-soldier-criticizes-beasts-free-labor-in-wall-street-journal/

Quote
Thirty-three students from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University worked for months to craft most of the post-production visual-effects for the independent feature.

Basically a pay-to-work scheme....Benh Zeitlin have made millions, the people who created the work ends up with a enormous student debt.
That is truly crap. The film company/producer must have literally made millions.

Not surprising, Rhythm and Hues basically went bust after Life of Pi:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lcB9u-9mVE
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 April, 2014, 06:09:03 pm
I haven't seen it, so I was commenting on the budget. Looks like it was mostly done by an arts school in San Francisco, which is kinda scabby.

http://vfxsoldier.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/vfx-soldier-criticizes-beasts-free-labor-in-wall-street-journal/

Quote
Thirty-three students from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University worked for months to craft most of the post-production visual-effects for the independent feature.

Basically a pay-to-work scheme....Benh Zeitlin have made millions, the people who created the work ends up with a enormous student debt.
That is truly crap. The film company/producer must have literally made millions.

Not surprising, Rhythm and Hues basically went bust after Life of Pi:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lcB9u-9mVE

It's not really related. R&H wouldn't get out of bed for a $1.8m film and indie-films have zero effect on the VFX industry.
R&H went bust because of the stupid fixed-bid business structure in the VFX industry and a perfect storm of studios fucking around with delivery schedules.

I've seen that video before. It's extremely LA biased. Yes, subsidies are making a lot of studies take production elsewhere (like Vancouver)., but an awful lot of people have been moving around the world for VFX jobs in the last 20 years (myself included) and that reality has now hit SoCal.
Also what that video completely forgets, is that the other major VFX studio on Life of Pi, Moving Picture Company (which I was working for at the time), also did a major chunk of the work, got an Oscar....and are still in business..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 10 April, 2014, 09:50:01 pm
Under the Skin... it will sell well on DVD!

Me,  I was really disappointed. It doesn't add up despite good points (cinematography). In fact, I was left thinking I was missing something, or of Emporer's clothes. I even thought it trite. Predator becomes prey? Pah. Been done. Cold blooded killers lack humanity? Really. No shit Sherlock.

Perhaps one for cinema buffs but it did little for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 13 April, 2014, 12:10:21 am
The Butler.

This was "Two and a Half Hours Enslaved" without the beatings.

To be fair it did include 'Dad Impressions of Past Presidents, at Christmas' and an "Is she/isn't she drunk" Oprah Winfrey. I couldn't tell, she appeared drunk in all her shots.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 14 April, 2014, 11:15:48 pm
I caught the last hour of the bleak but beautiful The Way Back with Sting Ed Harris. I'll have to watch the whole thing.

Film4 followed it up with Knowing. It didn't start promisingly, picked up a bit, but then got worse, and it has what may be the worst ending to any movie ever (even though there are rabbits). Not to mention the shonky effects and the over-loud music and the laughable science.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 April, 2014, 06:37:20 am
The Hobbit- The Desolation of Smaug.  Dreadful - nearly 3 hours of OTT CGI and a load of weak extra plot to fill the time and make the audience pay three times to see a film of one of the shortest children's books.  Yes, you do have to see a third film too.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 15 April, 2014, 10:47:02 am
Over the weekend we watched two films.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 - fun, silly, kids film, but I enjoyed it.

The Three MuskerHoundsteers - fun, silly, not a kids film, I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Vince on 20 April, 2014, 02:48:37 am
Pirates of the Wild West The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp playing Captain Sparrow Tonto.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 20 April, 2014, 06:28:38 am
Barabbas
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 April, 2014, 07:11:12 am
Downfall  Hannah :  Stylish, cool, not-too-long, quirky, actiony, dont-think-about-the-plot.      :thumbsup:

(why hasn't Kate Blanchett done more action movies?!?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 April, 2014, 11:09:15 am
Troll Hunter

I might not have bothered with if I hadn't read all the positive reviews here in the past, but I'm sooooo glad I did because it is a thoroughly wonderful film. I love the way it's all based so firmly on classic troll mythology (being able to smell Christians, hiding under bridges etc) and plays it entirely straight yet is laugh-out-loud funny. Hans is a brilliant character and some of his lines are priceless. Also, because I'm a sensitive soul, I found it enjoyably scary in places.


In Bruges last night, the French actress was awfully pretty then I realised it's her off Birdsong, Clemence Poesy.

I am absolutely in love with Clemence Poesy. She's great in that Harry Potter film too. Probably. I don't care. She can do no wrong in my eyes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 21 April, 2014, 04:24:20 pm
The Railway Man.

Colin Firth is good, Nicole Kidman curiously restrained and dowdy but it didn't really work. Stellan Skarsgard should do more serious films instead of fannying about with blokes with big hammers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 April, 2014, 03:00:11 pm
Captain Philips

Oh dear - I was really looking forward to this :( It wasn't awful, but nothing like the rave reviews it's had. 2 problems for me:

- I never really related to the main bad guy. A lot was made about the simmering tension in his scenes with Tom Hanks, but they never really flew for me. Come to think of it, I didn't really find Cptn P all that involving.
- Lesser whinge: the script totally glossed over all the practicalities of the action. For example:
(click to show/hide)
But overall, I was just generally unmoved. Well, except for the sick-bay scene at the end. I've no idea why, but that was a very emotional moment, Hanks may have earned his pay in that one scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 27 April, 2014, 03:23:57 pm
Avatar, at long last.

I actually really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 27 April, 2014, 03:33:24 pm
John Carpenter's Vampires
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 April, 2014, 06:23:18 pm
John Carpenter's Vampires
Did you get wood?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 April, 2014, 11:15:57 pm
Fargo. Again. Inspired to watch it again by the new TV series. Great film. Had forgotten quite how extraordinarily violent it is though. The TV series has been excellent so far too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 28 April, 2014, 08:59:36 am
I was going to say The secret life of Walter Mitty (which has a superb soundtrack bytheway), but watched Frozen, with our niece, who new all the songs word-for-word. Yes, it's a Disney syrupy animation, but beautifully made.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 05 May, 2014, 10:35:22 pm
The Other Woman.

I really enjoyed it, and so did my female mate who I went with.  We've both been cheated on, and this is a film about women who have been cheated on, and it was most therapeutic.  Not many 'splosions, but a lot of laughs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 06 May, 2014, 03:50:00 pm
Not really a film but House of Cards, the Kevin Spacey version, is on Netflix. He is utterly fantastic, his sporadic asides direct to camera are in character. Chilling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 May, 2014, 04:10:01 pm
The Titfield Thunderbolt. Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 06 May, 2014, 04:16:22 pm
Passport to Pimlico is on now, Film 4. Margaret Rutherford is wonderful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 06 May, 2014, 11:20:07 pm
Reservoir Dogs.

First saw this in c 1991 - at/not long after its release, I think. My companion had to leave to be sick about 15 seconds into the scene after the opening credits. I remember thinking that I was watching something different, that this was a different way of making films.

I've seen it many times since. Actually, I decided that I preferred Pulp Fiction (though I don't know that it is accurate/fair to compare the two).

However, I've just watched it with Suzy, who had somehow not seen it before tonight. Watching it with someone who was doing so for the first time made me see it very differently. It appeared to me to be raw and challenging again.

Hell of a film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 May, 2014, 12:29:41 am
The Andromeda Strain (the proper 1971 version).  Probably my all-time favourite film - science fiction with a story lead by the science, complete with aliens and lasers and microscopes and atom boms and timesharing computer systems and authentic 60s lab equipment and frustrating engineering cockups.  All it needs is a better Bechdel score.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 07 May, 2014, 06:30:07 am
Mud.
Really enjoyed it. Hadn't heard of it at all until a friend recommended. Really rite of passage film. Nice cinematography on the river, watchable with family and a strong story on a few different threads.  Highly recommend.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 May, 2014, 09:22:45 am
The Andromeda Strain (the proper 1971 version).  Probably my all-time favourite film - science fiction with a story lead by the science, complete with aliens and lasers and microscopes and atom boms and timesharing computer systems and authentic 60s lab equipment and frustrating engineering cockups.  All it needs is a better Bechdel score.

Yebbut the science is crap, and as an MD Crichton knew it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 07 May, 2014, 11:25:19 am
The Titfield Thunderbolt. Excellent.

I remember going to see that on Saturday Cinema in the 60s. Great film. Well, as a little chap, it had me laughing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Biff on 07 May, 2014, 12:05:31 pm
Wrong Move a Wim Wenders film. Like many of his, it is slightly gloomy, but quite thought provoking.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 May, 2014, 12:17:26 pm
The Andromeda Strain (the proper 1971 version).  Probably my all-time favourite film - science fiction with a story lead by the science, complete with aliens and lasers and microscopes and atom boms and timesharing computer systems and authentic 60s lab equipment and frustrating engineering cockups.  All it needs is a better Bechdel score.

Yebbut the science is crap, and as an MD Crichton knew it.

It's good by Crichton standards (and mostly falls under the SF rule of one fantastical element being okay, more than one isn't).  And this is Hollywood, it's a good day if gravity is portrayed consistently, let alone the scientific method.

I also like it as an illustration of the late-60s computing Zeitgeist:  TTYs were the order of the day, except when using exotic vector displays, clunky one-button-per-thing user interfaces and lightpens.  Fluent speech-to-text was considered to be just around the corner, but voice prompts are recordings.  They have an automated system for measuring growth of cultures, and can image-process the output of the electron microscope in realtime, but at first resort to manual inspection to analyse the results.  As a child of the 80s, it's easy to overlook the technology they got right, and giggle at the whole-room glovebox and be shocked by the blatant portrayal of animal experimentation.

Also, and let's not overlook the value of this: at no point does anyone have a car chase, fistfight, or end up shagging Dr Stone.


I can think of a lot of stories that would benefit from being sent back to the 70s and given the same treatment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 May, 2014, 02:10:39 pm
Reservoir Dogs.

First saw this in c 1991 - at/not long after its release, I think. My companion had to leave to be sick about 15 seconds into the scene after the opening credits. I remember thinking that I was watching something different, that this was a different way of making films.

I've seen it many times since. Actually, I decided that I preferred Pulp Fiction (though I don't know that it is accurate/fair to compare the two).

However, I've just watched it with Suzy, who had somehow not seen it before tonight. Watching it with someone who was doing so for the first time made me see it very differently. It appeared to me to be raw and challenging again.

Hell of a film.
Agree with most of that! [PF is possibly my all-time favourite ...depending on what mood I'm in.]

Surprised by your first para - what on earth happened in those 15 seconds?!? It's been a while ...

[I saw a stage version once, in a tiny Norwich theatre. Odd, but fun. My friend hadn't seen the film - he was a little bemused ... ]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 May, 2014, 04:33:10 pm
Re Andromeda Strain: I read the book when it came out, and the bit about every single bacterium mutating at once is in there too so Hollywood is innocent this time around.

Worse examples happen on the box all the time: I remember a Spooks episode where they displayed a molecular structure and their scientist bod exclaimed over the chlorine bonding when there wasn't a chlorine atom to be seen.  I suppose they reckon that if you're enough of an idiot to watch the thing then you won't know an atom from a hole in the ground. And of course vaccinating someone who's on the point of dying of a disease always saves them.

What a wonderful world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 May, 2014, 04:46:22 pm
Re Andromeda Strain: I read the book when it came out, and the bit about every single bacterium mutating at once is in there too so Hollywood is innocent this time around.

I haven't read the book since I was a kid, so I'd forgotten that bit.  It's not explicitly described as doing so in the film (though I think it may have been in the 2008 version[1]), though neither is it shown not to.  A single sample is shown to be composed of homogeneous cells mutating together, but given that it's a an alien crystalline lifeform (very much not a bacterium) that feeds on radiation and trace gases, that doesn't seem too ridiculous.  The only evidence for physically separate colonies mutating together is that they mutate to dissolve synthetic rubber in two places, but given everything we don't know, that could plausibly have happened by chance.


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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 07 May, 2014, 07:32:59 pm
The Railway Man. A disjointed film, and rather different to the book, but very effective. I wept gallons. Just one small point: I notice it was filmed on location in Australia, Thailand and, er, Scotland. The border's moved rather a long way south when I wasn't looking, then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 07 May, 2014, 09:14:58 pm
The Hobbit 2 - The Desolation of an Evening

What a tedious and over-stretched story that was.

Firstly I'm a fan of the 3 LOTR films.  I know it annoyed some fans of the book but I think it's an incredible, epic, achievement,

The Hobbit 2 takes a bunch of characters I really don't care much about and, by the end, wish they would hurry up and die some gruesome death. 

I can't stress enough just how thin this story is stretched.

Dear Peter Jackson..here is a warning (should you ever decide to make a film of a book again).....it takes less time to read The Hobbit than watch your film version!!!!!

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 07 May, 2014, 09:20:53 pm
The Lego Movie. Better then some kids' films, but still drivel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 08 May, 2014, 08:54:59 am
Reservoir Dogs...
...I saw a stage version once, in a tiny Norwich theatre. Odd, but fun. My friend hadn't seen the film - he was a little bemused ...
Yep - 90+% of the action takes place in one of 3 rooms. Again, not something I'd really appreciated until I watched it this week.
Surprised by your first para - what on earth happened in those 15 seconds?!? It's been a while ...
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 May, 2014, 12:55:58 pm
Ah yes, I remember it well.

The sort-of similar scene in PF is where
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What I like about those 2 films is how the viewer is often shocked by a moment, even without much gory detail. So much is just off-screen, or suggested. If you listed every violent moment to a current teenage kid, he certainly wouldn't think they sound like "violent" films.
 Shame he seemed to forget what he's good at in later years ... I think we've discussed this many pages ago ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 11 May, 2014, 04:55:17 pm
Captain Phillips

It has been a while since a thriller actually had me on the edge of my seat. And Tom Hanks performance, particularly at the end is brilliant (As always)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Juan Martín on 11 May, 2014, 06:36:38 pm
Me too! Captain Phillips, via DVD last night. A bit full on to be honest; I was exhausted by the end of it. Also whatever part Tom Hanks plays I am unable to disassociate his voice from Woody in Toy Story. Another thing, I watched really carefully right to the end and I didn't spot Princess Anne once. How different to the life of our own dear Princess Royal.

(Edit for typo)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 11 May, 2014, 06:54:05 pm
If you want to be on the edge of your seat all night, whilst watching the HOBBIT 2, may I suggest putting about 8 cushions behind you on the sofa.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 12 May, 2014, 08:34:58 am
Hell Drivers

A fifties period piece with some mega stars in the making

Stanley Baker
Patrick McGoohan
Sean Connery et al.

Must have been a lot of war surplus clothing around in those days; would go for big bucks on ebay now!

Enjoyable stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jogler on 12 May, 2014, 08:46:30 am
thread hijack.......

Not only war surplus clothing but vehicles also.

On a bomb site near to my prefab (granny's) home were two 5 ton trucks & a tracked Bren gun carrier,all abandoned & rusting away.A true paradise for small boys with a big imagination.

I suspect these too would be expensive to acquire nowadays;particularly the BG carrier.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 12 May, 2014, 06:42:48 pm
Pacific Rim

 :thumbsup:

Giant Robots fighting Giant Sea Creatures!   :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 May, 2014, 07:50:51 pm
Pacific Rim

 :thumbsup:

Giant Robots fighting Giant Sea Creatures!   :D

The visuals are very very good. The story/acting however....Really expected more from Del Toro.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 13 May, 2014, 09:37:21 am
The Railway Man. A disjointed film, and rather different to the book, but very effective. I wept gallons. Just one small point: I notice it was filmed on location in Australia, Thailand and, er, Scotland. The border's moved rather a long way south when I wasn't looking, then.

Saw this at the weekend, yes it's very good.

If you're referring to the IMDB claim that it was shot in Berwick-upon-Tweed, apparently it wasn't, it was actually North Berwick, E Lothian, although Berwick-upon-Tweed was where Lomax lived.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 13 May, 2014, 10:10:05 am
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

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Worth a watch, but don't go out of your way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 13 May, 2014, 05:10:59 pm
The Railway Man. A disjointed film, and rather different to the book, but very effective. I wept gallons. Just one small point: I notice it was filmed on location in Australia, Thailand and, er, Scotland. The border's moved rather a long way south when I wasn't looking, then.

Saw this at the weekend, yes it's very good.

If you're referring to the IMDB claim that it was shot in Berwick-upon-Tweed, apparently it wasn't, it was actually North Berwick, E Lothian, although Berwick-upon-Tweed was where Lomax lived.

No. I am referring to Lindisfarne. That is where the car is parked on the sands by a little hut on stilts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 May, 2014, 11:11:09 pm
The new Pantani film. Worth watching and a beautifully-shot well-balanced look at the life of a talented and flawed racer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 May, 2014, 05:33:44 pm
"Frozen", a Disney animation. It is currently our grand-daughter's favourite and has played about four times today.  I have, in between other tasks and chores, seen just about all of it once through and a few bits several times. I quite enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 15 May, 2014, 09:09:35 pm
Godzilla.  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 16 May, 2014, 11:12:38 am
No. I am referring to Lindisfarne. That is where the car is parked on the sands by a little hut on stilts.

Ah, yes, sorry misunderstood, thought you were saying it wasn't shot in Scotland!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 16 May, 2014, 12:25:44 pm
If you want to be on the edge of your seat all night, whilst watching the HOBBIT 2, may I suggest putting about 8 cushions behind you on the sofa.


Lee? Just wanted to pass on my own personal experience. I tried this with eight cushions the other evening, while watching Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Event, but found it left very little room to actually be EOTS (Edge Of The Seat). It worked fine with five cushions, but the film didn't warrant EOTS, and found it quite comfortable in the normal film-mode of one cushion. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 16 May, 2014, 12:28:16 pm
Godzilla.  :thumbsup:

Is it worth going to see this in IMAX 3D, d'you think?  I've a long weekend off  8)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andygates on 16 May, 2014, 12:30:07 pm
Bigger is definitely better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 16 May, 2014, 12:30:59 pm
Cool  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 20 May, 2014, 04:57:17 pm
Famous Five drive fast and furious… er… No.5. On the telly.

I suspended belief constantly thoughout the film. Two muscle cars dragging a safe by wires, weighing several tonnes, around Rio's roads cooooouuuld happen I suppose … but I very much doubt it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 May, 2014, 05:00:39 pm
Edge of Darkness (2010)

Mel Gibson on form, but not a patch on the original TV series.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 May, 2014, 05:06:54 pm
Edge of Darkness (2010)

Mel Gibson on form, but not a patch on the original TV series.

I vaguely remember yet another OTT performance from Ray Winstone in this, did I recall right?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 20 May, 2014, 05:31:04 pm
You have earned yourself 10 points!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 May, 2014, 05:35:47 pm
Edge of Darkness (2010)

Mel Gibson on form, but not a patch on the original TV series.

I vaguely remember yet another OTT performance from Ray Winstone in this, did I recall right?

Yes.  Had to make sure the audience knew he was *English*.  Bollocks, guv'ner.

Not sure how much this was a homage to Joe Don Baker's portrayal of Jedburgh in the original.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 20 May, 2014, 07:18:48 pm
Edge of Darkness (2010)

Mel Gibson on form, but not a patch on the original TV series.

I vaguely remember yet another OTT performance from Ray Winstone in this, did I recall right?

Yes.  Had to make sure the audience knew he was *English*.  Bollocks, guv'ner.

Not sure how much this was a homage to Joe Don Baker's portrayal of Jedburgh in the original.

I thought the original was SO good, I'll never watch the "remake" - I just know it wouldn't match up.

Sure - it looks old, but it's still a gripping watch, not to mention a great "listen" with the Eric Clapton/Michael Kamen soundtrack. Bollox to any "remake"  >:(

Get me Pendleton!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 20 May, 2014, 07:29:11 pm
In the original Bob Peck finds Joanna Whalley's (his dead daughter's) vibrator. He kisses it. It sounds crass but it was a really moving scene, he's ripped up by grief. The scene is..odd, but authentic.

Ray Winstone can cock off, he stinks up every film he's been in, the useless tory tax exile.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 May, 2014, 12:01:10 am
I thought the original was SO good, I'll never watch the "remake" - I just know it wouldn't match up.

If you watch it with the level of expectation appropriate for say, the American remake of Red Dwarf, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 21 May, 2014, 08:32:35 am
2012 (2009)   - the film with John Cusack, just to avoid confusion!

Awful. Unbelievably shite awful. The crockiest shit of a movie I've ever begun to watch. No, I didn't see it through. I lasted maybe 20 or 30 minutes. How it ever saw the light of day just astounds me.

It did not know what it was trying to be, or trying to say, or trying to do. I can only figure that the director thought that if you throw enough stuff into the mix  (is that what is called a 'roller coaster' ride these days?) that something would stick for everyone. It's shit that sticks. 

Leaden dialogue. OTT special effects (possibly why it had the success it had). This might surprise you but I cannot emphasise enough how much I hated this film! 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Vince on 21 May, 2014, 09:25:16 am
the American remake of Red Dwarf
<shudders!>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 May, 2014, 09:32:31 am
Leaden dialogue. OTT special effects (possibly why it had the success it had). This might surprise you but I cannot emphasise enough how much I hated this film!
But the neutrinos are heating up!

It's worth watching Woody Harrelson's performance. 'specially when he is blown up by a super-volcano.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dave_C on 21 May, 2014, 09:59:47 am
Film house in Edinburgh. Accidental Death Of A Cyclist I think its called? Basically the life story of Marco Pantani. Very good I though but then I like most stuff on at the flicks. Ot wasn't really conclusive or bad in a blame way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 May, 2014, 12:40:19 pm
the American remake of Red Dwarf
<shudders!>

It's on Youtube.  Don't look.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 May, 2014, 02:00:05 pm
Zulu, the 1964 Stanley Baker/Cy Endfield one (there's a totally different film of the same name doing the rounds at present).

Bloody marvellous film. Shame Stanley Baker died so young.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 22 May, 2014, 09:51:50 am
Zulu, the 1964 Stanley Baker/Cy Endfield one

It is a good film. Probably one of my faves. The sight and sound of the Zulu warriors amassed on the hill tops, banging their shields, sends chills down the spine.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 22 May, 2014, 10:32:14 am
Zulu, the 1964 Stanley Baker/Cy Endfield one

It is a good film. Probably one of my faves. The sight and sound of the Zulu warriors amassed on the hill tops, banging their shields, sends chills down the spine.

According to Michael Caine in his autobiography - he was about the only member of the crew on the set who didn't succumb to dysentery during filming. He put this down to his then bottle-of-brandy-a-day habit  :).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 May, 2014, 09:55:05 pm
Godzilla.

Rather faithful, Godzilla played with the usual monster pathos of having to save the ant-like humans while they take pot shots at him with tanks and F22s.

Monster fight teased out a bit though, they should have got down to earlier. Everyone wants monster rumble.

Lead characters a bit wonderbread, they should have stuck with Cranston, Binoche and given Watanabe some lines and told him to stop looking like he needed a shit. Alas, movie rules have it that leads must look about ten years old.

3D was a bit pointless, but if you're going to watch monsters fight, it's got to be IMAX.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 May, 2014, 12:06:17 am
Inspired by a post earlier, I re-watched Malcolm.  It's every bit as delightfully silly as when I first saw it as an impressionable yoof.

I reckon it's overdue for a pointless reboot.  Edinburgh would seem like a good setting.   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 23 May, 2014, 12:25:22 am
Godzilla.

Rather faithful, Godzilla played with the usual monster pathos of having to save the ant-like humans while they take pot shots at him with tanks and F22s.

Monster fight teased out a bit though, they should have got down to earlier. Everyone wants monster rumble.

Lead characters a bit wonderbread, they should have stuck with Cranston, Binoche and given Watanabe some lines and told him to stop looking like he needed a shit. Alas, movie rules have it that leads must look about ten years old.

3D was a bit pointless, but if you're going to watch monsters fight, it's got to be IMAX.

Or, indeed IMAX 3D.

Just got back.  Some epic big monsterage!  And the noise was marvellous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 May, 2014, 08:34:44 am
Godzilla.

Rather faithful, Godzilla played with the usual monster pathos of having to save the ant-like humans while they take pot shots at him with tanks and F22s.

Monster fight teased out a bit though, they should have got down to earlier. Everyone wants monster rumble.

Lead characters a bit wonderbread, they should have stuck with Cranston, Binoche and given Watanabe some lines and told him to stop looking like he needed a shit. Alas, movie rules have it that leads must look about ten years old.

3D was a bit pointless, but if you're going to watch monsters fight, it's got to be IMAX.

Or, indeed IMAX 3D.

Just got back.  Some epic big monsterage!  And the noise was marvellous.

I did IMAX 3D, but they usually just stick a few floating objects (debris, leaves) for 3D. I only watch movies on the IMAX these days after I went to an Odeon multiplex and screen 7 turned out to be the old 14 inch portable TV we'd got rid of in 1998. Apparently the IMAX at Waterloo is the biggest screen in Europe. Last time I went it was the biggest screen in Britain. Not sure what happened there, but I like to think the IMAXes are fighting it out. The one from Waterloo popped over to Germany one evening and did theirs in.

The giant one in Hollywood is going its too. Oh yeah.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 May, 2014, 12:16:16 pm
IMAX Bristol didn't last long. Went there once and nearly caught an apple.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 23 May, 2014, 01:58:30 pm
The new Pantani film. Worth watching and a beautifully-shot well-balanced look at the life of a talented and flawed racer.

I can't wait to see this.  Pantani was unique and beautiful to watch on a bike.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dave_C on 23 May, 2014, 02:05:48 pm
The new Pantani film. Worth watching and a beautifully-shot well-balanced look at the life of a talented and flawed racer.

I can't wait to see this.  Pantani was unique and beautiful to watch on a bike.

Hate to spoil it but he dies in the end. :0(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 23 May, 2014, 10:41:42 pm
After Earth.

<will_smith>
Damn!
</will_smith>

Oh Dear.  :facepalm:

Will - work out your family issues yourselves. Don't make them into a film for us all to "enjoy".

ETA: Oh, and you - M Night Shyamalan - you're better than this too. Buck up man!

Tonight I watched "The pursuit of Happiness". It contained the same combination of Will Smith and Smith-the-younger, Jaden Smith.

It was SO much better than Afterearth. Actually quite a good film, if films about the 80s are your thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 24 May, 2014, 09:00:36 am
As mentioned elsewhere, I was due to watch Pacific Rim on my own last night. Due to having to change plans, I watched it with TLD.

I enjoyed it.

TLD said "I don't normally like sci-fi, but I enjoyed that"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Karla on 24 May, 2014, 11:27:04 am
Premium Rush.  I could feel myself becoming a worse cyclist all the way through  8)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 24 May, 2014, 07:26:39 pm
Premium Rush.  I could feel myself becoming a worse cyclist all the way through  8)

I watched that on an aeroplane last year.  It was fun  :D

Just watched Nanny McPhee.  Perfect for a grey afternoon when you feel poorly.  It really was rather good old-fashioned fairytale stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 May, 2014, 11:11:22 pm
My recently acquired Blu Ray edition of V for Vendetta.

Works for me :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 25 May, 2014, 11:38:48 pm
My recently acquired Blu Ray edition of V for Vendetta.

Works for me :thumbsup:

Exackly what m'boy said, trying to persuade me to watch it with him.  Something to do with pizza?

Anyway, tonight I watched Contact again.  I bloody love that film.

Also Jodie Foster's hair is invariably brilliant in it.  How does she do that?

Matthew McConnaghy.  Oh, my.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 May, 2014, 11:49:05 pm
My recently acquired Blu Ray edition of V for Vendetta.

Works for me :thumbsup:

Exackly what m'boy said, trying to persuade me to watch it with him.  Something to do with pizza?

Nope. It is about civil disobedience and revolution. Oh, and Natalie Portman.

My recently acquired Blu Ray edition of V for Vendetta.

Works for me :thumbsup:

Anyway, tonight I watched Contact again.  I bloody love that film.

Also Jodie Foster's hair is invariably brilliant in it.  How does she do that?

Matthew McConnaghy.  Oh, my.

I too love Contact.

I can't explain the hair beyond it must be The Hollywood Effect.

Where else on earth can a chick with great hair wake up in the morning with great hair or, take of an motorcycle helmet to reveal great hair?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 25 May, 2014, 11:52:10 pm
Jodie Foster does not ride any motorcycles in Contact.

What the buggery fuck are you talking about fuzzy?  Her hair is great, regardless of helmetry, motorbikery, or anything else.  Jodie Foster's hair is just perfect.  Trufax.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 May, 2014, 11:59:49 pm
I has no doubt that her hair is Trufax perfick. I'm just saying that she is no mortal. She has got a real solid case of Hollywood. Hollywood solves all issues.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 26 May, 2014, 01:05:11 am
This is true.  Imagine Amanda Tapping playing the role instead.  Perfectly competent, perhaps technically ideal for the job, but while her hair is undoubtedly hollywood, it's far from perfect.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 26 May, 2014, 07:50:57 am
Ah, yes, sorry, take your point there fuzzy  ;D

Although, technically, I think there may be a hair out of place when she comes round in the capsule when it lands in the water.  But it still looks perfect.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 May, 2014, 04:29:10 pm
I liked 'V For Vendetta' too. I wasn't expecting to and at times I thought it a bit heavy handed (Tories are evil) but, all-in-all, I enjoyed it.

I watched Insomnia (again) last night. I really like that film, I love the pacing and way it captures the whole 'lack of sleep' thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 27 May, 2014, 09:53:03 pm
Captain Philips.

7/10.  It's 20 minutes too long, most of that time spent in the lifeboat.

Sometimes I found it hard not to think of Woody from Toy Story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 June, 2014, 11:49:24 pm
12 Years a Slave.

Watching "Roots" is still fresh in my memory, even though it's been a third of a century or more since I saw it.

I'm not sure this really added anything but I suppose there are a couple of generations who never saw Roots.

OK I suppose if you want to watch 2 solid hours of unrelenting cruelty and 2 minutes of happy ending.  I mean it's a film about how bad it is to be a slave and it definitely shows you that.

I'm just not sure how you judge it as entertainment, or Oscar material, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 June, 2014, 11:54:53 pm
The History Boys.

"Rotten Tomatoes" reviews were very average so I've delayed watching it.  I haven't seen the stage play.

I couldn't take my eyes off it.  it felt like a 5 minute film.  That's the best praise I can give it really.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 June, 2014, 11:58:10 pm
War Horse

Although to be fair we only watched the front half of the horse as the DVD player played up.

So far so poor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 02 June, 2014, 12:58:24 am
Robocop (the new one).

It's not bad, but I still think the original is better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 June, 2014, 10:26:50 am
Robocop (the new one).

It's not bad, but I still think the original is better.

Another film that didn't require a remake.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 02 June, 2014, 10:31:11 am
Primates of the Caribbean. A film so poor that we all agreed, after 5 minutes, to switch it off.

We then watched Turbo. Much better, even if then general premise is exactly the same as Cars, Cars 2 and Planes.

Also rewatched Pacific Rim, this time with Mrs T. It is as good the second time round.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 02 June, 2014, 11:06:13 am
Edge of Tomorrow. Really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 June, 2014, 11:30:20 am
X-Men, future past or something.

Should have been great. Giant robots, that naked blue woman, Hugh Jackman hamming it up. Peter Dinklage being very evil. Somehow it was a bit meh. It had some new characters. Someone who played Portal so much that they could do it in the real world. The very very best bit is a set piece with a superfast teenager, played with teenage irrelevance. Amazing bit of filming at 3600fps and cgi.

I think the franchise is played out. There is nothing bigger/badder/more-spectacular they can do. They've done kids discovering superpowers. They've done evil nazis. They've done 'I love you but I have to kill you because you'll destroy the world'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 02 June, 2014, 10:21:17 pm
Edge of Darkness (2010)

Mel Gibson on form, but not a patch on the original TV series.

Just started watching this but the French release is called 'Hors de Controle' so I didn't twig until 15 minutes in. If Mel had smelt the vibrator I'd have realised sooner!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 June, 2014, 07:52:18 am
Last night I watche 'The Warriors', a 1979 film that I haven't seen for 28- 29 years.

Still as fresh as it was the first time I saw it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 June, 2014, 12:01:01 pm
Last night I watche 'The Warriors', a 1979 film that I haven't seen for 28- 29 years.

Still as fresh as it was the first time I saw it.

"Warriors, come out and play-ay!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 June, 2014, 12:02:37 pm
I also saw Edge of Tomorrow at the weekend and thought it was great fun.

I would recommend not seeing the trailer if you haven’t already as it is quite spoilery, I’ll try to be less spoilery if I can).

It’s been called ‘Starship Troopers meets Groundhog Day’ and if you see the film you’ll understand why.  Pleasantly splodey without being dumb or dull, it manages to be relatively inventive despite being necessarily repetitive due to the story, reminiscent of ‘Source Code’.  Emily Blunt has a better role than the one she had in ‘Oblivion’ although I would have liked a bit more about her back story.

There is a very handwavy bit part way through where the premise of the film is explained as quickly as they can get away with it, in a ‘sounds good if you say it fast’ kind of way but go along with it as the film carries on being fun for the most part. Towards the end it does kind of feel a bit like computer game ending but it just about works – good overall and great fun on a big screen – good to see decent power armour for a change (it also has Bill Paxton in shouty sergeant mode).

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 03 June, 2014, 12:42:38 pm
Last night I watche 'The Warriors', a 1979 film that I haven't seen for 28- 29 years.

Still as fresh as it was the first time I saw it.

"Warriors, come out and play-ay!"

I do like that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 03 June, 2014, 01:29:52 pm
"Why d'you do it, why d'you waste Cyrus?"
"No reason, I just like doing things like that"

One of the few films I went back to the cinema to watch again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 June, 2014, 05:05:22 pm
I also saw Edge of Tomorrow at the weekend and thought it was great fun.

It’s been called ‘Starship Troopers meets Groundhog Day’

I've seen 2 interviews with Tom Cruise about this film and it seems that "his people" must have insisted that "NOBODY FREAKIN' MENTIONS GROUNDHOG DAY..OK?".

So, chat-show host says "it's a story about a man who keeps reliving the same day and uses the situation to improve things for the better" AND NOBODY MENTIONS GROUNDHOG DAY?????  Really?

I expect Tom would point out that there is no Groundhog in the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 03 June, 2014, 07:38:18 pm
The thing is, groundhog day never gives an explanation, Edge of tomorrow at least attempts to.

It's a lot like a computer game, in a good way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 June, 2014, 09:01:38 pm
The thing is, groundhog day never gives an explanation, Edge of tomorrow at least attempts to.


You'd think someone in the film would have mentioned Groundhog Day, it's sure to be a classic film in the future.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 04 June, 2014, 10:05:54 am
You'd think someone in the film would have mentioned Groundhog Day, it's sure to be a classic film in the future.

It's one of my favourite ever films... but I must admit that it caught me at just the right moment. On subsequent viewings, I've never quite captured that same feeling I had on first seeing it... which I feel is somehow ironic/fitting. I still really enjoy it and the matter of why the time loop occurs has never concerned me.... however, Andie McDowell still falls for Bill Murray after only one night, despite him being someone she has despised for yonks! Ah well, let that one slide eh? ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 04 June, 2014, 12:17:36 pm
Rush, last night at home with C Minor. Back in the '70s, I was a proper F1 nerd and James Hunt was my absolute hero. I learned everything I ever knew about drinking, smoking and hard partying from trying to emulate him! The film absolutely encapsulated the man I remember (though I never met him). Nikki Lauda I did meet, though many years later and in a professional capacity. I think he'd mellowed more than somewhat by then.

The film gives a great feel of the excitement of F1 when death was an ever present risk, and it's lovely to see those old cars actually being driven. It's actually quite hard to tell what is old footage, what is CGI and what is recently filmed, though knowledge and logic makes some of it obvious. It was great to see Crystal Palace hosting racing cars again - I was at the very last motor racing meeting (a karting meet) back in 1971, I think.

It's a bloody good film, and brought back many happy memories for me. And it reminded me of the wonderful chemistry Murray Walker and James had in the commentary box some years later. So sad that James died so ignominiously; he deserved a grander fate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 04 June, 2014, 12:49:05 pm
Richard Burton met Hunt's wife while skiing, offered Hunt a million pounds for her and he agreed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 04 June, 2014, 02:21:07 pm
You'd think someone in the film would have mentioned Groundhog Day, it's sure to be a classic film in the future.

It's one of my favourite ever films... but I must admit that it caught me at just the right moment. On subsequent viewings, I've never quite captured that same feeling I had on first seeing it... which I feel is somehow ironic/fitting. I still really enjoy it and the matter of why the time loop occurs has never concerned me.... however, Andie McDowell still falls for Bill Murray after only one night, despite him being someone she has despised for yonks! Ah well, let that one slide eh? ;)

So Groundhog Day is basically the most detailed documentation to date of a grudge fuck?

I love Groundhog Day as a film but the idea that the ultimate fulfilment that Bill Murray’s character can achieve is a successful date with Andie McDowell is a bit crap.  Bill Murray himself seems to reference this by the hammy way he says “Let’s live here” at the end of the movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 04 June, 2014, 03:09:46 pm
There's the strange bit in Groundhog day where Murray finds out he can't change fate. The tramp dies no matter what he does,  he only moves on when he has a successful date with Andie McDowell, and he's implemented all the other changes in his life. This differs massively from Edge of Tomorrow, where anyone can die or be saved.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 04 June, 2014, 03:17:58 pm
Edge-of-Tomorrows-Future-Past-Zilla.

Seen in order of release.  They're all kind of good, for summer blockbuster superhero movies. 
Godzilla was better than I expected.  I'm not really a fan of the genre, so I probably didn't get the references and therefore found it 'ok' rather than 'triffic'.  Bryan Cranston clearly needs some meatier chunks of material to gnaw on, because he's good.  I think Pacific Rim v Godzilla is a close-run thing, apart from the fact that both suffer from characterisation that wouldn't task a child. 
X-Men is tired.  It was ok for its type, but I'm bored with them now. 
The Tom/Emily one is actually pretty good.  Switch your brain off and roll along with it.  That's something I have difficulty with these days, requiring somewhat more meat on the bones, but there's just enough bounce to stop me becoming distracted and going "Hang on, what about…?"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 04 June, 2014, 03:50:12 pm
I love Groundhog Day as a film but the idea that the ultimate fulfilment that Bill Murray’s character can achieve is a successful date with Andie McDowell is a bit crap. 

He's stuck in Punxsutawney and the phone lines are down.  His options are limited.



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 04 June, 2014, 04:52:27 pm
I love Groundhog Day as a film but the idea that the ultimate fulfilment that Bill Murray’s character can achieve is a successful date with Andie McDowell is a bit crap. 

He's stuck in Punxsutawney and the phone lines are down.  His options are limited.

An eternity spent sleeping with ‘squirrel noise orgasm’ lady every night seems preferable to a life involved with Andie McDowell’s character.  Also, that snow sculpture he does looks nothing like her.  It’s the Lionel Ritchie bust scandal all over again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 June, 2014, 11:20:42 am
Edge of Tomorrow. Rather good. Didn't try to be too clever or serious. Everyone got to shoot aliens. Really, someone needs to do something about aliens, always coming down here and messing things up and causing all kinds of nonsense. Bill Paxton seemed to really enjoy yelling at Tom, and Tom always does a good not-very-good character (as per War of the Worlds). Emily Blunt can come round to my house for tea and scones any time she wants. Well scripted with some quite funny lines (you got a sense everyone enjoyed making it). 3D was, as ever, a bit pointless other than a couple of post-production alien fights and the ubiquitous falling debris in front the camera.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 05 June, 2014, 01:30:32 pm
Emily Blunt's a mum now, which made me sad because it makes it less likely we'll ever get together.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 05 June, 2014, 04:32:31 pm
Emily Blunt's a mum now, which made me sad because it makes it less likely we'll ever get together.

Is that because Hollywood marriages are known to last forever?  (or because you aren't into MILFs?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 05 June, 2014, 06:11:26 pm
None of the flaws in Groundhog Day matter ; it has that punch.

(And Bill Murray.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 06 June, 2014, 03:06:37 pm
None of the flaws in Groundhog Day matter ; it has that punch.

(And Bill Murray.)

Agreed. One day the world will appreciate the genius of the film!  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 June, 2014, 06:24:49 pm
I rather like Lee's idea of a Tom Cruise SF character mentioning it  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ferret on 06 June, 2014, 10:40:10 pm
well I've seen Noah and Godzilla recently, not sure why but I was surprised that noah was based on "that" noah, not convinced the ark would have floated for very long being that shape?? love the idea of getting all the animals stoned to keep the peace,  still interesting film all the same
and Godzilla, well! exactly what you'd expect, could have been a bit more suspenseful in the beginning but plenty of noise, explosions and a rather pensive looking Japanese scientist who didn't seem to know what was going on, what more do you need You can feel the sound great!!!

Edit, I have had my eye on young Miss Blunt since she appeared in Foyle's War, does this give me first dibs :))
       
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 06 June, 2014, 10:54:49 pm
None of the flaws in Groundhog Day matters

Agreed. It's one of those films that perhaps isn't top class, but when you come across it, you have to watch it.

Other examples from the top of my head are Home Alone, City Slickers, Midnight Run.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 June, 2014, 09:39:20 pm
You'd think someone in the film would have mentioned Groundhog Day, it's sure to be a classic film in the future.

It's one of my favourite ever films... but I must admit that it caught me at just the right moment. On subsequent viewings, I've never quite captured that same feeling I had on first seeing it... which I feel is somehow ironic/fitting. I still really enjoy it and the matter of why the time loop occurs has never concerned me.... however, Andie McDowell still falls for Bill Murray after only one night, despite him being someone she has despised for yonks! Ah well, let that one slide eh? ;)
Anything with Bill Murray in it is automatically better than just about anything else. Trufax.

I watched Iron Sky today.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 08 June, 2014, 09:33:37 am
Anything with Bill Murray in it is automatically better than just about anything else.

He has created rather an interesting situation for himself with his acting in that, arguably like Sean Connery (and others!), he's pretty much always the same character... and that character is damned enjoyable! Somehow, he manages to add layers/nuance to his silence, to his dead expressions, just to make each character he plays just a little bit different. I think it's something he does naturally, I don't think he needs to work at it. I don't think, as much as I love him, that he's a 'great' actor. Just extremely good at what he does. I'd imagine for those that don't like his usual persona that he's extremely irritating/one-dimensional/annoying!

For me, he's probably at his best in 'Broken Flowers' but 'Lost in Translation' is up there too for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 08 June, 2014, 12:33:29 pm
Expendibles 2.

Enjoyable stupid trash.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 08 June, 2014, 04:30:25 pm
For me, he's probably at his best in 'Broken Flowers' but 'Lost in Translation' is up there too for me.

Lost in Translation has for a long time, been my favourite film in the category "Where nothing happens".

Last night, we watched Pacific Rim. At least, fboab watched it (and really seemed to enjoy it - "OMG - I'm a teenage boy after all!") and I kept falling asleep. Beer and wine may or may not have been involved.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 08 June, 2014, 04:33:34 pm
Anything with Bill Murray in it is automatically better than just about anything else.

He has created rather an interesting situation for himself with his acting in that, arguably like Sean Connery (and others!), he's pretty much always the same character... and that character is damned enjoyable! Somehow, he manages to add layers/nuance to his silence, to his dead expressions, just to make each character he plays just a little bit different. I think it's something he does naturally, I don't think he needs to work at it. I don't think, as much as I love him, that he's a 'great' actor. Just extremely good at what he does. I'd imagine for those that don't like his usual persona that he's extremely irritating/one-dimensional/annoying!

For me, he's probably at his best in 'Broken Flowers' but 'Lost in Translation' is up there too for me.

Interesting topic really.

I think a lot of my favourite actors are just naturally engaging people, just reading a script.

I love Clint Eastwood in the Spaghetti Westerns but have you ever heard Clint speaking?  Turns out he was just reading the script.

Some actors who really "Act" can be terrible.  I find Dustin Hoffman unwatchable, I can literally see him acting, same for Al Pacino post-Godfather.

Kevin Spacey is an example of someone really acting and doing it in a way that I truly forget they are acting and engage with the character.
He's an incredible "everyman" actor.

Bill Murray is blessed with "Funny Bones", he just doesn't even have to try in order to inject subtle (or not-that-subtle) humour into a film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 08 June, 2014, 04:57:43 pm
Edge of Tomorrow. Starts well, the first forty minutes is good, then mad scientist bloke starts to explain the inexplicable, Cruise walks into a General's office and says "The future of mankind important enough for you?" , the lovely Emily Blunt is wasted and the film falls apart. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 08 June, 2014, 05:10:39 pm
To combine the last 2 posts, Tom Cruise is someone who, I think, acts too technically. I find him far too self aware to ever be convincing. It's like he's perpetually saying to himself 'I bet I'm good in this role'. He may well be good but he just tries too damned hard. It comes across (to me at least) as dishonesty. But as he comes across with the same way in interviews, maybe that is him! Maybe he's forgotten who he is and is always acting!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 June, 2014, 09:24:12 am
Edge of Tomorrow. Starts well, the first forty minutes is good, then mad scientist bloke starts to explain the inexplicable, Cruise walks into a General's office and says "The future of mankind important enough for you?" , the lovely Emily Blunt is wasted and the film falls apart.

I think they needed the exposition and they got it over with. That's it. Deal with it.

I do like TC. He's admirably mad. He's also not aging. At all. The Imax screen isn't too kind on your average Hollywood star, what with every pore and blemish scaled up to the size of a double-decker bus. Little TC, though, it's like he's made out of babies.

Oh god.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 09 June, 2014, 03:39:23 pm
…And now you know how Dan O'Bannon got the idea for his first draft of 'Alien'…   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 09 June, 2014, 11:08:13 pm
The new X-Men movie in 3D  :thumbsup:

Bloody brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 10 June, 2014, 11:51:30 am
I feel I have to get this off my chest.

(click to show/hide)

tl;dr
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 10 June, 2014, 09:43:08 pm
I feel your pain, Woofage.

TLD liked it, but she is 10. She also redeemed her film-cred by liking Pacific Rim.

Still can't get her to like Star Wars, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 10 June, 2014, 10:24:38 pm
The Grand Hotel Budapest.

I enjoyed it a lot. Tis a silly film. I must have watched another film after that one but I can't remember what it was.

ETA: The 2nd film was Philomena. It was ok but TGHB was much better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 10 June, 2014, 10:33:09 pm
The Accidental Death of a Cyclist

Marco Pantani was the only athlete who ever caught my imagination.  A lonely, beautiful rider who shone with the effortless flight of his climbing.  I'd never seen anything like it. 

Pantani.  Ulrich.  Armstrong.

For me, there were those three names.

Some people may remember Coppi, Indurain and Bartali.   Indurain was an icon, an extraordinary rider who dominated the field.  But those three young men, in their diverse, driven, single minded intent to dominate in Indurain's wake, were the riders of my time.

Some of the footage that held me mesmerised, while the dinner burned and Crusty whined, is in this film.  Pantani, ascending like a butterfly.  Ulrich, striving in pain.  Armstrong, almost broken under the weigh of his own expectation.  It was a new golden era.  But we didn't know it, yet.

Then the riders were sitting in the road, refusing to go on, because they were being challenged by the police in the middle of the night after days of suffering and competing.  The Festina nightmare.  In the middle of it all - Pantani. 

Armstrong survived, for a while.  Ullrich vanished.  Pantani was ultimately destroyed.

This is a wonderful film.  Watching it broke my heart all over again, watching as a sensitive man was ripped away from the sport that was his life. 

Somebody profited from EPO.  I don't know who it was, but they deserve to burn in hell.

This is a very good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: thelazycyclist on 11 June, 2014, 08:22:42 am
A million ways to die in the West.

This film doesn't seem to have had very good reviews.  One reviewer said that it has too many fart jokes in it.  It does have a lot of crude jokes and puerile humour in, along the lines of Dumb and Dumber, but if you don't mind dumb jokes then you might enjoy it.  There is one brief sight of a sheep's penis, and also someone poos into a hat, so if you think that might offend you, probably best to avoid it.  Fans of costume dramas such as Downton Abbey might not enjoy it. 

The film is set in 1882 but the characters speak in 21st century dialogue, using terms like gf for girlfriend, and I liked that about it.  Also, there are a few small cameo appearances by some big name actors, which I also enjoyed. 

If you've seen the trailer for it, there are a lot of funny bits in the trailer, and I thought it might be one of those cases where 90 minutes of padding has been added to the 90 seconds of funny bits to make a film.  But actually there were a lot of other very funny bits, which hadn't been in the trailer.  My favourite part is the bit with the dead Mayor. 

The cinema wasn't very full, but lots of people laughed out loud at various points of the film, although an Asian couple did walk out halfway through.  Not sure if this would have been through being offended or bored.

The film stars Seth Macfarlane who made the film Ted and who does the voices for Family Guy.  I've seen a few episodes of Family Guy but haven't found it especially funny, whereas I found this film much more so.

It also made me feel better about watching all those Sunday afternoon westerns during the 70s because it was so not a normal western.  I suppose the only other films that I can remember that have combined the western era with modern humour or technology were Back to the Future 3 or Cowboys and Aliens.

I've seen a lot of supposed comedies which are not funny at all, but I found this funny pretty much all the way through.  Often the punchline of a good joke can be an unexpected twist, where you think you know what's coming, but then something different and unexpected happens, and there was a lot of that in it.

On the other hand, it's possible that I enjoyed it more than a lot of the reviewers, because I am just that bit dumber.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 June, 2014, 05:48:09 pm
The Accidental Death of a Cyclist

Marco Pantani was the only athlete who ever caught my imagination.  A lonely, beautiful rider who shone with the effortless flight of his climbing.  I'd never seen anything like it. 

Pantani.  Ulrich.  Armstrong.

For me, there were those three names.

Some people may remember Coppi, Indurain and Bartali.   Indurain was an icon, an extraordinary rider who dominated the field.  But those three young men, in their diverse, driven, single minded intent to dominate in Indurain's wake, were the riders of my time.

Some of the footage that held me mesmerised, while the dinner burned and Crusty whined, is in this film.  Pantani, ascending like a butterfly.  Ulrich, striving in pain.  Armstrong, almost broken under the weigh of his own expectation.  It was a new golden era.  But we didn't know it, yet.

Then the riders were sitting in the road, refusing to go on, because they were being challenged by the police in the middle of the night after days of suffering and competing.  The Festina nightmare.  In the middle of it all - Pantani. 

Armstrong survived, for a while.  Ullrich vanished.  Pantani was ultimately destroyed.

This is a wonderful film.  Watching it broke my heart all over again, watching as a sensitive man was ripped away from the sport that was his life. 

Somebody profited from EPO.  I don't know who it was, but they deserve to burn in hell.

This is a very good film.

Think I might buy that.. 

Quote
Somebody profited from EPO.  I don't know who it was, but they deserve to burn in hell.

I thought 'Belleville Rendezvous' caricatured the business rather well.  As it did so much else.

I am watching 'Hell is a City'.  OK so far altho' as a reviewer on IMDb says it's slightly Americanised which lets it down just a tad (nothing against good US films per se, just don't think we need to imitate them). 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 13 June, 2014, 11:32:59 pm
The Accidental Death of a Cyclist

Marco Pantani was the only athlete who ever caught my imagination.  A lonely, beautiful rider who shone with the effortless flight of his climbing.  I'd never seen anything like it. 

Pantani.  Ulrich.  Armstrong.

For me, there were those three names.

Some people may remember Coppi, Indurain and Bartali.   Indurain was an icon, an extraordinary rider who dominated the field.  But those three young men, in their diverse, driven, single minded intent to dominate in Indurain's wake, were the riders of my time.

Some of the footage that held me mesmerised, while the dinner burned and Crusty whined, is in this film.  Pantani, ascending like a butterfly.  Ulrich, striving in pain.  Armstrong, almost broken under the weigh of his own expectation.  It was a new golden era.  But we didn't know it, yet.

Then the riders were sitting in the road, refusing to go on, because they were being challenged by the police in the middle of the night after days of suffering and competing.  The Festina nightmare.  In the middle of it all - Pantani. 

Armstrong survived, for a while.  Ullrich vanished.  Pantani was ultimately destroyed.

This is a wonderful film.  Watching it broke my heart all over again, watching as a sensitive man was ripped away from the sport that was his life. 

Somebody profited from EPO.  I don't know who it was, but they deserve to burn in hell.

This is a very good film.

Think I might buy that.. 

Quote
Somebody profited from EPO.  I don't know who it was, but they deserve to burn in hell.

I thought 'Belleville Rendezvous' caricatured the business rather well.  As it did so much else.


Cycle racing looked a lot better before they all had to wear hats.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 16 June, 2014, 01:30:23 pm
Dune

I bought a cheap copy on eBay as Miss W (a Twin Peaks fan) expressed an interest and I watched it myself the other night, just to check it's suitable you understand ;). For a 30 yo film the effects are obviously very basic by today's standards but the story hasn't lost anything. However some of the dialogue, especially the voiced thoughts of some of the characters, comes across as a little cheesy compared with what we're now used to (I haven't read the book(s) so I don't know if this is accurate or not).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 16 June, 2014, 01:35:43 pm
Dune

I bought a cheap copy on eBay as Miss W (a Twin Peaks fan) expressed an interest and I watched it myself the other night, just to check it's suitable you understand ;). For a 30 yo film the effects are obviously very basic by today's standards but the story hasn't lost anything. However some of the dialogue, especially the voiced thoughts of some of the characters, comes across as a little cheesy compared with what we're now used to (I haven't read the book(s) so I don't know if this is accurate or not).

My understanding is that the film is only acceptable if you haven't read the books (or have a particular interest in films featuring 80s rock stars).  One day I might read the books, maybe.  I hear they're quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 16 June, 2014, 02:53:05 pm
Dune

I bought a cheap copy on eBay as Miss W (a Twin Peaks fan) expressed an interest and I watched it myself the other night, just to check it's suitable you understand ;). For a 30 yo film the effects are obviously very basic by today's standards but the story hasn't lost anything. However some of the dialogue, especially the voiced thoughts of some of the characters, comes across as a little cheesy compared with what we're now used to (I haven't read the book(s) so I don't know if this is accurate or not).

My understanding is that the film is only acceptable if you haven't read the books (or have a particular interest in films featuring 80s rock stars).  One day I might read the books, maybe.  I hear they're quite good.

The David Lynch Dune film was a bit of a mess, albeit a glorious one, provided you ignore
(click to show/hide)

I've read the books and I actually quite like the Lynch version, it has its moments...

Mind you, the abortive Alejandro Jodorowsky production would have been even more of a mess that the Lynch version, though it's well worth checking out the concept artwork by Chris Foss, H.R. Giger and Jean "Moebius" Giraud.

As far as the books go, stick with the original six books written by Frank Herbert and avoid the sequels and prequels written by his son and Kevin J. Anderson. IIRC popular opinion on the originals is that the first two are the best, book 3 is OK, and the second trilogy tails off - but they are still miles better than the sequels and prequels.

Quote from: TV Tropes
FHM magazine once speculated that while they may have begun with notes from a deposit box, by the time of the last books they were down to a Post-it Frank left on the fridge saying "NOTE: Write more Dune books". Penny Arcade's assessment of these books was rather... blunt (http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2003/10/15).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 June, 2014, 03:02:39 pm
Rewatched Pierrepoint the other evening. Timothy Spall is excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 16 June, 2014, 08:17:37 pm
Runaway Train.  Extremely violent (the main antagonist, the psycho prison warden, comes to a satisfying end) and a rather good plot.  My only criticisms would be:

1. Jon Voight overdoes the "nutter" thing a bit
2. In some shots the four locomotives don't seem to be moving all that fast.

The shot where the train first appears out of the murk is awesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 16 June, 2014, 10:03:04 pm
Dune

I bought a cheap copy on eBay as Miss W (a Twin Peaks fan) expressed an interest and I watched it myself the other night, just to check it's suitable you understand ;). For a 30 yo film the effects are obviously very basic by today's standards but the story hasn't lost anything. However some of the dialogue, especially the voiced thoughts of some of the characters, comes across as a little cheesy compared with what we're now used to (I haven't read the book(s) so I don't know if this is accurate or not).

I'm still waiting for someone to make a proper rendition from the first three books.  Considering the thriving political currency of jihad I'd say that it could be made to do justice to them.  There's no reason why it couldn't be given the Game of Thrones* treatment by HBO, but so far all the versions I've seen are without exception dreadful.  You can throw the rest of the books in the bin.





*GoT: Beautifully made television wrestling with a story not worth the candle, with a cast of unsympathetic and unlikeable characters.  I've tried reading the books, and I've tried watching the series, but I just can't be arsed...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 17 June, 2014, 11:50:10 am
Cloud Atlas

Still trying to work out if that was clever & deserving of another viewing or a pile of childish crap with style & no substance.

The Great Gatsby

That was pretty good. Started out a bit of a Moulin Rouge parody, but turned into a decent film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 17 June, 2014, 12:14:50 pm
I've watched the Edge Of Darkness series over the last few weeks, because of the recommendations here. I liked it to start, stuck with it but thought it got progressively sillier as the ending neared. I couldn't get a handle on Craven - what was he exactly? A local copper? Secret services? He seemed to have had a number of experiences and contacts that made him difficult to place, and so accept as believable. I thought it hammy-intense too... but maybe it hasn't aged well.  I found some scenes amusing as they verged on homo-eroticism though! Maybe that was deliberate, or maybe that was to (clumsily) show Craven's 'sensitive side'? Dunno, whatever, I can't say I'd recommend it other than as an example of an 80s BBC production.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 17 June, 2014, 01:20:19 pm
I've watched the Edge Of Darkness series over the last few weeks, because of the recommendations here. I liked it to start, stuck with it but thought it got progressively sillier as the ending neared. I couldn't get a handle on Craven - what was he exactly? A local copper? Secret services? He seemed to have had a number of experiences and contacts that made him difficult to place, and so accept as believable. I thought it hammy-intense too... but maybe it hasn't aged well.  I found some scenes amusing as they verged on homo-eroticism though! Maybe that was deliberate, or maybe that was to (clumsily) show Craven's 'sensitive side'? Dunno, whatever, I can't say I'd recommend it other than as an example of an 80s BBC production.   

Burn the heretic!

If you thought the ending silly, cringe in fear when you find out that the writer actually wanted him to turn in to a tree at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 17 June, 2014, 01:48:48 pm
If you thought the ending silly, cringe in fear when you find out that the writer actually wanted him to turn in to a tree at the end.

That would have been a way cool ending! Very 'eco'. As it was, we're kind of left with the thought that maybe he died and rotted back into the earth on some forsaken Scottish crag! I'm sure at the time the eco arguments were very poignant and caught the mood of the times but they come across today as heavy and clumsy, imho. And ever-so-slightly comical... hence me liking the idea of the tree ending!

I've read nothing but glowing reviews elsewhere so I appreciate I'm very much on my own here.
   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 17 June, 2014, 02:43:01 pm
I think once you accept that Craven - losing his wife to cancer and daughter of gunshot wounds ("I was there Mac, she died in my arms") - and so is probably completely nutso; what unfolds is quite believable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 17 June, 2014, 03:00:38 pm
So you think Craven had flipped? I didn't know if we were meant to think that (seeing ghosts and all) but he seems outwardly to be handling it (almost too well) and is otherwise functional.  And whilst other characters voice their doubts over his sanity, and he sees a doctor for assessment, he's never actually labelled 'nutso'. His internal trauma is apparent and obviously eating him. It's that sort of vaguery that makes me uncertain about his character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 17 June, 2014, 03:36:19 pm
If you thought the ending silly, cringe in fear when you find out that the writer actually wanted him to turn in to a tree at the end.

That would have been a way cool ending! Very 'eco'. As it was, we're kind of left with the thought that maybe he died and rotted back into the earth on some forsaken Scottish crag! I'm sure at the time the eco arguments were very poignant and caught the mood of the times but they come across today as heavy and clumsy, imho. And ever-so-slightly comical... hence me liking the idea of the tree ending!

I've read nothing but glowing reviews elsewhere so I appreciate I'm very much on my own here.
 

It’s difficult for those of us who watched ‘Edge of Darkness’ when it was new to be objective on how good it could be for those viewing it now.  It will obviously appear much more dated to anyone like yourself watching it fresh for the first time (also I think you may have missed the bit of dialogue about the black flowers, which later appear on Craven’s grave and does have that eco ending but much less surreal than him turning in to a tree).

It’s a bit like any old film/TV that you’ve got affection for – impossible to be objective as you’ve got a personal relationship with it that can often transcend the material (i.e.  the “It’s a load of old rubbish but it’s a load of old rubbish that I really enjoyed age 12 so you can’t talk me out of liking it” syndrome applies*).

What I have found from repeated rewatching is just how much creepier and creepier Craven’s relationship with his daughter is.





*E.g. ‘Hawk the Slayer’.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 17 June, 2014, 04:19:59 pm
What I have found from repeated rewatching is just how much creepier and creepier Craven’s relationship with his daughter

Blimey, it was creepy enough on 1st watching!

Re the black flowers, in the version I saw they appeared on the mountain side. We didn't see Craven die, though obviously he was going to.

I recall the era well but back then I didn't watch (much) tele. I'm sure that had I seen it at that time that it would have pushed my buttons too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 17 June, 2014, 05:58:13 pm
If,like me, you can't be bothered to watch any of the Avengers movies: http://wanna-joke.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/funny-gif-avengers-movies-tv.gif
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 20 June, 2014, 12:17:15 am
"300: Rise of an Empire"
Quite poor. Fighting sequences are very good, visuals are good, story and characters, not so good.
It doesn't help that I don't really find Eva Green attractive at all, so her role as an 'irresistable woman' kinda fails for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 June, 2014, 09:20:53 am
"300: Rise of an Empire"
Quite poor. Fighting sequences are very good, visuals are good, story and characters, not so good.
It doesn't help that I don't really find Eva Green attractive at all, so her role as an 'irresistable woman' kinda fails for me.

I'm the opposite, I find Eva Green incredibly attractive (and think she's a great actor) but even she wasn't enough of a draw to make me watch that film.  Looking forward to seeing Penny Dreadful though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 22 June, 2014, 09:50:17 pm
Planet Terror.

Bruce Willis, and Rose McGowan out of Charmed, among others.

Blimey.  It takes something to make me retch, I'll tell you, but this film did it. 

Gratuitous, everything in a couple of hours of my life I'll never get back.  So bad it's nearly good.

eta:  Oh, it's kind of a zombie movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 23 June, 2014, 12:20:21 pm
Saving Mr Banks

Disney schmaltz, but a really enjoyable film. I simply want to be Mrs Travers.

(click to show/hide)

The Family

A mob family in witness protection in France can't change their ways and blow their own cover.

Star studded cast, top director, pile of crap film. Not sure where it went wrong, mainly the whole pace of the film just didn't hold together, both in the action and the comedy timing. You keep thinking it could be a reasonable watch, but it's just shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 23 June, 2014, 12:21:25 pm
Planet Terror.

Bruce Willis, and Rose McGowan out of Charmed, among others.

Blimey.  It takes something to make me retch, I'll tell you, but this film did it. 

Gratuitous, everything in a couple of hours of my life I'll never get back.  So bad it's nearly good.

eta:  Oh, it's kind of a zombie movie.

I just looked at the parental advisory on imdb.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 June, 2014, 12:41:15 pm
Life of Pi. I liked the tiger.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 23 June, 2014, 03:31:26 pm
Gladiator - must admit, much to my surprise I enjoyed. I was half-expecting an overly long gorefest but found myself taken in by it. A well put together movie methinks. But it has to be said that Russell Crowe is not the best of actors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 24 June, 2014, 10:04:28 pm
47 Ronin - The Keanu Reeves version. Was actually decent enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 25 June, 2014, 10:57:09 am
The Family

A mob family in witness protection in France can't change their ways and blow their own cover.

Star studded cast, top director, pile of crap film. Not sure where it went wrong, mainly the whole pace of the film just didn't hold together, both in the action and the comedy timing. You keep thinking it could be a reasonable watch, but it's just shit.

For the longest time now the sure sign of a crap film is Robert de Niro's presence in it.

Unless you're older than 30 Bob de Niro is just that mildly amusing generic Mobster in slapstick comedies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 June, 2014, 11:27:37 am
Surrogates

Another BruceWillis film. One of his decent ones.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 25 June, 2014, 12:56:21 pm
For the longest time now the sure sign of a crap film is Robert de Niro's presence in it.

Unless you're older than 30 Bob de Niro is just that mildly amusing generic Mobster in slapstick comedies.

True, though The Family was supposed to be slapstick, there was very little comedy. I guess I expected a lot more of Luc Besson, but looking through his filmography he's not done anything worth watching since Leon and Fifth Element, and that was nearly 20 years ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 25 June, 2014, 02:41:30 pm
Besson produced the new Kevin Costner flick that I watched for as long as I could before my mind shut down at the sheer ludicrousness of the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 28 June, 2014, 12:22:03 am
Wayne's World was on ;D

I haven't seen it in years, and I'd forgotten how good it is. Totally nineties, soundtrack totally seventies, with a super-slimy Rob Lowe as Mr Eighties. I laughed throughout, it's brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 28 June, 2014, 08:29:32 am
Inside Llewyn Davis

A good film, even though the central character is not exactly likeable: you switch between feeling sorry for him, even rooting for him and just thinking he deserves all he gets for being such an idiot. No cliché lucky breaks here, just excellent story and cinema.


It's apparently based on - or inspired by - a real folk singer, whose name evades me at the moment.

Yes, it was inspired by the cover of the album Inside Dave Van Ronk, but most definitely not based on him. Van Ronk was in many ways the opposite to Davis, well liked and respected in the folk scene, and a great friend of Dylan whereas Davis throws away the opportunity to hook up with Dylan through his own pig-headedness.

The references to real people and events were very obscure, I found it was just good to enjoy the story and the film seemed to capture the era brilliantly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 28 June, 2014, 02:55:49 pm
Under The Skin. People I trust and like raved about it, I thought it was meh but then I read a ton of sub text that I just didn't pick up at the time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 28 June, 2014, 02:56:54 pm
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lTNMJh_mWR4

Cough Mamma Mia rip off cough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 28 June, 2014, 06:46:04 pm
Under The Skin. People I trust and like raved about it, I thought it was meh but then I read a ton of sub text that I just didn't pick up at the time.

I wasn't overawed either. Despite it obviously trying, it just didn't come together for me and I was left feeling uncertain of what I'd watched.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 June, 2014, 08:08:14 pm
Under The Skin. People I trust and like raved about it, I thought it was meh but then I read a ton of sub text that I just didn't pick up at the time.

I wasn't overawed either. Despite it obviously trying, it just didn't come together for me and I was left feeling uncertain of what I'd watched.
From what I hear it's flawed but intriguing. Well, I am intrigued (not least, to hear Ms Johanson's accent!)

Will definitely give it a go, as soon as it hits my small screen ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 28 June, 2014, 08:16:42 pm
I think Mark Kermode  (if it was he) summed it up nicely; he'd rather watch a failure of this kind (one that had some kind of intrigue,  something going on) than something that was brain dead from beginning to end. A failure with commendation kind of thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 28 June, 2014, 08:29:50 pm
A Thousand Times Goodnight.

Starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lanister, cor!) and Juliette Binoche.

This film passes the Bechdel test.

She plays a war photographer, he is her husband.  She gets injured by a suicide bomb, he is somewhat upset.

Binoche's performance is, naturally, impeccable.  Jaime Lanister's hair is delicious.  He acts quite well too.

Words to describe this movie:  powerful, memorable, harrowing, absorbing, thought-provoking.

The trailer is on here https://arconline.co.uk/whats-on/cinema/a-thousand-times-goodnight

Daisyhill and I were silent and lost in thought when we walked out of the cinema, we were both affected by it.  If you find 'news' coverage appalling, when Paris Hilton gets more column inches than the Lord's Resistance Army, you'll get this film.

I'm so glad I went for this instead of Maleficent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 June, 2014, 11:23:32 pm
"Talladega Nights".  Hoping that it would turn out to be some kind of satire, with non-textbook unhappy ending, was clearly misplaced :facepalm:

Also, if all that was required to overtake in a NASCAR stocker was to change down to third...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 29 June, 2014, 02:37:36 am
Just watched Troll Hunter again.  I think it is absolutely the best Found Footage style film ever.  Hilarious and ingenious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 12 July, 2014, 11:45:45 pm
"Bubba Ho-Tep".

Elvis is alive an well, well alive anyway and is a resident of a care home in Mud Creek, Texas. This is a result of him getting bored with life and swapping places with Elvis impersonator Sebastian Haff, who kicked the bucket before they could swap back.  Also resident is President John Fitzgerald Kennedy who, after the Dallas assasination attempt, was patched up, dyed black to disguise him and dumped out of the way.

Anyhoo, the care home is being stalked by an evil mummy, the eponimous Bubba Ho-Tep, dressed in a stetson and cowboy boots. Bubba was on loan from Egypt touring the museums of the good ole US of A when he was stolen for ransom. The thieves took him in a bus which they crashed into the river near the home. Bubba survives by sucking the souls of the elderly.

Elvis and JFK resolve the save the world. The rest, as they say, is history.

Uh huh, Thank you very much.

So bad that I loved every minute of it :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 14 July, 2014, 09:02:37 pm
Hope Floats.

I love that soppy Sandra Bullock movie, especially the way the fuckwit adulterous deserting father shows himself up for the weak child he is, without anyone needing to say a word of accusation.

Also I love that Sandra Bullock in a flowery dress, cowboy boots and a cowboy hat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 15 July, 2014, 05:27:43 pm
I'm preparing myself to be disappointed with Dawn of The Planet of the Apes (something I've got used to with PotA films from 1973 onwards). In the meantime, these shorts are rather good:

Spread of Simian Flu: Before the Dawn of the Apes (Year 1) (http://youtu.be/ejrtt37XzOY)
Struggling to Survive: Before the Dawn of the Apes (Year 5) (http://youtu.be/sxcTS7AUngs)
Story of the Gun: Before the Dawn of the Apes (Year 10) (http://youtu.be/IYCl7_bDbZs)

They cover the period between the last film (the beginning of the end) and new film (the end of the beginning) with little glimpses of the collapse of human civilisation. That's usually the most fun bit of any [$VAR]pocalypse film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 July, 2014, 09:46:12 am
‘Rise’ was very good I thought and was a surprise to lots of people, so have some hope for the new one.

  I’ve never been all that impressed with any of the others, apart from the original.  Tim Burton’s remake/reboot was rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 16 July, 2014, 04:22:19 pm
I watched Hard Day's Night yesterday. Hmmm, I love the Beatles, but that was hard work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 16 July, 2014, 05:08:42 pm
Sharknado last night on TV. The basic premise is that there is a massive storm over LA and tornadoes pick up lots of killer sharks from the sea and drop them everywhere. Falling from 1000 feet makes them very cross too.
Definitely a so bad its good film. Actually it was deliberately supposed to be silly and made as a bit of a homage to B movie disaster films. Unbelievably they have sourced the money for a sequel and a fan vote decided on the title "Sharknado 2: The Second One"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 July, 2014, 02:45:57 pm
‘Rise’ was very good I thought and was a surprise to lots of people, so have some hope for the new one.

  I’ve never been all that impressed with any of the others, apart from the original.  Tim Burton’s remake/reboot was rubbish.
What do you mean by 'the original'? the 1989 movie?

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 17 July, 2014, 03:19:41 pm
‘Rise’ was very good I thought and was a surprise to lots of people, so have some hope for the new one.

  I’ve never been all that impressed with any of the others, apart from the original.  Tim Burton’s remake/reboot was rubbish.
What do you mean by 'the original'? the 1989 movie?

I meant the first ‘Planet of the Apes’ film starring Charlton Heston, the 1968 one (I had no idea it was quite that old until I googled – I had it pegged as early 70)s.

Although I do like the very short ‘Planet of the Apes’ joke segment in ‘Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back’: “In this future world gone mad, we won’t spank the monkey, the monkey will spank us!”

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 July, 2014, 04:07:59 pm
I thought you were talking about batman movies.

Yeah, the tim burton PotA was really really poor.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 17 July, 2014, 04:52:16 pm
How to train your Dragon 2.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 18 July, 2014, 10:05:55 am
Sharknado last night on TV. The basic premise is that there is a massive storm over LA and tornadoes pick up lots of killer sharks from the sea and drop them everywhere. Falling from 1000 feet makes them very cross too.
Definitely a so bad its good film. Actually it was deliberately supposed to be silly and made as a bit of a homage to B movie disaster films. Unbelievably they have sourced the money for a sequel and a fan vote decided on the title "Sharknado 2: The Second One"

I tried my best to watch it but failed.  I like the occasional so-bad-it's-good movie ("Pterodactyl" being up there with "Plan 9 From Outer Space") but Sharknado just seemed bad, just-bad-enough-that-it-actually-was-bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 July, 2014, 08:45:19 pm
I watched Hard Day's Night yesterday. Hmmm, I love the Beatles, but that was hard work.

I thought it was great.  I don't remember anything else about it though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 18 July, 2014, 10:38:42 pm
Deep End, on the tellybox last night.

Very stylised, almost fractured in parts. And Jane Asher. Oh my.

(Probably scores fairly well on the Bechdel test too.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 18 July, 2014, 10:54:46 pm
Not Another Happy Ending.

A lovely lighthearted film about Scottish publishing.

Best dialogue?

"Don't you think it's all a bit ... tacky?"

"Tacky?!  We've got canapés!"

Bonus: that excellent redhaired Scottish Dr. Who companion is the main protaganist. I love her.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 22 July, 2014, 11:58:08 pm
Boyhood. Completely absorbed by it; a humane and gentle film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 July, 2014, 12:28:34 am
The Book Thief

rather enjoyed it, despite the weaknesses.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 July, 2014, 11:47:49 am
Tremors, great as ever.

I've never watched any of the sequels as I don't think they can match the original. Has anyone here seen them?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 July, 2014, 11:57:54 am
Tremors, great as ever.

I've never watched any of the sequels as I don't think they can match the original. Has anyone here seen them?

They're okay, but not quite as good.  Some excellent examples of our heroes getting clever at the start of the second film.  I wouldn't say they were bad enough to be worth not watching, IYSWIM.

The fourth film is a prequel, and is extremely silly, but quite entertaining with it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 July, 2014, 12:04:01 pm
I'm going to watch the latest Transformers movie the Imax big telly later. For bonus points and to round off the sensory experience, I'm going to eat as much sugar as possible first.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 23 July, 2014, 12:09:04 pm
"Bubba Ho-Tep".

Elvis is alive an well, well alive anyway and is a resident of a care home in Mud Creek, Texas. This is a result of him getting bored with life and swapping places with Elvis impersonator Sebastian Haff, who kicked the bucket before they could swap back.  Also resident is President John Fitzgerald Kennedy who, after the Dallas assasination attempt, was patched up, dyed black to disguise him and dumped out of the way.

Anyhoo, the care home is being stalked by an evil mummy, the eponimous Bubba Ho-Tep, dressed in a stetson and cowboy boots. Bubba was on loan from Egypt touring the museums of the good ole US of A when he was stolen for ransom. The thieves took him in a bus which they crashed into the river near the home. Bubba survives by sucking the souls of the elderly.

Elvis and JFK resolve the save the world. The rest, as they say, is history.

Uh huh, Thank you very much.

So bad that I loved every minute of it :thumbsup:

Based on your summary I just had to see that film.

And it is an excellent film! Thanks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 July, 2014, 01:47:51 pm
Tremors, great as ever.

I've never watched any of the sequels as I don't think they can match the original. Has anyone here seen them?

They're okay, but not quite as good.  Some excellent examples of our heroes getting clever at the start of the second film.  I wouldn't say they were bad enough to be worth not watching, IYSWIM.

The fourth film is a prequel, and is extremely silly, but quite entertaining with it.

Thanks, that's helpful!   :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 23 July, 2014, 08:17:12 pm
I'm preparing myself to be disappointed with Dawn of The Planet of the Apes (something I've got used to with PotA films from 1973 onwards). In the meantime, these shorts are rather good:

Spread of Simian Flu: Before the Dawn of the Apes (Year 1) (http://youtu.be/ejrtt37XzOY)
Struggling to Survive: Before the Dawn of the Apes (Year 5) (http://youtu.be/sxcTS7AUngs)
Story of the Gun: Before the Dawn of the Apes (Year 10) (http://youtu.be/IYCl7_bDbZs)

They cover the period between the last film (the beginning of the end) and new film (the end of the beginning) with little glimpses of the collapse of human civilisation. That's usually the most fun bit of any [$VAR]pocalypse film.

Well I watched Dawn of the Planet of the Apes over the weekend and was pleasantly surprised. Probably the best of any of the PotA films since the original. As a wag at the Guardian said, it's more of a bro-chimp-mance than an action adventure, and all the better for it. Subtlety is inevitably blunted to meet the demands of a teenage popcorn munching summer blockbuster audience, but there is enough depth and complexity to make it worthwhile. With some irony, the CGI gives the apes a more human story than ever before.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 23 July, 2014, 10:14:54 pm
First Wives Club.

Very therapeutic.  I want to be Bette Midler.  She's gorgeous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 July, 2014, 04:30:50 pm
With some irony, the CGI gives the apes a more human story than ever before.
Well, they aren't hundred-percent CGIed. Reskinned human actors.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 24 July, 2014, 04:44:27 pm
Sure, as indeed is most CGId anthropomorphic content in films these days. My upstairs flat mate is a casting agent for body-tracking actors for this kind of thing. Apparently it's a big growth industry for jobbing actors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 July, 2014, 07:35:29 pm
Sure, as indeed is most CGId anthropomorphic content in films these days. My upstairs flat mate is a casting agent for body-tracking actors for this kind of thing. Apparently it's a big growth industry for jobbing actors.

Taken to its logical conclusion, it could mean that one day stardom will be more about acting ability than physical appearance...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 24 July, 2014, 10:28:48 pm
With some irony, the CGI gives the apes a more human story than ever before.
Well, they aren't hundred-percent CGIed. Reskinned human actors.

According to Andy Serkis the CGI is only digital make-up. But then Serkis is a jerk
http://www.cartoonbrew.com/motion-capture/andy-serkis-does-everything-animators-do-nothing-says-andy-serkis-98868.html

He's tried this line before. Initial mutterings was after Return of the King and he was outright begging for an Oscar after King Kong.
The worst thing is, that while many directors, who are relatively clueless about the amount of work that goes into VFX, Serkis knows. He was around Weta often enough and knows what's going on.
Randall Cook then stepped in and in polite way, spanked him:
http://www.cartoonbrew.com/motion-capture/lord-of-the-rings-animation-supervisor-randall-william-cook-speaks-out-on-andy-serkis-99439.html

He has since then changed his tone a bit (as in denied he ever said that and it was taken out of context although there's several videos of him and the context is very clear)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/10956372/Andy-Serkis-interview-Audiences-are-moved-by-acting-not-effects.html

Motion capture helps. It helps a lot. But it's no different than the old Disney animators using real life footage for rotoscoping and then animating on top. It's a template and one that the director/VFX-sup will often change, even to the point that the original performance is irrelevant.

Did I mention that Serkis is a jerk?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 24 July, 2014, 11:08:51 pm
Andy Serkis is most certainly not a jerk.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 24 July, 2014, 11:44:50 pm
Andy Serkis is most certainly not a jerk.

Taking credit for other peoples (very) hard work ranks pretty high on the jerk-dom list, in my opinion.
Can I ask why you think otherwise?.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 24 July, 2014, 11:45:42 pm
I've worked with him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 24 July, 2014, 11:49:44 pm
So, what if he said that the quality of the lighting (or whatever you did) was all down to him. Would you still think he was a non-jerk?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 25 July, 2014, 10:40:32 am
Having read the articles and around the subject, he didn't say what is imputed about the animators, so it's a silly question.  Andy had the greatest of respect for fellow performers and other workers in the industry, was keen to learn about the various trades, and helped out when he could.

Doesn't sound like the 'jerk' depicted to me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 July, 2014, 06:13:03 pm
Whatever. It's been going on for about 10 years now.
He was clearly told by the studios to backtrack due to the negative press and also the fact that he's about to direct a version of the Jungle Book, where he'll need animators. Digital Make-up Artists. We did a straw poll around the office and would you care to guess how many wanted to work on that?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 31 July, 2014, 10:55:58 pm
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

I thought it was shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 01 August, 2014, 10:18:49 pm
On the planes, Dallas Buyers Club and Captain Phillips.

Shouldn't weep in public...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 August, 2014, 11:02:59 pm
On the tellybox this evening- The China Sydrome. late 70's wonder stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 03 August, 2014, 11:26:36 pm
Couldn't sleep Saturday night, so I ended up watching Apocalypto, followed by The Odd Angry Shot (on even later than the last time the BBC showed it (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=40508.0)).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 August, 2014, 08:12:19 am
La Grande Vadrouille.

Very amusing French war spoof starring Terry Thomas.  Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 August, 2014, 08:48:27 am
Just to add to the Andy Serkis derailment, Mrs T says he most definitely is not a jerk, in fact he is a lovely, thoughtful man. He was one of the clients at her previous job, they had good control subjects in John Thaw and Sheila Hancock!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 August, 2014, 10:02:27 am
Guardians of Galaxy. Comic-book adaptations don't get any better. Marvellous pulp sci-fi palette, a gun-toting sarcastic raccoon with issues, and a Sony Walkman soundtrack. Plenty of laughs (at a few points the entire theatre was in hysterics) and it earned an a deserved hearty ovation at the end.

Hollywood, this is what happens when you have a script to go with the special effects.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 05 August, 2014, 01:33:39 pm
Guardians of Galaxy. Comic-book adaptations don't get any better. Marvellous pulp sci-fi palette, a gun-toting sarcastic raccoon with issues, and a Sony Walkman soundtrack. Plenty of laughs (at a few points the entire theatre was in hysterics) and it earned an a deserved hearty ovation at the end.

Hollywood, this is what happens when you have a script to go with the special effects.
Are you sure about this Ian?!?

I've just watched another trailer, and it still looks like noisy rubbish. Chris Pratt looks like the one good thing in it. I didn't laugh at all.

It all seems very odd. You've got an actress agreeing to play a character called "Gamora" - what was she thinking?!? - and Karen Gillan isn't even in the trailer (I think). And Vin Diesel is in it - well-known comic talent, not.

I generally don't "get" Marvel adaptations, I fear this will be the same. Probably wait for the small screen debut ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 August, 2014, 05:36:42 pm
I'm sure. I've never been knowingly been blasted by the comicbooknerdilizer (it's a thing) but it's just a good old-fashioned actioneer. Of course it's noisy, they gave a raccoon with an attitude a large calibre weapon and a spaceship. Americans have been wanting to arm bears for a while, so this is a step in the right direction. There's a purposeful homage to the bit of Star Wars that was good (basically the scenes in the first two movies with Han Solo in them). It's a joyful mismatch of characters and riffing dialogue. The scene about the 'plan' is pitch perfect. Like Tarantino before the fateful potholing expedition up his own rear-end from which he's never returned. It's more likeable because it doesn't take itself too seriously, so romps happily along on a completely incongruous soundtrack. It made the Imax laugh and it's been a while since I'd seen a movie where the audience applauded at the end (at least not out of relief that it has finally ended).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 05 August, 2014, 05:43:22 pm
Kill Bill vol. 2

I'll leave it up to the reader to work out what we watched before that.

Before that, Master and Commander.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 05 August, 2014, 06:14:55 pm
Ian, you have very nearly sold it to me. I can only think the trailer was made by a completely different team!

Despite this, I think our summer cripplingly expensive real cinema trip will be to
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/production/2014/07/nt-live-broadcast-young-vics-streetcar-named-desire/
(cos we're both big Gillian Anderson fans)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 05 August, 2014, 06:46:23 pm
Like Ian I'm not a comicbook graphic novel nerd, but I've been to see most (all?) the Marvel films.  The best one was Iron Man - a character about whom I knew nothing before seeing the film.  On that basis, I went to see Guardians and rather enjoyed it.  That surprised me, as I usually like to have more to think about in a movie, but it does carry it off with a certain flair.  Not perfect by a long chalk, but I enjoyed it more than the last X-Men. It is, as Mr Gates has said, completely batshit crazy, so don't go expecting art.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 05 August, 2014, 09:43:28 pm
Total Recall, the remake.
Much better than I expected!. Still preferred the Mars setting in the original, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 07 August, 2014, 07:08:17 pm
"Under The Skin"

Sci-Fi/Alien film which I found mesmerising.

I could totally understand if others found it too slow and too weird to enjoy however.

Reminded me very much of "The Man Who Fell to Earth".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 August, 2014, 09:24:00 pm
Couldn't sleep Saturday night, so I ended up watching Apocalypto, followed by The Odd Angry Shot (on even later than the last time the BBC showed it (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=40508.0)).

I keep meaning to grab Apocolypto as a cheapie from the used section.

Thre Odd Angry Shot is an awesome film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 07 August, 2014, 09:33:03 pm
Boyhood. Completely absorbed by it; a humane and gentle film.
Seconded. Absorbing enough that while I wouldn't say the 166 minutes whizzed by, I was never tempted to take furtive glances at the time. My first reaction when it finished was that it will be a shame to wait till 2026 for the sequel, but more of a shame if they try to rush one out before then.  The second reaction was that I was glad we didn't go with our usual film-going friends.  She has a tendency to snooze and he prefers action movies (though she did stay awake throughout Philomena and he grudgingly tolerated its lack of car chases, explosions and shootings).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 August, 2014, 09:57:17 am
Couldn't sleep Saturday night, so I ended up watching Apocalypto, followed by The Odd Angry Shot (on even later than the last time the BBC showed it (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=40508.0)).

I keep meaning to grab Apocolypto as a cheapie from the used section.

Thre Odd Angry Shot is an awesome film.

Slightly NSFW quote and link behind tags
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 09 August, 2014, 12:37:44 am
"The LEGO Movie"

Far, far, better than you can ever imagine.

I really wasn't expecting much (it's a LEGO movie after all) but, after watching it, I can't really see much in in for kids....it's just so full of great "grown up" humour.

Tip.  Buy the DVD for the kids and YOU watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 12 August, 2014, 06:33:46 pm
Couldn't sleep Saturday night, so I ended up watching Apocalypto, followed by The Odd Angry Shot (on even later than the last time the BBC showed it (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=40508.0)).

I keep meaning to grab Apocolypto as a cheapie from the used section.

Thre Odd Angry Shot is an awesome film.

Slightly NSFW quote and link behind tags
(click to show/hide)

And his reaction is the funniest moment in the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 August, 2014, 10:55:39 pm
Sunshine On Leith.

Cheesetastic. Love it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 13 August, 2014, 09:36:54 am
War of the Worlds.  The Tom Cruise one.

It's so much better than I remembered.  Full of suspense, tension and fear, it's biggest fault is that it isn't set in Surrey, because that would be awesome.  Tim Robbins acts up a storm, and so does Cruise.  I reckon if you live in any of the places in this film it'd be truly chilling.

I don't know why I was so scathing about this when it came out, I love it now and watched it twice this week!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 13 August, 2014, 12:07:13 pm
War of the Worlds.  The Tom Cruise one.

It's so much better than I remembered.  Full of suspense, tension and fear, it's biggest fault is that it isn't set in Surrey, because that would be awesome.

There were two other WotW films produced at the same time as the one starring Tom Cruise, one of which was set in Victorian England - however, you should be careful what you wish for, because the "more faithful" production went straight to DVD and by nearly all accounts was absolutely awful.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._G._Wells%27_The_War_of_the_Worlds_(2005_film)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 August, 2014, 09:55:12 am
War of the Worlds.  The Tom Cruise one.

It's so much better than I remembered.  Full of suspense, tension and fear, it's biggest fault is that it isn't set in Surrey, because that would be awesome.  Tim Robbins acts up a storm, and so does Cruise.  I reckon if you live in any of the places in this film it'd be truly chilling.

I don't know why I was so scathing about this when it came out, I love it now and watched it twice this week!

I really liked it. Lil Tom does a good not-very-good hero. I loved the setting actually, with the initial backdrop of the Bayonne Bridge towering forebodingly over the house.

If they'd based it in 21st Century Surrey, much of the film would be the locals writing to the Daily Mail to complain about the roads being closed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 14 August, 2014, 10:36:53 am
"The LEGO Movie"

Far, far, better than you can ever imagine.

I really wasn't expecting much (it's a LEGO movie after all) but, after watching it, I can't really see much in in for kids....it's just so full of great "grown up" humour.

Tip.  Buy the DVD for the kids and YOU watch it.
Lust watched it, rather silly but jolly good fun. I nearly cried, OK I did, when I saw the 80's space man Lego with a crack on his helmet, just like my favorit Lego fig. Now where is my box of Lego, I gotta build something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 August, 2014, 12:56:20 pm
Nebraska.

Alexander Payne can do no wrong in my eyes. Another hit. Very funny. Poignant. Clever. Beautiful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 18 August, 2014, 02:11:53 pm
Another Year

My goodness, that was depressing! A fine film though.

White Material

I'm afraid I just didn't get this, mostly the ending but other parts did not seem to tie up either. It's one of those films that jumps backwards and forwards in time, but it was too complicated to follow at a single watching and not a good enough film to be worth watching again to work it out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 August, 2014, 02:27:03 pm
Another Year

My goodness, that was depressing! A fine film though.

Went to see that at the cinema with my wife. Afterwards, we drove home in stunned silence. Great film but really tough viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 August, 2014, 11:28:53 pm
A Beautiful Mind again. Another film I love. Here am I, without a psychological illness and barely able to progress beyond 4 x 2 is mumble mumble, twice two is 4, 3 times 2 is six, 4 times two is? 8, 4 x 2 is 8! Whereas John Nash, afflicted with an extremely debilitating condition can come up with a truly original mathamatical idea. Brilliant.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 21 August, 2014, 11:39:06 pm
Salmon fishing in the Yemen. Whimsical fun that would benefit from a better colour balance. Will have to watch it again on a different TV.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 August, 2014, 06:37:58 am
Paycheck.

Last night's late film on bbc1 and I couldn't be bothered to go to bed. I think the pertinent phrase is "high concept". What a lot of rot. I don't mind suspending my disbelief but the plot was about as watertight as a colander.

Based on a Philip K Dick story, apparently, and has a similar memory-erasing hook to Total Recall, or perhaps more like the Jeremy Northam film Cypher, but isn't nearly as well put together as either of those. Plus Ben Affleck is dreadful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 22 August, 2014, 04:41:03 pm
Salmon fishing in the Yemen. Whimsical fun that would benefit from a better colour balance. Will have to watch it again on a different TV.

Aah, that is such a nice film. But a better book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: air dancer on 24 August, 2014, 10:53:10 pm
Enemy

Puzzling to watch, until the penny dropped.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 25 August, 2014, 05:47:23 pm
Hmm... recently, my viewing has been influenced a lot by people dying. Which is quite depressing  :(.

Tonight - Jurassic Park.

RIP: Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck,
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 25 August, 2014, 05:53:22 pm
The other night I finally watched Labyrinth.

It was... bizarre. I wonder what David Bowie thinks when he watches it back after all these years (especially the outfits)?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 August, 2014, 07:39:53 pm
The other night I finally watched Labyrinth.

It was... bizarre. I wonder what David Bowie thinks when he watches it back after all these years (especially the outfits)?

"Testicles!"

It's what everyone else is thinking...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 25 August, 2014, 08:50:05 pm
Inbetweeners 2.  I thought it was hilarious; the Guardian-reading woman I was with didn't  ;D

The water slide scene shamelessly rips off Caddyshack but is many, many times nastier  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 August, 2014, 11:08:51 pm
Point Break

Seen it a few times before but not for a good many years and was worried it wouldn't live up to my memory. But no, it's still awesome. One of my all-time top ten, I reckon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 August, 2014, 01:03:00 pm
Sharknado. Not as good as I was expecting.

The other night I finally watched Labyrinth.

It was... bizarre. I wonder what David Bowie thinks when he watches it back after all these years (especially the outfits)?
I went to see that on the big screen with some colleagues last year. The entire audience was in crotch-related hysterics by the time they got to the weird-dimensions maze bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 26 August, 2014, 01:48:45 pm
Say what you like about Bowie in that film, but with him you certainly get the whole package.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 August, 2014, 08:53:17 pm
Lucy. Scarlett does her affectless thing (which she does very well) as she gets smarter than a TI 9000 calculator that's been plugged into the National Grid. OTT Korean gangsters. Guns galore. Nature film interludes that I suspect were a piss-take. Short and snappily edited (pay attention, directors). Wasn't sure where it was really going, ended up a bit Matrix-lite. Modestly entertaining, but I left with a feeling that it could have been better if it had pushed a bit more. I also have a theory that you can dress up any old cod-science by getting Morgan Freeman to solemnly explain it. I mutate your neutrinos.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 27 August, 2014, 05:09:36 pm
I've got A Bittersweet Life I can always watch again tonight perhaps, but last night re-watched Hangover.

Great stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 27 August, 2014, 06:21:12 pm
Calvary

Thoroughly enjoyable and dark.

Especially loved Dylan Moran playing the part of Dylan Moran ".....it's very expensive".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 29 August, 2014, 11:22:16 pm
Shame, the Australian one.

Gang rape as a sport. Victim blaming as a culture. A perennial favourite of mine, if that is the right word. A worthy, well-written and bloody painful film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 August, 2014, 01:25:02 am
No Country for Old Men.

I think the bumming was cut out of our version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 August, 2014, 01:12:16 pm
Finally, after giving it a miss 25 years ago, The Cook, the Thief, his Wife and her Lover.  The trailer on a VHS tape we borrowed made it look like low comedy.

Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 31 August, 2014, 08:09:21 am
Drowning By Numbers (Peter Greenaway's other "accessible" film) is my favourite although there is no decent DVD version; the Australian DVD that you can buy is pretty poor quality.  It's basically a surreal retelling of the Three Billy Goats Gruff in a sexual context.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 01 September, 2014, 08:07:41 pm
Grand Central.

 Tahar Rahim and Léa Seydoux meet and have urgent, wordless sex, the factory siren goes off, that's it. So bad I thought it was a parody of French films. Really awful, terrible and tawdry and dull and pointless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 02 September, 2014, 06:53:04 pm
Captain America: Winter Soldier.

I missed this in the cinemas, so only got to watch it now and really enjoyed it.  It's been a long time since I worked on a movie that I actually enjoyed watching :).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 02 September, 2014, 07:53:07 pm
Godzilla, the 1998 one. Sky were, obviously, having a monsters from the deep day on Sunday as it was followed by Pacific Rim, which I didn't get to see as I went scrumping.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 02 September, 2014, 10:57:03 pm
Lucy. Really enjoyed it. Very much like when you've smoked too much of something you shouldn't have and can now see through space and time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 03 September, 2014, 09:02:07 am
Morgan Freeman has given up, he just rolls up in films and speaks with great authority then buggers off with his cheque. There's a theory every time he staggers onto a film set and magisterially utters exposition he gets another freckle. In Lucy he's the brainiest scientist in the world on lithium, the same role in that Godawful Tom Cruise film with her off Mrs Thatcher.

he should do a film with Tom hardy and Bruce Willis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 03 September, 2014, 12:29:59 pm
Non-Stop

Absolute ridiculous pile of crap, just stupid, stupid from start to finish. Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson, what were they thinking accepting this? There's also Michelle Dockery who kept forgetting she's supposed to be from Leeds or somewhere and dropping out of the accent, and several other decent actors totally wasted.

Apparently, when you put an airliner into a dive, everyone hits the ceiling, then when you level off at 8000 ft a gun (but nothing else) will rise up off the floor and float. Etc, etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 07 September, 2014, 12:07:48 pm
Gravity.

Really enjoyed it. Amazing special effects.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 September, 2014, 05:16:59 pm
Scott Pilgrim vs The World

WHY oh why did noone tell me about this?!? It's fantastic. Clever and hilarious, not what I'd expected at all.

I'd have trimmed the fight scenes down a bit (yes I know they were funny, and had all those Nintendo references etc). But I say that about almost everything made in the 21stC ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 07 September, 2014, 05:32:33 pm
Pride. Warm hearted and defiantly proud of political struggle, identity politics and trade unionism.

Despite the outcome of the miners' strike, ultimately uplifting. I think I had something in my eye for about 90 minutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 September, 2014, 09:46:10 am
Pride. Warm hearted and defiantly proud of political struggle, identity politics and trade unionism.

Despite the outcome of the miners' strike, ultimately uplifting. I think I had something in my eye for about 90 minutes.
Ditto

Special screenings in York. Not a dry eye in the house.

Funniest moment wasn't a quip in the film. 'twas when Bronski Beat started playing. A guy behind me burst out clapping with a squeal of delight until his partner shushed him. I guess it brought back memories.

Being an uneducated Australian Oik in Australia in 1985, I had no idea until the end of the film that it was all based on history, that the march at the end really took place.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 September, 2014, 10:21:51 am
I saw “Before the Devil knows you’re dead” over the weekend.

It’s been sitting on my ‘to watch’ shelf for some time.  The trailers for it that I saw tried to imply it was a heist film (and yes, the film does revolve around the planning and consequences of a heist gone awry) but it’s much more about the people, families and their disintegration (and destruction). It makes for some relentlessly grim viewing.

I thought it was very good but I couldn’t pause it for fear of not being able to start watching again (never saw the second half of ‘There will be blood’ because it was too depressing to start watching after stopping for a loo break).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 08 September, 2014, 12:13:56 pm
Pride. Warm hearted and defiantly proud of political struggle, identity politics and trade unionism.

Despite the outcome of the miners' strike, ultimately uplifting. I think I had something in my eye for about 90 minutes.
Ditto

Special screenings in York. Not a dry eye in the house.

Funniest moment wasn't a quip in the film. 'twas when Bronski Beat started playing. A guy behind me burst out clapping with a squeal of delight until his partner shushed him. I guess it brought back memories.

Being an uneducated Australian Oik in Australia in 1985, I had no idea until the end of the film that it was all based on history, that the march at the end really took place.

A similar thing happened in our showing when Bronski Beat appeared. Lovely moment.

The film had special resonance for me as I was involved in collections in Bristol and delivery of food and Christmas presents to Penrhiwceiber during the strike, a village not dissimilar to that in the film. Seeing what happened during and after the strike of 84/85 was a very significant part of my political education.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 08 September, 2014, 12:34:55 pm
Pride. Warm hearted and defiantly proud of political struggle, identity politics and trade unionism.

Despite the outcome of the miners' strike, ultimately uplifting. I think I had something in my eye for about 90 minutes.
Ditto

Special screenings in York. Not a dry eye in the house.

Funniest moment wasn't a quip in the film. 'twas when Bronski Beat started playing. A guy behind me burst out clapping with a squeal of delight until his partner shushed him. I guess it brought back memories.

Being an uneducated Australian Oik in Australia in 1985, I had no idea until the end of the film that it was all based on history, that the march at the end really took place.

A similar thing happened in our showing when Bronski Beat appeared. Lovely moment.

The film had special resonance for me as I was involved in collections in Bristol and delivery of food and Christmas presents to Penrhiwceiber during the strike, a village not dissimilar to that in the film. Seeing what happened during and after the strike of 84/85 was a very significant part of my political education.

Having read the reviews on here and on IMDB I will have to go and see this.

One minor niggle with the IMDB reviews, though.  There is most definitely more than one move about the miners strike that is good, Brassed Off being way better than Billy Elliot.  Then again that review is done by a Leftpondian.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 September, 2014, 01:22:57 pm
Pride. Warm hearted and defiantly proud of political struggle, identity politics and trade unionism.

Despite the outcome of the miners' strike, ultimately uplifting. I think I had something in my eye for about 90 minutes.
Ditto

Special screenings in York. Not a dry eye in the house.

Funniest moment wasn't a quip in the film. 'twas when Bronski Beat started playing. A guy behind me burst out clapping with a squeal of delight until his partner shushed him. I guess it brought back memories.

Being an uneducated Australian Oik in Australia in 1985, I had no idea until the end of the film that it was all based on history, that the march at the end really took place.

A similar thing happened in our showing when Bronski Beat appeared. Lovely moment.

The film had special resonance for me as I was involved in collections in Bristol and delivery of food and Christmas presents to Penrhiwceiber during the strike, a village not dissimilar to that in the film. Seeing what happened during and after the strike of 84/85 was a very significant part of my political education.

Having read the reviews on here and on IMDB I will have to go and see this.

One minor niggle with the IMDB reviews, though.  There is most definitely more than one move about the miners strike that is good, Brassed Off being way better than Billy Elliot.  Then again that review is done by a Leftpondian.

The (excellent) Antonia Bird film 'Face' also references it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 September, 2014, 01:36:33 pm
There is most definitely more than one move about the miners strike that is good, Brassed Off being way better than Billy Elliot.  Then again that review is done by a Leftpondian.
Brassed off has some of the greatest acting I've ever seen, from Stephen Tompkinson and Pete Postlethwaite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 09 September, 2014, 11:16:35 am
Last night I watched ‘Tender Mercies’, a sadly bittersweet film starring Robert Duvall about a washed up alcoholic Country singer who finds himself at the end of the road at a lonely motel, out in rural Texas.

It’s an oddly little known film, despite it garnering Robert Duvall an Oscar (I think he’s been nominated for something like six but that’s the one he was awarded it for).  Duvall sings on the film, pretty good Country voice too (he wrote most of the songs as well).  He apparently spent a  lot of time researching the character both to get the right accent and singing style.

Great film but that’s two fairly downbeat films in a row so I think I’ll go for something a little more cheerful next time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 September, 2014, 02:52:22 pm
The Fault In Our Stars.

I was put onto this by TLD.

WOW.

Just WOW
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 10 September, 2014, 08:53:45 am
What's wrong with taking a girl to the Anne Frank Museum on a first date?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 10 September, 2014, 09:46:47 am
What's wrong with taking a girl to the Anne Frank Museum on a first date?

A friend of mine met his future partner on a tour of Dachau concentration camp.  I and the rest of his friends still find this very creepy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 10 September, 2014, 09:49:13 am
What's wrong with taking a girl to the Anne Frank Museum on a first date?

Without wandering into the realms of spoilers, it isn't, though, is it? 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 10 September, 2014, 09:57:26 am
Beg pardon, I've only read the (excoriating) reviews:

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jun/19/fault-in-our-stars-review-john-green
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 10 September, 2014, 09:59:41 am
Beg pardon, I've only read the (excoriating) reviews:

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jun/19/fault-in-our-stars-review-john-green

Fair 'nuff
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 September, 2014, 10:00:35 am
Red Sorghum. Very unusual, somewhat harrowing.  Currently being remade as a serial.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 September, 2014, 10:06:36 am
Beg pardon, I've only read the (excoriating) reviews:

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jun/19/fault-in-our-stars-review-john-green

Our English master once said of Jane Eyre that it was a good cry.  This sounds like a good vomit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 September, 2014, 11:45:25 am
'Divergent'
Mediocre book with a good premise. I'm assured that the next two books in the trilogy are better.

Kids wanted to watch the film. It made a better film than it did book, although very surprisingly they cut a lot of the gritty stuff (removed at least one death, totally removed the sexual assault bits from one scene and completely removed one significant fight). Obviously HBO had nothing to do with it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruth on 12 September, 2014, 12:04:12 am
Beg pardon, I've only read the (excoriating) reviews:

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jun/19/fault-in-our-stars-review-john-green

Our English master once said of Jane Eyre that it was a good cry.  This sounds like a good vomit.

I can't watch 'Faulty Stars'. I have seen the trailers and the posters. People dying of cancer are tired and thin and sometimes look like shit. Don't get me wrong. The courage of people with terminal disease, and their families', has affirmed my belief in the divinity of the human soul - again and again and again- but the prospect of it being made sanitary, and nice, and smelling all lovely, just repels me.
I can't watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 September, 2014, 05:10:13 am
Remember that there are two types of cancer - the cancer that actors get and that which affects Real People.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SandyV on 12 September, 2014, 12:52:55 pm
There is most definitely more than one move about the miners strike that is good, Brassed Off being way better than Billy Elliot.  Then again that review is done by a Leftpondian.
Brassed off has some of the greatest acting I've ever seen, from Stephen Tompkinson and Pete Postlethwaite.

I agree.  It remains one of my most favourite films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 September, 2014, 01:07:34 pm
I can't watch 'Faulty Stars'. I have seen the trailers and the posters. People dying of cancer are tired and thin and sometimes look like shit. Don't get me wrong. The courage of people with terminal disease, and their families', has affirmed my belief in the divinity of the human soul - again and again and again- but the prospect of it being made sanitary, and nice, and smelling all lovely, just repels me.
I can't watch it.

An extremely valid point.  People in general are tired and not-thin and sometimes look like shit, and Hollywood is notoriously bad at reflecting this, so it's not really a surprise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 September, 2014, 01:14:57 pm
Beg pardon, I've only read the (excoriating) reviews:

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jun/19/fault-in-our-stars-review-john-green

Our English master once said of Jane Eyre that it was a good cry.  This sounds like a good vomit.

I can't watch 'Faulty Stars'. I have seen the trailers and the posters. People dying of cancer are tired and thin and sometimes look like shit. Don't get me wrong. The courage of people with terminal disease, and their families', has affirmed my belief in the divinity of the human soul - again and again and again- but the prospect of it being made sanitary, and nice, and smelling all lovely, just repels me.
I can't watch it.

TB held the same place in the 19th century, witness Lady of the Camelias. Drowning within and singing to the last.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 12 September, 2014, 01:37:08 pm
I can't watch 'Faulty Stars'. I have seen the trailers and the posters. People dying of cancer are tired and thin and sometimes look like shit. Don't get me wrong. The courage of people with terminal disease, and their families', has affirmed my belief in the divinity of the human soul - again and again and again- but the prospect of it being made sanitary, and nice, and smelling all lovely, just repels me.
I can't watch it.

An extremely valid point.  People in general are tired and not-thin and sometimes look like shit, and Hollywood is notoriously bad at reflecting this, so it's not really a surprise.

Everyone's 'brave' and/or a 'battler' in the media langauge of cancer.

if I die of cancer I want my obituary to begin "After a truly pathetic attempt to ward off cancer..."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 12 September, 2014, 09:16:41 pm
Tonight, The Sapphires.

It's the Commitments but in Aus/Vietnam.

Passed a happy hour or so, though.

I think I need to watch something a bit more challenging, I am getting a bit sick of these emotion-lite films.

Back to the likes of Biutiful, The Butterfly Wings etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 15 September, 2014, 08:32:16 am
'Before I go to Sleep'.  a.k.a. 'Madam, I'm Adam'.

Hmmmm.. so, so.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 September, 2014, 11:41:01 pm
Primer

Low-budget time travel epic that isn't really about time travel.  Full marks for style, and the technobabble being the least confusing aspect.  Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 September, 2014, 11:41:53 am
Sounds interesting - will give that a look thanks for the heads up.

I like a good time travel film.  I also like Timecop.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 September, 2014, 11:54:26 am
Soldier – Kurt Russell as the Terminator.  Earlier this month I watched Escape from New York which is Kurt Russell’s two hour long Clint Eastwood impression.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 September, 2014, 12:34:50 pm
Captain Phillips.

It was ok, but I was surprised it didn't mention his marriage to Princess Anne at all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 16 September, 2014, 01:32:25 pm
Pride. Warm hearted and defiantly proud of political struggle, identity politics and trade unionism.

Despite the outcome of the miners' strike, ultimately uplifting. I think I had something in my eye for about 90 minutes.
Ditto

Special screenings in York. Not a dry eye in the house.

Funniest moment wasn't a quip in the film. 'twas when Bronski Beat started playing. A guy behind me burst out clapping with a squeal of delight until his partner shushed him. I guess it brought back memories.

Being an uneducated Australian Oik in Australia in 1985, I had no idea until the end of the film that it was all based on history, that the march at the end really took place.

A similar thing happened in our showing when Bronski Beat appeared. Lovely moment.

The film had special resonance for me as I was involved in collections in Bristol and delivery of food and Christmas presents to Penrhiwceiber during the strike, a village not dissimilar to that in the film. Seeing what happened during and after the strike of 84/85 was a very significant part of my political education.

Having read the reviews on here and on IMDB I will have to go and see this.

One minor niggle with the IMDB reviews, though.  There is most definitely more than one move about the miners strike that is good, Brassed Off being way better than Billy Elliot.  Then again that review is done by a Leftpondian.

I loved the film too.  Having become politically aware at that time, having some gay activist friends at university, and living a 15 minute bike ride from the Dulais valley (and regularly cycling through Onllwyn - I was there last weekend), I'm amazed I'd not heard this particular story before. Or maybe I'd forgotten it.

One minor gripe - the accents wavered a little.  At the start Dai (Paddy Considine) referred to it a 'doolais' and my wife winced, but by the end it had become 'dilais'.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 September, 2014, 07:29:34 am
More wobbly accents - this time in

'A Most Wanted Man', but it didn't bother me thanks to the otherwise excellent perfomances.  It was a film that used the drab streets of  Hamburg as a foil for the post 9/11 tensions between agencies and the extremists they track.  Subtle stuff from Le Carre with no car chases and shoot-outs to get in the way.

Sadly, Seymour Hoffman is no more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 September, 2014, 10:57:58 am
Talking of wobbly accents*, last night I went to see a 16mm print of Highlander at a Hamster Hipster pop-up cinema in Hackney.

Great fun – I’m afraid I cracked up at the bit where young Rachael says “Everybody’s dead”, which ranks amongst the worst bits of child acting I’ve ever seen.  It set everyone else off too.

Celia Imrie’s girlfriend from hell performance is still one of my favourite bits, especially how angry and disappointed she is when Angus stops the villagers from burning McLeod.


*I’ve always thought that Lambert actually did an ok accent job, all considered.  Connery’s accent skillz have always been rubbish, although his approach of not trying (apart from his attempt at an Irish accent in The Longest Day) is infinitely preferable to Michael Caine’s vocal efforts.  I really think that Michael Caine thinks he sounds American when he essays a US accent.  All the other actors look at their shoes nervously and wonder why he’s doing a bad impression of a Cornish person.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 19 September, 2014, 12:13:10 pm
Connery revisited his Irish accent for The Untouchables, to widespread bafflement.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 19 September, 2014, 12:17:59 pm
Doeschn't he allwaysche ushe the schame acshent regardlesche of the dialecht required? :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 19 September, 2014, 01:04:59 pm
I was talking about this the other day, the best ever English accent was Renee Zellwegger, she nailed that annoying upper middle class inflexion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 September, 2014, 01:06:31 pm
Doeschn't he allwaysche ushe the schame acshent regardlesche of the dialecht required? :demon:

Moshtly.  As Spindrift reminds me, he does seem to think he can do Irish. Or should that be Oirish?  Tom Cruise fand/or virtually everyone in the film The Quiet Man hold the record for worst Irish accents on film I reckon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 September, 2014, 01:09:37 pm
I was talking about this the other day, the best ever English accent was Renee Zellwegger, she nailed that annoying upper middle class inflexion.

David Cameron does a pretty good English accent for an alien fucking lizard creature from another galaxy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 September, 2014, 05:40:57 pm
I'm sorry but you are all wrong.

The most inappropriate accent of all time, in any film ever made, was this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AejZxaYkekM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AejZxaYkekM)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 September, 2014, 06:55:08 pm
I'm sorry but you are all wrong.

The most inappropriate accent of all time, in any film ever made, was this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AejZxaYkekM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AejZxaYkekM)

"Say it with awe John"

"Aww, truly this man was the son of God"  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 19 September, 2014, 07:27:18 pm
Joss Ackland in Lethal Weapon DEEPLAHMAHTEEK EHMEWNNITY, and Anthony La Plagia, everyone's one-stop-shop if you want an Australian to sound like Dick Van Dyke doing a Manc.

Going back a bit, I've read some scathing reviews for Pride, it's maybe patronising to both gays and the Welsh,  the jokes are obvious, Bill Nighy sleepwalks basically the same character from his last ten films. It's not even that the entire premise is a cliche and you know barriers will be broken down and homophobia dispelled and respect exchanged, yada yada. Ok, it's a feel-good film, but sometimes British cinema paints with such wide brushes it's patronising. Sunshine On Leith worked but that whole film hung on the hook of the music. The last brilliant feel-good British film was Bend It Like Beckham about ten years ago. Richard Curtis can do one. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 19 September, 2014, 09:21:27 pm
Richard Curtis can do one.
I wouldn't disagree with that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 September, 2014, 11:17:11 pm
Richard Curtis can do one.

Yeah, but what one?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 September, 2014, 11:10:14 am
War of the Worlds.  The Tom Cruise one.

It's so much better than I remembered.  Full of suspense, tension and fear, it's biggest fault is that it isn't set in Surrey, because that would be awesome.  Tim Robbins acts up a storm, and so does Cruise.  I reckon if you live in any of the places in this film it'd be truly chilling.

I don't know why I was so scathing about this when it came out, I love it now and watched it twice this week!
Watched this on Sunday.
I can't stand the cheese-grinning dwarf, but this film shows he can act. It was much much better than I expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 29 September, 2014, 02:34:40 pm
Yesterday, Thor 2. Ok, if you like bad acting and tissue thin plot.

Yoday, whilst ironing, Godzilla (the recent one) why did noone tell me that

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 30 September, 2014, 11:30:41 am
Wargames.  Great Cold War era film with a teenage Matthew Broderick & Ally Sheedy hacking into NORAD (technically Cracking I think?) and almost starting World War III.

Still stands up pretty well as a film and the DVD commentary with the screenwriters and director* is an enjoyably informal masterclass in film storytelling. No really, I learned a lot.

As well as all the story structure goodness, I especially liked two facts I learned – when they met some people from NORAD years later they told them that they got the DEFCON numbers the wrong way round, DEFCON 5 is all out Global Thermonuclear War**not DEFCON 1.  The people from NORAD  also said that at the time they would have loved to have had a War Room as big and impressive as the one in the film.

Edited to add: another thing I learned from the DVD commentary – originally the film was to focus more on the almost father-son relationship between the Falken character played by John Wood and Broderick’s Lightman character and a lot of the computer & hacking elements came later as a result of research by the writers.

They also initially thought of casting Steven Hawking in the Falken role but when Hawking asked them “Do you want me for my science or my affliction?” thought about it again realising that that was exactly what they had been doing..  John Lennon was also supposedly interested in the job!



*John Badham – he also directed American Flyers which, questionable moustaches aside and some horribly blatant product placement for McDonalds, does a quite a good job of explaining how stage racing works (the story is as cheesy as the music though).  Interestingly this film also has a Cold War element – there is an ostensible Soviet National squad racing in the film – and they aren’t the bad guys!  Considering this was made at the height of when the Cold War was hotting up again, that was a nice touch.


**This is a film that I reckon Wowbagger should watch if he hasn’t seen it, as not only is it enjoyably subversive but at the point the fledgling AI is asked to play a nuclear war game, it responds “WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO PLAY A GOOD GAME OF CHESS?”  Think of it as Dr Strangelove for kids (it even has a few sly references to that film). 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 September, 2014, 12:23:47 pm
Bill & Ted, passim.

Last night, Mission to Mars, because I was bored and unsleepy and I'd somehow missed this (and the KSR thread made me think, come on, surely someone can make going to Mars sound better than a daytrip to Basingstoke).

Lordy, was it embarrassingly bad. It should carry some kind of warning. It was a motorway pile-up the entire length of the M1 of a movie. I'm not spoilering it and it's an old movie, and you just need to know. I wasted two hours and a late night.

Look Hollywood, I can take cod-science, I'm not a socially-deficient nerdballer (it's true, I tell you) provided it's done in a devil-may-care manner. I can suspend my disbelief to the extent I'm doing trapeze with it. But if you litter a shit movie with it, then I'm not. The sins of this movie cover all departments. Below is not a full list of the individual turds it dropped on my brain.


Oh there's more. I'm only doing this to extract some value from my wasted late night. In the end the alien cried. I know why. The entire thing, the script, the acting, the soundtrack, the direction were off-kilter. Worst still, and the cardinal crime of Mars capers, it was dull, dull, dull.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 September, 2014, 01:10:33 pm
Wargames.  Great Cold War era film with a teenage Matthew Broderick & Ally Sheedy hacking into NORAD (technically Cracking I think?) and almost starting World War III.

Still stands up pretty well as a film and the DVD commentary with the screenwriters and director* is an enjoyably informal masterclass in film storytelling. No really, I learned a lot.

The computer stuff is of course silly (not least that you can't wardial[1] with an acoustic coupler modem[2]), but they got in some nice nods to the techniques used in the heyday of cracking and phone phreaking.  This was a time when people genuinely believed that a hacker armed with nothing more than a payphone could start a nuclear war.


Anyway, there's a straight-to-DVD sequel to Wargames (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0865957/).  It's not a shade on the original, but has some nice references, including a cameo by WOPR and some 5.25" floppy disks.  Good for a giggle.



[1] The term for iteratively dialling a list of phone numbers to see what you get was named after the film.  Hence derivatives like 'wardrive'.
[2] Film storytellying, of course.  In the 80s, most of the audience knew nothing about computers, let alone what a modem was.  A box that visually allows the computer to make a phone call saves a lot of explanation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 September, 2014, 01:14:56 pm
Windy days on Mars probably don't flap tents.

Didn't one of our robotic overlords discover that - unexpectedly - they do flap parachutes?

ETA: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2013-121

I wouldn't let Mission to Mars off for accidentally getting that right, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 September, 2014, 01:36:24 pm
[Wargames.]

After driving past Cheyenne Mountain on Friday I needed to find out what it was officially called and found to my displeasure that it is no longer in use as a SEEKRIT Bunker and only has a skeleton maintenance staff these days ???  This is teh suxx0r.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 September, 2014, 01:39:24 pm
[Wargames.]

After driving past Cheyenne Mountain on Friday I needed to find out what it was officially called and found to my displeasure that it is no longer in use as a SEEKRIT Bunker and only has a skeleton maintenance staff these days ???  This is teh suxx0r.

The Bush administration cut funding to the Stargate Program[me].
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 September, 2014, 01:39:31 pm
[Wargames.]

After driving past Cheyenne Mountain on Friday I needed to find out what it was officially called and found to my displeasure that it is no longer in use as a SEEKRIT Bunker and only has a skeleton maintenance staff these days ???  This is teh suxx0r.
That's just what they want you to think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 September, 2014, 02:07:59 pm
[Wargames.]

After driving past Cheyenne Mountain on Friday I needed to find out what it was officially called and found to my displeasure that it is no longer in use as a SEEKRIT Bunker and only has a skeleton maintenance staff these days ???  This is teh suxx0r.
That's just what they want you to think.

Hah!  Next you'll be telling me that this:

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/15282165582_1b037b8f1c_b.jpg)

is a fake.

I suppose aliens can be flat-packed for transport, like IKEA furniture.  I bet they all have names that sound outlandish to the BRITISH ear too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 September, 2014, 02:25:41 pm
Windy days on Mars probably don't flap tents.

Didn't one of our robotic overlords discover that - unexpectedly - they do flap parachutes?

ETA: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?release=2013-121

I wouldn't let Mission to Mars off for accidentally getting that right, though.

Yeah, but even if, that tent must have been pressurised to support Mr Cheadle's breathing habit and all those luscious plants (I can only assume from the beard and frenzied expression that he'd dedicated his year on Mars to growing some serious weed). Thus it would have been as rigid as a balloon and not flapping like grandma's pants on a washing line.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 September, 2014, 02:51:25 pm
I must admit I've recycled most of the neurons devoted to said film, and couldn't recall the details.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 September, 2014, 03:14:29 pm
I must admit I've recycled most of the neurons devoted to said film, and couldn't recall the details.

Sadly, Ridley Scott did. I realise now that his galaxy-sized turd pile Prometheus stole the already nth-hand plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 30 September, 2014, 03:23:16 pm
Wargames.  Great Cold War era film with a teenage Matthew Broderick & Ally Sheedy hacking into NORAD (technically Cracking I think?) and almost starting World War III.

Still stands up pretty well as a film and the DVD commentary with the screenwriters and director* is an enjoyably informal masterclass in film storytelling. No really, I learned a lot.

The computer stuff is of course silly (not least that you can't wardial[1] with an acoustic coupler modem[2]), but they got in some nice nods to the techniques used in the heyday of cracking and phone phreaking.  This was a time when people genuinely believed that a hacker armed with nothing more than a payphone could start a nuclear war.


Anyway, there's a straight-to-DVD sequel to Wargames (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0865957/).  It's not a shade on the original, but has some nice references, including a cameo by WOPR and some 5.25" floppy disks.  Good for a giggle.



[1] The term for iteratively dialling a list of phone numbers to see what you get was named after the film.  Hence derivatives like 'wardrive'.
[2] Film storytellying, of course.  In the 80s, most of the audience knew nothing about computers, let alone what a modem was.  A box that visually allows the computer to make a phone call saves a lot of explanation.


The speech synthesis was fun too – tech available to the production crew wasn’t good enough, so they got John Wood to read the computer dialogue sentences backwards to remove natural rhythm then messed around with them a bit and re-ordered words, s      p     e    e    d  i ng up & sl o w  i   n   g      d    o     w      n  words here and there.  I used to be a lot more interested in both computers and linguistics, so speech synthesis is something I was fascinated with.

There was also a nice attention to detail on the War Room screens too, where the images shown were on 26 different synched movie projectors and the images shown in the film were what the actors saw – this would probably be CGIed in later these days.

It’s interesting (to me at least) listening to director commentaries and hearing what after the more widespread use of CGI they consider they “Wouldn’t be allowed to do these days” – one of the most interesting was ‘Last of the Mohicans’ where they effectively built a (reasonably) period authentic 18th century frontier fort and then proceeded to do a pretty good portrayal of the siege mechanics of the time, blowing the crap out of the fort in the process.  Michael Mann was very clear that due to the cost he would have to do this as CGI now. Pity, because it looks amazing and those are effects that don’t date.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 September, 2014, 08:43:13 pm
It’s interesting (to me at least) listening to director commentaries and hearing what after the more widespread use of CGI they consider they “Wouldn’t be allowed to do these days” – one of the most interesting was ‘Last of the Mohicans’ where they effectively built a (reasonably) period authentic 18th century frontier fort and then proceeded to do a pretty good portrayal of the siege mechanics of the time, blowing the crap out of the fort in the process.  Michael Mann was very clear that due to the cost he would have to do this as CGI now. Pity, because it looks amazing and those are effects that don’t date.

Which is why we'll never get a fourth Indiana Jones film...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 October, 2014, 12:32:09 am
It’s interesting (to me at least) listening to director commentaries and hearing what after the more widespread use of CGI they consider they “Wouldn’t be allowed to do these days” – one of the most interesting was ‘Last of the Mohicans’ where they effectively built a (reasonably) period authentic 18th century frontier fort and then proceeded to do a pretty good portrayal of the siege mechanics of the time, blowing the crap out of the fort in the process.  Michael Mann was very clear that due to the cost he would have to do this as CGI now. Pity, because it looks amazing and those are effects that don’t date.

Which is why we'll never get a fourth Indiana Jones film...

Does "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" not count, then?  It probably shouldn't...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 October, 2014, 09:45:06 am
It’s interesting (to me at least) listening to director commentaries and hearing what after the more widespread use of CGI they consider they “Wouldn’t be allowed to do these days” – one of the most interesting was ‘Last of the Mohicans’ where they effectively built a (reasonably) period authentic 18th century frontier fort and then proceeded to do a pretty good portrayal of the siege mechanics of the time, blowing the crap out of the fort in the process.  Michael Mann was very clear that due to the cost he would have to do this as CGI now. Pity, because it looks amazing and those are effects that don’t date.

Which is why we'll never get a fourth Indiana Jones film...

Does "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" not count, then?  It probably shouldn't...

<weaselsplain>

I believe Kim was riffing on this:

(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/matrix_revisited.png)

</weaselsplain>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 October, 2014, 10:49:01 am
All becomes clear, like a glass hummingbird.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 01 October, 2014, 12:32:33 pm
Anyone seen Soderbergh on Raiders? He shows an early scene in b&w to show the delicate, precise composition, it's when Marcus is talking to Jones in Jones' house, very shadowy and noirish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 October, 2014, 04:28:34 pm
Hmm, on the subject of overbearing CGI replacing latex and imagination, I'm tempted to watch Alien and Prometheus back-to-back, but I'm not sure I can handle the crushing disappointment.

Actually, I didn't think the alien was that well done, it looked like a man in a monster suit, but it worked because the movie made it so.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 October, 2014, 04:36:30 pm
The drive to make the best of a low(ish) budget combined with good editing sometimes makes those films with otherwise crap monster effects the classics they are. 

Much of the success of Jaws is widely acknowledged as due to the great editing by Verna Fields.  The music is great too but ultimately it was Fields’ work which made a film with a truly dreadful special effect (the rubbish shark) the gripping & suspenseful classic it is.

Edited to add – I’m a huge fan of Ridley Scott, he’s always been a creator of strikingly good looking films which are usually also well written and well paced stories – but like many others I suffered the Prometheus disappointment.  I’ll watch it again one day with no expectations but I can guarantee at least two scenes will still bug me – the magic stomach stapling that seems to come and go as a physical impediment and the way someone is running away from a spaceship rolling towards them; run sideways FFS!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 October, 2014, 05:18:53 pm
Indeed. Everyone knows the drooling snappy jaw scene in Alien was a just a man with a stick and some gloop, and the chestbuster is obviously rubber, but the movie makes it work. After all, you know they're not real, so they just need to convince as part of the bigger picture. Prometheus has slick CGI (though they don't apparently have retina-holograms in the future, maybe Apple has the patent) but an entire absence of anything else that you might expect to find in a good film. Everything in that film bugs me. Big snoozing alien is woken up by an unanticipated delivery of human stupid. Well, who wouldn't be grumpy. Maybe Scott was having a bet with De Palma on whether it could indeed top the sheer awfulness of Mission to Mars by making a worse version. Scott won that one. How we, poor movie viewer, are at the cruel whim of such egos.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 October, 2014, 06:07:24 pm
The drive to make the best of a low(ish) budget combined with good editing sometimes makes those films with otherwise crap monster effects the classics they are. 

Much of the success of Jaws is widely acknowledged as due to the great editing by Verna Fields.  The music is great too but ultimately it was Fields’ work which made a film with a truly dreadful special effect (the rubbish shark) the gripping & suspenseful classic it is.

But it's not about the shark! [/kermode]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 October, 2014, 08:55:48 pm
It is about jumping the shark.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 October, 2014, 11:49:43 pm
The thing about the alien in Alien is the way you didn't really get to see a lot of the alien until the lifeboat scene at the end. Most of the alien scenes were snatched glimpses just before a poor victim screamed and gurgled. Once the alien unfurled itself from the plumbing in the lifeboat, for about half the film watching population, their attention was snagged by a barely dressed Ripley climbing into her space suit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 October, 2014, 11:54:07 pm
Once the alien unfurled itself from the plumbing in the lifeboat, for about half the film watching population, their attention was snagged by a barely dressed Ripley climbing into her space suit.

That's another thing, what is it with Hollywood astronauts and getting into spacesuits in just their pants?  Don't they read the checklists?   ::-)

(I'll let Ripley off, on account of having to flush an alien out of the airlock in a hurry.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 October, 2014, 12:07:07 am
Once the alien unfurled itself from the plumbing in the lifeboat, for about half the film watching population, their attention was snagged by a barely dressed Ripley climbing into her space suit.

That's another thing, what is it with Hollywood astronauts and getting into spacesuits in just their pants?  Don't they read the checklists?   ::-)

(I'll let Ripley off, on account of having to flush an alien out of the airlock in a hurry.)

Having first drilled it in the chest with a handy harpoon.......

Probably standard space weenie toolkit in the future.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 October, 2014, 11:05:43 pm
3000 miles to Graceland.

Kevin Costner does a grand Psycho Elvis impersonator :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 05 October, 2014, 06:32:53 pm
Total Recall. The Arnie version. Again.
Forget the science (it's not), revel in the OTT Verhoeven gore.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 07 October, 2014, 07:13:19 am
Edge of Tomorrow.
Enjoyed that. One of the things that caught my eye was the lack of gore, despite a high level of violence, which is a more old-school way of doing things (And also keeps the film PG-13)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 07 October, 2014, 07:39:38 am
What we did on our holiday.  I expected a big screen version of Outnumbered ,, and while there were similarities , particularly in children's dialogue , it was much less a comedy and quite sad in bits.
Really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 October, 2014, 09:54:05 am
Edge of Tomorrow.
Enjoyed that. One of the things that caught my eye was the lack of gore, despite a high level of violence, which is a more old-school way of doing things (And also keeps the film PG-13)

I thought it was a lot of fun - looking forwards to the release next week so I can see it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 09 October, 2014, 07:24:59 am
The Equalizer

You have seen this film before….many times…. Hell, Clint Eastwood has done it before, as did Edward Woodward. You know it, something nasty happens to someone our hero likes; he gets rather upset and goes on a killing spree. Blood, gore and general mayhem ensues. We leave the cinema not having learnt anything about the world and indeed, due to the really sweet ending, I need to take an extra metformin tablet to control my blood sugar when I got home.

This really isn’t a film I would normally spend my hard earned going to the cinema to see.

So, why did I spend over £12 each on a ticket to see a film I wasn’t looking forward to? Well the reason is quite straightforward…. My considerably better half wanted to return to the new cinema in Telford…despite going there to see the rather excellent Pride only last week.

Not really a good reason eh….well it seems the new cinema has a screen with a special type of seat called “D-box.” These are motion machine like seats which move with the action. So, if the actor is on a train, you feel the points, if a gun is fired, you feel the recoil etc. Now I am not a fan of motion machines but my considerably better half is. Indeed, we spent most of our Las Vegas honeymoon riding them. So much so, I came home with a bruised lower back and neck pain which I still have 16 years later.

Was it worth the extra £4.50 for the D-box seat….well sort for a one off but it’s not something that was really needed.

In conclusion therefore, from the above you would think I hated my evening out. Actually, you would be wrong. While the film was very, very, very formulaic, the cinematograph was really good, while Denzel Washington was excellent as our brooding hero. The film was well paced with long periods of reflection intermixed with blazing periods of action. The use of power tools as instruments of death was rather funny, if disturbing!  Overall, I actually really liked it, despite it not actually being my sort of film.

One last thing, I counted at least 20 deaths in this film, some of them being extremely bloody. How this film got a 15 is beyond me…..perhaps I am just getting old but it seemed to be much too violent for this rating.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 October, 2014, 02:55:29 pm
One last thing, I counted at least 20 deaths in this film, some of them being extremely bloody. How this film got a 15 is beyond me…..perhaps I am just getting old but it seemed to be much too violent for this rating.

See previous rants on this subject. It probably wasn't even the violence that made it a 15 rather than a 12A - it was probably the naughty words or something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 October, 2014, 03:26:43 pm
The Equalizer

...
One last thing, I counted at least 20 deaths in this film, some of them being extremely bloody. How this film got a 15 is beyond me…..perhaps I am just getting old but it seemed to be much too violent for this rating.


It was quite justifiable violence as they were mostly bad Russians.  It's good to see films with bad Russians are coming back into vogue.  Also it was instructive as regards the consquences of improper use of power tools.  I am sure there were more than 20 deaths if you include the security guards.   It's possible there will be a sequel written by Richard (Dick?) Wank according to wiki :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 October, 2014, 10:48:40 am
Captain America: The Winter Soldier

I enjoyed this. Yeah, it is a big shootemup action movie.

It has two major plus points. One, a kickass female role. Super smart, independent, not simple and not a sex object. Go Black Widow

Second, a not-very-veiled criticism of the 'shoot dem turrorists from de sky' USA policy.
To quote cap: "Freedom at the end of a gun barrel is not freedom. That's not what we were fighting for."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 October, 2014, 12:14:40 pm
Downfall

It's currently on iPlayer, and given the number of parodies I've seen on Youtube, it seemed like a good idea to watch the original.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 10 October, 2014, 03:35:03 pm
Downfall

It's currently on iPlayer, and given the number of parodies I've seen on Youtube, it seemed like a good idea to watch the original.

I enjoyed it but, to be honest, I was surprised how strongly Hitler felt about the new iPhone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 12 October, 2014, 08:21:08 am
Lucy.

An interesting concept, all star cast, Luc Besson directing.

I am still not sure what I think, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 12 October, 2014, 09:10:37 am
I always find Besson's films slightly opaque, as though they're being broadcast for people who live in another dimension or something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 12 October, 2014, 10:02:04 am
The Manchurian Candidate: Rather predictable ending, I thought. Strange casting too. Lawrence Harvey had a plummy British accent, which was rather out of place given the topic. Also, I couldn't help but notice the deliberately out-of-focus close-ups of Sinatra. I imagine this was his ego determining that his wrinkles couldn't be seen. This was especially obvious towards the end when the scene shifted continually from Harvey to Sinatra. I expected better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 12 October, 2014, 10:07:41 am
Margaret.

For some unknown reason, Lovefilm by Post sent the extended version at over three hours long. Even the shorter version at 145 minutes would have had too much unnecessary stuff. I reckon the makers thought it was really clever, but it comes over as a bit silly and overdone. Maybe I missed the big irony, but I'm not an opera lover and I'm guessing that was the connection.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 October, 2014, 01:38:19 pm
Dallas Buyers Club

Yeah, well made, well written, well acted and all that, but soooo predictable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 13 October, 2014, 07:28:57 am
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - should be shown to all would-be film makers as an example of how to make a good film. It's as near as dammit perfectly put together.

Some may not have actually liked it (too gentle/twee perhaps) but the film itself is very sure footed, under no pretensions about what it is or wants to say. The acting by pretty much all is top notch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 13 October, 2014, 10:13:09 am
St Trinian's  ;D

No idea why we watched, except perhaps it was a nice antidote to a lot of grim/worthy/toocleverbyhalf stuff consumed recently.

Anyway, it was a LOT better than feared. The first hour was particularly good (founded mainly on the traditional StT's elements), but then it peetered out a little in the inevitable modern "we need a 3rd act! Let's have some sort of farcical heist!" cliche.

And "Russel Brand - not awful"
 shock.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 13 October, 2014, 12:35:43 pm
Moodysson's We Are The Best, funniest film of the year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hellymedic on 13 October, 2014, 05:14:06 pm
'A Second Chance', directed by my cousin, Susanne Bier at the BFI Festival last night.
Weird having some actors play their part in Danish and others in Swedish. (I speak neither language but understand Danish slightly better than Swedish.)
Certainly thought-provoking.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 14 October, 2014, 12:41:34 pm
Gone Girl

Not as funny as the book.

An 18. I didn't think they made those anymore... and it earned it.

Also, the trailers were for Boy Films. I think that's because usually I only go and see Young-Adult-Dystopian-Future-Romances-With-Powerful-Female-Leads.
 :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 October, 2014, 04:19:01 pm
‘Calvary’, from the people that brought you ‘The Guard’.  It’s an interesting, if somewhat harrowing film - IMDB has this very précis précis:

“After he is threatened during a confession, a good-natured priest must battle the dark forces closing in around him”.

The writer and director wanted to take a different approach on church abuse and wanted to see the effect on a ‘good’ priest if confronted by the weight of the effect that this abuse has had on the wider society, all in a very allegorical way.  The various trailers and publicity tried to imply that it’s a black comedy in the mould of ‘The Guard’ and ‘In Bruges’ but it’s not – it’s a very stark drama and worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 14 October, 2014, 07:25:36 pm
About a week ago we watched 'The Descendants' with George Clooney. It was very good. It seemed more European in style than American, and was one of those films that make you think. Sad though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 16 October, 2014, 12:09:49 pm
The Maze Runner.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 16 October, 2014, 11:07:31 pm
Just back from A Most Wanted Man

Mega.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 16 October, 2014, 11:31:37 pm
The Maze Runner.
I was expecting
Young-Adult-Dystopian-Future-Romances-With-Powerful-Female-Leads.
I was mistaken.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 October, 2014, 08:32:39 am
Gone Girl

Not as funny as the book.

An 18. I didn't think they made those anymore... and it earned it.




I found it quite amusing and there were laughs from the audience.  I am told that the ending in the book is more satisfactory than the film version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 17 October, 2014, 01:25:29 pm
Under The Skin

Didn't have time to finish watching it, and not sure if I ever will.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 October, 2014, 04:07:11 pm
The leg in the poster for The Graduate belongs to Linda Gray off Dallas. Just found that out and was desperate to share.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 October, 2014, 11:33:32 pm
The leg in the poster for The Graduate belongs to Linda Gray off Dallas. Just found that out and was desperate to share.

Phew! We can all sleep soundly now we finally know whose leg that was.

I know it's had me baffled....and, for some reason, not typing "leg & Graduate" into Google.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 18 October, 2014, 02:00:33 pm
‘Calvary’, from the people that brought you ‘The Guard’.  It’s an interesting, if somewhat harrowing film - IMDB has this very précis précis:

“After he is threatened during a confession, a good-natured priest must battle the dark forces closing in around him”.

The writer and director wanted to take a different approach on church abuse and wanted to see the effect on a ‘good’ priest if confronted by the weight of the effect that this abuse has had on the wider society, all in a very allegorical way.  The various trailers and publicity tried to imply that it’s a black comedy in the mould of ‘The Guard’ and ‘In Bruges’ but it’s not – it’s a very stark drama and worth watching.

I saw "Calvary" and thought of this extremely disturbing Belgian production:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407621/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 October, 2014, 05:52:02 pm
The leg in the poster for The Graduate belongs to Linda Gray off Dallas. Just found that out and was desperate to share.

Nothing to do with fillums but someone recently told me that the couple featured on the cover of the "Woodstock" album were world-renowned Dark Side bicycle manufacturer Gardner "Easy Racers" Martin and his wife Sandra.

Sadly it appears they were mistaken chiz.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 October, 2014, 10:31:13 pm
Wolf Of Wall Street

What a load of shite. Glamourising and celebrating the worst kind of greed, turpitude and corruption.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 19 October, 2014, 08:01:53 am
Wolf Of Wall Street

What a load of shite. Glamourising and celebrating the worst kind of greed, turpitude and corruption.

Having read the books I have avoided the film. The books are supposed to be "I fucked up, in the worst way, hurt everyone I loved and I am really sorry about it" but are only "F*** YEAH! Look at what I did! Drugs! Hookers! Etc!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 October, 2014, 01:52:01 pm
"F*** YEAH! Look at what I did! Drugs! Hookers! Etc!"

Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I have no problem with frequent full-frontal female nudity, but what's the point? Why do I care? The almost total amorality of the film leaves it teetering on the brink of being nothing more than soft porn.

I find myself wondering if I would feel the same about Goodfellas if I watched it again now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 19 October, 2014, 03:06:04 pm
Wolf Of Wall Street

What a load of shite. Glamourising and celebrating the worst kind of greed, turpitude and corruption.

Having read the books I have avoided the film. The books are supposed to be "I fucked up, in the worst way, hurt everyone I loved and I am really sorry about it" but are only "F*** YEAH! Look at what I did! Drugs! Hookers! Etc!"
This is exactly what I'd gleaned from the trailer and reviews :( No intention of watching it.


On the "things I learned today" strand:
The BBFC has details online of their classification  decisions. Unfortunately there's been some controversy, as they often include some serious spoilkers. Example (i did warn you):
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/search/releases/two%2Bdays%252C%2Bone%2Bnight
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 19 October, 2014, 09:03:12 pm
6 Desires: DH Lawrence and Sardinia. Imagine your worst ever English Lit lesson crossed with the most boring History and Geography lessons ever, coupled with an unedited holiday home video of someone you barely know, and that only can express a fraction of the boredom I endured during this documentary. If you liked DH Lawrence you might enjoy it, and the person who wrote it up for the BFI catalogue described it as dazzling, so there is an audience for it somewhere. However it is comfortably the least enjoyable cinema experience I've ever had.

It was made by Mark Cousins, the man who drones on in moviedrome etc, I can take him in that, but 85 mins of this doc shows that there is only so much crap I can put up with.

https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=6desiresdhlawrenceandsardinia
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 October, 2014, 10:50:44 pm
It could have been about Lawrence's paintings...

Quote from: Dr Larrington
If you are ever there [Taos NM] again you should pop into the something-or-other Hotel where DH Lawrence's paintings are on display and which kind of suggest he was right to switch to another Day Job.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Morrisette on 20 October, 2014, 02:37:55 pm
Dracula Untold - well someone has to lower the tone.

Mainly went to see this because Mr M's old school mate Luke Evans is in it. It's not bad actually, though a film about Dracula could have had more blood and gore in it for me. It was only a 15.

On an aside I saw Wolf of wall Street listed as an inflight movie a couple of months ago. The mind boggles. Surely when they had cut it to a 12 cert or whatever they do for planes, it would have been about 20 minutes long?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 26 October, 2014, 05:25:41 pm
Crawlspace (2012) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1890375/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1890375/)

A "good enough for a wet Sunday afternoon" mix of Aliens, Species, and Scanners.  With a Scanners style exploding head scene! 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 October, 2014, 05:51:00 pm
American Hustle

Enjoyed being along for the ride but didn't really understand much of what was going on. Not sure if that's because I was tired or because it really is a garbled mess of a film.

Oh, and...
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 October, 2014, 08:46:14 am
Trance

Started off promisingly but then all went a bit Basic Instinct. Don't think I've ever seen pubic depilation used as a plot device before (not in a mainstream Hollywood movie, at least) but hey, if it provides an excuse to get your leading lady to take her pants off, why not, right? Bizarre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 October, 2014, 08:47:11 am
After this weekend, I think I'm giving up watching films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 27 October, 2014, 09:56:29 am
Hah.
I went to see 'love, rosie' as an attempt to repair the battered thing that is my relationship with No2Daughter. I knew it was froth, but this was bad froth.
Utter tosh.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 27 October, 2014, 02:04:33 pm
A couple of filums last night-

Hummingbird with Jason Statham. Surprisingly not a total pile of poo.

Enemy At The Gates. Rachael Weisz FTW :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 October, 2014, 02:07:49 pm
O Brother where art thou?  Immortal, that one.  Two nights ago, All the President's Men.  Bill Bradlee just died, BTW.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 30 October, 2014, 08:06:21 am
A Million Ways to Die in the West

Typical Seth Macfarlane, lots of gags about abnormal bodily functions, sex, fighting and death.

I found it a bit MEH, to be honest, sort of a bit like "Ted goes to 1882".  It was also obvious that some of the "Family Guy" gags just don't transfer to real life (I am thinking of the ice block bit)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 October, 2014, 04:05:59 pm
Road.

Documentary about the Dunlop dynasty.  Pretty good on the whole though I think I'd have preferred them to leave the footage of Robert's fatal accident on the cutting-room floor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 31 October, 2014, 05:44:22 pm
The Lego Movie - meets, exceeds actually, my previously mentioned criteria of 'a good film'. Just watch it. A peach of a script, some excellent gags and an altogether fresh movie experience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 31 October, 2014, 06:12:18 pm
Only Lovers Left Alive

"Cult" vampire film with Tom Hiddleston, Tilda Swinton and John Hurt.

Pure unadulterated drivel. In future I must remember that just because a film is rated 10-stars by many and 1-star by others, it is not necessarily the case that the 1-starrers have missed the point.  ::-) OK, it's pretty, and the music is interesting, but my goodness the dialogue! Didn't anyone dare mention it to the great Jim Jarmusch at any point during filming?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 31 October, 2014, 06:17:00 pm
Lucy. Even with the poor reviews, I expected more. Only saved by Scarlett Johanson.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 31 October, 2014, 09:53:59 pm
Miller's Crossing. My favourite Coen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: padbeat on 01 November, 2014, 12:49:30 pm
The Devil's Backbone

I've got plenty of time on my hands these days to watch the movies I want to! Brilliant, beautiful, awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 01 November, 2014, 12:53:07 pm
The Devil's Backbone

I've got plenty of time on my hands these days to watch the movies I want to! Brilliant, beautiful, awful.

That is fantastic film, if you liked it, try Butterfly's Tongue.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: padbeat on 01 November, 2014, 12:56:10 pm
I'll look it out!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 02 November, 2014, 12:53:36 pm
The Double - didn't work for me at all. Like watching a Kafka-esque tale (a Dostoyevsky one in reality but you get my drift) made my David Lynch with a soundtrack from a Peter Greenaway movie. Therein for me was I think it's problem; it felt like someone elses film, too many external reference points. I didn't know what I was watching, just too cerebral for me maybe, and I was left feeling cold and outside it. Maybe that was what was supposed to happen, I don't know.

It was gorgeous to watch. Lighting was moody and superb, excellently shot and the soundtrack enhanced the visuals to the max.... BUT, I have no idea what I was supposed to take away from the film itself. Something to do with identity, alienation, feeling forgotten etc. All that is transparently obvious...but what exactly beats me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 02 November, 2014, 04:53:20 pm
Grand Budapest Hotel. Odd, lots of miniatures, very mannered and a LOT of cameos. Very, very silly. Enjoyed it a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 November, 2014, 10:06:59 am
Pearl Harbour- sorry :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 November, 2014, 01:08:06 pm
Still the Enemy Within.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 03 November, 2014, 01:32:40 pm
Pearl Harbour- sorry :-[

I'll bet you were.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 November, 2014, 01:52:04 pm
Pearl Harbour- sorry :-[

I'll bet you were.

Actually, once I had suspended my credibility radar, the film was quite watchable. But then, wadoino?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 November, 2014, 09:32:41 pm
Gravity.  Meh.  The SFX are fairly realistic but the acting is drab.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 November, 2014, 10:33:36 pm
Back To The Future Pt3

Never actually seen it all the way through in one go before. Very silly. Enjoyable but nowhere near as good as the first one. Never been a fan of Pt2.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: a lower gear on 03 November, 2014, 11:15:44 pm
John Clease's "Romance with a double bass" (1974).

If you had a soft spot for Polly the maid in Fawlty Towers (Connie Booth), you'll surely enjoy this filmette.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 03 November, 2014, 11:39:02 pm
Mr Turner.

Slow, episodic, almost storyless.  Beautifully shot, beautifully acted.  Made me laugh in places where I was clearly the only one in the cinema who got the joke - or maybe was the only one who felt it was appropriate to laugh out loud.  It felt very much like a comment on attitudes, and a reminder that whilst the modern world brings us much, we've lost an awful lot too.

Good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 November, 2014, 02:16:57 pm
Ouija.

It's a hoot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 07 November, 2014, 07:52:18 am
Finally watched Pacific Rim at the weekend and I loved it.

I want a Jaeger for the commute.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 07 November, 2014, 09:13:21 pm
And today was: Interstellar.

There's the odd cheesy moment or three.  I got the ending within ten minutes of the start.  Nolan channels Kubrik for some of the shots, and it's lovely to look at - his dislike of CGI being what it is, the landscapes are great, but there's some stuff you can't pull off without computers.  Mind you, the computers are used appropriately so that's ok.  Weird
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cameo from an unexpected actor, and at least one made-you-jump moment.  The use of sound, and silence, is pretty good, and it looks fabulous.

Verdict: Not Quite Perfect, but I liked it.

I haven't seen Gravity, so can't compare.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tewdric on 07 November, 2014, 09:41:56 pm
You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!

Is on now on more four!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tewdric on 07 November, 2014, 10:21:48 pm
Trivia question - without googling - what's the aircraft type in TIJ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 November, 2014, 12:37:40 am
his dislike of CGI being what it is

Yet, he chooses to make films that would be impossible without using a lot of it. Ok, fair enough, he tries to get as much in camera as possible. (He applied to crash a real helicopter in Chicago for one of the Batman movies....strangely enough the city didn't approve), but his action style owes lots to Michael Bay.


Sorry, it gets me everytime they trot out the 'I don't like CGI'  line and yet make movies where virtually half it relies heavily on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 November, 2014, 12:39:49 am
"Inside Llewyn Davis". A Coen Brothers movie that I completely missed until a colleague told me that it was on netflix.
Mesmerizing, but a little frustrated by the ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: padbeat on 08 November, 2014, 02:34:38 am
Tonight's movie marathon ...
Sin City - A Dame to Kill For
Prepare popcorn. Remove beer from fridge. Insert brain in fridge. Enjoy film. Remove brain from fridge and refit in head.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Yeah. It lasted 30 minutes

Donnie Darko
Still as awesome as the first 4 times I watched it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 08 November, 2014, 01:52:20 pm
And today was: Interstellar.

I haven't seen Gravity, so can't compare.

Haven't seen Interstellar yet but by about two thirds of the way through Gravity I was praying for the Alien to turn up and put us all out of our misery.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 November, 2014, 12:42:30 am
Mr Turner.

Slow, episodic, almost storyless.  Beautifully shot, beautifully acted.

We went to see it tonight at the shiny new Curzon cinema in Canterbury, which was a revelation - huge comfy reclining chairs with lots of legroom, two bars, neither of which sell half-gallon buckets of fizzy pop or wheelbarrows of popcorn, just a pleasant grown-up environment for watching films in. Only problem was being in the second row (there are only eight rows) meant I was a little too close to the screen - wish I'd taken my reading glasses.

Anyway, I agree with your assessment of the film. Sumptuous would be the word I'd use. And yet... although overall I found a lot to like in it, somehow for me it added up to less than the sum of its parts. Not sure why. Still very good though.

Quote
Made me laugh in places where I was clearly the only one in the cinema who got the joke - or maybe was the only one who felt it was appropriate to laugh out loud

I LOLed at the Wuskin scene, and a few other places.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 November, 2014, 07:44:30 am
Yesterday, having seen the first two episodes of the TV series, we watched Constantine.

I have seen it before, but Mrs T hasn't. Well she has now. She declared it good, but gory.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 November, 2014, 07:57:12 am
Avatar.

Seen it already, but remembered that if you put a low-density ND filter in front of one eye when watching things moving on the box the brain interprets the difference in the 2 pics it receives as being due to different perspectives, and throws it into 3D whether the perspectives are different or not.

This isn't all that great with most films, but the scenes in those shot for current 3D are set up to emphasize perspective. There's much more movement too, choreographed to reinforce the impression. It's not all fancy tech.

Anyway, my humble ND filter worked a treat.  Maybe not 100% as well as the pukka tech - the colours were a little muted and a wee bit of eyestrain was involved - but it worked well enough that every time I took the filter away I wanted to put it back again.

Fun.  Crap story, but fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 09 November, 2014, 09:53:14 am
Mesmerizing, but a little frustrated by the ending.

I know what you mean, in that there was no fame and fortune or sticking it to the man. BUT, if you think of his character, his notion of himself being 'real', both flirting with and rejecting success, it was an ending that made sense. He was 'doomed' to repeat the cycle for the rest of his days. Depressing or life validating, depending on your POV.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 09 November, 2014, 10:12:40 am
I'm so Excited

The bizzarrest film I've seen in a long time, and absolutely hilarious. Almodóvar is a complete loon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 November, 2014, 08:41:56 am
Mesmerizing, but a little frustrated by the ending.

I know what you mean, in that there was no fame and fortune or sticking it to the man. BUT, if you think of his character, his notion of himself being 'real', both flirting with and rejecting success, it was an ending that made sense. He was 'doomed' to repeat the cycle for the rest of his days. Depressing or life validating, depending on your POV.

Yeah, that's what I took away from it too. Still amazed by their ability to suck you in to their characters. I want to see it again, but will wait a few months.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 10 November, 2014, 10:16:13 am
Red2 - as enjoyably silly as the first one.

The Place Beyond The Pines - looked at first like it was shaping up to be a variant on 'Drive' then suddenly it went somewhere different and interesting.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 10 November, 2014, 02:15:31 pm
Lymelife.  An intelligent, gentle and sometimes amusing coming of age tale - that includes lymes disease, infidelity and deer hunting. Recommended, good performances - with the younger Culkin brothers (who, tbh, I didn't know existed!)

I'd never heard of this movie (an independent production) so had no expectations whatsoever. For me, the perfect way to see a film. That it worked was both an added bonus and a restoration of my faith in the film industry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 10 November, 2014, 11:11:24 pm
I agree - it’s an absolute gem!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 10 November, 2014, 11:21:14 pm
Interstellar
Crap, but not wholly
Edited for fuller comments
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 11 November, 2014, 08:47:42 am
Caught the last half of Dr Zhivago at the weekend. Forgotten how much I enjoy that film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 11 November, 2014, 10:03:14 am
Last nights film was Derek Jarman's "The Last of England" shown at FACT as part of Liverpool Homotopia.

I last saw it on a B&W portable over 20 years ago, and could still remember some of the imagery. Wonderful stuff.
Only about 6 other people in the audience though :-(

Saw "Mr Turner" last week. Lovely photography & music, and Timothy Spall is magnificent. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 November, 2014, 10:16:50 am
And today was: Interstellar.

There's the odd cheesy moment or three.  I got the ending within ten minutes of the start.  Nolan channels Kubrik for some of the shots, and it's lovely to look at - his dislike of CGI being what it is, the landscapes are great, but there's some stuff you can't pull off without computers.  Mind you, the computers are used appropriately so that's ok.  Weird
(click to show/hide)
cameo from an unexpected actor, and at least one made-you-jump moment.  The use of sound, and silence, is pretty good, and it looks fabulous.

Verdict: Not Quite Perfect, but I liked it.

I haven't seen Gravity, so can't compare.

I saw it last night and am still processing – whatever I end up thinking about it, it’s visually stunning at times and I would definitely recommend people seeing this on the big screen (rather than waiting for the small screen).

I have seen Gravity and am curious just how much Interstellar changes on second viewing – I saw Gravity twice in the cinema.  The first time out it was a huge visual spectacle, the second time it was actually quite a small film for me and the human parts of it were more to the fore.  In scope I mean, that’s not a criticism of the film.  The scale moves down on second viewing from this awesome big thing down to a much more compact human story (that was my experience YMMV of course).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 11 November, 2014, 05:32:21 pm
Breaking The Waves. A stunning performance from Emily Watson. Watch it for that alone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 12 November, 2014, 02:51:16 am
Red2 - as enjoyably silly as the first one.

The Place Beyond The Pines - looked at first like it was shaping up to be a variant on 'Drive' then suddenly it went somewhere different and interesting.

(click to show/hide)

I enjoyed both 'REDs'. I got the impression that La Mirren may have been enjoying herself, and Malkovich certainly was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 12 November, 2014, 08:52:47 am
Shame Mr Borgnine didn't live to make the sequel. Best autobiography title in Hollywood:

"I Dont Want To Set The World On Fire (I Just Want To Keep My Nuts Warm)"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 13 November, 2014, 03:36:44 am
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (shown in France as Charlie's World)

Awful. Hated it. The book is apparently a teenage 'must read' in the US, a newer 'Catcher In The Rye' if you will, but I've not read it. The film is trite and pretentious. It portrays teenage years of money and privelage and other than some themes, I cannot see how it resonates with a wider audience. Scripted and directed by the author of the book, it all comes across as 'look how sensitive and clever I am'. Apart from one performance (that of the gay friend Patrick), I can say little positive about the film.

It's worst crime for me was it's treatment of child abuse. Referred to, arguably a central theme, but used more as a badge to garner sympathy for characters rather than explored in any serious way. Perhaps the book does so. Perhaps the film's producers, with ticket sales and censors in mind, played it safe and in so doing lost the strength of the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 November, 2014, 10:28:12 pm
Interstellar at the Imax. I was a bit dubious. You know how I get about Prometheus (just don't, OK), and I'll commit a heresy by staying that 2001 was pretty much a few iconic scenes struggling to stay afloat on a Sargasso sea of garbled crap. I think it's supposed to be meditative. Oh, get on with it or at least give me the drugs. Who you want to see, a monkey with a bone making out like he's a heavy metal drummer getting his first solo, or McConaughey hammering happily away on his space bongos? So, yeah, 3 hours of rehashed 2001-lite was a little daunting, like the first visit to the porcelain throne after an evening overdoing the vindaloo.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 13 November, 2014, 11:26:56 pm
We went to Interstellar last night too.

My disbelief came plummeting back.
I did like lots of it, but it just got silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 14 November, 2014, 12:27:16 am
Gone Girl.

I thought I was going to see Bond Girl, but instead was hit full on with an 18 Certificate. There were plot holes that could not be adequately filled by a wine bottle, despite what you might have read.

Having said that, this was a rare film - I didn't at any time wonder if it was nearly time to go home. Towards the end I imagined all sorts of endings, but none of them came true.

It was marvellous to see an heroine gain 2 stones in weight and then lose them again all in the space of 6 weeks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 14 November, 2014, 07:04:05 am
Guardians of the Galaxy.

Wonderful, daft, funny Marvel film. What is not tonlike about a film that has:
A talking raccoon.
An Ent. This role really stretched Vin Diesel's acting ability.
Glenn Close?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 November, 2014, 01:45:31 pm
Zombieland.

Rule No. 2- Double Tap.

"Goddamn it, Bill fucking Murray! I had to get that out. I don't mean to gush. This is so surreal. I mean, you probably get this all the time. Maybe not lately, but I'm such a huge fan of yours. You know, I swear, I've seen every one of your movies a million times. I even loved your dramatic roles and just everything. Six people left in the world and one of them is Bill fucking Murray. I know that's not your middle name. I've been watching you since I was like... Since I could masturbate. I mean, not that they're connected. "
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 17 November, 2014, 05:40:39 pm
The Imitation Game.

Definitely Not a documentary.  Everyone's jolly splendid, and nearly everyone has a stiff upper lip.

Actually I quite enjoyed it, despite the liberties taken.  Crypto-history buffs should note that they'll wince, probably more than once, but hey, it's a movie...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 18 November, 2014, 09:12:26 am
Northern Soul.

Bloody awful. Script by a 12 year old, and that's disrespectful to 12 year olds. Wanted to be Quadrophenia, and failed failed failed. Not even the music could save it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 November, 2014, 09:22:55 am
The Machine

I'd not heard of this. Much better than expected - decent depiction of a dystopia
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 November, 2014, 09:28:05 am
Attack the block  ;D :thumbsup:

What's Ron's weed room?
It's a big room! Full of weed. And it's Ron's.

It smells like a shit did a shit.

No idea. Not a bloody clue. Maybe there was a party at the zoo, and a monkey fucked a fish.

Even if it is an alien invasion, they're four foot high, blind and got kicked to death by a bunch of kids. We got nothing to worry about.

Well, 'ere, lads, you've discovered a species hitherto unknown to science, quite possibly non-terrestrial in origin, and you kicked its fuckin' head in!

This is too much madness to explain in one text!

What kind of alien, out of all the places in the whole wide world, would invade some shitty council estate in south London?
One that's lookin' for a fight!

Believe me, I'd go out there myself if I wasn't so profoundly stoned.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 November, 2014, 09:34:38 am
Attack the block  ;D :thumbsup:

What's Ron's weed room?
It's a big room! Full of weed. And it's Ron's.

Is this some sort of homage to the Camberwell Carrot?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 19 November, 2014, 07:09:30 pm
Magic In The Moonlight

Yes, it's the annual Woody Allen movie. Yes, it is definitely a Woody Allen film. There is only one voice. There are favourite/worn tried and trusted themes. There is 'why' and neuroses. There is a trad jazz soundtrack.

And it is, for all that, a damned good film. He's become a throwback. A reminder of how simply films were made. No CGI only blue screen back projection. He's a story teller. He's a modern day Oscar Wilde. And, in this film, he's on form.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 November, 2014, 08:37:32 am
Attack the block  ;D :thumbsup:

What's Ron's weed room?
It's a big room! Full of weed. And it's Ron's.

Is this some sort of homage to the Camberwell Carrot?

Well, there was more than the average recreational use of 'erb portrayed, though having said that, after a bit, the 'heroes' of the filum were using said 'erb more to calm than to relax ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 20 November, 2014, 09:08:22 am
X-Men - Days of Future Past

Not as good as the others, but still good. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 20 November, 2014, 12:39:26 pm
A Boy Called Dad

&

Gold

Two films, one Welsh and one Irish, with slightly different takes on fatherhood and broken families. Each quite good in their own way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 20 November, 2014, 12:42:42 pm
The Spanish Chainsaw Massacre


Oh dear, why did I watch this? Thankfully it was quite short. I suppose not much should be expected from a film with a title like that, €3,000 budget and not a single review on IMDB. Even the subtitles were by someone with less of a grasp of English than I have of Spanish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 21 November, 2014, 02:13:05 pm
A Most Wanted Man
Hmmm. Hoffman fans will love it - he's brill.

And so are a few other people in it. But the story just doesn't cut it. I haven't read the book, but I've read some other recent LeCarre, and they're not in the same league as Tinker etc.

Still, very well made, a diverting couple of hours. Special mention for the wonderful Ritz cinema in Belper!


<cycling content. sort of>
Also: it was nice to see a major character getting about by bike, without being a figure of fun, or coming to a grisly end; but I'm not sure we needed _quite_ so many lingering shots of her be-denimmed arse. Odd, as the film lacked the usual gratuitous female nudity that is normally shoe-horned into mainstream movies.
</cycling content>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 21 November, 2014, 04:02:04 pm
Judd Apatow has a thing about cyclists, the 40 Year Old Virgin rides one, falls off, and that bloke off This is 40 rides one, falls off. Paul something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 November, 2014, 12:13:03 am
Gravity

Phwoar! That was great. Loved it. Except the music, which is shit, but I was totally gripped anyway. Only wish I'd got around to seeing it on the big screen - though not in 3D. Can't seriously believe it would have been any better in 3D.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 November, 2014, 09:22:27 am
Gettysburg. Prosy, cardboard & slow at times - I get the impression that some of the speeches are taken from the characters' writings - but the action is great and the sound is fantastic.  Could do with more maps. All in all, though, a tremendous film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 22 November, 2014, 10:21:04 am
Interstellar. Very good. Different from what I expected and ADR was not as big an issue as reported. Also saw it on glorious Imax/70mm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 November, 2014, 10:39:34 am
Gettysburg. Prosy, cardboard & slow at times - I get the impression that some of the speeches are taken from the characters' writings - but the action is great and the sound is fantastic.  Could do with more maps. All in all, though, a tremendous film.

Everything needs more maps :)  I wasn't the only test-reader to point this out regarding Dr Larrington's next book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 22 November, 2014, 11:34:27 am
Things you will never hear in a Hollywood production meeting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 November, 2014, 11:45:35 am
Travelling By Map is a tried and trusted Hollywood staple though.  Imagine the Indiana Jones films, for example, if there were long sequences of Harrison Ford hanging around grubby aerodromes tutting and looking at his watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 22 November, 2014, 12:02:54 pm
Oh I know. Perhaps a slight tweek then:

Things you will never hear in a 2014 Hollywood production meeting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 November, 2014, 12:13:25 pm
I saw Gravity twice in the cinema.  The first time out it was a huge visual spectacle, the second time it was actually quite a small film for me and the human parts of it were more to the fore.  In scope I mean, that’s not a criticism of the film.  The scale moves down on second viewing from this awesome big thing down to a much more compact human story (that was my experience YMMV of course).

This is one of the reasons I can't imagine it would be improved by 3D. I like the spectacularly dramatic scenes, and they must look great on the big screen, but what I liked most about it was that it actually had a proper story. The stuff about her daughter was the only bit that grated - Bullock and Clooney were both excellent, very 'human', very convincing, which for me negated the dramatic need for any of that sentimental gubbins. Because of the strength of their performances, I felt the motivation of wanting to survive would have been enough to carry the plot by itself.

I'd like to see Interstellar as well, though it does sound a bit silly.

Best space film of recent years is still Moon. By a large margin. Again, it's the humanity that carries it.

We're thinking of going to see The Imitation Game tonight. It looks dreadful but as long as I can remind myself that it's just a bit of entertainment, not a documentary, it might be fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 22 November, 2014, 01:17:08 pm
Travelling By Map is a tried and trusted Hollywood staple though.  Imagine the Indiana Jones films, for example, if there were long sequences of Harrison Ford hanging around grubby aerodromes tutting and looking at his watch.

That would still be a be better film than Crystal Skull.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 22 November, 2014, 11:56:25 pm
Interstellar.

A kind of shuftied re-make of 2010.  So many visual, thematic and audio references to other films that my inner geek was going mental with joy.  I really enjoyed it.  It didn't have the sheer Hubble-esque beauty of Gravity, but I thought it was a better film, because it played with all that inter-dimensional, metaphysical wotsit, and there was more plot.

I want to go and see it again.  I'd love to see it on an IMAX screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 November, 2014, 12:23:06 am
We're thinking of going to see The Imitation Game tonight. It looks dreadful but as long as I can remind myself that it's just a bit of entertainment, not a documentary, it might be fun.

I'm pleased to say that it lived up to all my expectations. There were several eye-rolling moments but I can't deny that I enjoyed it. Having a decent local cinema makes a huge difference - I feel more inclined to forgive a film its flaws when the overall experience of cinema-going is so pleasant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 November, 2014, 12:25:28 am
Interstellar.

A kind of shuftied re-make of 2010.

With Helen Mirren?  I'd watch that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 23 November, 2014, 12:32:19 am
Tragically, no.  But Ann Hathaway is pretty good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 23 November, 2014, 08:23:55 pm
The Drop

Brilliant, not to be missed, IMO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 24 November, 2014, 11:07:01 am
Interstellar.

My wife and I (after much badgering from our son, who insisted we must see-Interstellar-at-the-cinema-or-else-we'd-regret-it-because-it's-fantastic-on-the-big-screen-and-possibly-one-of-his-favourite-films) felt we'd managed a 'big thing' on Friday evening – rather than vegetate after visiting Sainsbury's – we 'had us tea' and ventured back out to visit the cinema.

Enjoyed the film very much. Concept of time distortion was very thought-provoking. Then again, anything to do with space is very thought-provoking. One has to be accepting to certain aspects of the film, but hey, who cares!?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 24 November, 2014, 12:11:36 pm
We're thinking of going to see The Imitation Game tonight. It looks dreadful but as long as I can remind myself that it's just a bit of entertainment, not a documentary, it might be fun.

I'm pleased to say that it lived up to all my expectations. There were several eye-rolling moments but I can't deny that I enjoyed it. Having a decent local cinema makes a huge difference - I feel more inclined to forgive a film its flaws when the overall experience of cinema-going is so pleasant.

It did fail to give overt credit for the achievements of Bletchley to the USA.  (Although Turing was posthumously 'honored'.)  And they managed not to mention Poland. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 November, 2014, 06:16:32 pm
It did fail to give overt credit for the achievements of Bletchley to the USA.

 ;D

Quote
And they managed not to mention Poland.

Actually, they mentioned Poland twice! They even credited the Poles with stealing the Enigma machine, although they made it sound as if they were just couriers delivering it to the Brainy Brit Boffins who were obviously much better equipped to do the Difficult Sums part of the job.

I particularly enjoyed the way that having cracked the code, the Turing team was suddenly transformed from one small team of cryptologists within the much larger Bletchley organisation to being leading military strategists in charge of running the whole war.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 24 November, 2014, 07:36:14 pm
Before I Go To Sleep - tense stuff. Colin Firth with a twist to the character he usually plays, Nicole Kidman doing neurotic so convincly that you'd think she was ( ;) ), in a tale that nods more than a little to Christopher Nolan's truly excellent 'Momento'. Worth a watch.

Revolutionary Road - like watching a stage play. Perhaps not surprising given the director's, Sam Mendes, background. Kate Winslett is excellent (and denied an Oscar nomination) and Leornardo Dicaprio is very good, they play a young married couple in a real life v dreams debate. This is a strong, thoughtful and thought provoking film let down by a slightly weak script; at times it seems naïvely innane. Thematically similar in respects to Mendes' more polished 'American Beauty' it is none the less a film to look out for.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 25 November, 2014, 09:14:19 pm
Went to see the 're-mastered' Withnail and I at local cinema. Haven't done a good job in cleaning up the film, Withnail is still a foul mouthed scruffy drunk and their flat is minging!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 25 November, 2014, 09:33:55 pm
Step Up 4 - With Some Additional Sentence.


A trial of parenting.
I thought she owed me, but clearly I am still paying for something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 26 November, 2014, 09:17:17 am
Saw "The Imitation Game" last week, well acted & entertaining, but some artistic licence with the facts!

Last night was "Hockney, Live from LA" , Screen 1 was full and there was applause at the end  :thumbsup:

A rambling biopic from childhood to art school and then fame & fortune.  Lots of interviews with friends & family and excerpts from his own films and films others have made of him.   Lots of pictures....

He comes across as a nice, decent bloke.   Interesting facts, Hockney & his father were both concientious objectors & active in CND, he also describes his father painting a perfect straight line along the top tube of a bicycle , he gave up on cycling in LA though... :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 26 November, 2014, 10:48:59 pm
Don't know whether this counts as it's as much a documentary as a movie, but "Bicycle - a Great British Movement"

It will have limited appeal outside of cycling circles, but covers lots of stuff I found interesting, such as how Chris Boardman ended up on that bike in Barcelona, along with the journey that cycling has been on over the decades in the UK. I think a good guide would be that if you enjoyed the Cyclorama programmes that BBC4 did last spring then you'll enjoy this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 November, 2014, 12:19:13 pm
Also worth watching if you're from the Birmingham area, for the many repeated shots of Brum's half-decent stretch of Sustrans path, and footage of some contractors proudly applying loose gravel to the towpath under Lifford Lane.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 27 November, 2014, 01:09:43 pm
Interstellar.
Went last night, with a scientific pal ...
Quote
Enjoyed the film very much. Concept of time distortion was very thought-provoking. Then again, anything to do with space is very thought-provoking. One has to be accepting to certain aspects of the film, but hey, who cares!?
Indeed - best not to poke too hard with the logic stick in some places. File under enjoyable, good-looking tosh - quality entertainment.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 November, 2014, 08:58:31 pm
just got back from Interstellar. Other audience - 1 teenage girl, 14-15? ;D


Definitely worth seeing (particularly on The Big Screen). Loads of good things, loads of flaws.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 28 November, 2014, 10:34:09 pm
Get On Up

The James Brown biopic.
I'm a huge fan, so it would probably have had to be dreadful for me not to love  it.
I loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 30 November, 2014, 10:13:48 am
Gravity.

Nope. Like 'The Archers' with cgi... stay with me. Ever see a badly dubbed film? Where you have this mental image of the actors standing around a microphone delivering their lines? Well, that's how Gravity struck me in the first x minutes. Sandra Bullock grunting and gnar'ing into a studio microphone. Thereafter, the movie was doomed for me.

Special effects? Yeah, brilliant probably. It often just looked wrong to me. Zero gravity floating about scenes? Yep, sure, bet they were difficult and time consuming and demanding to do...  but.... the movie was, well, ordinary. An entertainment miss for me.

I'm not even sure what it was about. Or what it was telling me.

RTFM perhaps? Just as well the Chinese use the same colour coding as the Soviets, as the Americans. Christ, Bullock could have been operating a microwave, or setting the video recorder. Praps downloading a podcast.... of 'The Archers' no less.

Sorry, maybe it was technically brilliant but it was a ho-hum movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 30 November, 2014, 10:16:39 am
Andrew, if you watch the iMax Hubble Telescope movie, you'll see what Gravity was trying to add a poor story to.  Gravity owes much to this film.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1433813/

Which is a wonderful documentary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 November, 2014, 11:41:18 am
Blue Jasmine

Strange. Not at all what I was expecting - and all the better for it. Some proper laugh out loud moments but pretty bleak overall - more Mike Leigh than Woody Allen. The reveal at the end, where the two timelines were tied up, was genuinely surprising and effective. Cate Blanchett is brilliant.

I've never seen A Streetcar Named Desire, so I don't know how it compares - how much is a straight lift and how much is original.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2014, 12:38:21 pm
Avatar (yes, I'm hopelessly out of touch).

Visually stunning, with all the pace that you expect from a James Cameron action movie.  Though some of the alien life did make me think he'd rather have been remaking The Abyss.

But it's still Pocahontas vs The Space Marines with a plot so shallow it didn't begin to make sense.  Could try harder.

+20 points for CGI and motion capture
+5 points for Sigourney Weaver as Dian Fossey
-50 points for the white saviour plot, casual disablism and cultural misappropriation
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 30 November, 2014, 01:07:14 pm
Just right on time before the next three :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 30 November, 2014, 08:11:43 pm
...+5 points for Sigourney Weaver as Dian Fossey


…Wot?  Again?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 November, 2014, 08:27:25 pm
...+5 points for Sigourney Weaver as Dian Fossey

…Wot?  Again?

Pretty much.  Once I worked it out it was hard to see her character as anything else.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 30 November, 2014, 09:08:05 pm
Pantani - The Accidental Death of a Cyclist

To give some background I am a reasonably recent convert to cycling as anything other than messing about in the local wood on a Halfords MTBSO as a kid, and events such as the tours up until the late 2000s only just made it into my consciousness, so this film covers a man I knew a little about, and a period that I will admit I wasn't very keen on looking into too much. I knew he was a brilliant climber (and mad descender), was bald, wore an earring and bandana, and I had images of him riding in bright pink.

Now I see a great climber* and character, who cycled in a dark era for cycling, came back from a quite horrific crash to the top of the sport, and the end saw it crumble round him. I know he most likely took drugs such as EPO in his career, but I am left wondering just what he would have achieved in a drug free era.

I'd say well put together, and some great climbing scenes. The end is rather sad. Overall an interesting film, which I'm glad I've watched. Enjoyable in parts and uncomfortable in others. I'd recommend it.



*I can empathise more with the 'sprinters' self-help group' in the autobus, but am building an appreciation for good climbers

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 30 November, 2014, 09:34:48 pm
Can I confess that I've just taken mini-Redlight to see Paddington?

Having grown up on the books, I was apprehensive, mainly because the stories were so gentle that it was hard to imagine them appearing to a generation brought up on Pixar-type adventures. And I was right, as the film is dominated by a ludicrous kidnap plot, involving Nicole Kidman and Peter Capaldi. BUT, I imagine for anyone who didn't read the books it would be a pleasant enough 90 minutes. There are some fine bits of slapstick and the bear itself is very good.

Sadly, we have the third part of The Hobbit to face in a couple of weeks. Now there is a book that has been completely ruined by its film version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 December, 2014, 12:47:57 am
I've made a point of not watching any of The Hobbit so far, and hope to continue that. For ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 01 December, 2014, 04:47:57 am
I've loved the The Hobbit. Yeah, it's goes way beyond the book, but it captures the world very well and Smaug is amazingly well done. Can't wait for the last 1!.

This weekend, I finally finished watching Godzilla. I can't remember last time I saw a movie where I cared so little for the protagonists...and while I understand why they made the fights so 'slow' (in order to make the scale appear more realistic), it just made the fight sequences boring. Glad I escaped that project.

I also watched Grand Hotel Budapest, which was very good and I will have to watch it again. I really wish more film makers had the courage to make more stylistic movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 December, 2014, 10:01:29 am
Guardians of the Galaxy again. Still fabulous. Also Captain America: Winter Soldier which I hadn't seen and was good. I fear Captain America may have liberal pinko tendencies.

After dragging myself through the LoTR saga (I'll give the final battle some kudos, but lordy was it a journey to get there, and the end, yes the end, you know the end, that bit at the end, where things are supposed to finish, the coda, the bit before the title, yes we're nearly there, just a few more reprises... Jesus, just run the fucking credits already). I'm not going near The Hobbit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 01 December, 2014, 10:08:24 am
Paddington.

Extremely far-fetched, historically inaccurate and scientifically implausible in all directions.  Significant amount of violence.

What can possibly have inspired this film?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 December, 2014, 12:45:32 pm
I'm in two minds about what Dr Davis calls Hobbity Nonse but based on what I've read here and my general disquiet about turning a not-very-thick children's book into three fat films I'm veering towards avoidance.  Though a lot of the DVD extras for LOTR were fascinating viewing in their own right.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 01 December, 2014, 11:57:40 pm
Just back from watching the re-release of 2001 at FACT in Liverpool.     I've watched it a couple of times before at the cinema but the new digital print was the best I've seen. Everything was really clear (apart from the plot of course..... :P)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 December, 2014, 05:11:20 am
I wonder if that was the one I saw last year with Crinklylion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 02 December, 2014, 09:44:00 am
I'm in two minds about what Dr Davis calls Hobbity Nonse but based on what I've read here and my general disquiet about turning a not-very-thick children's book into three fat films I'm veering towards avoidance.  Though a lot of the DVD extras for LOTR were fascinating viewing in their own right.

I've just read that the final part reaches its climax with a 45 minute battle sequence. 45 minutes!   And I'll bet the bloody elves still never run out of arrows.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 02 December, 2014, 12:36:36 pm
The LEGO Movie.

Sharks!
Lasers!
Laser Sharks!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 December, 2014, 01:47:00 pm
The LEGO Movie was Meh for me.

Apart from the wonderful earworm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 02 December, 2014, 03:31:19 pm
Ah yes, the earworm of the decade. It's even catchily irritating in French. But didn't you like that you were meant to hate it to begin with? It was Big Brother, corporate evil, everything you're supposed to despise. Then damn me if they don't up end the cart and it becomes the song of the brave new world!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 December, 2014, 04:28:33 pm
Ah yes, the earworm of the decade. It's even catchily irritating in French. But didn't you like that you were meant to hate it to begin with? It was Big Brother, corporate evil, everything you're supposed to despise. Then damn me if they don't up end the cart and it becomes the song of the brave new world!

with just a handful of men,
we'll start all over again!

Damn-another ear worm :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 December, 2014, 10:00:19 pm
Just back from watching the re-release of 2001 at FACT in Liverpool.     I've watched it a couple of times before at the cinema but the new digital print was the best I've seen. Everything was really clear (apart from the plot of course..... :P)

I've got a ticket to see it at the MAC in a couple of weeks time.  I've never seen it on the big screen.  Neither has barakta, but in spite of subtitles being largely academic for 2001 she prefers a small screen for visual reasons, and I quote "doesn't have the brain for two hours of Kubrick".


(Never had trouble with the plot, having read the novels years before I encountered the film.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 02 December, 2014, 10:16:28 pm
Just back from watching the re-release of 2001 at FACT in Liverpool.     I've watched it a couple of times before at the cinema but the new digital print was the best I've seen. Everything was really clear (apart from the plot of course..... :P)

I've got a ticket to see it at the MAC in a couple of weeks time.  I've never seen it on the big screen.  Neither has barakta, but in spite of subtitles being largely academic for 2001 she prefers a small screen for visual reasons, and I quote "doesn't have the brain for two hours of Kubrick".


(Never had trouble with the plot, having read the novels years before I encountered the film.)

Gary Lockwood & Keir Dullea on Radio 3 now.    It's 2hrs, 40 mins,  they had an interval.

Likewise,  read The Sentinel, the novelisation of 2001 and Lost Worlds of 2001 before I saw the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: RJ on 03 December, 2014, 07:14:20 am
Paddington.

Extremely far-fetched, historically inaccurate and scientifically implausible in all directions.  Significant amount of violence.

What can possibly have inspired this film?
;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 December, 2014, 09:29:34 am
Just back from watching the re-release of 2001 at FACT in Liverpool.     I've watched it a couple of times before at the cinema but the new digital print was the best I've seen. Everything was really clear (apart from the plot of course..... :P)

Simple plot. (The book explains the plot better than the film admittedly.)

Advanced alien civilisation keeps giving other, viable, species around the universe a little helping hand every so often, so they can eventually join them in their galactic hippie space commune man.

"Hey Ape-man, why don't you start using these tools.  You could start by stoving in the head of that rival ape-man with that leg bone"

"Hey human, you've done well.  You've got to the moon and discovered me up here.  Now go find me even further away when you have the technology"


"Well done, you found me right out at Jupiter..it's time for your next trip...and I do mean trip"

Dave becomes "Star Child" and the movie ends.

Of course I've omitted the whole docking sequence, to the Blue Danube backing music, one of the most beautiful sequences in any movie ever.

The novel ends around the line..

For though he was master of the world, he was not quite sure what to do next. But he would think of something.

2010 is about what Dave and his new galactic hippie mates decide to do with Jupiter.

It's 2014 now..so it was all bollocks.


It's worth remembering though, as you watch the beautiful space sequences, that we hadn't yet landed on the Moon when the film was made.
It really is an extraordinary vision of a film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 03 December, 2014, 10:45:58 am

Of course I've omitted the whole docking sequence, to the Blue Danube backing music, one of the most beautiful sequences in any movie ever.

It's worth remembering though, as you watch the beautiful space sequences, that we hadn't yet landed on the Moon when the film was made.
It really is an extraordinary vision of a film.

I know ,  I hope no one is ever tempted to "re-imagine" it.....    I had the Blue Danube running through my head this morning, while I was gracefully swerving around pedestrians on Church Street (shared use) on the way to work. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 December, 2014, 11:05:25 am

Of course I've omitted the whole docking sequence, to the Blue Danube backing music, one of the most beautiful sequences in any movie ever.

It's worth remembering though, as you watch the beautiful space sequences, that we hadn't yet landed on the Moon when the film was made.
It really is an extraordinary vision of a film.

I know ,  I hope no one is ever tempted to "re-imagine" it.....    I had the Blue Danube running through my head this morning, while I was gracefully swerving around pedestrians on Church Street (shared use) on the way to work.

Don't bank on it.  Somewhere a Hollywood executive is thinking "You know, this would be a great film if we added some of Adam Sandler's knockabout humour to it so the kids could enjoy it"

My mum took me to see it, at the Marple Regent, when I was 8.  I still remember the "evil monkeys" and she still remembers thinking "This isn't what I thought it would be like".

Despite the "evil monkeys" it is in my top 3 films, 44 years later.

"This conversation can serve no purpose any more. Goodbye."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 03 December, 2014, 11:33:22 am
During Monday's flight, instead of doing something sensible like sleeping, I watched some films...

Guardians of the Galaxy
Good fun, I really enjoyed it.  But...
(click to show/hide)

Being John Malkovich
What a brilliant film!  How have I gone all these years without seeing it?

Dangerous Liaisons
A classic.  Seen it a few times, will watch it a few more.

X-Men: First Class
OK, nothing special.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 December, 2014, 02:16:39 pm
Just back from watching the re-release of 2001 at FACT in Liverpool.     I've watched it a couple of times before at the cinema but the new digital print was the best I've seen. Everything was really clear (apart from the plot of course..... :P)

Simple plot. (The book explains the plot better than the film admittedly.)

Snip....

It's worth remembering though, as you watch the beautiful space sequences, that we hadn't yet landed on the Moon when the film was made.
It really is an extraordinary vision of a film.

Arthur C Clarke had access to a SEKRIT TARDIS style machine and regularly popped back to the future. Being a shrewd old codger, he changed enough minor detail in order that we didn't sus him out. Trufax*

Akshirley a load of old bollox.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 December, 2014, 02:43:38 pm
Arthur C Clarke had access to a SEKRIT TARDIS style machine and regularly popped back to the future. Being a shrewd old codger, he changed enough minor detail in order that we didn't sus him out. Trufax*

Akshirley a load of old bollox.

Yeah, what he actually did was invent most of the stuff himself and distribute the plans amongst various molishers of tech, with various minor details left for them to work out, so it wouldn't seem too suspicious.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 December, 2014, 03:40:55 pm

Being John Malkovich
What a brilliant film!  How have I gone all these years without seeing it?

Yep, it is a good one. You could do worse than see 'Adaptation' (another Charlie Kaufman screenplay & Spike Jones director film), one of my fave ever movies. Then 'Eterrnal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', another of Charlie's. Spike Jones' 'Her' is also worth watching. All share that 'Being JM' originality/creativity/wackiness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 03 December, 2014, 03:42:46 pm
Gary Lockwood & Keir Dullea on Radio 3 now.    It's 2hrs, 40 mins,  they had an interval.

I'm not a big fan of 2001,  but I found that R3 prog really interesting!

(perhaps because it was actually 45mins long,  not 2h40 ;)     )

Random factoid that MattC did not know:
right up until post-production, it was intended to have a voice-over explaining all the technology on screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 December, 2014, 04:00:12 pm
Gary Lockwood & Keir Dullea on Radio 3 now.    It's 2hrs, 40 mins,  they had an interval.

I'm not a big fan of 2001,  but I found that R3 prog really interesting!

(perhaps because it was actually 45mins long,  not 2h40 ;)     )

Random factoid that MattC did not know:
right up until post-production, it was intended to have a voice-over explaining all the technology on screen.

Oh it’s shame they didn’t do that.  Then Kubrick could have brought out a Director’s Cut a decade later without the voiceover and with a few deleted scenes restored.  We would have all acclaimed it as a masterpiece apart from a few die-hards that claim that Deckard is not a Replicant Hal was much better with the voiceover   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 03 December, 2014, 04:28:30 pm
 ;D

Someone should do a mashmixup thingy - put Harrison Ford's voiceover onto 2001.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 December, 2014, 05:14:43 pm
;D

Someone should do a mashmixup thingy - put Harrison Ford's voiceover onto 2001.

Leonard Rossiter, doing a "Rigsby", even better. I have a bit of an issue with him NOT being Rigsby in 2001.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 03 December, 2014, 08:50:04 pm
;D

Someone should do a mashmixup thingy - put Harrison Ford's voiceover onto 2001.

Leonard Rossiter, doing a "Rigsby", even better. I have a bit of an issue with him NOT being Rigsby in 2001.

Currently spinning "Also Sprach Zarathustra" , don't think I've got any Ligeti....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 04 December, 2014, 08:39:52 am
;D

Someone should do a mashmixup thingy - put Harrison Ford's voiceover onto 2001.

Leonard Rossiter, doing a "Rigsby", even better. I have a bit of an issue with him NOT being Rigsby in 2001.

Currently spinning "Also Sprach Zarathustra" , don't think I've got any Ligeti....
  Strauss2
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 04 December, 2014, 02:48:30 pm
I rewatched Mission Impossible 4. I saw it in the cinema when it came out. I'd forgotten 90% of the plot of the film. I don't know if plots are getting more complicated and less memorable, or if my mind is going.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 04 December, 2014, 06:46:07 pm
CA$H on TV this week. Nice French comedy thriller about con artists. Lots of double crossing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 06 December, 2014, 10:32:21 am
Fury. What a load of old spanners. Think of every WW2 film cliche you can think of, it's in there. Really, really dreadful and stupid and corny and gruesome and daft. Shocking. Even the very first scene, no spoilers, a lone horseman rides through a desolate battlefield and gets leaped on and stabbed repeatedly in the face chest neck and head, then his killer strokes the horse. What a bloody stupid film. Shia La Beef didn't change his undercrackers for the three months it took to film so he could feel affinity with tank crews, they could have filmed his skiddy pants and it would have been better than this film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 December, 2014, 06:08:01 pm
Quote
Really, really dreadful and stupid and corny and gruesome and daft.

That's WW2 for you..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: canny colin on 06 December, 2014, 09:57:11 pm
Northern soul  ( film by Elaine Constantine) . Spot on . Good plot ,great acting & excellent sound track ( lots of main stream musak  if you are not in to northern) . LIMITED release so go on support your independent cinema .                                                                                                                                                         
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 December, 2014, 11:35:43 pm
Atonement

Hmmm. A well made, well acted film, undoubtedly, but I wasn't convinced by the relationship between Cecilia and Robbie. Nor that there was a point to that admittedly impressive tracking shot beyond being an impressive tracking shot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 07 December, 2014, 12:15:23 pm
Quartet.

No plot and no ending, and not a lot in between.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 December, 2014, 03:54:05 pm
The Black Sea.

Fast paced film about greed and an old submarine.  There is a hint of the allegorical about it so best not be too picky over whether stuff is possible!  Otherwise, gripping, suspenseful action with bit of a twist in the middle followed by a not too unpredictable ending.  Excellent performance from Jude Law. Not in the same league as Das Boot but recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 December, 2014, 02:16:25 pm
Car 19.

(click to show/hide)
The hero later dies in a car crash in L.A.

ETA : Ooops- sorry :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 08 December, 2014, 03:52:01 pm
Car 19.

Bloke trying to save his relationship breaks his parole (?) and flies to South Africa.

Picks up his rental and realizes it is the wrong one. After phone faffage with the rental co. he decides to take it anyway. He then discovers in the following order- a CrackBerry in the glove box. A loaded, silenced pistol under the passenger seat and a hostage in the boot.

Cue police chases and shoot outs and dead people and the hero saving the day and getting the bad guy shafted.

The hero later dies in a car crash in L.A.

I wish there were a way of not spoiling the plot, and/or ending for people.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 December, 2014, 04:41:02 pm
It's a play on real life events, not the movie. The lead (a gentleman actor, Paul Walker, popular for his roles in the similar car-chasing-and-car-racing Fast & Furious franchise) died for real in a car crash in LA. Passenger in a Porsche that hit a lamp post at 80 mph plus. Real life is harsher than the movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 December, 2014, 07:15:27 am
Car 19.

Bloke  trying to save his relationship breaks his parole (?) and flies to South Africa.

Picks up his rental and realizes it is the wrong one. After phone faffage with the rental co. he decides to take it anyway. He then discovers in the following order- a CrackBerry in the glove box. A loaded, silenced pistol under the passenger seat and a hostage in the boot.

Cue police chases and shoot outs and dead people and the hero saving the day and getting the bad guy shafted.

The hero later dies in a car crash in L.A.

I wish there were a way of not spoiling the plot, and/or ending for people.

OTOH I can save my hard-earned by not watching it now..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 09 December, 2014, 11:07:31 pm
American Beauty.

Not the first time I've posted in this thread about that film.

The dinner scene. Oh man, that never gets old.  :D. "Will somebody please pass the fucking Asparagus?"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 December, 2014, 01:39:24 pm
Car 19.

Bloke trying to save his relationship breaks his parole (?) and flies to South Africa.

Picks up his rental and realizes it is the wrong one. After phone faffage with the rental co. he decides to take it anyway. He then discovers in the following order- a CrackBerry in the glove box. A loaded, silenced pistol under the passenger seat and a hostage in the boot.

Cue police chases and shoot outs and dead people and the hero saving the day and getting the bad guy shafted.

The hero later dies in a car crash in L.A.

I wish there were a way of not spoiling the plot, and/or ending for people.

Edited to add an oops amongst other things.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 December, 2014, 11:23:22 pm
Walter Mitty. It was surprisingly good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 12 December, 2014, 01:50:46 pm
von Ryans Express.

Frankie Sinatra, a train and some war :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 13 December, 2014, 08:34:11 am
Casino Royale (the Craig version) in between dozing on the sofa.

Still a good film,  doesn't seem quite so revolutionary now, of course. I'd forgotten a couple of nice digs at Bond cliches:
Bond Girl names - he pretends to Vesper that her cover is "Stephanie Broadchest"
Martinis - a barman asks him "shaken or stirred sir?" "I don't give a damn."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 13 December, 2014, 11:09:49 am
Was told about the hola plug in for Chrome /Firefox , that allows you to set what country you want to be in. Installed it, and now have access to US Netflix, so a lot more films and TV to watch.

Watched Snowpiercer. Can't decide if I liked it or not, as I worked out the plot quite early on. Lots of big UK stars, and a big American and Korean star, but the movie was reportedly buried for political reasons, and was straight to video in America.
It's a cross between a prison break movie, environmental disaster movie, and a call for social justice set on a fast moving train. 

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 13 December, 2014, 12:00:28 pm
New Hobbit film.   

Its not the book, but as a film it is great fun, big battle scenes, love, dragons, wizards, elves, nasty orcs, great brain off entertainment. thoroughly enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 14 December, 2014, 09:35:41 am
The Devil's Backbone - recommended by someone here (probably tiermat but the search is rubbish). Excellent film, thanks.

Also John Dies at the End pretty good for a comedy/sci-fi, a lot of fun to watch. Not sure why I've not heard of it before - found it after watching Bubba Ho-Tep, another mysteriously obscure but wackily good film. Oh and
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 14 December, 2014, 02:28:28 pm
Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy.
Loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 16 December, 2014, 02:54:59 pm
'Let Me In'

Frame by frame Hammer/USAnian remake of the Swedish original.
Why bother?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 16 December, 2014, 03:53:47 pm
The Swedish version is well worth it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 December, 2014, 04:08:39 pm
"If you only watch one Swedish vampire movie this year it should be this [Let The Right One In] one" - Dr Larrington
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 16 December, 2014, 04:09:11 pm
Mamma Mia.

It's awful, isn't it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 16 December, 2014, 05:33:52 pm
'Let Me In'

Frame by frame Hammer/USAnian remake of the Swedish original.
Why bother?
Loved the original. VERY NEARLY taped this version for that reason,  and cos of Chloe Moretz (sp?).

You.ve reassured me I made the right call (the digibox has plenty of good-to-excellent films sitting unwatched by us ...)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 16 December, 2014, 08:36:01 pm
Mamma Mia.

It's awful, isn't it.

Yes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 16 December, 2014, 11:51:42 pm
'Let Me In'

Frame by frame Hammer/USAnian remake of the Swedish original.
Why bother?

Because the one thing more terrifying than vampires is USAnian high school (which probably explains why it seems to be their natural environment these days)?

I thought it was quite good, but I haven't seen the original.  Which is usually the best way round.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 17 December, 2014, 12:12:56 am
The Bunga Bunga Games, Mocking Yay!

Having said that it was nice to watch a film without an ending. Plus one with the Jennifer Lawrence in it. It wasn't as bad as it sounds. Although there was stuff in it that didn't quite make sense. How did the ceiling of the shelter crack when it  was 400 stories below the ground and they got up the staircase ok...

Can't wait for the final one.

Oh, bugger. Have to wait.

Still, at least there weren't 5 armies and it wasn't spread over three films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 17 December, 2014, 10:42:10 am
'Let Me In'

Frame by frame Hammer/USAnian remake of the Swedish original.
Why bother?

Because the one thing more terrifying than vampires is USAnian high school (which probably explains why it seems to be their natural environment these days)?

I thought it was quite good, but I haven't seen the original.  Which is usually the best way round.

I believe I have a DVD of the original if you want to watch it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 December, 2014, 12:03:25 pm
Mamma Mia.

It's awful, isn't it.

Yes.

Let me think about this.  Pierce Brosnan, not only acting, but singing ABBA songs.

I think dreadful is more apt as it removes any potential link to the phrase "full of awe"and replaces it with a link to the more appropriate "full of dread" .

Is shitful a word?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 17 December, 2014, 12:47:26 pm
Mamma Mia.

It's awful, isn't it.

Yes.

Let me think about this.  Pierce Brosnan, not only acting, but singing ABBA songs.

I think dreadful is more apt as it removes any potential link to the phrase "full of awe"and replaces it with a link to the more appropriate "full of dread" .

Is shitful a word?

I don't think it's so shit as to warrant 'shitful'.  It's not supposed to be Chekhov.  I just think the overdone stagey acting doesn't work particularly well for a film.  And Pierce is gorgeous to look at, and so is Mr. Darcy. 

The bit where Meryl sings 'The Winner Takes It All' to Pierce is absolutely great, because Meryl can do that stuff and get away with it because she's Meryl, and that's a bloody great song.

It's probably a great stage show, and if you go and see it with a bunch of mates after a bottle of wine and sing along it's probably fun too. 

But watching it on my own was just annoying, and that bit where they do 'Slipping Through My Fingers', the best ever ABBA song, made me all maudlin and weepy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 December, 2014, 12:51:17 pm
The Winner Takes it All was the silliest moment in the film, Brosnan singing is like throwing a cat in a tumble drier, the whole film is manipulative and cheesy but nowhere near as bad as the rip off that starred Gemma Artertons sister Walking on Sunshine.

"Business or holiday?" Asks the customs bloke, and GAS launches into Holiday by Madonna. I'm not making this up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 December, 2014, 12:58:12 pm
Everything is Awesome! (Finally.)

Definitely more awesome than an awesome possum.

And yes, I've been humming that song since the weekend. Thanks, Tegan & Sara.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 18 December, 2014, 08:01:50 pm
Transcendence

Stunning cast, doing what they do really well. But... why did they agree to do this????

Srsly, don't bother.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 December, 2014, 11:36:15 pm
Her

Spike Jonze thing. I liked it a lot, in an Eternal Sunshine kind of way. It's more interesting than just a quirky romcom about a man falling in love with his computer - it actually has some interesting (if not entirely original) things to say about relationships and identity. Only thing I'm not convinced about is that a glorified greetings card writer could earn enough to live his lifestyle.

Spoilerish comment to follow...
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 December, 2014, 08:40:00 am
Mamma Mia.

It's awful, isn't it.

Yes.

Let me think about this.  Pierce Brosnan, not only acting, but singing ABBA songs.

I think dreadful is more apt as it removes any potential link to the phrase "full of awe"and replaces it with a link to the more appropriate "full of dread" .

Is shitful a word?

I don't think it's so shit as to warrant 'shitful'.  It's not supposed to be Chekhov.  I just think the overdone stagey acting doesn't work particularly well for a film.  And Pierce is gorgeous to look at, and so is Mr. Darcy. 

The bit where Meryl sings 'The Winner Takes It All' to Pierce is absolutely great, because Meryl can do that stuff and get away with it because she's Meryl, and that's a bloody great song.

It's probably a great stage show, and if you go and see it with a bunch of mates after a bottle of wine and sing along it's probably fun too. 

But watching it on my own was just annoying, and that bit where they do 'Slipping Through My Fingers', the best ever ABBA song, made me all maudlin and weepy.

Mrs A and I saw it on stage in Edinburgh.  It was actually rather good.  Sorry but I haven't seen the film and you & co have now put me right off watching it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 22 December, 2014, 06:57:20 pm
Mamma Mia.

It's awful, isn't it.

Yes.

Let me think about this.  Pierce Brosnan, not only acting, but singing ABBA songs.

I think dreadful is more apt as it removes any potential link to the phrase "full of awe"and replaces it with a link to the more appropriate "full of dread" .

Is shitful a word?

I don't think it's so shit as to warrant 'shitful'.  It's not supposed to be Chekhov.

"Brosnanful" ?

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 24 December, 2014, 08:12:42 am
Dumb and Dumber to. *

I’ve heard it said that sequels are never as good as the original and in the case of “Dumb and Dumber to”, this is certainly true. After a wait of over 20 years, what did we get….well basically a rehash of the first film but this time with aged “heroes” who really, despite being “dumb” should know better.

Yes, there were some good laughs, some titters and some “they didn’t just do that did they” moments, but overall, the film was just juvenile and stupid….. Now all those years ago, I would have loved that but now days, it just didn’t cut the mustard.

I don’t think I was the only one disappointed by the film….my considerably better half doesn’t think she laughed more than once, while the cinema, with a house of about 40, was quite quiet….apart from the idiots at the back who could not eat without making an epic amount of noise!

Given that this follow up didn’t work IMHO, I now fear for any follow up which might be made of the most excellent Bill and Ted films. I would say that unless the script is first rate, DON’T BOTHER…. I would rather have my memories intact than one ruined by a cash making exercise.


*For my own "dumb" moment... I managed to walk into a wall in the cinema (well it was dark) and I think I may have broken my little finger....ouch..... and then when we got home, I discovered I had managed to lock ourselves off of the drive.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 24 December, 2014, 08:20:27 am
All the reviews I read gave it 1 star. Not sure why they didn't give it no stars. It should have lost a start for the abject stupidity of the title, which will further illiteracy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 24 December, 2014, 11:07:09 am
The Babadook

Classic horror with nods to Lon Chaney and Nosferatu. A children's storybook nightmare with and an overlay of psychological 'is she going nuts?'. Not a big budget movie but very well put together and acted, particularly the young boy. Very much recommended. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 26 December, 2014, 11:55:44 pm
For christmas I got the DVD of Breaking Glass, a film I haven't seen since I saw it for the second time at the cinema when it was on its original release. A real blast from the past with great music. Many of the tracks I haven't heard for a few years (since I joined the army in 1982 and mislaid my record collection) but the lyrics soon started trickling off my tongue. A great film, though may not have aged as well as it might.

This was followed by Tron Legacy. A reasonable sequal though not as good as the original film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 26 December, 2014, 11:58:10 pm
New Hobbit film.   

Its not the book, but as a film it is great fun, big battle scenes, love, dragons, wizards, elves, nasty orcs, great brain off entertainment. thoroughly enjoyed it.

Agreed, except for the love bit with the she-elf which really is annoying IMO.  The film doesn't need it.

We saw it in IMAX 3D, which was marvellous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2014, 07:40:21 am
Sin City. Highly recommended for a kiddies' outing.  Inlaw Paw wondered why we were watching bad 1950s US TV.  Great photography.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 December, 2014, 02:13:56 pm
Sin City. Highly recommended for a kiddies' outing.  Inlaw Paw wondered why we were watching bad 1950s US TV.  Great photography.
Heh. you ought to contribute to this page http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401792/parentalguide

(I like PawinLaw's 1950s comment!)

It is visually stunning. But very much less than the sum of its parts. Personally I think the gore was too much - it detracted from the story. Probably works fine on the printed page. Just MHO!

(Havent seen the 2nd one - will wait for free TV release.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 27 December, 2014, 02:27:38 pm
I watched 'salmon Fishing in the Yemon' the other night. I missed it at the cinema and regretted it, so was pleased to see it on the BBC.  It was refreshing to see a Brotish made film that wasn't broadcasting a US version of the British
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 December, 2014, 11:37:00 pm
Oh, FFS.  Just realised I completely forgot to go and see 2001 on the big screen on Tuesday.  I'd bought a ticket and everything.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 27 December, 2014, 11:39:51 pm
I saw the Lego Movie the other day. Everything is AWESOME!

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2014, 11:04:46 am
OOer. I want to see that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2014, 11:19:21 am
Sin City. Highly recommended for a kiddies' outing.  Inlaw Paw wondered why we were watching bad 1950s US TV.  Great photography.
Heh. you ought to contribute to this page http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401792/parentalguide

(I like PawinLaw's 1950s comment!)

It is visually stunning. But very much less than the sum of its parts. Personally I think the gore was too much - it detracted from the story. Probably works fine on the printed page. Just MHO!

(Havent seen the 2nd one - will wait for free TV release.)

Thks for link, very entertaining.

In late 80s we were browsing round an English video store in Stuttgart when a woman came in wanting to rent a film for "Rhoda, who doesn't like sex, violence or bad words". We suggested The Last Detail.  Since then we award Rhodaworthiness ratings.  SC did pretty well.

2 minds re gore. Lots, yes, but it's part of the style.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 28 December, 2014, 02:32:52 pm
Live Die Repeat

Tom Cruise in futuristic militaristic version of Groundhog Day.

I really enjoyed it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tail End Charlie on 29 December, 2014, 07:17:51 pm
Went to the cinema to see The Imitation Game, thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend. Benedict Cumberbatch is very good.

Have also seen Paddington recently, although I felt like a paedophile as I'd gone in without a child, and, youthful as she is, I couldn't pass my wife off as one. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 December, 2014, 11:42:08 pm
Went to the cinema to see The Imitation Game, thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend. Benedict Cumberbatch is very good.

I'm drawn on that.  I quite like Cumberbatch, but decided it was probably best not to see it in the cinema in case I started shouting at it for Being Wrong.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 30 December, 2014, 09:12:14 am
Exodus.

Very Old Testament stuff. 

Like The Imitation Game it was historically inaccurate as, disappointingly, the Red Sea didn't divide it was simply low tide. That said, there was nothing fair about the Paraoh and God was a little sod.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2014, 10:03:34 am
Like The Imitation Game it was historically inaccurate

;D

I caught up with Crazy Heart when it was on telly the other night. Lovely film. Jeff Bridges seems almost effortlessly brilliant. And I loved the music in it - the title song already feels like an old favourite. There's definitely something weird about Maggie Gyllenhaal that I don't like though. Can't put my finger on it but it's the same in everything I've seen her in - something not quite convincing about her.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 31 December, 2014, 10:35:48 pm
Just started working through the Amazon Prime Video movies so a couple years behind the curve, but in the last couple days I've seen

Argo
Actually quite enjoyable and the suspense was well done. I do think the portrayal of Iran is probably overly nasty but I know it was a violent time (and before my time) so could well be wrong.

Prometheus
Couldn't remember much about this film except that it was a dark sci-fi film by Ridley Scott.
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Very good special effects, probably even better in a cinema, plot a bit predictable but not bad
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 January, 2015, 11:40:35 am
Talking of histrical inaccuracy, my recent fayre has been-

Troy (historical inaccuracy from every pore?)

Kingdom of Heaven (ditto?)

Both films I thoroughly enjoyed (armour and stabbity death? Maybe a theme developing).

I also saw Chinatown (Bloody brilliant) and Shallow Grave (also bloody brilliant) and have just commenced a belated Christmas Harry Potter fest (1 and 2 down far).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 02 January, 2015, 12:18:07 pm
I'm sure there have been posts about Under The Skin, but can't find them right now. Anyway:

I watched this with the benefit of quite a lot of info from reviews, so it was mostly what I'd expected. I'd recommend it - but it really is massively flawed, lacks any regular characters or story, and is pretty disturbing. So be warned!

(click to show/hide)

So there you go. Glad I watched it, but ... there were too many buts!
(I can't confidently comment on how accurately this portrayed Scotland, or alien visits to Scotland)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 January, 2015, 01:17:10 pm
In the book her victims are grossly force fed and castrated. It's about farming. Or about humanity among aliens.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 02 January, 2015, 01:40:02 pm
Yeah, I was reading about the book earlier (the first couple of pages are on the g***dian site). Sounds like it has a much clearer message(s) than this film. I think the film just went for a strong and unique visual experience, with just  hints of a deeper meaning to keep us interested and/or to give it some credibility.


reminds me: I also watched the Salmon in Yemen film on the box last week. Really lovely film, almost a proper old-fashioned british feel-good jobby.

But I don't think I could bear to read a whole novel based on that story! Sacharine overload.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 January, 2015, 01:44:04 pm
reminds me: I also watched the Salmon in Yemen film on the box last week. Really lovely film, almost a proper old-fashioned british feel-good jobby.

But I don't think I could bear to read a whole novel based on that story! Sacharine overload.
The book isn't so sacharine. It's considerably more gritty.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 02 January, 2015, 06:28:46 pm
I'm sure there have been posts about Under The Skin, but can't find them right now. Anyway:

I watched this with the benefit of quite a lot of info from reviews, so it was mostly what I'd expected. I'd recommend it - but it really is massively flawed, lacks any regular characters or story, and is pretty disturbing. So be warned!

So there you go. Glad I watched it, but ... there were too many buts!
(I can't confidently comment on how accurately this portrayed Scotland, or alien visits to Scotland)

I posted here: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1754245#msg1754245 The search **really** is crap isn't it?

I did end up watching it right through, and I was very glad I did, it paid off. Even so, it was a bit too ponderous for too long and left far too many things unexplained - a few can be good, but I don't want to have read the book before seeing the film (or ever). The soundtrack was pretty good too.

Overall I would recommend it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 02 January, 2015, 06:53:55 pm
For completeness, there were 3-or-so other reviews. Only Lee really liked it. This was the longest:

Post by: Andrew on April 10, 2014, 09:50:01 PM
    Under the Skin... it will sell well on DVD!

    Me,  I was really disappointed. It doesn't add up despite good points (cinematography). In fact, I was left thinking I was missing something, or of Emporer's clothes. I even thought it trite. Predator becomes prey? Pah. Been done. Cold blooded killers lack humanity? Really. No shit Sherlock.

    Perhaps one for cinema buffs but it did little for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 02 January, 2015, 07:44:05 pm
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (or something like that). Didn't like it much. The CG goes from being very mediocre to amazing.Close up shots are great, a lot of the animation/crowd shots, not so much. Didn't care one iota for any of the characters.

Tried to watch "Unbroken", but my DVD got a huge scratch in it :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 January, 2015, 10:47:43 pm
Galaxy Quest

there's loads to love about that film, the great Missie Pyle, Sigourney doing comedy and being brilliant, I never realised the geeky computer kid is him off Die Hard 4.0.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 January, 2015, 10:14:35 am
My remarks re Under The Skin read quite harshly now. There is a great deal to like about the film. It's leagues above the majority of films made today. It has a haunting, bleak and eerie quality to it. It really does try to say something, it leaves you feeling uncomfortable, and I acknowledge that it does that very well. But for me it's a kind of glamorous fail. It didn't come together for me and don't know what I was supposed to think. It left me uncertain. Perhaps that was deliberate.

Suffice it to say though that I'd rather watch a 'try but fail' than some formulaic insult to the intelligence.

It'd be in my top 20 of 2014, maybe even top 10, (on the basis of it being something special and different) but not my favourite.

Recently I've watched The Thirteenth Tale, a BBC production from 2013, and that's worth watching for the performances of Vanessa Redgrave and Olivia Coleman. Both are brilliant, and seeing them interact on the screen in their many scenes together is perhaps the greatest strength of the film.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 03 January, 2015, 10:17:06 am


Recently I've watched The Thirteenth Tale, a BBC production from 2013, and that's worth watching for the performances of Vanessa Redgrave and Olivia Coleman. Both are brilliant, and seeing them interact on the screen in their many scenes together is perhaps the greatest strength of the film.

Oh, wow, I just finished reading the novel and loved it.  Redgrave and Coleman?!  I must see this!

Was it on i-Player, Andrew?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 January, 2015, 10:29:29 am
Was it on i-Player, Andrew?

I didn't watch it on iPlayer but I don't know whether it's there or not.

The film is largely true to the novel, in that it maintains the same tension and intrigue, but it does have some differences. The novel had, as I recall, a broader plot and is more oblique/vague as to its ending. The film is less of a ghost story, IMHO, and you get more into the characters... but I suspect we'll all have different views on that one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 03 January, 2015, 10:42:40 am
Not on iPlayer at the moment as it was last shown in August. I saw it on DVD, and it is an excellent film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 January, 2015, 12:09:32 pm
Since I've been suffering a stinking cold since Boxing Day I thought I'd settle down in front of the big telly and watch "How the West was Won".

It's a film I've caught glimpses of all my life but never watched.

It was just great, a real sprawling western for sprawling out in front of, with some Lemsip and a log fire.

Big LED TVs were meant for this epic widescreen format.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 03 January, 2015, 12:18:10 pm
The World's End
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 January, 2015, 05:14:16 pm
The World's End

Has the biggest "Well, I really did not see that coming" moment in all of cinema history for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 January, 2015, 09:12:34 pm
Grand Budapest Hotel

Loved it. Just bloody loved it. Totally Wes Anderson, which is either a good thing if you like that kind of thing, or a bloody awful thing if you don't. I'm mostly a fan but I'd have to say this was his best since The Royal Tenembaums. I rarely have a good word to say about Ralph Fiennes but I thought he was brilliant, a perfectly pitched performance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 03 January, 2015, 10:31:51 pm
Currently at work trying to avoid seeing 'Taken' before transmitting MOTD.  It appears to be a diabolical piece of drivel, which is interspersed with adverts for a third outing of the brand.  Clearly one film of gratuitous violence, torture and extra-judicial murder simply isn't enough.  It almost makes me long for the football show to start.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 January, 2015, 10:52:29 pm
Grand Budapest Hotel

Loved it. Just bloody loved it. Totally Wes Anderson, which is either a good thing if you like that kind of thing, or a bloody awful thing if you don't. I'm mostly a fan but I'd have to say this was his best since The Royal Tenembaums. I rarely have a good word to say about Ralph Fiennes but I thought he was brilliant, a perfectly pitched performance.

Yes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Von Broad on 03 January, 2015, 11:38:40 pm
Films are a strange thing, sometimes they've just got to catch you in the right mood...

....with that, I've sat just watched The Hangover on ITV.

Have to say...bloody hilarious!  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 January, 2015, 01:44:57 am
Last night I watched the final two Harry Potter films back-to-back, because the recording of that documentary about wolves went spoooey.

Final snotfight just a bit too "Star Wars".  There's homage and then there's taking the piss.  Also one of the Grimgotts' goblins was definitely played by David Steel.

Was it ever adequately explained what happened to Voldemort's nose?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 04 January, 2015, 11:53:16 am
We watched Taken last night. I can't believe people liked it enough that they've made 2 more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 04 January, 2015, 11:57:55 am
We watched Taken last night. I can't believe people liked it enough that they've made 2 more.

The thing about Taken was, it made going on holiday in France about as appealing as a city break in Tehran.  It's a stupid film.  Can't help wondering whether his daughter is the person getting kidnapped in the other two films though, how unlucky would that be?  I don't wonder enough to actually watch them though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 04 January, 2015, 06:08:24 pm
Ah, I did see Taken 2 which is probably identikit but truth is, I don't much remember the first one. Anyway, it is what it is, Liam has to run around around killing bad guy stereotypes while they try to kill him less successfully. The day gets saved because he's Liam and he's under contract to do just that. It's also a handy guide to which kind of villainous stereotype is OK today. Albanians, it seems, are fair game. I've met an actual Albanian gangster, fortunately he didn't feel the need to kill me, and I was in the company of two tank-sized Serbians.

Not really a film that requires much deep analysis.

I watched Edge of Tomorrow again yesterday (thanks EE for the freebie, I have one more free movie rental that I have to watch tonight), still very good. Tom Cruise may be nuttier than Jimmy Carter's backyard, but he's again perfectly cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 04 January, 2015, 06:40:14 pm
We watched Taken last night. I can't believe people liked it enough that they've made 2 more.

The thing about Taken was, it made going on holiday in France about as appealing as a city break in Tehran.  It's a stupid film.  Can't help wondering whether his daughter is the person getting kidnapped in the other two films though, how unlucky would that be?  I don't wonder enough to actually watch them though.
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/actor-liam-neesons-new-years-resolution-is-writing-to-travel-shy-families-in-texas-to-explain-the-taken-movies-are-fiction/story-e6frfmw0-1227173585757
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 January, 2015, 10:37:42 am
Would Texans visit countries in which they are not allowed to carry a gun?   

Watched 'The Theory of Everything'.  It is an excellent film IMO and much better than the rather superficial 'Imitation Game'. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 05 January, 2015, 11:22:29 am
Grand Budapest Hotel

Loved it. Just bloody loved it. Totally Wes Anderson, which is either a good thing if you like that kind of thing, or a bloody awful thing if you don't. I'm mostly a fan but I'd have to say this was his best since The Royal Tenembaums. I rarely have a good word to say about Ralph Fiennes but I thought he was brilliant, a perfectly pitched performance.

I keep coming out with: "Hello Chaps" sometimes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 05 January, 2015, 11:39:25 am
Captain Phillips.

Enjoyed that, although I didn't think they adequately informed the audience about the passage of time. I couldn't understand how the seals got to the boat so quickly from Atlanta, or wherever it was. It turns out that CP was on the lifeboat for three days.

Other than that, an enjoyable film, gripping even.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 05 January, 2015, 06:43:20 pm
The Hobbit pt3.
I really like the first 2. Yeah, they're long and add a lot of stuff, but I always felt that it was in line with the rest of the lore and the 'world' is still done extremely well. This one, however, is just a 3 hour long battle sequence, with about 10 mins of character stuff. I knew from the reviews that it wasn't great, but I was still disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 06 January, 2015, 11:33:47 am
Sunshine on Leith. I've been a Proclaimers fan since the 80s, so enjoyed it, despite not really liking musicals. 90 minutes was enough and I enjoyed the briefest of

It reminded me of a time 15 or so years ago. I was helping my best mate out by moving his ex-missus' stuff out of the house they shared before they split up. It was a fairly tense atmosphere that was definitely not helped by me breaking into (sub-consciously, honest) 'Over and Done With' in front of the frosty couple.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 06 January, 2015, 12:10:43 pm
The Theory of Everything. Superb and moving account of the relationship between Stephen and Jane Wilde (later Hawking). Brilliant acting by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 06 January, 2015, 12:48:20 pm
Captain Phillips.

Enjoyed that, although I didn't think they adequately informed the audience about the passage of time. I couldn't understand how the seals got to the boat so quickly from Atlanta, or wherever it was. It turns out that CP was on the lifeboat for three days.

Other than that, an enjoyable film, gripping even.

Who played Princess Anne?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 06 January, 2015, 01:55:26 pm
American Graffiti.

Probably one of the best soundtracks and fleet in movie history :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 06 January, 2015, 08:14:31 pm
Captain Phillips.

Enjoyed that, although I didn't think they adequately informed the audience about the passage of time. I couldn't understand how the seals got to the boat so quickly from Atlanta, or wherever it was. It turns out that CP was on the lifeboat for three days.

Other than that, an enjoyable film, gripping even.

Who played Princess Anne?

Couldn't see clearly in the fog.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 06 January, 2015, 10:09:38 pm
I succumbed to the urge to watch some serious crap today. Serious shit indeed, a po-faced piece of tripe that involved Nicholas Cage on autopilot. It was dire, and I soon tired of my normal recreational shouting of "Why are you being so STUPID?"

Stephen King's Langoliers meets Lawdy Lawd it's the RAPTURE!

Left Behind. Should have done exactly that to it. It wasn't even bad enough to be funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 06 January, 2015, 11:22:53 pm
The Bourne Supremacy.

Not as good as the first, but still better than most action/spy/thrillers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 January, 2015, 08:41:11 am
Unknown- Liam Neeson and Helen of Troy in Berlin.

Was alright.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 January, 2015, 08:43:46 am
I succumbed to the urge to watch some serious crap today. Serious shit indeed, a po-faced piece of tripe that involved Nicholas Cage on autopilot. It was dire, and I soon tired of my normal recreational shouting of "Why are you being so STUPID?"

Stephen King's Langoliers meets Lawdy Lawd it's the RAPTURE!

Left Behind. Should have done exactly that to it. It wasn't even bad enough to be funny.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Mr Cage hasn't made a single decent film since "Leaving Las Vegas"

Meanwhile, I watched "The Completely Normal SpiderMan 2" the night before last. Meh just about covers it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 January, 2015, 01:04:51 pm

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Mr Cage hasn't made a single decent film since "Leaving Las Vegas"
Don't be daft. Face/Off is sheer genius.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 January, 2015, 01:25:42 pm

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Mr Cage hasn't made a single decent film since "Leaving Las Vegas"
Don't be daft. Face/Off is sheer genius.

Also, Marlon Brando on his best day couldn't have delivered the line "Why couldn't you put the bunny back in the box?" with the gravity and pathos that Cage does in 'Con Air'.   (Not entirely serious but I do like Con Air).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 January, 2015, 01:50:14 pm
Lesbian Vampire Killers

Disappointingly, the title turned out to be left-associative.  ;D

Mildly amusing send-up of the genre that could have done with less farting and a hefty dose of Simon Pegg.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 07 January, 2015, 02:12:08 pm
Lesbian Vampire Killers

Disappointingly, the title turned out to be left-associative.  ;D

Mildly amusing send-up of the genre that could have done with less farting and a hefty dose of Simon Pegg.

I'm not entirely sure he'd make a convincing lesbian vampire  :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 January, 2015, 07:11:35 pm
Birdman.

I think this is a kind of satire inspired by the US addiction to super heroes and stuff like that so it doesn't quite work over here.

As a piece of cultural research it might be worth watching, otherwise I'd recommend spending your time some other way. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 08 January, 2015, 01:29:51 am
Albert Nobbs. I cried.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 January, 2015, 07:23:21 am
Lesbian Vampire Killers

Disappointingly, the title turned out to be left-associative.  ;D

Mildly amusing send-up of the genre that could have done with less farting and a hefty dose of Simon Pegg.

I channel-hopped into this and it had Wolfmother on the soundtrack, so I thought I'd stick around for a bit.

Then James Corden showed up and I channel-hopped off to bed instead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 January, 2015, 02:24:14 pm
Birdman.

I think this is a kind of satire inspired by the US addiction to super heroes and stuff like that so it doesn't quite work over here.

As a piece of cultural research it might be worth watching, otherwise I'd recommend spending your time some other way.
:(

I'm quite a fan of Keaton (M) and the reviews have been great.

I like a good superhero movie, and in particular Keaton's Batman. (although we know who stole that movie!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 January, 2015, 08:58:49 am
Don't let me put you off.  You might enjoy it.   

As Amazon reviews often prove, opinions of films can be sharply divided. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 January, 2015, 09:07:08 am
Bourne Three. Tense, but very watchable. Seemed like less meat than in the first two.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 January, 2015, 11:43:07 am
Chef.

Yawn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 11 January, 2015, 12:08:27 pm
Rush - Ron Howard's film about the Hunt/Lauda rivalry and F1 in the mid 70s.

It's really good and doesn’t take too many liberties with the what actually happened, you don't have to be an F1 fan tpo wath it though it's as much about the character of the two men as about the actual racing. I like most Ron Howard film's though.

It was also the first time I got to really test my new Sony sound base out. I am well impressed. I know a proper home cinema system would be much better but I don’t care enough to have speakers hanging off the walls and a sub-woofer gathering dust behind the sofa. For £200 this gives you a simple one box system you just plonk you TV on top of and instant 2.1 sound which is about 1000x better than a typical flat-screens speaker. Simple one cable connection and I'm a happy camper. for once a device that actually exceeded my expectations.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 11 January, 2015, 01:38:01 pm
Wadjda.

A Saudi Arabian/German film about a little girl, it was shown back in the summer and I only just got round to watching it with Crinkles last night.  It was a sweet sad story, with the subtext that It's A Man's World All Right.  There were bicycles.  Most enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 11 January, 2015, 01:42:53 pm
Expendables 3.  old men running round shooting  guns.   thats it in 6 words.   I watched it with the sound off as I had my iPod on cos I was on the turbo.  don't think it suffered from lack of sound :-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 January, 2015, 02:00:19 pm
Wadjda.

A Saudi Arabian/German film about a little girl, it was shown back in the summer and I only just got round to watching it with Crinkles last night.  It was a sweet sad story, with the subtext that It's A Man's World All Right.  There were bicycles.  Most enjoyable.

That is an excellent film.

There are no cinemas in Saudi Arabia, but as of last year women are now permitted to ride bicycles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 11 January, 2015, 02:51:20 pm
Rush - Ron Howard's film about the Hunt/Lauda rivalry and F1 in the mid 70s.

It's really good and doesn’t take too many liberties with the what actually happened, you don't have to be an F1 fan tpo wath it though it's as much about the character of the two men as about the actual racing.
It was hugely enjoyable. As you say, it focused a lot on their characters: sadly  Howard completely invented the emnity between them.

The plain fact is they were good friends and close rivals.So they've got the central part of the story completely wrong.

Great sound though!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 January, 2015, 02:57:26 pm

reminds me: I also watched the Salmon in Yemen film on the box last week. Really lovely film, almost a proper old-fashioned british feel-good jobby.

But I don't think I could bear to read a whole novel based on that story! Sacharine overload.
Finally got around to watching Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. The book is much better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 11 January, 2015, 08:33:03 pm
Yesterday on a long haul flight:

Lucy - really enjoyable 90' of action packed Scarlett Johansson (sp?) watching.

The Equaliser - based on the 80's Edward Woodward show, Denzel Washington in an easy to watch action movie.

The Maze Runner - a very interesting concept but lacked the sense of realism with regards to the human response to the position the boys were in,  which may be an interesting point because even though it is a fantasy film you still expect humans to behave in certain way!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 11 January, 2015, 08:43:32 pm
Despicable Me.

I like a happy ending, me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 12 January, 2015, 01:51:02 pm

reminds me: I also watched the Salmon in Yemen film on the box last week. Really lovely film, almost a proper old-fashioned british feel-good jobby.

But I don't think I could bear to read a whole novel based on that story! Sacharine overload.
Finally got around to watching Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. The book is much better.

Yes, they mucked about with the book and ruined it. Also, I can't stand Ewan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 12 January, 2015, 03:02:48 pm
I liked the film. Love a happy ending, me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 January, 2015, 03:19:47 pm
I adore Ewan in pretty much everything (although a light-saber really didn't suit him).

Sadly if you don't like the romantic leads in a film like that, you're very unlikely to enjoy the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 12 January, 2015, 03:28:34 pm
The Theory of Everything. Superb and moving account of the relationship between Stephen and Jane Wilde (later Hawking). Brilliant acting by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.

Wot Woofage said. I saw this Saturday night and it was tip top.  Glad to see Eddie Redmayne got an award for it last night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 12 January, 2015, 04:43:12 pm
How dare you claim I don't Like Emily Blunt and don't daydream about saving her from flash fires in waterbed factories. She was lovely and believable, Ewan was neither and has done nothing worthwhile since trainspotting. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 January, 2015, 06:46:01 pm
Ewan Macgregor's accent in "The Men Who Stare At Goats" was almost as wonky as Michael Sheen's in "The Damned United".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 12 January, 2015, 10:52:00 pm
Notta fillum, but I watched all 6 episodes of "Edge of Darkness" over the weekend.  Still bloody good even on the 3rd repeat viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 January, 2015, 09:13:04 am
Notta fillum, but I watched all 6 episodes of "Edge of Darkness" over the weekend.  Still bloody good even on the 3rd repeat viewing.

His relationship with his daughter gets creepier and creepier on each rewatch for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 13 January, 2015, 10:40:54 am
Another one over Christmas was The Look of Love, again a very funny book and a mediocre film. Raymond was..not a monster but a very odd man. Starting up he was driven by money, that's how he ended up owning a third of Soho but he was a terrible landlord and an odd husband. When he lived in Wimbledon his marriage was rocky, so he sent his wife a young man. "The hell is this?" She said. "Oh" said Raymond "That's for you, you know, you can enjoy him". Divorced shortly afterwards. Coogan was not very good, he seemed to be mugging through the film. It s strange he was so brilliant in Philomena but really bland in this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 13 January, 2015, 11:08:49 am
I watched Rush last night.

Although I have zero interest in F1, I found it an interesting film, even if the bits about the rivalry were false.  ISTR that the only true bit in Lauda's last bit about his respect for Hunt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 13 January, 2015, 11:12:31 am
I watched, over Christmas, a Richard Curtis film About Time. A bitter-sweet film, and if any of you have lost a father, could be a tear-jerker for you. Might not be for others watching it, but was for me.

A good cast list: Bill Nighy, Rachel McAdams, Domhnall Gleeson, Lydia Wilson, Lindsay Duncan, Richard Cordery, Tom Hollander, Margot Robbie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 13 January, 2015, 11:19:36 am
I watched Rush last night.

Although I have zero interest in F1, I found it an interesting film, even if the bits about the rivalry were false.  ISTR that the only true bit in Lauda's last bit about his respect for Hunt.

It's true that the played up the rivalry (Lauda and Hunt shared a flat at one time !) but Lauda has been quoted that in general the film was a pretty accurate rendition of F1 at the time and he was happy with it.  I liked the fact that the film also showed that Hunt had a black dog and wasn’t just  the witty playboy all the time. At least they didn’t change history so that Mario Andretti won the 1976 season as would have been tempting for many US directors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 13 January, 2015, 11:20:38 am
On a similar note is "Senna" worth getting ? I haven't seen it yet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 January, 2015, 11:49:55 am
On a similar note is "Senna" worth getting ? I haven't seen it yet.

Yes, Senna is very much worth a look – in fact the driver conference scenes in Rush almost look informed by the film Senna.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 13 January, 2015, 11:53:24 am
Exodus: Gods And Kings. Ridley Scott. 'Nuff said.
Quote from: No1Daughter
That was exactly what I thought it would be like
The WASP actor Christian Bale plays Jewish Hero Moses. Uh huh. No characterisation, but probably just as well, as then we’d have taken the piss. “Moses was a joker was he? Yeah right.” I think I preferred A Prince of Egypt, tbh

The Theory of Everything. Immensely watchable. No1Daughter wasn't sure she could be bothered
Quote from: No1Daughter
I'd've walked home and left you to watch it on your own, except that I'm Ill. It was alright though.
It wasn't about science, or even, really, scientists. It was a love story that happened to feature a scientist. I'm torn between relief and disappointment. Would everyone’s love life look like that with a stirring musical background, and more-attractive-than-we-really-are actors? I'm quite tempted to write a Hollywood-i-fied version of my own lurve history, for the LOLS.

Birdman Disappointing. The trailers made it look more interesting than it was. It was claustrophobic and grimy. I go to the cinema for Hollywood gloss, I can get claustrophobic and grimy at home.

Hobbit 3 Glad when it was over and we could close the final chapter. Ugh. Only went because we'd seen the others. Peter Jackson: how the mighty are fallen. Looking forward to the audience cut of the 3 films, lasting approximately 90 minutes and following the actual story of the famous Tolkein book, “The Hobbit” (without the tedious songs and poetry).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 January, 2015, 03:41:04 pm
On a similar note is "Senna" worth getting ? I haven't seen it yet.

World+Dog raves about "Senna" but I found it somewhat disappointing.  Given that it was a documentary I suppose it was inevitable that footage of the period between karting in Brazil and F1 just doesn't exist, but it almost appears from the film that he jumped straight from a kart into a Lotus F1 car.  Nothing about Formula Ford, his intense rivalry with Martin Brundle in F3, his first F1 season at Toleman (I'd have loved to have seen a contemporary interview with team manager Alex Hawkridge :demon:), nor about his short-lived marriage and near decision to give the whole thing up after his first season racing in the UK.

That said, it's still worth a punt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 13 January, 2015, 06:05:02 pm
Hobbit 3 Glad when it was over and we could close the final chapter. Ugh. Only went because we'd seen the others. Peter Jackson: how the mighty are fallen. Looking forward to the audience cut of the 3 films, lasting approximately 90 minutes and following the actual story of the famous Tolkein book, “The Hobbit” (without the tedious songs and poetry).

I haven't see it yet.  It's a sad indictment that I'll probably wait until it's on TV.

You only really need to see the Hobbit book next to the LOTR trilogy of books to see that the suits in Hollywood tried to wring every dollar from, what is basically, a short story.

I think my enthusiasm was killed off when I was forced to watch hours (seemingly) of dwarves eating a meal in the first instalment.

I think this could justifiably be condensed into a superb, single 3 hour adventure.

(http://img.gamefaqs.net/screens/3/8/f/gfs_105236_2_1.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 13 January, 2015, 06:07:14 pm
On a similar note is "Senna" worth getting ? I haven't seen it yet.

Just be aware that it's very heavily biased and casts Senna as Jesus and Balestre as Pontius Pilate.
It's still good, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 14 January, 2015, 05:36:17 pm
On a similar note is "Senna" worth getting ? I haven't seen it yet.

Just be aware that it's very heavily biased and casts Senna as Jesus and Balestre as Pontius Pilate.
It's still good, though.

Hollywood hasn't bought the rights to the Nigel Mansell story yet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 14 January, 2015, 05:37:50 pm
Last night's film was Elysium which, despite having Matt Damon in, is actually quite good.

Every SciFi film should have a Saffer bounty hunter in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 14 January, 2015, 08:11:29 pm
Foxcatcher.

Excellent but uses quite a bit of artistic licence to package real life into a movie. Chilling portrayal of a disturbed mind reminiscent of certain Alfred Hitchcock films.       
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 15 January, 2015, 08:13:35 am
From good to very poor. The Chronicles of Riddick 3, what a total and utter waste of time that was..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 January, 2015, 10:52:39 am
The other night I saw Horrible Bosses which, despite having a great cast, was a pile of shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 15 January, 2015, 03:52:13 pm
From good to very poor. The Chronicles of Riddick 3, what a total and utter waste of time that was..

After Riddick 1 and 2 you thought 3 was going to be suddenly better ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 15 January, 2015, 11:59:57 pm
Notta fillum, but I watched all 6 episodes of "Edge of Darkness" over the weekend.  Still bloody good even on the 3rd repeat viewing.

His relationship with his daughter gets creepier and creepier on each rewatch for me.

Continuing the incest theme, tonight's DVD was Poliakoffs's Close My Eyes (http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/494649/),  Alan Rickman, Clive Owen & Saskia Reeves in an odd sided triangle.

I saw this with a girlfriend when it was first released (1991),  she complained you didn't get to see Clive Owens cock.... ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ferret on 16 January, 2015, 12:22:31 am
I elected to go and watch the theory of everything, I thought it was a jolly good film and I would recommend it, on the other hand I was coerced into watching taken 3 all I can say is what a load of b*ll*x that's 2 hours of my life I won't be seeing again, please do yourself a favour, clean the fluff out of your belly button do the washing up take the dog for a walk any thing at all just don't waste your time going to see this film, to say that it's badly acted, predictable, boring, ill thought out, drivel, would be doing it a favour and don't get me started on the russian accents. I think I would rather see clive owens cock ;)   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 January, 2015, 07:32:00 am
Last night's film was Elysium which, despite having Matt Damon in, is actually quite good.

Every SciFi film should have a Saffer bounty hunter in it.

Oh well. I gave it 4/10. Story's a simplistic rip-off of every instant-revolution tale since time began and a damnable waste of Jodie Foster and expensive special effects.

My favourite SF film in years is District 9: no big-name stars, excellent effects and a good story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 16 January, 2015, 08:22:04 am
Last night's film was Elysium which, despite having Matt Damon in, is actually quite good.

Every SciFi film should have a Saffer bounty hunter in it.

Oh well. I gave it 4/10. Story's a simplistic rip-off of every instant-revolution tale since time began and a damnable waste of Jodie Foster and expensive special effects.

My favourite SF film in years is District 9: no big-name stars, excellent effects and a good story.

Same director, different screenwriter. I notice a lot of criticism for Neill Blomkamp's with regards to this film, a lot of people saying that his work is nothing without the writing of Terri Tatchell.

Other than Damon and Foster, the actors are relatively unknown in Elysium.

If that all sounds like I am defending Elysium, it isn't meant like that.  I didn't, by any means, find it gripping or engaging.  I did, however, find it enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 January, 2015, 09:04:04 am
Hollywood's like that: a couple of A-list stars and they think everything else will fall into place, especially if big guns, whizzbangs and special effects are involved. Plus the inequality bit, as in Snowpiercer.  I get the idea that they lifted the original idea for that from Iain Banks' The Bridge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 January, 2015, 09:00:59 am
I elected to go and watch the theory of everything, I thought it was a jolly good film and I would recommend it, on the other hand I was coerced into watching taken 3 all I can say is what a load of b*ll*x that's 2 hours of my life I won't be seeing again, please do yourself a favour, clean the fluff out of your belly button do the washing up take the dog for a walk any thing at all just don't waste your time going to see this film, to say that it's badly acted, predictable, boring, ill thought out, drivel, would be doing it a favour and don't get me started on the russian accents. I think I would rather see clive owens cock ;)   


I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you want a good film, I can tell you I can't do that. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you don't watch my films, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not bore you to death. But if you do watch my films, just don't say I didn't warn you..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 17 January, 2015, 09:13:04 am
The Lego Movie

Excellent - witty, clever,  hilarious, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 17 January, 2015, 09:26:59 am
Silver linings playbook.

Thoroughly enjoyable, but rather lost the BP element as things got better, which was a shame. I know it wasn't meant to be a mental health film but it is a key part of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 17 January, 2015, 09:29:57 am
The Lego Movie

Excellent - witty, clever,  hilarious, and thoroughly enjoyable.

You forgot AWESOME, duh!  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 17 January, 2015, 11:12:01 pm
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug.

When I was a kid, I cried at the end of the book. I got to the last 10 minutes of this film and steeled myself for manly tears.  Then it just ended.  Peter Jackson, you blew it.  Now I'm going to have to watch the bloody third one, which appears to be some tosh unrelated to the book.

Where is my ZX Spectrum so I can play Melbourne House's text adventure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 18 January, 2015, 12:14:05 am
Some 80's paranoia with the excellent "Defence Of The Realm" , followed by "My Beautiful Launderette" .  Inbetween times I have been indulging in "A Very Peculiar Practice"..... ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 January, 2015, 02:22:49 pm
Local Hero.

See that young Peter Capaldi?

(Points.  Laughs)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 18 January, 2015, 02:40:01 pm
Local Hero.

See that young Peter Capaldi?

(Points.  Laughs)

That's an old favourite feelgood film  :thumbsup:   I've been to the beach as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 18 January, 2015, 04:29:50 pm
Last night was a double header, RED 2 followed by 300 - Rise of an Empire.

What a waste of an evening...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 January, 2015, 04:51:44 pm
Lego Movie.  Wonderful
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 18 January, 2015, 11:04:05 pm
Foxcatcher
TL:DR don't bother

It's a very American movie. I got the impression this was a story we were supposed to know, or at least have a vague memory of, if we lived in the '80s. The cast were convincing (Vanessa Redgrave is amazing) but the story is just odd, and, well, it's about wrestling. Which I've never really 'got'. I bet this film is huge in small town America where the school has a wrestling team and high school sports is what you go and see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 January, 2015, 08:41:04 am
Pride.

Brilliant. That is all I can say.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 19 January, 2015, 10:24:12 am
The Hundred Foot Journey: nice, feelgood movie with some great actors.

Maze Runner: waste of time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 January, 2015, 03:28:29 pm
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug.

When I was a kid, I cried at the end of the book. I got to the last 10 minutes of this film and steeled myself for manly tears.  Then it just ended.  Peter Jackson, you blew it.  Now I'm going to have to watch the bloody third one, which appears to be some tosh unrelated to the book.

Where is my ZX Spectrum so I can play Melbourne House's text adventure.

The Speccy is being relaunched as a games console.
(http://img.gamefaqs.net/screens/3/8/f/gfs_105236_2_1.jpg)

What that means is that it won't have a keyboard, just a few operation buttons, and it will be pre-loaded with classic games.

I don't know if The Hobbit will be one of them but I can only hope "Chucky Egg" will be on there.

Now, for a complete nostalgia moment....check this out.

Kids, this is What "Call of Duty 4" looked like when we were your age.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ9LuK5Tcgg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ9LuK5Tcgg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 20 January, 2015, 03:12:05 am
There is a documentary about that era of games. It has recently been released.  "From Bedrooms to Billions" or some such.  Kickstarter funded.  Not cheap though, but good by all accounts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 January, 2015, 07:39:35 am
If we're doing 80s gaming nostalgia:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts96J7HhO28
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 20 January, 2015, 02:26:16 pm
Done a few long haul flights recently so catching up on films.

X Men Days of Future past. I am having a man crush on Michael Fassbender.
The Equalizer. Denzel is no Edward Woodward, but it was enjoyable hokum. It's Taken crossed with Home Alone, set in Ikea.
Million ways to die in the west. Like a very long episode of family guy, so hit and miss. I was eating whilst watching so it's very very scatalogical.
Edge of Tomorrow. I can watch this again and again.
Guardians of the Galaxy, doesn't hold up to multiple viewings.
Dawn of the planet of the apes. Good in parts, but I'm suffering from Andy Serkis fatigue.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 20 January, 2015, 02:43:58 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy, doesn't hold up to multiple viewings.
Maybe but what a sound track !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 January, 2015, 05:32:48 pm
Dawn of the planet of the apes. Good in parts, but I'm suffering from Andy Serkis fatigue.

I know what you mean.  I find that, although he is clearly talented at providing a physicality to CGI characters, I can always see him acting.

I have the same problem with Dustin Hoffman.  I just see Dustin Hoffman acting his socks off rather than the character he thinks he is presenting.

Kevin Spacey on the other hand (as one example), can act his socks off and yet lose me in the character.  I never "see" Kevin Spacey.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 21 January, 2015, 11:00:14 am
Local Hero.

See that young Peter Capaldi?

(Points.  Laughs)

That's an old favourite feelgood film  :thumbsup:   I've been to the beach as well.

"That rabbit had a name"
"That rabbit had two names"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 21 January, 2015, 11:27:49 am
Monday night's Double Bill

Whiplash
Excellent. I know almost as much about Jazz drumming as I do about competitive wrestling, but for this film, it just didn't matter. The acting was brilliant, the characters 100% convincing, all that intensity was gripping and relentless. It's maybe what Foxcatcher  (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1798259#msg1798259)was trying to be.

American Sniper
Lordy. We in Suffolk have a plethora of American Air bases, and BSE is their nearest cinema. It was full. If I'd thought about it, directed by Clint Eastwood should have been a Big Fat Clue that what I was going to see was unquestioning pro-US propaganda. Terrifying. Not what he did so much, but that they are celebrating the multiple murders which were politically sanctioned for what can only be dubious motives. The enemy are portrayed as subhuman- constantly referred to as animals or savages. Grim. Also- Bradley Cooper is ENORMOUS. He didn't seem to fit in any of the chairs.
This review (http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/american-sniper-review-clint-eastwood-creates-a-tense-complex-movie-20150120-12u61w.html) sees more balance in it than I did.
I want to see the sister movie- Syrian Sniper. Can't see that getting the funding though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 21 January, 2015, 12:01:03 pm
The thing that interests me about American Sniper was the fake baby furore, did you spot it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 21 January, 2015, 01:18:39 pm
Hell yes. It was outrageously bad- it looks like a rehearsal scene they forgot to re-shoot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 January, 2015, 08:25:55 pm
Also watched American Sniper.  Whilst it might have been US propaganda I didn't see that way.  It was apparently based on facts as provided by an autobiographical account that I have not read.  if so, I think the director intended it to be a straightforward film version as that is what it looks like.

Certain types who go to war do enjoy it.  They believe in what they do, they enjoy the excitement and having a goal;  nothing they do afterwards will be like it.  The effect it has on them creeps up so they only notice when it stops and so they don't want it to stop.  Afterwards they have to deal with the experience as best they can but the truth is they can never be the same as before. 

Unfortunately the likes of Sarah Palin will capitalise on films of this sort and distort them into propaganda. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 21 January, 2015, 08:45:08 pm
I read the book, American Sniper, what I enjoyed in that was we got to hear more from the wife's point of view. But yes propaganda.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ferret on 22 January, 2015, 12:42:57 am
just got back from watching Ex machina, interesting and a bit twisty near the end which is all ways good, well worth watching,
as for the above film I would have thought the very fact it's directed by clint eastwood should have been a big enough clue.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 22 January, 2015, 08:36:33 am
I read the book, American Sniper, what I enjoyed in that was we got to hear more from the wife's point of view. But yes propaganda.

The snag is that the USA sees itself as at war when the degree of threat is comparatively minor.  The film has strong echoes of 'Enemy at the Gates' where Jude Law plays a legendary Soviet sniper, Vasily Zaitsev.  The difference is that Zaitsev was fighting on home ground against an invading force and did not have the option of going home.   PTSD was not depicted and the film portrayed the communist regime in a bad light, unsurprisingly. 

A clip from the BBCs 'Witness' program gives another side to the issue of state-sanctioned killing:  The drone operator who said 'No' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30483010) also described in this article: http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/pain-continues-after-war-for-american-drone-pilot-a-872726-3.html

When I had a moment, I watched 'Inherit the Wind' as a reminder that Americans can be trusted to think for themselves sometimes!



 


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 22 January, 2015, 10:18:31 am
Safe House- Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds etc.

South Africa, fisticuffs, gunfights and the CIA.

SWMBO and I worked it out but it was still a reasonable yarn
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 January, 2015, 01:36:18 pm
Nosferatu the Vampyre

Quite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 24 January, 2015, 05:03:14 pm
Calvary

That was quite good despite the "overdone" characters. Still thinking about it, which is always the sign of a decent film.

August: Osage County

Ditto.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 January, 2015, 09:39:07 pm
The surprisingly non-shit TV miniseries adaptation of "The Stand".  Though the person responsible for casting Molly Ringwald as Fran wants badly to be shot in the face with square bullets.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 25 January, 2015, 11:18:56 am
Hunger Games.

Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 25 January, 2015, 06:54:05 pm
Whiplash.

It's going on my top 10 list. A brilliant film. As above, a knowledge of jazz or drumming, or jazz drumming even, is not needed. A film about 'all for art' and '10% inspiration, 90% perspiration' talent (and there's a lot of persperation!). J K Simmons is brilliant as the sadistic, deranged even, boot-camp tutor who pushes to the limit. He deserves his Oscar nomination. He also has some of the choicest, most creative insults you are ever likely to hear. Worth the admission alone just to stock-up your armoury of putdowns!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 25 January, 2015, 07:03:11 pm
Hunger Games.

Meh.

If you thought that was Meh, have you seen The Hungover Games?

Actually, forget I said that. You really don't want to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 25 January, 2015, 07:15:26 pm
Maniac
Elijah Wood and Nora Arnezeda.

I'm not naturally squeamish, but that was gruesome enough to make me look away from the screen in parts. Undecided as to whether it was as clever & insightful as the makers thought it was, or if it was a pile of misogynistic twaddle. Either way, I won't be watching it again.

EDIT:
Safe House- Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds etc.

Nora Arnezeda was in that too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 25 January, 2015, 07:46:17 pm
I watched Mr Turner a couple of weeks back. I find Mike Leigh films uncomfortable viewing and it took me maybe 20 minutes to settle into this but it is beautiful to watch. Many scenes are set/shot like paintings.

The film lacks any strong narrative line - it is, after all, a film about someone rather than something - so some might find that a little dull. I didn't and found Timothy Spall's performance complex and compelling, albeit sometimes a little too caricature. How it stacks up truth-wise, I had no idea, but he had me sufficiently intrigued to do a bit of reading afterwards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 27 January, 2015, 03:22:47 pm
Calvary

Father Ted on diazepam.  Akin to waking up to find Lovely Horse's severed head next to you in bed.  Whilst Father Dougal is skull f**king it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 27 January, 2015, 03:49:06 pm
Calvary

Father Ted on diazepam.  Akin to waking up to find Lovely Horse's severed head next to you in bed.  Whilst Father Dougal is skull f**king it.

So, is it any good? 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 27 January, 2015, 05:13:53 pm
Calvary

Father Ted on diazepam.  Akin to waking up to find Lovely Horse's severed head next to you in bed.  Whilst Father Dougal is skull f**king it.

So, is it any good?

 ;D

I liked it but it was a lot bleaker than the previous film by the same people (The Guard).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 January, 2015, 07:01:06 pm
If Father Ted was as well known as ... oh, say Friends ... then
"like waking up to find Lovely Horse's severed head next to you in bed."
would be the most quoted review on the internet.

Anyway: if Calvary is half as good as The Guard,  I shall enjoy it. the reviews are mostly _quite_ like billy's. in a good way.
(Both films also have a family link to In Bruges - an excellent film.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 27 January, 2015, 09:34:18 pm
Whiplash.
Very intense film. I am not a lover of jazz or drumming but loved this film. And as someone else said the insults were worth the ticket price.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 28 January, 2015, 12:41:38 pm
Calvary

Father Ted on diazepam.  Akin to waking up to find Lovely Horse's severed head next to you in bed.  Whilst Father Dougal is skull f**king it.

So, is it any good?

Yes

Calvary
That was quite good despite the "overdone" characters. Still thinking about it, which is always the sign of a decent film.

To expand slightly, the characters apart from the priest are very much caricatures, which makes it difficult not to see the film as quite shallow, but on many other levels it is a good film. I've never seen Father Ted so can't comment on the observation above. ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 January, 2015, 01:38:50 pm
Calvary

Father Ted on diazepam.  Akin to waking up to find Lovely Horse's severed head next to you in bed.  Whilst Father Dougal is skull f**king it.

So, is it any good?

That would be an ecumenical question.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 28 January, 2015, 01:45:30 pm
The World's Fastest Indian.  That's a lovely film about a man who (imo) has much in common with our very own Teethgrinder.  A titanium spine in a quiet, unassuming exterior.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 28 January, 2015, 04:56:57 pm
Calvary

Father Ted on diazepam.  Akin to waking up to find Lovely Horse's severed head next to you in bed.  Whilst Father Dougal is skull f**king it.

So, is it any good?

That would be an ecumenical question.

Careful now.
Down with this sort of thing.

(In response to Ruthie, Brendan Gleeson was great but the wider film wasn't very entertaining.  And the other actors struggled in places.  It tried some broad stabs at social commentary, in particular the role of the church in Ireland, but missed the Mark.  This was no Ken O'Loach film.  I wouldn't personally choose to watch it again).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 January, 2015, 05:55:11 pm
The World's Fastest Indian.  That's a lovely film about a man who (imo) has much in common with our very own Teethgrinder.  A titanium spine in a quiet, unassuming exterior.

When people ask me wuffo I keep going back to Battle Mountain year on year I point them at this film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 28 January, 2015, 06:42:41 pm
The World's Fastest Indian.  That's a lovely film about a man who (imo) has much in common with our very own Teethgrinder.  A titanium spine in a quiet, unassuming exterior.

When people ask me wuffo I keep going back to Battle Mountain year on year I point them at this film.

One of my favourite films. Some transport museum in Germany had this replica of it.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14757794605_8e92b4aef1_o.jpg)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24775321@N02/14757794605/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 29 January, 2015, 12:29:33 pm
Fastest Indian is a lovely film, he's a mean, argumentative old bugger but at the same time he just plays life with a straight bat, when he meets the trans woman I mean. Not remotely fazed. Polite and respectful, just not curious. It's cos of Hopkins, he was never less than believable.

I saw Silence of the Lambs before I'd heard any hype and I nearly shat my kecks, Hopkins was so scary. At the same time, Lecter's a sympathetic character. Horrible upbringing and he only ever killed people who were impolite or annoying in some way- the chap who missed the note at the concert-Lecter secretly fed him to his orchestra colleagues who were later treated for alcoholism and bulimia. Census takers, well, they can be annoying too. Coppers, well, they took the job, they knew the risks. And all the while he has the massive hinterland, the palaces of his memory. Burt Monroe doesn't have any of that, he just fixes and rides bikes and is polite with a very dry kiwi sense of humour. He's polite to people who are polite to him and if they're not at least he won't kill and eat them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 30 January, 2015, 12:26:32 am
The Missing Postman. James Bolam does a Teethgrinder . . .

Love to own it on DVD instead of having to stream a dodgy copy of an old VHS on YouTube.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 January, 2015, 12:35:38 am
The Missing Postman. James Bolam does a Teethgrinder . . .

Love to own it on DVD instead of having to stream a dodgy copy of an old VHS on YouTube.

*fires up youtube-dl*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 30 January, 2015, 01:02:55 am
You're welcome . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 30 January, 2015, 09:18:39 am
'Wild'.

The film of the book by Cheryl Strayed.

A young woman gets lost in life's ups and downs, goes for a long walk on the Pacific Coast Scenic Trail, and in the process sorts things out in her head.

I didn't like the book much.  I found the central character shallow, self-indulgent and unsympathetic.  The film was far more enjoyable and was a better medium for this story, showing the woman's journey, instead of telling it.  The humour came across better, too.

Refreshing to see a woman portrayed as a rounded human being, flawed, likeable, unlikeable - instead of as a caricature, or an object, or a receptacle.

Recommended.  In fact, although I was glad to finish the book (I only perservered with the book because I started it), I would definitely watch the film again.

And Laura Dern as Cheryl's mum was wonderful.  The real star of this film.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 30 January, 2015, 09:43:04 am
Sharknado 2 (Yes, that's right, they got funding for a sequel)

It's a Tornado full of Sharks heading for New York City.

Admittedly I didn't watch it all, just the final 30 minutes caught my eye as I was channel surfing.

It has more "WTF?" moments per minute than any film I've ever seen before.  The main one being "Why bother risking life and limb to kill sharks falling out of the sky when you could just let them splat  and die on the pavement?"

I assume I missed a key part that explains why a Shark is such a terrible threat on a New York sidewalk.  In the Sea, yes, I get it, ultimate apex predator, but on the sidewalk?

Anyway I sort of highly recommend it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 30 January, 2015, 09:48:48 am
After a marathon session catching up with Falling Skies (I have, over the last two weeks watched 3 series of it), I have switched to re-watching some movies that I know I enjoy, so this week I have watched:

District 9 (Get those fookin prawns, man)
The Dark Knight
The Big Lebowski and
Biutiful

I am a little bit filmed out now...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 30 January, 2015, 02:13:13 pm
Ex Machina

Weird allegorical(?) collage of techno-life fable, thingy.

Full frontal nudity but of course they are only robots.

Good acting and a fine ending.. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: canny colin on 30 January, 2015, 09:56:28 pm
Testament of youth                                                                                                                              Don't even attempt to M.T.F.U  JUST Grab the Kleenex & go and see this beautiful , poignant film. About love,loss & so, so much more during the 1st world war . Based on the book by Vera Brittain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 30 January, 2015, 11:12:47 pm
Bicycle Dreams, about RAAM, and with Chris Hopkinson and his improvised neckwear.

Trying to document such an extraordinary event can't be easy, but they did it well, giving an insight into who the riders are, and the depths of suffering involved in riding this.  Riveting stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 30 January, 2015, 11:28:07 pm
Fastest Indian is a lovely film, he's a mean, argumentative old bugger but at the same time he just plays life with a straight bat, when he meets the trans woman I mean. Not remotely fazed. Polite and respectful, just not curious. It's cos of Hopkins, he was never less than believable.

... he just fixes and rides bikes and is polite with a very dry kiwi sense of humour. He's polite to people who are polite to him and if they're not at least he won't kill and eat them.

Funny, I didn't find him argumentative or mean, just the kind of person who has no interest in what anyone else thinks of him.  One of those people who see the world slightly differently from most people, who don't have quite the same priorities. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 January, 2015, 11:30:57 pm
The Missing Postman. James Bolam does a Teethgrinder . . .

*fires up youtube-dl*

That.

Delightfully entertaining.  I'm slightly concerned that the late 90s are starting to look dated, rather than normal and ordinary, though.

If there were a DVD release with subtitles I'd point ex-Postman Piers at it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 31 January, 2015, 08:48:04 am
Testament of youth                                                                                                                              Don't even attempt to M.T.F.U  JUST Grab the Kleenex & go and see this beautiful , poignant film. About love,loss & so, so much more during the 1st world war . Based on the book by Vera Brittain.

My dad gave me the book to read years ago.   It sold big in the 1930s.  Shirley Williams was Vera Brittain's daughter and said her mother would have approved of the film.  (http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jan/11/shirley-williams-vera-brittain-testament-of-youth)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 31 January, 2015, 12:35:56 pm
The Missing Postman. James Bolam does a Teethgrinder . . .

*fires up youtube-dl*

That.

Delightfully entertaining.  I'm slightly concerned that the late 90s are starting to look dated, rather than normal and ordinary, though.

If there were a DVD release with subtitles I'd point ex-Postman Piers at it.

I've got the VHS from BBC Enterprises. Does anyone know how to put it on disc - given that we threw our VHS away some time ago? I don't know what we could do about subtitles . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 31 January, 2015, 02:09:33 pm
Raid 2. 

Like The Raid, but with a big number two.

The first had the novelty of coming out of left field and grabbing the attention with its brutal energy and kinetic violence.  The sequel has the same spunk, but comes across as a series of wince inducing fight sequences strung together with a hackneyed plot.

Took my mind off the tedium of my tax return though...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 31 January, 2015, 03:25:27 pm
Fastest Indian is a lovely film, he's a mean, argumentative old bugger but at the same time he just plays life with a straight bat, when he meets the trans woman I mean. Not remotely fazed. Polite and respectful, just not curious. It's cos of Hopkins, he was never less than believable.

... he just fixes and rides bikes and is polite with a very dry kiwi sense of humour. He's polite to people who are polite to him and if they're not at least he won't kill and eat them.

Funny, I didn't find him argumentative or mean, just the kind of person who has no interest in what anyone else thinks of him.  One of those people who see the world slightly differently from most people, who don't have quite the same priorities.

Single-minded and ornery, mule-headed and stubborn. His neighbours nag him to mow the lawn so he sets fire to it and pisses on his tree. Hopkins said it's the best film he's done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 01 February, 2015, 03:07:14 am
Stark Raving Mad. Clubbing meets a bank job, a revenge heist with a refreshingly low body count. Unpromising timetabling in the small hours on Auntie, and I'd no real wish to see Seann William Scott reprise Stifler, but with low expectations set, it proved to be an almost perfect B-movie.

Day of the Jackal. How many Citroen DSs?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gus on 01 February, 2015, 03:18:13 am
Big Hero 6

I was surpriced to find it better than expected(it's a Disney movie  :-\)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 February, 2015, 11:45:43 am
The Postman (1997 Kevin Costner effort)

Continuing the theme of postman-related films, this one I'd been avoiding up till now.  And it turns out for good reason: It's basically a dry run for Waterworld.

Also, I'm getting a bit sick of USAnian habit of using contrived post-apocalyptic scenarios as an excuse to re-enact their civil war.  It wasn't even a very good civil war, but if you want to make a thing about it, do an alternate history or something.

Highlight was the scene where $evil_military_commander seems to be about to execute someone, but makes him burn a flag instead....and that's made out to be worse!?!  Lowlight was the scene in which they make clear that over the course of 30 years they've brought the country - if not the rest of the world - up to a level of at least 1980s technology, simply by merit of getting over the whole civil war thing, and having a postal service.

That's three hours I'm not getting back.  Waterworld was funnier.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 01 February, 2015, 01:51:46 pm
Captain Phillips

It has been a while since a thriller actually had me on the edge of my seat. And Tom Hanks performance, particularly at the end is brilliant (As always)

An excellent film.  I'm glad I read 'Long Walk Home' by Jude Tebbut, who was kidnapped by Somalians, because she also gave some context to the Somalis' situation, and the petri dish of poverty, inequality, corruption and injustice that is the source of such crimes.  If that's an accurate portrayal of what happened to Phillips he must be a very, very brave man indeed, and deserving of being the captain of a ship.  Talk about functioning under pressure.

The thing I'll take away from this film was the pirates' portrayal of what desperation really looks like.  When the state you live in has failed, when you are surrounded by real poverty, what do you do? 


I don't know what I'd do in Phillips' position.  I don't know what I'd do as the breadwinner in a Somali family, either.  Thought provoking and well made.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 February, 2015, 10:26:04 am
Kingsman: The Secret Service which I was a bit hesitant about because I've become a bit discomforted with some of the hyper-violence in some movies, and Kick-Ass was one of those. It was very violent but done with more cartoonistic glee and there's one standout scene that whilst gory is done so impressively, I can forgive it. Let's just say Colin Firth never did that in Bridget Jones movie.

Silly, certainly, sort of hovers around Bond, Flint, Avengers (with a nod to Pygmalion / My Fair Lady) pastiche and parody without ever setlling, but keeps itself airborne with enough demented energy for it to not matter all that much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 February, 2015, 07:12:23 am
Mrs A. can't forgive Colin Firth for not having aged better since P&P!  Hence we might not get to see Kingsman.. ::-)   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 February, 2015, 11:33:42 am
So far this week:

The Dark Knight
Mar Adentro
Drive

The first is a favourite, the second needs another viewing to make any sense and the third, urm, err, yeah.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 03 February, 2015, 10:20:27 pm
The Descendents, I enjoyed it and now want to go to the Hawaiian Islands.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 February, 2015, 10:18:13 am
Mrs A. can't forgive Colin Firth for not having aged better since P&P!  Hence we might not get to see Kingsman.. ::-)

We did watch Kingsman.  Very entertaining.  The violence was unrelenting although extremely hygenic. It's undoubtedly a p1ss take of the earnest, child-like spy/crime film efforts (Liam Neeson springs to mind!).  I would call it a satirical film in a lot of ways, but don't take it too seriously! 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 05 February, 2015, 10:35:04 am
I watched Drive again and realised that there were a couple of things that made it all a bit meh for me.

1) It has Hellboy as a gangster, its just not right, or believable.
2) no way would a 300C be able to keep up with a Mustang
3) Ryan's Mustang hits another car, the lights go out. Next shot his lights are working again and, more importantly, there appears to be little or no damage to his mustang!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 February, 2015, 10:42:27 am
Have you ever counted the number of wheel trims that come off cars in the movies?  NTRIMS is almost always greater that NWHEELS.

And don't get me started on the motorbike tyres in "Mission Impossible 2".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 05 February, 2015, 02:44:20 pm
Mrs A. can't forgive Colin Firth for not having aged better since P&P!  Hence we might not get to see Kingsman.. ::-)

We did watch Kingsman.  Very entertaining.  The violence was unrelenting although extremely hygenic. It's undoubtedly a p1ss take of the earnest, child-like spy/crime film efforts (Liam Neeson springs to mind!).  I would call it a satirical film in a lot of ways, but don't take it too seriously!

It ends on a bum note though.  I thought the ending was totally unnecessary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 February, 2015, 02:52:03 pm
Mrs A. can't forgive Colin Firth for not having aged better since P&P!  Hence we might not get to see Kingsman.. ::-)

We did watch Kingsman.  Very entertaining.  The violence was unrelenting although extremely hygenic. It's undoubtedly a p1ss take of the earnest, child-like spy/crime film efforts (Liam Neeson springs to mind!).  I would call it a satirical film in a lot of ways, but don't take it too seriously!

It ends on a bum note though.  I thought the ending was totally unnecessary.

It was clumsy. I presume it was an attempt on the old Bond-style endings, but fell flat. Judging by the reaction in the cinema I'm not sure why it didn't get edited out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 February, 2015, 08:34:55 pm
What, the bit where he sorts out the low-life's in his local?  I think they should leave it in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 February, 2015, 09:17:00 pm
What, the bit where he sorts out the low-life's in his local?  I think they should leave it in.

No, the literal bum note.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 06 February, 2015, 12:00:15 am
"The Interview"
Was better than expected, although I'm pretty sure North Korea doesn't look like British Columbia...(Especially the sequence at the end...Howe Sound was very easily recognized)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 06 February, 2015, 11:14:58 am
Boyhood.
In a tiny cinema with only 19 seats, plus tea and cake served at non big screen prices.  Result.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 06 February, 2015, 11:05:19 pm
A Field In England

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 06 February, 2015, 11:27:31 pm
Marvellous.

What it says on the tin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Karla on 06 February, 2015, 11:33:03 pm
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

Enjoyable steampunk schlock
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 February, 2015, 08:49:23 am
What, the bit where he sorts out the low-life's in his local?  I think they should leave it in.

No, the literal bum note.

No sex please, we're British?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 February, 2015, 09:56:04 am
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

Enjoyable steampunk schlock

Really? I thought it was unredeemable pants. The guy who plays Hansel was out acted by the trees in the forest, the storyline was so thin you could see right through it and the direction just stunk.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Karla on 07 February, 2015, 10:06:54 am
Well yes, but then I wasn't expecting anything more from it.  The title hardly suggests high cinematographic art!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 February, 2015, 12:33:22 pm
Whilst ironing I watched Fantastic Four, the first one. A little later I will be watching the second one, whilst doing some more ironing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 February, 2015, 01:39:47 pm
What is this thing you Earth people call "ironing"?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 February, 2015, 04:56:22 pm
Dallas Buyers Club

Unrelentingly unlikeable main character gradually transforms, surprisingly enjoyable film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 07 February, 2015, 09:54:59 pm
Kingsman. So many piss takes, I'm not sure I got them all.  Predictable, silly and above all hopelesly slapstick.  I enjoyed it immensely, even down to the gratuitous bumshot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 07 February, 2015, 10:59:43 pm
Layer Cake.

Dialogue was difficult to catch 100%, and it was a busy movie to keep up with.

Didn't like the ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 February, 2015, 09:11:27 am
I think "Layer Cake" was a dry run for Daniel Craig's interpretation of Bond James Bond.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 09 February, 2015, 04:22:48 am
Birdman. Very very good. It's competing with Grand Hotel Budapest as my favourite for the Oscars
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 February, 2015, 07:15:52 am
Jupiter Ascending in 2D 

In amongst the usual over exuberant use of CGI I've a sneaking suspicion there might have been quite a good film.  Good acting performances, considering what they were up against.   

..oh and yes, there was a bum.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 February, 2015, 10:06:55 am
Jupiter Ascending in 3D (bees and a nice fall, otherwise it might as well have been 2D).

Was hoping for some good old school Flash Gordon-style sci-fi hokum on a Sunday afternoon but it wasn't a movie that was sure what it wanted to be when it grew up. The studio seemed to have a bit of a crisis of conviction, so it segued into the usual chase scenes and big bangs. If you're going to tear through a city (what they hell did Chicago do to deserve its current run of destruction?) peppering it with explosions, you've got to do it good, because it's been done so often now. Channing Potato looks glum (seriously, I have to wear these ears for the entire movie?) and Mila Kunis does the spunky heroine who you know from the beginning will get rescued a lot before someone realises that's not spunky heroine material so she'll kick the bad guy in the bollocks. That's not really a spoiler.

I dunno why it's so hard getting a decent script and dialogue these days. Seriously, people don't say 'holy crap.'

Oh, it wasn't bad bad, it was just one of those films that could have been a lot better and ended up just being a bit dull, identikit sci-fi.

The bum thing in Kingsmen. I'm not bothered by the bum. It's a very nice pair of buttocks, to be sure. It was just the crudely levered in arse sex 'joke' which wasn't all that funny and seemed to elicit more cringes than laughs, admittedly with the posho London IMAX crowd.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 February, 2015, 10:43:09 am
Guardians of the Galaxy.

Some really decent laughs. More character development would have been good. It's a daft sci-fi action movie that plays for general laughs and avoids anything like fart or bum jokes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 February, 2015, 12:28:15 pm
Adaptation.

Clever once you work out what's happening, but fundamentally dull and with no likeable characters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 09 February, 2015, 12:31:58 pm
Jupiter Ascending in 3D (bees and a nice fall, otherwise it might as well have been 2D).

Was hoping for some good old school Flash Gordon-style sci-fi hokum on a Sunday afternoon but it wasn't a movie that was sure what it wanted to be when it grew up.

It's not just you:

Quote from: io9
Jupiter Ascending isn't just a mediocre film. It's also self-indulgent, and in love with its own excesses. It's like the sick love-child of Zardoz and Fifth Element. But what's really odd about Jupiter is that it wants to criticize opulence and selfishness, and yet it's a movie that thinks "more" is always "better."

Quote
I went into Jupiter Ascending with low expectations, and this movie somehow slid underneath them. My highest hope for this film would be that it would be "fun but dumb" — which is no bad thing, at all. A fun, dumb movie is a wonderful thing, and I'd always rather see a fun, dumb movie than a pretentious clunker.

Unfortunately, Jupiter Ascending gets too excited about its own flaky ideas, and is too intent on chasing the elusive whippoorwill of its plot, to settle down into being a fun ride. And if you need to care even a little about the characters or stakes in order to have fun watching a movie, then you're in for a disappointment here.

Quote
Honestly, a lot of this movie felt as though co-directors Andy and Lana Wachowski wrote a bunch of ideas on index cards, which they then threw up in the air. (And then half the index cards accidentally went out the window.)

Full review (contains spoilers): http://io9.com/jupiter-ascending-is-a-very-decadent-movie-about-why-de-1684167120
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 February, 2015, 03:04:29 pm
Indeed, fairly spot on. Shame really, they had the budget to go splendidly high pulp, and there were great avenues for crashing that vision into the modern world of computers, the internet, and high tech jet fighters and in Mila Kunis they had a heroine who should have been doing the rescuing and saving the day rather than waiting for the inevitable late-film opportunity to knee the bad guy in the bollocks. Loads of potential to spin a futuristic, concept clash, fairy tale and instead they pinched off another anodyne paint-by-numbers sci-fi. Plenty of 'meh's were omitted by departing cinema goers.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 09 February, 2015, 06:18:41 pm
String of recent films, in summary

World's Fastest Indian: as described above. Pleased he didn't do the accint. at inny time.

Dallas Buyer's Club: superb character development.

Soldier's Girl: the title performance was absolutely wonderful.

Pride: yes. Not my scene, but I still wept.

Left Behind: step away from the DVD player. Utter shit.

Captain Phillips: storming performances on both 'sides'.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 09 February, 2015, 06:24:37 pm
Layer Cake.

Dialogue was difficult to catch 100%, and it was a busy movie to keep up with.

Didn't like the ending.

One of my all time fave raves. The opening 2 minutes was enough to hook me completely. People have compared it to Snatch & Lock Stock but I found it fascinating. The plot twists keep coming and I'm told that several different endings were filmed but the director got the final say, leaving it open for an (as yet unfilmed) sequel. Would love to see that.

I think "Layer Cake" was a dry run for Daniel Craig's interpretation of Bond James Bond.

Possibly. Particularly the shot of him with the Luger  ;D. (Although IIRC LC was filmed in 2003 and he didn't sign up until 2005)

Saturday evening consisted of Le Mans starring Steve McQueen the Porsche 917 & Ferrari 512. Oh! And some people . . . followed by Layer Cake accompanied by a rank takeaway and a glass or two.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 February, 2015, 12:26:20 am
Disconnect

iPlayer described it thus:
Quote
Technology causes several lives to intertwine with terrible consequences in this ensemble drama exploring the destructive potential of the internet.

But in reality it was just a film about dysfunctional people whose lives intertwined, which was set in 2012 and therefore featured the technology of the era, including (but not limited to) television, mobile phones, facebook, motor cars, electric light, guns, positive-pressure ventilators, skateboards and hockey sticks.  I can't tell if it was badly summarised by someone who missed the point, or what, but it certainly wasn't exploring the destructive potential of the internet (as opposed to the destructive potential of fraud, pornographers, pre-teens and third-rate journalists).

I synchro-watched this with some IRC friends.  Cue heartfelt discussion about how utterly brilliant the internet is, and how much of a positive influence it's been on our lives and those of so many people around us.  And also that in reality...
(click to show/hide)


Bah!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 10 February, 2015, 08:04:58 am
Birdman. Very very good.

Effing brilliant, top to bottom. I could write paragraphs.

It's appeal to film makers is immediately obvious. It's themes and crafts put it firmly in that camp, like The Player. BUT, unlike that film, there's an 'accessible to all' film. And it's a belter.

Very strong peformanes all around but Keaton doesn't get better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 February, 2015, 08:46:31 am
Selma.

The portrayal of Martin Luther King was very credible as it was for the tensions both outside and within the movement.  The events took place after the signing of the Civil Rights Act (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Remarks_upon_Signing_the_Civil_Rights_Bill_(July_2,_1964)_Lyndon_Baines_Johnson.theora.ogv) against strong opposition from the South.  The depiction of LBJ (highly unpopular amongst anti-Viet Nam war protestors) has been criticised as unfair and seems to be used to show that King found opposition to (the pace of?) his demands even in the White House, also to demonstrate that the black community did not take a passive role as inaccurately suggested by some earlier films about civil rights.

I thought it was a competent and honest attempt to depict Martin Luther King's achievement, thought-provoking and well worth a viewing. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 10 February, 2015, 09:49:30 am
Adaptation.

Clever once you work out what's happening, but fundamentally dull and with no likeable characters.

What is happening?! I love it's paradoxes (or is it one whole paradox?) Like trying to get to grips with the truth of an optical illusion; once the mind decides it one way, the other possibilities tumble out of your neatly closed bag. It can never add up.

For me, a self-admitted headonist and thickie perhaps, I love films that entoxicate like that. It's not everyones idea of fun obviously and I equally like the different perspectives.   Art plays on each of us differently according to our own being. Belief me, I've read reviews of films and not had a clue what the reviewers on about. They've seen something that's bypassed me entirely. Something that sometimes I never see, even after considerable reanalysis. They're not wrong, they can't be. You've got to love that about film/art.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 10 February, 2015, 06:42:02 pm
Quite excited about Selma (after playing this week's Kermode-Mayo).
Ive mainly given up on biopics,  they're generally like boring history books,  "and then this happened. and then this ... " But Martin Luther King is THE human rights story, isn't he? Hmmm? The lead actor came over very well, and the clips have been great.

I'm intrigued by how they've rewritten all the speeches inna King stylee. (due to Spielberg owning the licence to film them all)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mark on 11 February, 2015, 03:18:03 am
Selma was excellent.

The bit where LBJ tells J. Edgar Hoover to dig up whatever dirt he can on King was historically inaccurate (Robert Kennedy did that, during his brother's administration), but completely consistent with LBJ's cynical, dishonest approach to politics. King and other civil rights activists did encounter a lot of opposition to the pace of their demands at all levels of American society, all of it from people who already enjoyed the full spectrum of human and civil rights.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 February, 2015, 08:01:15 am
With the near-deification of the Kennedys in much of USAnian society one would hardly expect anything else :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 February, 2015, 02:06:24 pm
Broken City.

Marky Mark as a jaded ex cop PI, Maximus Decimus Meridius as the incumbent Mayor, Mariette Larkin as his wife and Private Daniel Jackson as his opponent in the upcoming mayoral election.

A quite entertaining yarn.

As a result of watching Private Jackson in action, I am revisiting one of his finest moments in installments- Saving Jason Bourne.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 11 February, 2015, 07:35:29 pm
Predestination

On yout*be. It is a not-too-bad version of Heinlein's 'All You Zombies'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 14 February, 2015, 12:00:28 am
Fifty shades of Grey
Nuff said
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 14 February, 2015, 01:20:44 am
May I tie you down for a review?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 14 February, 2015, 06:08:51 am
Fifty shades of Grey
Nuff said

Was it a flop?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 February, 2015, 09:57:59 am
Cloud Atlas. I really enjoyed that and are looking forward to the extended version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 February, 2015, 12:47:04 pm
Cloud Atlas. I really enjoyed that and are looking forward to the extended version.

Extended version - that's interesting.  I'll look that out when the time comes. Very much enjoyed it in the cinema and on bluray.  Any idea when that might be available?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 February, 2015, 12:57:58 pm
Fifty shades of Grey

It took me an improbably long time to realise that someone had made a film of it.  I thought the interweb was full of people still ranting about the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 14 February, 2015, 05:14:31 pm
the truth is that i was never going to consume the book OR the film. But if I WAS, then the casting of that 'king scary freak from The Fall would probably have put me off big-time.

I]d like to hear from the Executive Casting Producer on that one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 14 February, 2015, 09:17:25 pm
... that 'king scary freak from The Fall would probably have put me off big-time.

Mark E. Smith?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ian H on 14 February, 2015, 09:27:27 pm
'Before I go to sleep'.  The laugh-out-loud moment was when N Kidman bats C Firth over the head with an electric iron.  It was at our local community cinema — the only reason we went.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 February, 2015, 09:52:01 pm
... that 'king scary freak from The Fall would probably have put me off big-time.

Mark E. Smith?

Glad I wasn't the only one who thought that ^^^^
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 14 February, 2015, 10:38:52 pm
May I tie you down for a review?
You'll be bound to enjoy it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 14 February, 2015, 10:46:14 pm
Under the Skin

Atmospheric and well shot.  But basically had the feel of a short film that was made into a feature length film because Scarlett Johansson was attached.  I spent too long thinking "yeah ok get to the point".

Good to hear Weegie banter though, even if scripted.

Not sure I'd recommend this one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 14 February, 2015, 10:48:24 pm
Weggie banter

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 15 February, 2015, 10:16:33 am
Reminded by the similarly themed Birdman (theatre and truth) and nudged by the mention of Adaptation (one of my fave ever movies), I revisited Synecdoche, New York. Like Adaptation, it's a Charlie Kaufman work - written and directed.

It's a big movie; themes, cast, set, questions. Philip Seymour Hoffman is excellent as the troubled and dying theatre director asking the why. It's a sprawling but brilliant piece of work; meandering, messmerising and at times frustratingly confusing (it is Kaufman after all!).

Recommended if you liked 'Being John Malkovich' or 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', or the aforementioned Apadtation, or even the recent Spike Jones movie 'Her' (Scarlett Johansson link!).... but stay away if you didn't!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 February, 2015, 10:44:18 am
Deception

Geoffrey Rush as an auctioneer who gets involved with a young agoraphobic woman. Quite enjoyed it but it doesn't bear much analysis. Heavy handed script, implausible scenarios, lots of unnecessary explanation of the symbolic elements of the film, and a surprise ending that was obvious from pretty early on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 15 February, 2015, 10:47:11 am
... that 'king scary freak from The Fall would probably have put me off big-time.

Mark E. Smith?

Glad I wasn't the only one who thought that ^^^^

MES is certainly way more frightening than Jamie Dornan!

Dornan is a talented actor and, as such, capable of credible performances. I very much doubt he IS a deranged serial killer. Or even into S&M. MES, on the other hand.... well, let's just say that I'm less sure!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 February, 2015, 05:57:18 pm
Fifty shades of Grey

It took me an improbably long time to realise that someone had made a film of it.  I thought the interweb was full of people still ranting about the book.

I'm not terribly inclined to watch it. I'm no literature snob but when I see the words 'Twilight fan fiction' I'm scared. And my most successful writing job was distilling high grade smut in that brief time before the internet started to feature pictures. Now, perhaps I had a more erudite audience, but I think they were too impatient, because trust me, erotica it wasn't. I did watch Twilight and it was pretty much two hours of my life for which I'm awaiting a refund. I did have the misfortune to read some of 50 Shades (and, well, why is not 256 Shades of Grey?) over the shoulder of guy next to me on a flight from Newark to LA. As he was about 80 it was in size 72 font on his kindle so every time I glanced over I saw something like

buttplug up her tight

or

sampled her wet chasm

Now, I don't know about you, but I don't ever want to spend five hours of economy class intimacy with an aroused geriatric.

So, yeah, I'll be skipping the movie experience. Mind you, as a positive, you remember my charity campaign to follow on from Movember and Dry January – Let's Lube for Lent. Well, hopefully the movie is encouraging everyone to get kitted out with the finest rear-end stoppers and large quantities of water-based personal lubricants, so let's make it a month that's hard to forget.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 15 February, 2015, 06:04:06 pm
<snigger>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 15 February, 2015, 08:40:28 pm
The Good Lie


I'm unsure what to make of this film. I know I enjoyed it very much, it was emotional in places, touching in others and then had some funny bits. It was a good watch.


Fury (2014)
The one with Brad Pitt as a tank captain. Surprisingly I actually really liked this as it was just a dumb movie about jarheads, there was a certain je ne said qoui about it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tigerrr on 15 February, 2015, 09:56:39 pm
you never know with je ne said qoui - but Brad Pitt certainly has saviour fair and a sprit de core.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 16 February, 2015, 12:18:24 am
Under the Skin

Atmospheric and well shot.  But basically had the feel of a short film that was made into a feature length film because Scarlett Johansson was attached.  I spent too long thinking "yeah ok get to the point".

Good to hear Weegie banter though, even if scripted.

Not sure I'd recommend this one.
Exactly. Though I did giggle at the bedside lamp moment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 February, 2015, 04:55:48 am
"Fury".  Much much darker than I expected, most certainly describes war as violent, dirty and turns even the good guys (GI's) into bad people. Starts out reasonably well, but last third is silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 February, 2015, 07:05:11 am
Cloud Atlas. I really enjoyed that and are looking forward to the extended version.

Extended version - that's interesting.  I'll look that out when the time comes. Very much enjoyed it in the cinema and on bluray.  Any idea when that might be available?

http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/netflix-chief-says-4-hour-cut-of-cloud-atlas-will-blow-you-away-wachowskis-doubt-theyll-get-big-studio-budgets-again-20150210

Doesn't say :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 February, 2015, 11:20:57 am
Fifty Shades of Grey.  But only vicariously, Mrs A and daughter went; I went to the gym.  I understand the ending was unsatisfactory (if I may put it like that, or maybe that is exactly the right way to put it?)

   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 February, 2015, 03:54:10 pm
When you've seen the film, don't forget to buy the official merchandise...

(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/smutchin/shades_zpsvypfnxr1.jpg)

*boggle*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 16 February, 2015, 05:18:33 pm
There was an obligatory BBC (I think) story the other day about the expected perils of ambulance call-outs to rescue stranded victims of Fifty-Shades inspired attempts at restrained amour (yeah, yeah, they have the NHS doing PR). It ended with a few typical examples of lost handcuff keys and finally, deadpan, on a the rescue of a man from a toaster. Is that in the film? I may have to take back some of criticisms if there's toaster sex. I always thought a pop tart was a diabetes-inducing breakfast comestible, but now I have to wonder if it's not something else entirely. That's an extreme sport. Vacuum cleaners, so last year, it's only a matter of time before the true aficionado of culinary gratification casts an febrile eye upon other kitchen appliances. Ladies may have to put up with the outsized phallic pepper mill, but for the man in search of adventure, there are gadgets galore. Let's just hope those men wash that breadmaker out afterwards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 16 February, 2015, 05:35:28 pm
We almost need a separate F***y thread.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/50-shades-of-grey-valentines-day-screening-ends-in-man-being-glassed-vomiting-in-the-aisles-10048515.html
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 17 February, 2015, 01:34:28 pm
Bad Lieutenant

Not the Harvey Keitel one, the Nicholas Cage film of the same name. Cage gives one of his caricature performances, larger than life - he is so good at it. Personally, I don't like it but I think this is a film that probably divides opinion. If you like Cage in classic OTT manic mode than you'll love it.

I have to admit I did smile at the beautifully hammy  'all worked out ok in the end' ending but I found little else to remark upon in here. Just not my thing. It's directed by Werner Herzog so maybe there's a wacky German sense of humour at play.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 February, 2015, 08:09:05 pm
I did sign off yesterday wondering if I'd imagined up the toaster thing. But Google says it's an actual Thing, for which I'm dubiously relieved. I'd hate to the be one to have imagined that one up. I've also been advised that sadly no one fucks a toaster in Fifty Shades, which I think is a shame, and might have added a little much needed colour in more ways than one. Insert your own crumpet joke, but hey, don't insert your own Thing. This is your obligatory don't-do-this-at-home kids warning. Really, keep your dick out of the kitchen. It's advice my wife gave me some time ago, and I've never had to be rescued by a fireman and a liberal salving of I Can't Believe That's Not Butter.

Apropos of nothing, I used to share an office with Britain's most prominent academic urological organ. My office mate, the delightful Veronica, dutiful servant of said organ (hey, these bondage allusions don't come easily to my anointed little fingers) would gleefully show me pictures from their case study submission section. There truly is no place that the male penis hasn't pioneered. They're like the Indiana Jones of anatomical stupidity, always dashing into danger. And you don't want to know the sort of thing its chucklesome spheroid twins do for comic relief. If we had an inner goddess, she'd undoubtedly be shaking her head in resigned shame.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 17 February, 2015, 10:20:59 pm
Her

Spike Jonze thing. I liked it a lot, in an Eternal Sunshine kind of way. It's more interesting than just a quirky romcom about a man falling in love with his computer - it actually has some interesting (if not entirely original) things to say about relationships and identity. Only thing I'm not convinced about is that a glorified greetings card writer could earn enough to live his lifestyle.

Spoilerish comment to follow...
(click to show/hide)

I liked it too.

(click to show/hide)

As an examination of relationships, and the way we invent them as we live them, it was most interesting. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 18 February, 2015, 06:48:27 pm
The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

I just found this film incredibly depressing and upsetting.  A whole sequence of horrible events in people's lives, awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 18 February, 2015, 07:12:22 pm
Pretty much why I couldn't watch No Country for Old Men after recording it. It was great when I first saw it and it is a fantastic film, but it is a continuous series of brutal killings and too grim to watch, knowing what is about to happen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 18 February, 2015, 11:31:53 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy. First half was so-so, second half was quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 February, 2015, 07:58:00 pm
American Sniper.
I do like the way that Clint Eastwood portraits people. He's very good at making them feel like real people. The story is fairly compelling, but also in typical Eastwood style, leaves a lot untold. With out knowing about Chris Kyle in advance, it's a very good movie, but by many accounts, he was a bit of a dick (despite his VA work) and the film pretty much skips that and that does detract from it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 21 February, 2015, 08:34:44 pm
Last weekend I watched Cloud Atlas, which was interesting, if a bit complicated and very long.  I'll probably need to watch it again, possibly a few times, to work out all of the interesting details!

Currently, I'm half way through watching Lucy, which whilst not on the same scale as Cloud Atlas, is somewhat amusing in its portrayal of a sort of next stage homo sapiens, and how she behaves.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Von Broad on 22 February, 2015, 01:31:06 am
Just watched David Cronenberg's 'Spider', shot in London in 2002.

Beautifully filmed tale about a disturbed bloke seeking to come to terms with his mother's murder.
Ralph Fiennes is brilliant and consistently believable throughout.
Didn't see the twist coming at the end [but there again I never do lol].
You've got to be in the mood, and I guess this evening I was.
Compelling. Didn't put the kettle on once throughout.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 22 February, 2015, 10:49:45 am
Kingsman. The most fun film I've seen in a cinema for many a year. Plenty of different aspects to keep you entertained. Bit naughty at the end though.
(click to show/hide)
The cinema was half full. Maybe because about half the slots in the multiplex were 50 Shades, with gaggling groups of girls giggling their way in.

Lots of drunk students about in the streets in pyjamas afterwards, then the street theatre of a drunk woman with two companions avoiding a beggar with his dog before she dropped her knicks and pissed in an M&S doorway.

If you are shopping in Bath today, keep a lookout for puddles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 22 February, 2015, 01:57:55 pm
Headhunters, based on a Jo Nesbo book.  Good fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 22 February, 2015, 04:48:20 pm
The recent version of 47 Ronin, which is fairly loosely based upon the Japanese 18th century events (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forty-seven_Ronin).

It's not a bad film, the cinematography, dress, and fight scenes are impressive.  It attempts to be both a fantasy and historical retelling, and unfortunately straddles the two to the extent that it fails at being either well.

Keanu Reeves seems to be an unnecessary embellishment, presumably to encourage USA audiences to watch it, which it failed at, since it bombed, making $151 million with a budget of $175 million.

I enjoyed it, but I like Japanese fantasy tales.  I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it, but it's worth spending the £7 that Amazon are charging for it at the moment.[1]

Footnote [1] On Amazon, you can get 47 Ronin, RIPD and Immortals on Bluray (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ronin-RIPD-Immortals-Blu-ray-Region/dp/B00MCKN8EG/) for £6-90, which is an odd mixture, but a bit of a bargain for some not brilliant but mostly fun films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 22 February, 2015, 04:50:18 pm
World War Z last night.  Pretty good. A lot of unbelieveable bits in it but still pretty good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 22 February, 2015, 04:59:08 pm
The Spy Who Loved Me.  Probably the most representative Bond film.  It has the lot; snow, deserts, an underwater car and a truly bonkers villain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 February, 2015, 06:06:19 pm
Kingsman. The most fun film I've seen in a cinema for many a year. Plenty of different aspects to keep you entertained. Bit naughty at the end though.
(click to show/hide)

We saw it last night. I really enjoyed it but something about the violence made me feel a bit uncomfortable. It felt like half the violence was very cartoony but other half was gruesomely explicit. It wasn't clear what sort of tone they were going for with it and it was weird to watch. I did like it though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 February, 2015, 06:56:43 pm
Kingsman. The most fun film I've seen in a cinema for many a year. Plenty of different aspects to keep you entertained. Bit naughty at the end though.
(click to show/hide)

We saw it last night. I really enjoyed it but something about the violence made me feel a bit uncomfortable. It felt like half the violence was very cartoony but other half was gruesomely explicit. It wasn't clear what sort of tone they were going for with it and it was weird to watch. I did like it though.

I think I'm getting old, I'm starting to find violence, especially the consequence-lite stylistic and cartoonistic gore, discomforting. That and the fact it's peachy to slash, maim, and decapitate en masse, but if we see a cock or nipples and the world might just end. Will someone please think of the children. Not you, Rolf, not you.

In other news...

Alien and Aliens because I found the quadrilogy hiding in box in the garage. They've aged very well (other than the suspiciously low tech computers). Aliens still is still the boss alien-fighting movie. It also reminds me of many lost hours of my PhD spent abusing the university network with multiplayer Aliens Doom. I can, as a result, kick xenomorph ass with a pipette or a M41A pulse rifle. Assuming xenomorphs have an ass.

Not sure I can brave Aliens3, I can always remember it being a bit shit. And I can't remember Alien Resurrection at all, which possibly isn't complimentary. Like Terminator, one of those series that should have stopped at number 2. There's a good reason people don't do number 3s. Unless they're xenomorphs with their mysterious ass situation. That might enable a number 3.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 22 February, 2015, 07:01:10 pm
Speaking of Aliens number five is on its way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 22 February, 2015, 08:07:43 pm
Shrek

All three in one go.  I've never watched them, in spite of posessing the films for numbers of years.  Absolutely silly - and I loved them.  :D

I can't say they're perfect - that honour belongs to The Princess Bride - but they are jolly entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 22 February, 2015, 08:40:47 pm
Transcendence

Technology meets the creation myth.  You can tell it's high concept, as the actors speak in this reverential whisper that gives it the aural landscape of a mystic journey.  By the end it descends into a series of sci-fi tropes.  A bit worthy and therefore dull. 

Of course, if it was real, the sentient computer would start each day planning to cure diseases and increase humanity's grasp of its place in the cosmos.  But then look back on its day realising it spent much of it looking up pictures of bewbs and fuzzy kittens.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 22 February, 2015, 09:00:23 pm
War Games (1983)

Cold War Thriller with 5 1/4" floppy discs, a rather young looking Matthew Broderick, dial up modems and of course the W.O.P.R. with all the blinking and bleeping lights!   :thumbsup:

The only winning move is not to play!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 22 February, 2015, 09:12:53 pm
5 1/4" ha!  I give you 8" http://gizmodo.com/inside-the-us-nuclear-silos-where-floppy-disk-are-still-1568609439

http://m.slashdot.org/story/201349


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 February, 2015, 09:36:42 pm
Speaking of Aliens number five is on its way.

Hmm, and there's a new Terminator out in June-ish time. I suppose it can't be worse that the pointless and instantly forgettable brain fudge that was the last one (I'd forgotten that one before I left the cinema). They're bringing Arnie back to life, which has got to be a good for a laugh. I'd pay good money to watch him and Boris Johnson try to fight each other to death with nothing other than croissants in a large paddling pool filled with strawberry jam.

Mind you, I expect that won't be the plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 22 February, 2015, 09:38:38 pm
Lucy

Barmy. Besson at his barmcake ________* (insert as applicable)

So silly you'll be left wondering what you've just watched. A goof-ball 2001 perhaps?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 February, 2015, 10:32:54 am
They've aged very well (other than the suspiciously low tech computers). Aliens still is still the boss alien-fighting movie.
I reckon a good test of the longevity of a film is the quote quotient.

Aliens scarcely has 5min without some fantastic lines, hearing them instantly flashes back to the scene.

".. nuke the site from orbit, it's the only way to be sure"
"Get away from her, you bitch"
"She doesn't have any bad dreams because she's just a doll."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 23 February, 2015, 12:37:20 pm
Game over, man. Is my favourite :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 23 February, 2015, 12:44:32 pm
Not forgetting...

Hudson: Hey Vasquez, have you ever been mistaken for a man?
Vasquez: No. Have you?

Ripley: Did IQs just drop sharply while I was away?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 23 February, 2015, 01:07:33 pm
Oh yes, as mrcharly said it is full of quotes. I will not go to IMDB and start to read them, because the high risk of a DVD falling into the player and then the afternoon/evening is gone
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 February, 2015, 01:26:59 pm
I think it goes like this:

Alien: Fantastic horror film, canonically passes the Bechdel Test.
Aliens: Fantastic action film.
Alien 3: Sigourney Weaver with a buzzcut.
Alien Resurrection: Sigourney Weaver sniffs Winona Ryder
Alien vs Predator: Computer game spinoff, expectations appropriately low.
Prometheus: Steaming pile of pretty WTF.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 23 February, 2015, 02:22:01 pm
Spot on Kim.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 February, 2015, 03:07:03 pm
The shortly to be ex-marine on having to give up his ammo on account of the big temperamental nuclear thing above: "What the hell are we supposed to use man? Harsh language?"

I was horrified to learn that Alien was 1979 and Aliens 1986. I'd always imagined I'd seen them the first time around, but evidently not because I'm not old enough. It's amazing how good they still look and how the special effects have held up and actually look a lot better than some of the more obvious CGI that litters modern blockbusters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 23 February, 2015, 03:46:06 pm
I think it goes like this:

Alien: Fantastic horror film, canonically passes the Bechdel Test.
Aliens: Fantastic action film.
Alien 3: Sigourney Weaver with a buzzcut.
Alien Resurrection: Sigourney Weaver sniffs Winona Ryder
Alien vs Predator: Computer game spinoff, expectations appropriately low.
Prometheus: Steaming pile of pretty WTF.

Sigourney Weaver does Hellboy with a basketball.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 February, 2015, 03:58:24 pm
Keanu Reeves seems to be an unnecessary embellishment

Typecast again! ;)

We watched some of 2001 when it was on the telly t'other night. I came across it while channel surfing and just left it on. I was surprised to learn that my wife has never seen it before. Though not surprised on reflection as it's a bit too spacey for her tastes. But she was rather taken by it. We didn't stay up to watch all of it though, as it was past our bedtime, but she seemed keen to sit down and watch it properly on another occasion.

Next project: get her to watch Rocky.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 23 February, 2015, 05:03:14 pm
I think it goes like this:

Alien: Fantastic horror film, canonically passes the Bechdel Test.
Aliens: Fantastic action film.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alien 3: Sigourney Weaver with a buzzcut.
Alien Resurrection: Sigourney Weaver sniffs Winona Ryder
Alien vs Predator: Computer game spinoff, expectations appropriately low.
Prometheus: Steaming pile of pretty WTF.

They should have drawn a line and quit while they were ahead.

I added the line.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 23 February, 2015, 05:08:31 pm
My recommendation for a good laugh-out-loud flick is...wait for it..."Ted".

It's  film about a boy's Teddy Bear that comes alive after he wishes on a star.

Look, I realise what this sounds like but stay with me on this.  Have a few beers and watch it with your mates, it's bloody great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 February, 2015, 08:09:41 pm
Speaking of Aliens number five is on its way.

And it'll be Neil Bloomkamp direction it (District 9, Elysium and soon-to-be-released Chappie).
He's the right guy to do it. Just hope he can handly Sigourney Weaver better than he did with Jodie Foster.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 23 February, 2015, 08:39:45 pm
My recommendation for a good laugh-out-loud flick is...wait for it..."Ted".

It's  film about a boy's Teddy Bear that comes alive after he wishes on a star.

Look, I realise what this sounds like but stay with me on this.  Have a few beers and watch it with your mates, it's bloody great.

WRONG.

It is shit. End of.

On the Blomcamp front, I saw a trailer for Chappie the other day and, even before I saw the "directed by" I knew, as Chappie looks just like one of the cop robots in Elysium.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 23 February, 2015, 09:35:35 pm

I was horrified to learn that Alien was 1979 and Aliens 1986. I'd always imagined I'd seen them the first time around, but evidently not because I'm not old enough.

I wasn't old enough either,  they wouldn't let me into the Odeon to see it when I was 15  >:(   It was an X certificate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 February, 2015, 09:54:41 pm
I think it goes like this:

Alien: Fantastic horror film, canonically passes the Bechdel Test.
Aliens: Fantastic action film.
Alien 3: Sigourney Weaver with a buzzcut.
Alien Resurrection: Sigourney Weaver sniffs Winona Ryder
Alien vs Predator: Computer game spinoff, expectations appropriately low.
Prometheus: Steaming pile of pretty WTF.

After Alien they're all crude.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 23 February, 2015, 11:39:01 pm
Speaking of Aliens number five is on its way.

Apparently it is going to star John Travolta

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 February, 2015, 08:29:04 am
I think it goes like this:

Alien: Fantastic horror film, canonically passes the Bechdel Test.
Aliens: Fantastic action film.
Alien 3: Sigourney Weaver with a buzzcut.
Alien Resurrection: Sigourney Weaver sniffs Winona Ryder
Alien vs Predator: Computer game spinoff, expectations appropriately low.
Prometheus: Steaming pile of pretty WTF.

Yeah, don't get me doing the Prometheus thing again. That's in my Dan Brown's Inferno bucket.

I really can't remember Alien Resurrection at all other than, now I've been reminded, the basketball scene with Hellboy. On the grounds that I have started so I'll finish, I'll watch them at the weekend.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 24 February, 2015, 01:42:13 pm
Aliens was the first 18 certificate film I saw in the cinema.

Alien Resurrection is ok, it's been a bit overly hated in my view.  It's got some interesting ideas and continues some of the underlying themes from the earlier films. I think people would have liked it more if the alien/human creation towards the end didn't look quite so silly.

It's also an interesting collaboration between Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Joss Whedon (whose crew of smuggler misfits have a more than passing resemblance to a certain named-after-an-insect SF show).  And it's got Ron Perlman in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 24 February, 2015, 07:33:06 pm
Speaking of Chappie, Sharlto Copley who 'plays' Chappie, had a T-shirt made with the names of all the VFX people who helped make it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T13R-Rz5ZgI ..not like Andy Serkis.

On a somewhat related note, I also recently watched Automata, expecting it to be crap, but it was actually quite good. Fades in second half, but still highly recommended, sci-fi, robots,etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 February, 2015, 12:08:30 am
I've seen Alien and Aliens. Both great. I remain stubbornly unaware of anything after that.

Simply ignoring the sequels is generally effective as a policy. You might occasionally miss out on some good stuff (ok, I admit it: I've never seen The Godfather Pt II) but it's the easiest way to avoid disappointment on the whole. See also: Rocky, American Pie.

I broke my own rule for The Matrix, much to my regret.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 25 February, 2015, 06:36:40 am
You'd miss Empire Strikes Back with that rule.  :hand:

And also the finest piece of acting committed to celluloid:

http://youtu.be/qXNqEURmKtA

(The "sequels better than the first film" has come up many times at my lunch table over the years)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 25 February, 2015, 07:53:19 am
Didn't you break your own rule for Aliens? 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 February, 2015, 10:31:22 am
I broke my own rule for The Matrix, much to my regret.

I did do the Matrix trilogy at Christmas. The sequels aren't that bad, just a bit meh and indulgent. The dialogue (admittedly clunky in the first one) doesn't improve and everything is said. slowly. with. portent. It was like everyone was channelling Keanu's slightly bemused acting style. Really, I'm in a movie. A movie? Why yes, Keanu, you are, and we're as surprised as you are. There's the dancing in the cave thing where Keanu finally gets his lovemuffin in the oven (Really, I'm in – OK, we get it) that lasts for about 1000 hours. And many of the fight scenes go on and on to the point where everyone gets bored of bouncing off walls. Especially the audience. Some fine set pieces but the movies didn't half drag between them and the cod-philosophy got a bit wearing. Unlike the original, where the special effects are nicely stylised, some of the CGI hasn't stood up to time. It's very obviously CG in places.

I really enjoyed the Matrix, I remember we had one of those Virgin all-you-can watch cinema passes so we'd get on a tram and go watch whatever was showing, often with no clue what the movie was. The Matrix was one of those. Also Fight Club, which sounded immensely dull but it was raining outside so we decided, what the hell, to see another movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Vince on 25 February, 2015, 10:40:01 am
I saw Alien in 1983 at the college film club. It was on 16mm film. I think this was in days before feature films got released on VHS.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 February, 2015, 11:10:58 am
I saw "Debbie Does Dallas" on VHS in 1982 and now I've sent the thread plummeting beyond the event horizon and into a black smut-filled hole.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 February, 2015, 11:35:57 am
I saw "Debbie Does Dallas" on VHS in 1982 and now I've sent the thread plummeting beyond the event horizon and into a black smut-filled hole.

The lowering of threads is rightfully my job.

Proper porn, of course, was always on VHS. A boy hasn't lived until he's had to disentangle and extract a stuck playground-traded VHS tape of Hot MILFs 22 from the family VCR. That fateful moment where the bump and grind starts to go awry and then scrunch-le-le wooo-wooo as everything, including the onscreen action, grinds to a halt. The eject button part works, but the tape is reluctant to expose anything other than its title in emboldened 48 pt type through the slot. Many stressful hours spent extracting the cassette and untangling the entrails of magnetic tape that seem to have filled the entire machine, knowing that any moment you're going to have explain to your mother what you've been watching.

And of course, then you've got to explain to the loaner that one of the schoolyard's most precious commodities has been lost in action. Worse, when you know he's borrowed it from his dad's stash, and that's the kind of absence that will be both be noticed and come with a very short list of suspects.

Computers have a robbed a young boy of this kind of character-building experience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 February, 2015, 11:42:13 am
I saw Logan's Run on Video Disk in 1982. That new technology was amazing - you could replay, freeze and so on!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 25 February, 2015, 11:53:20 am
I remember that.  You could do everything except have a 30th birthday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 February, 2015, 12:20:57 pm
You'd miss Empire Strikes Back with that rule.  :hand:

Tbh, I could live with that.

Didn't you break your own rule for Aliens? 

Yes and no - Aliens is such a different film to Alien, I'm not sure it counts. Anyway, like all good politicians, I only stick to the stated policy when it suits me.

The sequels aren't that bad, just a bit meh and indulgent ... lasts for about 1000 hours ... fight scenes go on and on

That pretty much sums up my feelings. I saw the final part in a late-night showing at Aylesbury Odeon as a way of killing an evening when I was in the area on a business trip. It felt so mind-numbingly long that I was expecting it to be daylight by the time I left the cinema.

The Matrix (the original) is still brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 25 February, 2015, 12:47:54 pm
This has reminded me that despite consuming vast quantities of films over the last few years, I've never seen Alien, or Logan's Run. They are now on the list, along with Wicker Man. And yes, it's true, "I've never seen Star Wars" either, and I don't intend to!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 25 February, 2015, 01:10:49 pm
The thing about the Wicker Man is, there's so much singing in it it's practically a musical.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 February, 2015, 03:16:19 pm
Enjoyed "The Matrix" enough to go to the flicks for the sequel.  Then we wished we hadn't.  #3 remains unwatched to this day though They appear to be knocking out the box-set for about a tenner these days.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 25 February, 2015, 04:27:57 pm
My recommendation for a good laugh-out-loud flick is...wait for it..."Ted".

It's  film about a boy's Teddy Bear that comes alive after he wishes on a star.

Look, I realise what this sounds like but stay with me on this.  Have a few beers and watch it with your mates, it's bloody great.

WRONG.

It is shit. End of.

Maybe I should qualify that by saying that it's funny if you find Beavis & Butthead, Family Guy and South Park funny.

It's a film about a foul-mouthed toy bear after all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 25 February, 2015, 05:47:21 pm
I believe Ted is a rip-off of the idea behind http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfred_(Australian_TV_series)
(but I stand to be corrected).
I've only seen the US version of WIlfred (starring a wonderfully-downtroddn Elijah Wood),  and rather enjoyed it.

I should watch the Aussie version one day,  but "Ted" sounds much dumber (and not very funny).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 February, 2015, 06:04:44 pm
Ted was surprisingly decent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 25 February, 2015, 06:08:22 pm
As it happens, I like Family Guy, South Park, King of the Hill and B&B. Ted is still shit, though.

Today I am watching "Closer to the Edge" the story of the 2010 Isle of Man TT, and particularly (unsurprising as it is made by the same people who made "The Boat That Guy Built" "Our Guy in India" etc) Guy Martin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 February, 2015, 07:07:24 pm
Pontoon.

I saw it in the cinema, when it came out.

I cannot remember anything after Elias gets shot in the clearing as the helicopters fly round, helpless. Were there two versions? I seem to have missed 30 minutes of film!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 25 February, 2015, 07:24:27 pm
Pontoon.

I saw it in the cinema, when it came out.

I cannot remember anything after Elias gets shot in the clearing as the helicopters fly round, helpless. Were there two versions? I seem to have missed 30 minutes of film!
There was a version called "Platoon".

HTH
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 28 February, 2015, 11:19:39 pm
2nd best marigold hotel. I want to go back to India now. In fact every film I have seen lately has brought out a bit if wanderlust.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 March, 2015, 04:03:33 pm
The Ideas of March

George Clooney smoothed his way through this film. It was rather underwhelming, in plot and engagement, although the acting was a counter to that. After watching it I wondered where they got the trailer from, it was made up of the most gripping bits.

Not on the list of films to see again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 01 March, 2015, 06:07:47 pm
War Horse.  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 March, 2015, 07:41:01 pm
Alien3. While it seemed to have all the ingredients the result didn't rise to meet expectations. The characters were mostly interchangeable and unsympathetic. So effectively the same plot as Alien but you're mostly rooting for the monster. Except the monster isn't very scary, now rendered in CGI it's a lot a less scary than a man-in-a-suit. I've seen scarier kittens. Plus they killed off Hicks and Newt and rendered everything in Aliens moot and well, you feel cheated, because they had you rooting for them. Notably even the director thinks it's shit, and on the quadrilogy special edition they had to the get the tea boy or someone to say something nice about the movie in the intro rather than the director.

Aliens Resurrection was a bit better if a bit meh. Didn't make much sense either. They've had two centuries and are still using IT from my comprehensive school classroom and are still desperate for a 'biological weapon' that erm, well, I have no idea. Or why they needed to clone Ripley to get an alien (huh?) or why she ended up part alien (huh2?). The huhs pile up until your sense of disbelief starts to creak ominously under their weight. And then after saving the Earth we find out its trashed anyway. So why bother? And just where the fuck was everyone while you crashed a big starship into the planet. Shonky plot, a few overblown scenes stitched together. It was watchable though you'd probably scratch a hole through your head trying to make any sense of it.

Using Aliens as a benchmark:

Alien = 1
Aliens = 1.5
Aliens3 = 0.3
Alien Resurrection = 0.4
Prometheus = -435945685946948595486942874872387483284732897598435

I hope this helps with selecting your future viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 02 March, 2015, 05:55:26 am
John Wick. Probably the best Keanu Reeves film since the Matrix. (For what that's worth).
Plot is stupid:
Retired hitman is brought back into action after the Russian mob steals his car and kills his puppy.
Yes, it's that stupid, but it works.
Very violent, but also quite entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 March, 2015, 08:20:44 am
Keanu Reeves ...
Retired hitman is brought back into action after the Russian mob steals his car and kills his puppy.

Well, you've sold it to me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 March, 2015, 01:28:29 pm
The Equalizer (sic)

Preposterous action movie but filmed in Boston. It was quite a lot of fun and I really liked the Nighthawks Hopper homage.

Waiting for the string of sequels, although I think Robert might need a new job.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 March, 2015, 02:49:29 pm
I'm starting to feel a bit sorry for the Russian mafia, behind all those tattoos and their love for vodka and borscht, pretty much everyone is kicking the living shit out of them. It's only a matter of time until the puppies take things into their own paws and spend a couple of hours cleaning up Brighton Beach (not that one).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 02 March, 2015, 03:53:01 pm
Back to Aliens - http://www.rogerebert.com/mzs/watching-aliens-for-the-first-time-again-with-a-bunch-of-kids - a fun read.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 March, 2015, 08:11:10 pm
Back to Aliens - http://www.rogerebert.com/mzs/watching-aliens-for-the-first-time-again-with-a-bunch-of-kids - a fun read.

When Bill Paxton (Hudson) dies he surely needs "Game Over man" on his gravestone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 March, 2015, 08:46:22 pm
The Equalizer (sic)
With Ewar Woowar?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 02 March, 2015, 09:50:05 pm
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

It's not a great film. It's also about a crazy idea that probably has profound political connotations (in the home country) but these are largely ignored in favour of a good old-fashioned love story. Is is worth watching? Yes, but don't go out of your way. It has some good comedy moments though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 March, 2015, 11:04:16 am
Total Fuckup Recall- The Gratuitous Rehash.

 ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 March, 2015, 02:30:03 pm
2nd best marigold hotel. I want to go back to India now. In fact every film I have seen lately has brought out a bit if wanderlust.

I'd like to go to India.  To see how the chap who is doing my job is getting on.   We met our replacements when they came over and all of us went out for a curry.  I don't want the job back, oh no :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 March, 2015, 02:40:40 pm
The Equalizer (sic)
With Ewar Woowar?

It was Denzil, I think. Not out of  Only Fools and Horses though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 07 March, 2015, 08:26:00 pm
American Hustle

Style over substance, I'm afraid.  Strong acting though.

The middle bit sagged to the extent that I resorted to X1.5 speed, which is when you still hear the dialogue but the tedium passes quicker.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 March, 2015, 11:06:36 pm
Inbetweeners 2.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 March, 2015, 11:12:44 pm
Inbetweeners 2.

Which reminds me: had someone shout "Cyclewankers!" at us yesterday.  It's been a while.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 March, 2015, 11:24:03 am
I shouted "tenniswankers!" at the telly yesterday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 08 March, 2015, 02:26:34 pm
Enemy

Jake Gylenhaal and Mélanie Laurent (of Now You See Me).

This was totally engaging, but I'm not afraid to admit I did not understand what was going on. Having looked it up on the internet it seems I'm not alone. To my mind if a film requires you to watch it several times or have read the book, then it's failed as a film.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 March, 2015, 05:57:25 pm
Brave

Well it has Billy Connolly and accurately shows the motion of an arrow leaving a bow - really rare in filmland. Still a bit meh with not enough breadth of laughs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 08 March, 2015, 11:39:41 pm
Brave

Well it has Billy Connolly and accurately shows the motion of an arrow leaving a bow - really rare in filmland. Still a bit meh with not enough breadth of laughs.

I thought the beards much less, well... beardy, than in How to train your Dragon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 09 March, 2015, 02:30:17 pm
"Good Vibrations"

The story of a local DJ/Record Shop owner in '70s and '80s Belfast, at the the start of the Punk era.

Based on a true story and very enjoyable.

Funny in the main part but also a good reminder of what a horrendous time that was in N.I. history.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 March, 2015, 02:37:39 pm
"Good Vibrations"

The story of a local DJ/Record Shop owner in '70s and '80s Belfast, at the the start of the Punk era.

Based on a true story and very enjoyable.

Funny in the main part but also a good reminder of what a horrendous time that was in N.I. history.

Thank you for reminding me, I saw it trailed on TV, but didn't see it.  Have just used get_iplayer to dl it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 March, 2015, 07:09:50 pm
The Death of Mr Lazarescu

This is the only Romanian film I've seen. It was slow and ponderous, but totally engrossing. Probably not worth the 7.9 IMDB rating, and most definitely not a "comedy" as per the DVD cover, but well worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 11 March, 2015, 08:48:12 pm
"Good Vibrations"

The story of a local DJ/Record Shop owner in '70s and '80s Belfast, at the the start of the Punk era.

Based on a true story and very enjoyable.

Funny in the main part but also a good reminder of what a horrendous time that was in N.I. history.

Thank you for reminding me, I saw it trailed on TV, but didn't see it.  Have just used get_iplayer to dl it.

Have now watched it and I concur with LEE, funny and sad.  The music direction is spot on as well, with just the right songs at the right time (especially "Alternative Ulster").

It's not going to win any Oscars, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  If you like that era of music (Undertones, Rudi, The Outcasts etc etc), then watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 14 March, 2015, 06:41:18 am
Kick Ass, well it could have been the mood I was in, I loved it.  The colouring was great and it had two of my favourite actors in it, Mark Strong and Nicolas Cage. I stayed up way past. my bedtime for it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 14 March, 2015, 07:29:22 am
The hunt for Red October on film four last night. Still a decent film though Connery is a very Scottish Russian.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 14 March, 2015, 08:44:42 am
Kick Ass, well it could have been the mood I was in, I loved it.  The colouring was great and it had two of my favourite actors in it, Mark Strong and Nicolas Cage. I stayed up way past. my bedtime for it

I watched it again too. I'd forgotten most of it, so it was remarkably fresh. Fun! I haven't seen 2, but remember that there was outrage at gratuitous violence. There must be quite a bit if there is more than in 1 !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 14 March, 2015, 06:22:57 pm
The hunt for Red October on film four last night. Still a decent film though Connery is a very Scottish Russian.
Give her two pingsh on the bowsh Mishter Vasshily.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 14 March, 2015, 10:23:59 pm
Watching The Imitation Game. Seems good so far.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 March, 2015, 11:12:59 pm
Kick Ass, well it could have been the mood I was in, I loved it.  The colouring was great and it had two of my favourite actors in it, Mark Strong and Nicolas Cage. I stayed up way past. my bedtime for it

I watched it again too. I'd forgotten most of it, so it was remarkably fresh. Fun! I haven't seen 2, but remember that there was outrage at gratuitous violence. There must be quite a bit if there is more than in 1 !

There was a bit more, but it was more that it was very crude in comparison to the first one. I had low expectation to 2 (after reading the reviews) and I was still disappointed.
Kick Ass, however, remains one of the best Super Hero Films of modern times :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 15 March, 2015, 12:16:15 am
May I suggest "Super" in that case?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1512235/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 March, 2015, 08:45:59 am
"SHUT UP CRIME!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 15 March, 2015, 11:15:35 am
Just watched the trailer. Looks my sort of movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 15 March, 2015, 01:48:29 pm

Last night was "Hockney, Live from LA" , Screen 1 was full and there was applause at the end  :thumbsup:

A rambling biopic from childhood to art school and then fame & fortune.  Lots of interviews with friends & family and excerpts from his own films and films others have made of him.   Lots of pictures....

He comes across as a nice, decent bloke.   Interesting facts, Hockney & his father were both concientious objectors & active in CND, he also describes his father painting a perfect straight line along the top tube of a bicycle , he gave up on cycling in LA though... :D

Now on iplayer  http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b05gv4zf/hockney (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b05gv4zf/hockney)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 March, 2015, 04:58:02 pm
Run All Night.  Liam Neeson hitting people and shooting them in the face. With added Ed Harris.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 15 March, 2015, 08:41:40 pm
The Acid House

The granite hardness of 90s working class Edinburgh, cut with the visceral imagination of Irvine Walsh.  I remember the five year period when this type of British film felt generation defining.  Through the distant window of time passed and encroaching middle age it still feels raw and essential, albeit uncomfortable and harsh.

Worth watching if you've not seen it in a little while.  Or if you haven't seen it before (as was the case for me).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 March, 2015, 08:24:20 am
Run All Night.  Liam Neeson hitting people and shooting them in the face. With added Ed Harris.

Couldn't they have just called it
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 March, 2015, 10:34:24 am
Trancers – mid 80s low budget mashup of Terminator and Blade Runner.  Tastes as good as it sounds.

Tagline was <gravelley trailer voice> “Jack Deth is Back and he’s never even been here before!”  </gravelley trailer voice>

Trancers stars Tim Thomerson who’s a bit of a cult star of the 1980s low budget world – another favourite of mine that stars him is Zone Troopers, a film about a US platoon in WW2 fighting nazis and aliens.

Trancers also has an early performance from Holly Hunt, who went on to star in altogether superior trash like Twister.

Shut up, I like Twister.

“Cow....another cow”

“Actually I think that’s the same cow”
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 16 March, 2015, 12:47:31 pm
The Imitation Game. It was OK if all a bit meh and That Otter Man was terribly affected and Kiera was terribly posh and everyone was just terribly, terribly, oh you know. And they make cracking Enigma look a bit like deciphering ROT13.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: padbeat on 16 March, 2015, 02:40:26 pm
The Only Lovers Left Alive

Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston and John Hurt. Beautifully filmed, beautifully paced, lovely clever and a plot you could write on a postcard. It was all about the chatacters, two vampires who have been married off and on for centuries and are deeply in love still, an old friend and a disruptive sister.

Thoroughly recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 16 March, 2015, 02:48:32 pm
I think I agree with you up to ...beautifully paced ;)
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg1760422#msg1760422
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 16 March, 2015, 03:50:20 pm
The Right Stuff. More Ed Harris with added Dennis Quaid, Sam Sheppard, Lance Heinrickson, Veronica Cartright and the main man himself, General Chuck Yeager as the mad old dude at the drinking den :thumbsup:
Shut up, I like Twister.

“Cow....another cow”

“Actually I think that’s the same cow”


I love Twister :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 16 March, 2015, 07:02:49 pm
The Right Stuff. More Ed Harris with added Dennis Quaid, Sam Sheppard, Lance Heinrickson, Veronica Cartright and the main man himself, General Chuck Yeager as the mad old dude at the drinking den :thumbsup:
Shut up, I like Twister.

“Cow....another cow”

“Actually I think that’s the same cow”


I love Twister :thumbsup:

Noooo! Surely not? It's horrendous!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 16 March, 2015, 07:05:34 pm
I love Twister too  :P

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 March, 2015, 07:30:05 pm
Left hand red.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 16 March, 2015, 08:00:13 pm
I love Twister too  :P

You should be ashamed of yourself! This film fails the Bechdel test by a ridiculously huge margin. The token women are all accessories, or cast offs.

Meanwhile - the science is utter bollox. Tornadoes don't act like that, storm chasers generally don't drive toward the storms, they run the FUCK the other way, and you don't get to chuck little shiny balls into them because they are fucking horrendous things that suck the very soil off the land, leaving nowt but bare rock. They are also very very small, and Tornado Alley is really fucking big. Where was the hour upon hour upon hour of tedious slogging up and down I60?

Simply shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 16 March, 2015, 08:01:11 pm
I love Twister too  :P

You should be ashamed of yourself! This film fails the Bechdel test by a ridiculously huge margin. The token women are all accessories, or cast offs.
Cows dont come out of it well either :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 16 March, 2015, 08:02:34 pm
Atomic Twister was even sillier, though didn't feature as many cows.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 16 March, 2015, 08:08:00 pm
Sorry you two. You got caught in a whirlwind of ETAs there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 March, 2015, 09:04:03 pm
Also there is no I-60.  The numbering of main E-W routes goes straight from I-40 (Wilmington NC - Barstow CA) to I-70 (Baltimore MD - Cove Fort UT)

</Interspod>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 16 March, 2015, 09:12:24 pm
Chris.  You're outvoted.  Twister's great  :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 16 March, 2015, 09:46:46 pm
My Daily Mail reading, slightly homophobic parents were enthusing over a pirated download of Love is Strange (http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/12/love-is-strange-review-john-lithgow-alfred-molina-gay-couple) at the weekend .....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 16 March, 2015, 10:04:22 pm
Also there is no I-60.  The numbering of main E-W routes goes straight from I-40 (Wilmington NC - Barstow CA) to I-70 (Baltimore MD - Cove Fort UT)

</Interspod>

I see. Route 60 is not I60, but a confederate conglomerate mess of other I routes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 March, 2015, 10:31:39 pm
I just rewatched Twister.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 16 March, 2015, 10:38:46 pm
What annoys me with Twister is in the very first frames there is an error. You can see that they are using a looped bit of film to make the opening shot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 March, 2015, 10:50:07 pm
USAnians tend to use all sorts of different designations for roads interchangeably, to the confustication of all.  See for e.g. "Route 66", "Highway 61" etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 March, 2015, 12:06:12 am
I just re-watched The Abyss.  It's been a while, and while the hardware pr0n is as good as ever, the corridors are simply top-notch, and everybody loves a rat in a bucket of Fluorinert, I now realise that its Bechdel Test status is marginal at best.  Still, bonus points for having a slightly neurodiverse ass-kicking female engineer (who's actually seen doing some plot-critical engineering) as one of the main characters - something that made a big impression on me at a formative age.

The aliens are as twee as ever.  James Cameron's Space Marines are interchangeable, even when they're just normal marines seals.  And the ending roots the film firmly in the 1980s.

Something I hadn't really twigged before is that the aliens communicate with Lindsey telepathically at several points, not just during the tentacle scene.  That makes so much more sense.


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 17 March, 2015, 10:20:46 am
Last night's entertainment was Big Hero Six

Sort of like "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" but with robots and no Mr T :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 March, 2015, 10:35:56 am
USAnians tend to use all sorts of different designations for roads interchangeably, to the confustication of all.  See for e.g. "Route 66", "Highway 61" etc.

I could explain it. But it's probably not something that can be done in fewer than 200 words. All to do with whether a section is classed as Federal (Interstates and US Routes), State (Highways, Freeways, Expressways), or County/Township (Roads, Routes). There are Multitudinous Quirks, but there is a method to the madness.

It ought to come as no surprise to anyone that I liked Twister.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 March, 2015, 10:49:21 am
The official designations are easy enough to grok, but if you go to sell your soul to Stan you do it at the junction of US-61 and US-49, both of which are famed in song as "Highway nn".  NV-305, on which the Battle Mountain event is run, is often called both "Highway 305" and "Route 305"; it lies on the south side of I-80, frequently known as "the freeway".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 March, 2015, 02:08:38 pm
2001: A Space Odyssey.  There may be a shortage of dialogue for the first umpteen minutes of the film but with 7.1 sound those are some LOUD munkehs!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 March, 2015, 07:50:45 pm
2001: A Space Odyssey.  There may be a shortage of dialogue for the first umpteen minutes of the film but with 7.1 sound those are some LOUD munkehs!

It may not be dialogue to you......


It's in my top 5 films. 
My mum took me to see the original cinema release, thinking it was something a bit more Thunderbirds-ish I expect. 
The apes scared the living shit out of me then I fell asleep for the rest of it.

The docking sequence, to Strauss, is a cinematic masterpiece, possibly the cinematic masterpiece.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 March, 2015, 08:04:29 pm
Kick Ass, however, remains one of the best Super Hero Films of modern times :)

I concur.

It has some stand-out funny moments, mostly based around a little girl swearing or removing some fella's body parts but there's a whole funny thing going on with a "Gay friend" sub-plot.

If the violence were slightly less over the top (or, in the case of the sequel, even more over the top) it would be dreadful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 March, 2015, 08:06:44 pm
Twister is.....meh.

It passes the "remote control on the coffee table test"* I suppose.

*The remote is on the coffee table and the film isn't quite bad enough to warrant sitting up and retrieving it and watching "A Place in the Sun" or whatever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 17 March, 2015, 08:55:35 pm
The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part 1

(click to show/hide)

ETA:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 19 March, 2015, 01:21:28 pm
Fury.

Imagine every cliche, from every war film you have ever seen.

Now imagine Brad Pitt acting out those cliches.

That's the film/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 March, 2015, 01:48:44 pm
Fury.

Imagine every cliche, from every war film you have ever seen.

Now imagine Brad Pitt acting out those cliches.

That's the film/
IDC about BP, but the tanks, how do you rate their acting?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 19 March, 2015, 01:55:16 pm
Fury.

Imagine every cliche, from every war film you have ever seen.

Now imagine Brad Pitt acting out those cliches.

That's the film/
IDC about BP, but the tanks, how do you rate their acting?

The tanks should have got an oscar! I did have to winch a bit though at all the munitions pinging off the tanks.  Either the tanks were very good replicas or they were borrowed from enthusiasts (and, as the film was shot in Oxfordshire I am guessing the latter).  If the former then I hope they weren't damaged too much.

Oh and BP's prosthetics were rubbish, you could see the edges of the fake scars (as in where they stuck onto his face and back)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 March, 2015, 12:59:57 am
Fans of "Twister" might like to know that it is being screened by ITV1 this coming Sunday, March 22, at 16:00.

(Sets video)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 20 March, 2015, 08:17:50 am
Last night I watched The Imitation Game followed by Pride.

The former was ok, if a little lightweight.  For a character as serious as Turing it had it's funny moments.

The latter was just froth, I didn't get anything out of it.  The Mark Ashton character strutted about like Matt Lucas's "Only gay in the village" character.  Seeing the guy out of The Wire as Jonathon was a bit weird.  Can't, honestly, say I was taken by it.  I'd rather watch Brassed Off again, if I was in the mood to watch a film about the time of the miner's strike.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 March, 2015, 08:48:50 am
Pride is best watched in the cinema, with a huge crowd old enough to have been gay during that period.

That's how I watched it, there were people crying, laughing and bursting out clapping with joy at different bits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 20 March, 2015, 09:14:40 am
Pride reads like the Daily Mail's film of the decade.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 March, 2015, 04:57:20 pm
Lucy - way more fun than all the reviewers led me to believe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 20 March, 2015, 07:11:00 pm
Pride is best watched in the cinema, with a huge crowd old enough to have been gay during that period.

I had to read that several times to work out what you meant! Worried you had turned Christian Fundamentalist  :facepalm:

Anyway, last night I watched

Good Vibrations

Absolutely loved it - the title may be accurate but gives an impression it might be quite a different film. And similar to the above, it is probably best with a crowd old enough to have been punk during that period...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 March, 2015, 10:16:01 pm
Lucy - way more fun than all the reviewers led me to believe.

Ah good. That goes back onto my list of films to watch when everyone else is out. It dropped off the list because of the reviews.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 March, 2015, 05:39:39 pm
Apollo 13 again.

"Gentlemen, what are your intentions?"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 21 March, 2015, 08:08:57 pm
Vampire Academy

Shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 21 March, 2015, 09:45:42 pm
Home

A political film exploring the themes of colonisation, forced relocation, societal cohesion and the role of propaganda ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 March, 2015, 05:33:50 pm
Cloud Atlas

Whole lotta make-up action going on there (a bit panto in places). I watched it once on a plane but I was in that half-asleep fugue state that flying induces so it didn't make much sense. It didn't, to be honest, make much sense on the ground, but it was enjoyably bonkers enough (under the fiendish mind control algorithms of Citoyen, I'm reading The Bone Clocks at the moment, which perhaps appropriately tenderised my cerebrum).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 22 March, 2015, 05:48:06 pm
Didn’t sleep much last night so checked out iPlayer’s offerings.

Burke & Hare
That was fun. :D  I enjoy seeing big names taking on bit parts.

Passchendale
Not as much fun, for obvious reasons.  The battlefield rescue/retrieval scene was rather implausible, but otherwise a decent film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 22 March, 2015, 07:56:16 pm
The Grand Budapest Hotel

If you haven't seen it already, make sure you do soon. Absolutely cracking from start to finish. I'd only seen one other Wes Anderson film before (The Fantastic Mr Fox) which I thought was a bit bobbins really but he's redeemed himself with this one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 26 March, 2015, 10:17:02 am
Last night really was a game of two halves, the second half never finished (due to me falling asleep and, thus, needing to watch that film again)

First up was Snow White and the Huntsman - nearly, but not quite as bad as Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, poor acting, the horses gave a better show than the "stars" and the story was moribund.  The dwarves were funny, though.

Secondly El Niño - A story of a small time drug runner in and around Gibralta.  Very well acted and a good story, I was just very tired, shall revisit it tonight.

Also, tonight, if it is downloaded in time, I shall be re-watching Pan's Labyrinth
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 26 March, 2015, 10:43:20 am
The Hundred Foot Journey

Feel-good film set around a family setting up an Indian restaurant in the French countryside.

British and American actors pretending to be French people speaking English. Did Helen Mirren really just say "Good Moaning"?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 26 March, 2015, 08:41:58 pm
Instead of Pan's wosserface, I watched El Liberatador, the story of Simon Bolivar*, previously unknown to me.  Very very well written and acted.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sim%C3%B3n_Bol%C3%ADvar
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 27 March, 2015, 09:21:53 am
Instead of Pan's wosserface, I watched El Liberatador, the story of Simon Bolivar*, previously unknown to me.  Very very well written and acted.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sim%C3%B3n_Bol%C3%ADvar

That looks interesting, unfortunately not available on lovefilm, and £45.66 to buy (not that I'd buy anyway).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 27 March, 2015, 10:06:10 am
Lucy - way more fun than all the reviewers led me to believe.

Watched night. Not as good as I had hoped nor as good as I think it could have been. Still fun though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 27 March, 2015, 10:34:19 am
Instead of Pan's wosserface, I watched El Liberatador, the story of Simon Bolivar*, previously unknown to me.  Very very well written and acted.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sim%C3%B3n_Bol%C3%ADvar

That looks interesting, unfortunately not available on lovefilm, and £45.66 to buy (not that I'd buy anyway).

Currently only available on US (NTSC) DVD, £14.99 from Amazon.  No UK release date as of yet :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 27 March, 2015, 02:00:48 pm
This week I've seem THEM! and The Manchurian Candidate (the original one)

The reason I mention them together (or indeed at all) is the tone reproduction in the old black and white films is absolutely stunning, compared to the modern films that are mixed down to black and white for artiness. Presumably this is down to lighting, there being no technical reason why you can't mix colour down to monochrome adequately. Has the art of lighting been lost, with colour stock being much more forgiving of poor lighting than monochrome?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 March, 2015, 02:53:43 pm
Currently rewatching all the Montalbano series, subtitled.  My wife has an Italian friend in Milan who says that the Sicilian accent is so strong she needs the subtitles too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 06 April, 2015, 07:49:20 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy

Great bit of comic book sci fi. Disney really are doing a Great job with Marvel's franchises. This was funny, gripping, and had a Brit in a good guy role (ok there was a scot in a bad guyette role, but you'd struggle to recognise her beneath the make up). I am getting soft - I had a manly lump in my throat at Groots change of pronoun.  Fucking wooden actor though ;)

DC must be looking on, wondering what they need to do to hit similar commercial and critical highs.  Despite having the better superheroes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 06 April, 2015, 08:53:59 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy

Great bit of comic book sci fi. Disney really are doing a Great job with Marvel's franchises. This was funny, gripping, and had a Brit in a good guy role (ok there was a scot in a bad guyette role, but you'd struggle to recognise her beneath the make up). I am getting soft - I had a manly lump in my throat at Groots change of pronoun.  Fucking wooden actor though ;)

DC must be looking on, wondering what they need to do to hit similar commercial and critical highs.  Despite having the better superheroes.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 06 April, 2015, 09:05:57 pm
Avengers was a bit long.  But had a kickass last half hour or so.  Hulk Smash!  :smug:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 April, 2015, 12:34:45 pm
Northern Soul

Insubstantial but enjoyable tale of a couple of lads growing up in Generic Lancashire Town in the 70s, discovering northern soul, aspiring to become famous DJs, failing due to the shackles of working class drudgery, but discovering that friendship is more important, or something like that. Nothing original but nicely done, with authentically skanky sets and costumes and, best of all, a fantastic soundtrack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 April, 2015, 12:42:19 pm
Interstellar again (DVD was cheap in the supermarket). Enjoyable sci-fi hookum, still like the sound (might be less awesome now the cat has disemboweled to subwoofer), slightly spoiled by some science nonsense. I can easily put aside flying through the event horizon of a black hole without being stretched like spaghetti. I'm not a pedant, but the entire agricultural doomsday scenario was nonsensical, and really, 'blight breathes nitrogen', did I even hear that – the internet seems to think I did. And it's good to know that even as life on earth ends, Americans can still drive around in their favourite oversized pick-up trucks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 April, 2015, 02:03:15 pm
The Darjeeling Limited (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0838221/).

Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman play three brothers on a 'find ourselves and bond' trip acctross India by sleeper train.

A bit predictable in places but a really nice film to watch. Even the tragedy.

P.S. Amara Karan (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2496312/?ref_=tt_cl_t4) is gorgeous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 April, 2015, 02:07:12 pm
Son of Rambo

Two kids in the 80s trying to make an action film for a competition.
Laugh out loud funny in places. Definitely worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 April, 2015, 02:28:42 pm
Son of Rambow

FTFY and second the recommendation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 April, 2015, 02:35:46 pm
"The Water Diviner"

If you like to think that wars are a necessary means of settling human differences then you will not like this film.  I thought it was generally a good representation of the consequences and impacts on those involved.  Being based on history it has motivated the usual accusations of tendentious inaccuracy and 'Brit-bashing' from the obvious quarters.   From my own knowledge, I thought the events shown were sufficiently accurate, including the very early scenes, based on a courageous decision by General Monro that angered the author of the misadventure, one Winston Churchill.   

Worth seeing, IMO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 April, 2015, 02:38:35 pm
Son of Rambow

FTFY and second the recommendation.

Argh of course, they even mention the spelling mistake in the voiceover during the end credits !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 April, 2015, 03:48:26 pm
Son of Rambow

FTFY and second the recommendation.

Argh of course, they even mention the spelling mistake in the voiceover during the end credits !

Cracking film, makes a great second half of a double bill if partnered with Role Models.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 11 April, 2015, 11:49:31 pm
Avengers was a bit long.  But had a kickass last half hour or so.  Hulk Smash!  :smug:

My favourite exchange:

Loki: But I'm a god!

Hulk: [smash smash smash smash] Puny god.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 April, 2015, 11:56:23 pm
Snow White and The Huntsman.

Charlize Theron as an all around Bad Ass Bitch.

Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Nick Frost, Toby Jones, Ray Winstone and others as Dwarves? WTF  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 12 April, 2015, 08:26:07 am
Mr Turner

Did not live up to the hype. Yes, it looked stunning, but the film as a whole was a bit tedious.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Surprisingly good - much better than the first two.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 12 April, 2015, 11:00:30 am
Interstellar again (DVD was cheap in the supermarket). Enjoyable sci-fi hookum, still like the sound (might be less awesome now the cat has disemboweled to subwoofer), slightly spoiled by some science nonsense. I can easily put aside flying through the event horizon of a black hole without being stretched like spaghetti. I'm not a pendant, but the entire agricultural doomsday scenario was nonsensical, and really, 'blight breathes nitrogen', did I even hear that – the internet seems to think I did. And it's good to know that even as life on earth ends, Americans can still drive around in their favourite oversized pick-up trucks.

I've had time to reflect on the film now and I think it's a 4/10.

Matthew McConaughey is from the "mumble mumble mumble" school of realism so I needed a few rewinds to check what he just mumbled.

There was just too much bad science to keep letting it slide...to the point that NASA, staffed by about 9 people it seems, built the most advanced rocket ever created....and yet.....it wouldn't be able to complete the mission..without....the good ol' boy McConaughey at the wheel.

Will we seriously be performing manual docking, sweating with a joystick, in the future?  Last time we tried that a Russian almost wiped out the ISS (or was it Mir?).

Skimming event horizons on a whim, because "the secret of physics is in there", popping through wormholes, building upside-down towns, bookcases, dust...it was just so incoherent, a bagful of ideas strung together.

I seriously don't think you can just do the mental maths required to calculate trajectories to distant worlds. It was all a bit "If we just use Jupiter as a slingshot I reckon we can .....blah blah...now give me the controls"

The premise of the blight, in the face of GM food technology, was poorly thought through.  Why would we end up with just corn, of one variety?

So anyway, 4/10, action-packed but a bit silly and "mumble-mumble"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 April, 2015, 12:28:06 pm
It broke the science fiction rule of only having one implausible idea.  Unseen future humans learn to manipulate gravity, in a timey-wimey sort of way: Fine.  Massive space stations, black hole, wormhole, even the thing with the bookshelf all stem from that (if not particularly coherently).  That side of things was all quite watchable, I thought.  Nobody ever gets future spaceships right, so we've learned to suspend common sense with regard to their engineering.  (Though if I were picking nits, it wouldn't be so much the manual docking, but that a craft that needs a Saturn V style launcher to reach earth orbit is suddenly SSTO capable on a planet with *higher* gravity.  WTF?)

It's the nonspecific handwavey agricultural apocalypse, and the society that stems from it that let things down.  That's the basis of a whole other story, and not one that lends itself to big physics and awesome spaceships no matter how much you stretch the imagination.  It hinted at a The Death Of Grass meets World War Z story that was potentially much more interesting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 April, 2015, 05:42:29 pm
I genuinely feel sorry for you lot! Your obsessive pedantry must ruin many hours of perfectly good entertainment.

Interstellar wasn't a classic - far from it - but I for one wasnt going to let the dodgy science ruin it.

What next - picking holes in Star Wars?

I suggest you stop watching TV/films - just set your homepage to www.moviemistakes.com . You (and a million like-minded nerds souls ) can waste your whole life on there    ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 April, 2015, 05:52:10 pm
Star Wars didn't even pretend to have any SCIENCE.  In it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 April, 2015, 05:52:53 pm
Star Wars didn't even pretend to have any SCIENCE.  In it.

And was all the better for it.


I didn't mind the dodgy science in Interstellar, either.  Just the bait-and-switch storytelling.  It would have worked just fine without the failing agriculture and shoestring NASA - what's wrong with "We've found a swirly thing near Jupiter, sent some ships, but haven't heard much from them, now we're going to see what they found..."?

And then they could have made a whole other movie about what happens when crops fail on a global scale...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 12 April, 2015, 06:40:27 pm
I genuinely feel sorry for you lot! Your obsessive pedantry must ruin many hours of perfectly good entertainment.

Interstellar wasn't a classic - far from it - but I for one wasnt going to let the dodgy science ruin it.

What next - picking holes in Star Wars?

I suggest you stop watching TV/films - just set your homepage to www.moviemistakes.com . You (and a million like-minded nerds souls ) can waste your whole life on there    ...

Don't feel sorry for us, I enjoy Sci-Fi as much as anyone...just not poor/average Sci-Fi.

Alien/Aliens are among the best Sci-Fi films ever made, partially because they don't bang on about Science the whole time.  That means we can actually forget the bad science.

Interstellar sets itself up as a Science movie so I need to judge it partially based on that.

Star Wars is just Lord of the Rings in space, it's just a story. Alien is a horror movie, Aliens is an action/chase movie. The space/science part could be substituted by an abandoned house or a submarine.

Interstellar gets the white board out and starts showing us the maths so it's hard not to check the calculations.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 12 April, 2015, 06:47:15 pm
The Imitation Game

8/10.  I really enjoyed it.  It seemed like a 30 minute film (which is my test of a good film.  I swear every Harry potter film lasts 9 hours and the cinema seats are made of iron spikes).

OK maybe, as a former Strowger engineer, I got all nostalgic for uni-selectors and such but I can't imagine anyone doing a much better job of making a cryptography movie.

Cumberbach played his usual nerdy, just-on-the-autism-spectrum, character very well (Need a just-on-the-spectrum nerd?, Benedict is your man).

Good entertainment basically.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 12 April, 2015, 07:36:53 pm
Yes, pretty much agree with that. We watched it last night.

No Oscar performances, but certainly a well made film that never had me wondering what time it was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 April, 2015, 08:43:20 pm
Star Wars is a western.

That is all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 12 April, 2015, 09:36:32 pm
Star Wars is a western.

That is all.

No, no, no. Star Wars is an USAnian reworking of a Kurosawa movie (The Hidden Fortress), right down to the stroppy princess.  The major difference is that the duel between the General and his old adversary in the Hidden Fortress is a draw. Of course, the other Kurosawa films Yojimbo and Seven Samurai are Westerns.  Oh, and Throne of Blood is a remake of MacBeth.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 12 April, 2015, 09:56:32 pm
Star Wars didn't even pretend to have any SCIENCE.  In it.

And was all the better for it.


I didn't mind the dodgy science in Interstellar, either.  Just the bait-and-switch storytelling.  It would have worked just fine without the failing agriculture and shoestring NASA - what's wrong with "We've found a swirly thing near Jupiter, sent some ships, but haven't heard much from them, now we're going to see what they found..."?

And then they could have made a whole other movie about what happens when crops fail on a global scale...

As I said earlier, I found myself in the cinema saying, out loud, "Bollocks", especially when three-foot-deep water produced mile high waves. What jerked my chain there was the endless supply of what I consider pure Hollywood moments, where I shout at the screen "Why are you being so STUPID?"

Example: pissing about in wreckage with megawave about to hit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 April, 2015, 10:06:19 pm
Life Is Sweet

Following a conversation with the boy last week about Mike Leigh, I bought the DVD and made him watch it. It's a sign of how much he enjoyed it that he didn't pick up his phone and start messaging his friends halfway through. Haven't seen it for some years myself and had forgotten just how funny it is. Timothy Spall is superb.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 April, 2015, 09:45:01 am
Star Wars didn't even pretend to have any SCIENCE.  In it.

And was all the better for it.


I didn't mind the dodgy science in Interstellar, either.  Just the bait-and-switch storytelling.  It would have worked just fine without the failing agriculture and shoestring NASA - what's wrong with "We've found a swirly thing near Jupiter, sent some ships, but haven't heard much from them, now we're going to see what they found..."?

And then they could have made a whole other movie about what happens when crops fail on a global scale...

And yeah, and because of nitrogen breathing blight. That will somehow suffocate us. By, erm, oh, I don't know. It was probably planning to press a pillow over our faces in the night. I'd certainly build a ginormous gravity-defying spaceship to get away from the Pillow Monster.

To be honest, it seemed a way to get around mentioning those two words that many Americans can't stomach (sotto voce global warming). After all, global warming is a pre-packed and ready-to-use calamity. Mind you, the entire premise of the movie was 'oops we've fucked up the world, let's get the number 49 space bus to Another Galaxy' which really ought to appeal to the US right wingers who probably have their pick-ups and SUVs packed and ready to go. They're going to horribly disappointed when they discover that the only way to get to Another Galaxy is by public transport.

And yeah, you just grow one crop at a time, and then it all dies, you grow another one, until that dies. Really? All varieties of that crop are susceptible? And you'd go from corn and wheat to okra? In the mid-west? Not, erm, something like sorghum, or maybe millet, rye, triticale, barley, oats, spelt, durum, einkorn, teff, kamut, etc. Possibly the world was also in the grip of an epidemic of gluten intolerance. I look forward to the director's cut that includes the scenes of rampage in health stores as the shelves are emptied of the world's remaining supplies of quinoa.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 13 April, 2015, 11:19:06 am
Pssst!

Ian. Others. Follow me. Sanctuary awaits! ------------> https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=89875.0
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 13 April, 2015, 12:07:54 pm
Star Wars didn't even pretend to have any SCIENCE.  In it.

And was all the better for it.


I didn't mind the dodgy science in Interstellar, either.  Just the bait-and-switch storytelling.  It would have worked just fine without the failing agriculture and shoestring NASA - what's wrong with "We've found a swirly thing near Jupiter, sent some ships, but haven't heard much from them, now we're going to see what they found..."?

And then they could have made a whole other movie about what happens when crops fail on a global scale...

And yeah, and because of nitrogen breathing blight. That will somehow suffocate us. By, erm, oh, I don't know. It was probably planning to press a pillow over our faces in the night. I'd certainly build a ginormous gravity-defying spaceship to get away from the Pillow Monster.

To be honest, it seemed a way to get around mentioning those two words that many Americans can't stomach (sotto voce global warming). After all, global warming is a pre-packed and ready-to-use calamity. Mind you, the entire premise of the movie was 'oops we've fucked up the world, let's get the number 49 space bus to Another Galaxy' which really ought to appeal to the US right wingers who probably have their pick-ups and SUVs packed and ready to go. They're going to horribly disappointed when they discover that the only way to get to Another Galaxy is by public transport.

And yeah, you just grow one crop at a time, and then it all dies, you grow another one, until that dies. Really? All varieties of that crop are susceptible? And you'd go from corn and wheat to okra? In the mid-west? Not, erm, something like sorghum, or maybe millet, rye, triticale, barley, oats, spelt, durum, einkorn, teff, kamut, etc. Possibly the world was also in the grip of an epidemic of gluten intolerance. I look forward to the director's cut that includes the scenes of rampage in health stores as the shelves are emptied of the world's remaining supplies of quinoa.

I just watched that last night - largely because I was in cow class and therefore there weren't any better films on offer.
I thought it started off ok and then got more and more ridiculous as the film went on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 14 April, 2015, 10:36:01 pm
The Imitation Game.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 April, 2015, 12:12:00 am
Guardians of the Galaxy

Pleasingly silly.


ETA: And they'd done that sci-fi film cliché of having an attractive woman with green skin, and not mentioning it for ages.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 15 April, 2015, 12:17:27 am
The Woman in Gold.
No1Daughter nearly wasn't allowed in as she was about 20 years too young.
All right. Say 6/10
(click to show/hide)
That, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 15 April, 2015, 08:43:29 am
The Woman in Gold.
No1Daughter nearly wasn't allowed in as she was about 20 years too young.
All right. Say 6/10
(click to show/hide)
That, though.

Gets about, doesn't he?
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 17 April, 2015, 04:02:58 pm
I watched Inherent Vice on the plane last night. I didn't really get it. I could have done with subtitles (too much mumbling), stayed up for 2.5 hrs and nothing much really happened...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 April, 2015, 11:14:59 pm
Been catching up with the PVR recently-

Crazies- Zombie Apocolypse in the good ol US of A. Was an OK film.

Copycat- Ellen Ripley with Agorophobia? Detectives with wide ties and talking into bricks? A real trip down memory lane  :thumbsup:

44 inch chest
Parental Advisory
(click to show/hide)
. Not Ray Winston, John Hurt of Ian McShane at their best
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 18 April, 2015, 09:08:46 pm
Elysium

Given the cast and the pedigree of the director, this was a weak dystopian sci fi. It didn't seem able to make up its mind whether it was an action film (relentless chase mode) or a political allegory (arise earth subjects and cast down your masters).  Matt Damon was poor and the Sood Afreekahn was abysmal, as was the token female/childhood sweetheart.

Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 April, 2015, 09:58:38 pm
^^^ Waste of a decent cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 April, 2015, 10:48:18 pm
Lucy.

Started promisingly and then hid inside its own fundament.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 19 April, 2015, 12:01:35 am
Sunshine

I wanted to see how bad the shoes were.

As I said in the other thread, if you're going to make a film about jump-starting the sun, then you've got to make damn sure you get the spaceships right.  They did the opposite, the film serving as a very effective list of things not to do when designing a spacecraft.  Indeed, other than the Brian Cox impressions - which were, if you'll pardon the pun, stellar - there's very little they did get right.

Supplementary science fiction rule:  If you're going to get the science completely wrong, and still insist on making a film about it, then you've got to do it badly enough to be funny.  If you fail at being either funny or realistic, all the third-rate horror in the world isn't going to save you.  Stop it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 19 April, 2015, 12:12:18 am
Mr Cox is getting much stick on the infinite monkey cage for being the science advisor on that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 April, 2015, 01:30:44 am
He took on the job, knowing it to be nonse, to earn the cash to pay for his hair-care products.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 19 April, 2015, 09:14:22 am
Nightcrawler

Thriller. With psychology. And political/social commentary. Not a straightforward film, but very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 April, 2015, 08:06:55 pm
Mr Cox is getting much stick on the infinite monkey cage for being the science advisor on that film.

Or....imagine how much more nonsensical it would have been without him.

As previously discussed, if you set yourself up as a science film then you it's going to be judged as one.

Far better perhaps to say that Bonnie Langford was your scientific advisor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 19 April, 2015, 08:13:49 pm
He took on the job, knowing it to be nonse, to earn the cash to pay for his hair-care products.

Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if turned out that they craftily bulk-ordered a load of his hair products on the production budget and shared them with the cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 19 April, 2015, 11:51:53 pm
Pistol Whipped.

Steven Seagull at his best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 20 April, 2015, 07:48:03 am
Grand Prix - on the telly last night.

Haven't seen this in years. The story line is a bit thin but oh the cinematography and the sound track !
Mid 60s racing cars on full tilt with the first ever footage from cameras mounted on the cars during real races. No filming at low speed and the speeding it up here.
The banked curves at Monza and the old Spa long circuit when it was the deadliest race track in the world. Plus cameos by Graham Hill, Joakim Rindt, Fangio, Jim Clark and Jack Brahman.
Some of the actors really couldn't drive very well at all apparently and Yves Montand scared himself so much in a race car at the beginning of filming that all his later scenes have the car being towed ! On the other hand James Garner was so good that several of teh drivers took him aside and said he was good enough to be a professional racing driver.
I think I might have to buy this on DVD.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 20 April, 2015, 07:54:27 am
Jack Brabham says you were talking bull

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 20 April, 2015, 08:15:56 am
Jack Brabham says you were talking bull

 ;D

Oops :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 April, 2015, 09:07:57 am
Pistol Whipped.

Steven Seagull at his best.

Quote
Steven Seagull at his best.

What does that mean exactly?

It sounds rather like "The best poke in the eye I ever had".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 April, 2015, 09:14:52 am
When the Seagull follows the trailer it is because he thinks he is the best artist to be seen
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 April, 2015, 10:05:30 am
Jack Brabham says you were talking bull

 ;D

So does Jochen Rindt...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 20 April, 2015, 10:07:56 am
OK OK I get it. I type too quickly ....  :)

Mind you you can blame Wikipedia for the Jochen Rindt one as I actually looked up how to spell it ....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 20 April, 2015, 11:16:34 am
The Lunchbox.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 April, 2015, 12:25:11 pm
Nightcrawler.

A bicycle thief uses the proceeds of his crime to start a successful business in the media sector.  There is no indication that the victim got his bike back.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2015, 12:36:54 pm
Pistol Whipped.

Steven Seagull at his best.

Quote
Steven Seagull at his best.

What does that mean exactly?

It sounds rather like "The best poke in the eye I ever had".

Come on, Seagull is class. I dare anyone to watch Under Siege and not have the very breath theatrically removed from their body. Admittedly some of his latter corpus of work perhaps wasn't his best. That's not quite the way my wife describes them when I make her watch. Van Damme, of course is better, mostly because he bought a friend of mine a pizza and is apparently a thoroughly nice chap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 April, 2015, 12:54:04 pm
Could never sort him out from Jonathan Livingston.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PeteB99 on 20 April, 2015, 02:05:27 pm
Jack Brabham says you were talking bull

 ;D

So does Jochen Rindt...

I suspect you actually mean Joakim Bonnier
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 20 April, 2015, 10:56:30 pm
Fast and the Furious 7 and Taken 3.

Both very enjoyable action films :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 April, 2015, 11:58:11 pm
The Imitation Game.

(click to show/hide)

I think we need a low-key BBC drama about Tommy Flowers to make up for it.  With Eddie Izzard.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 21 April, 2015, 12:13:44 am
The Expendables.

A well named film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 April, 2015, 12:43:21 am
Could never sort him out from Jonathan Livingston.

Or George.  They're almost as bad as the G family.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 22 April, 2015, 04:08:29 pm
Bladerunner - The Final Cut. Fucking brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 22 April, 2015, 11:30:59 pm
What We did on our Holiday.

Cried.

And laughed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 23 April, 2015, 03:04:32 pm
Bladerunner - The Final Cut. Fucking brilliant.

You know, I don't think I've watched my BluRay of Blade Runner on my big TV yet (with associated Sound-Bar and Sub Woofer).

That's Sunday evening sorted.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 23 April, 2015, 03:31:55 pm
Bladerunner - The Final Cut. Fucking brilliant.

Why? Big Screen? Big Sound? The new cut? A combination of the three?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 April, 2015, 11:04:44 pm
Planet Terror.

Not quite Bubba Ho Tep levels of being so crap it was great but getting damn close :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 April, 2015, 11:20:12 pm
Bladerunner - The Final Cut. Fucking brilliant.

Why? Big Screen? Big Sound? The new cut? A combination of the three?

Set up Teh Family to watch Blade Runner,  Some Special Cut a few months ago.

They were virtually asleep after 40 mins.

I still love it, but it is slow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 April, 2015, 11:29:12 pm
I think that is part of the beauty of the film. The scenery combined with the dark, damp claustrophobia aligned to the pace of the action. You can sense that something is brewing but, instead of the modern crash followed by bang followed by wallop with the occasional seconds pause for breath, this film teases you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 26 April, 2015, 09:08:11 am
Last night was a movie night, nachos, ribs and Penguins of Madagascar

It is great!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 26 April, 2015, 05:04:29 pm
The Hobbit (The final chunk, or whatever it's called).

So much action, so many hand-to-hand duels, so much running from, and into, orcs....that it gets a bit tedious and I started wishing for a bit of a break....then it ends.

Never in all of motion film history has there been such a long, drawn-out, build up to a big fight.

Peter Jackson's IT guys may now be able to CGI more combatants than ever before but they never match the epic, and horrific, "Death of Boromir" scene from the very first LOTR film. 
For me, one of cinema's great moments.

Brutal Stuff (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqjfq5gsfYk)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 26 April, 2015, 08:22:23 pm
I watched the last part of the Hobbit on a plane, a couple of weeks ago.

It was one of the worst films I've ever seen. Cliches? Oh yes! Piled on top of each other! Overdone stupidly improbable fantasy-cliche action scenes, pushed way past the point of boredom? In spades! Redoubled! Most of the bloody film! Completely misplaced references to other films (WTF is Dune doing in The Hobbit, for example?)? Very much so!

It's an enormous great huge heap of steaming shit. I kept fast-forwarding through chunks of it. It was only the horrified "surely it can't all be this bad" feeling which kept me watching at all. I fear there's been a whirring sound from Wolvercote cemetery ever since it was made public.

Peter Jackson went OTT in places in LOTR (e.g. the oversized oliphaunts & their Mad Max-style mahouts), but in The Hobbit, it looks to me, from my viewing of the last one, as if he's made an entire trilogy consisting of his worst mistakes from LOTR, increased by an order of magnitude. Perhaps this is what happens when nobody dares restrain him. His inner bad taste takes over.

I thought it'd not be worth watching when I found he was making it into three full-length films. It saddens me just how right I was. The book has the potential to be made into a nice film, but I'm afraid that now that will never happen, because Jackson has shat all over it, & the taint won't wash off.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 April, 2015, 08:27:18 pm
Best summed up by Dr Davis viz. "Hobbity nonse".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 27 April, 2015, 08:50:39 am
Still Life  Firstly, it's great to see Eddie Marsan front and centre. His is a face you'll probably know so well, even if the name is not familiar. In this film he shows the talent, the craftsmanship, that his years of supporting roles have taught him. He uses his distinctive face to it's best, conveying emotions with subtlety. In many respects, this is a story partly told through his face.

It's a simple, sensitive and unashamedly sentimental film. Some might think 'sentimental' is a criticism but it's a film about death and loneliness so it's going to sentimental. If you can't handle that then don't watch it!  The end is abrupt but also, in a sense, foreseeable. Necessary even. The final scene will have some thinking it mawkish, treacley manipulation, But it worked for me. I don't often cry in films but I did then. In fact, I was a weepy a number of times. As Marsan's face surveys the relics of yet another lonely death, it's impossible not to think of the life that person had and feel the sadness of them passing forgotten. That, for me, was this film's strength. Whatever these people are in death, their life's were as rich and as full as anyone’s. They lived, loved and breathed. Felt joys and pains as we all do.

One might feel there's a broader critique of 'broken Britain' in this film. I don't think so. It's aims are not in that direction. It's a film about death and life. It tells it's story not in a familiar direct dialogue driven narrative, but through expressions and observations. Visual vignettes, sometimes humorous, and 'still life' shots - of photographs, of peeled apples, or books propping up chairs. It aims to make you feel rather than think, intellectualise or even contextualise or rationalise. For that simplicity, it's effective and quite simply beautiful. It's a rare treat of a film and one that's found it's way into my favourites list.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 27 April, 2015, 09:59:12 am
I watched the last part of the Hobbit on a plane, a couple of weeks ago.

It was one of the worst films I've ever seen. Cliches? Oh yes! Piled on top of each other! Overdone stupidly improbable fantasy-cliche action scenes, pushed way past the point of boredom? In spades! Redoubled! Most of the bloody film! Completely misplaced references to other films (WTF is Dune doing in The Hobbit, for example?)? Very much so!

It's an enormous great huge heap of steaming shit. I kept fast-forwarding through chunks of it. It was only the horrified "surely it can't all be this bad" feeling which kept me watching at all. I fear there's been a whirring sound from Wolvercote cemetery ever since it was made public.

Peter Jackson went OTT in places in LOTR (e.g. the oversized oliphaunts & their Mad Max-style mahouts), but in The Hobbit, it looks to me, from my viewing of the last one, as if he's made an entire trilogy consisting of his worst mistakes from LOTR, increased by an order of magnitude. Perhaps this is what happens when nobody dares restrain him. His inner bad taste takes over.

I thought it'd not be worth watching when I found he was making it into three full-length films. It saddens me just how right I was. The book has the potential to be made into a nice film, but I'm afraid that now that will never happen, because Jackson has shat all over it, & the taint won't wash off.

I wouldn't argue with any of that.

Also I couldn't help noticing that, to be king of anywhere, it helps if you have chiselled features and a voice like Jeremy Clarkson reviewing a Ford Mustang.  Even the, otherwise potato-headed, Dwarves' leaders have Matinee idol looks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 April, 2015, 11:23:07 am
.  Even the, otherwise potato-headed, Dwarves' leaders have Matinee idol looks.
Has anyone ever said Billy Connelly has Matinee idol looks?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 27 April, 2015, 11:36:06 am
.  Even the, otherwise potato-headed, Dwarves' leaders have Matinee idol looks.
Has anyone ever said Billy Connelly has Matinee idol looks?

Pamela Stephenson ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 27 April, 2015, 05:01:14 pm
Warm Bodies

Not a film that is going to change your life, but it is a slightly different take on the zombie story that is mildly entertaining. 

Think Romeo and Juliet, but with brain eating and shuffling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 27 April, 2015, 05:03:15 pm
Bladerunner - The Final Cut. Fucking brilliant.

Why? Big Screen? Big Sound? The new cut? A combination of the three?

It really does come good on a big screen. The new cut adds a couple of little bits that make the story even bleaker, in a way. I love Vangelis's music for this film, too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 27 April, 2015, 05:11:41 pm
Avengers: Age of Ultron

Basically, if you are a fan of the Marvel universe you are likely to like it, but not as much as Avengers Assemble. 

If not then it will befuddle the crap out of you, but at least the fight scenes should get you on the edge of your seat provided you are not old and confused by mayhem.  In which case, stick to Downton Abbey and Poldark, grandpappy.

Given the premise is established, it spent a long time setting up the premise.  And some of it variously felt like padding (anyone who says Hawkeye is a good character worth giving a background to is dead to me) or a lot was left of the cutting room floor (Falcon just appears at the end and the bit with Thor taking a dip was just a WTF is going on moment).

We spent too long after the film wondering if Whedon was getting out of the superhero film circuit at the right time or too late.  Despite being a fan of such fodder, I have to admit to getting fatigued by the House of Mouse's conveyor belt approach to wide ranging franchises (which doesn't bode well for my general lurve of Star Wars).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 April, 2015, 08:19:15 pm
That's about it.

They are writing Hawkeye out of future films. He isn't that great a character. Maybe a different actor could have made something of it.

I didn't think it was as funny as AA - hard to beat "Puny God" and "Take away the suit and what are you?" "Billionaire philanthropist playboy genius." 

The action is pretty non-stop.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 April, 2015, 08:11:10 am
I believe I said something along the lines of "lets hope Hawkeye is not in the next one".  Lets face it, he make Arrow look like a Thespian, an manically happy Thesp at that.

Might visit the cinema next week, on my night for staying over, although tht will, no doubt, upset Mrs T as she likes that gendre of films (and TV shows, we have just worked our way through Daredevil, she avidly watches Arrow and The Flash)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 28 April, 2015, 01:01:13 pm
Last night was a movie night, nachos, ribs and Penguins of Madagascar

It is great!

Think I would've had something less exotic for dessert . . .

What film did you watch?  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 28 April, 2015, 01:52:01 pm
I watched Cloud Atlas yesterday while knackered, a bit hung-over (still) and with a high temperature – I already like the film but I think that state improved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 28 April, 2015, 04:53:18 pm
Still Life  Firstly, it's great to see Eddie Marsan front and centre. His is a face you'll probably know so well, even if the name is not familiar. In this film he shows the talent, the craftsmanship, that his years of supporting roles have taught him. He uses his distinctive face to it's best, conveying emotions with subtlety. In many respects, this is a story partly told through his face.
Yeah, I like Eddie Marsan. He's long got lots of supporting roles, as he's a good, reliable, character actor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 April, 2015, 01:18:34 pm
Avengers 2. I loved it. I thought the banter was pretty good (Thor still gets the best lines) and the action not quite as relentless as I'd anticipated, but relentless enough. Come on, you have a crowd of superheroes. Shit is going to happen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 April, 2015, 01:32:16 pm
Mr. Turner.  Very entertaining: seemed a lot shorter than its 150 mins.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 30 April, 2015, 11:17:32 pm
Air Canada had a very nice and up-to-date entertainment system, so:

Imitation Game Terrible VFX. The graphics of the planes and uboat were standout awful. Movie was decent enough, but seemed a bit overwrought. Certainly not Oscar material.

Exodus (Moses). Ridley Scotts worst film?. Very poor.

Expendables3: Does exactly what it says on the tin. Perfect no-brainer in-flight entertainment.

Wild. Not sure if this is (or will be) released in the UK. Girl is going downhill fast decides to do the Pacific Crest Trail hike, from the Mexican border up to the Canadian Border. Quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 01 May, 2015, 11:15:33 am
Wild. Not sure if this is (or will be) released in the UK. Girl is going downhill fast decides to do the Pacific Crest Trail hike, from the Mexican border up to the Canadian Border. Quite good.
I heard the radio adaptation on Radio 4 a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 May, 2015, 08:30:15 pm
Never Let Me Go. A decent adaptation of the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 04 May, 2015, 08:34:46 am
Interstellar

Wow a proper hard SF movie. Well as hard as your going to get from Hollywood. I wish I had seen this at the cinema as it a big movie with a huge soundtrack. A bit schmalttzy at times but then again it's American so you have to expect that. More than a passing nod to 2001 on the way as well.
Recommended but get the popcorn and some drinks in as its a long one !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 May, 2015, 01:01:24 pm
Pride

As expected, it tended to apply a bit of a noughties filter (toning down the communism and the homophobia), and it did LAPC a great disservice by portraying them as a sort of comedy People's Front Of Judea, but that aside it was a very good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 May, 2015, 01:18:11 pm
Interstellar

Wow a proper hard SF movie. Well as hard as your going to get from Hollywood. I wish I had seen this at the cinema as it a big movie with a huge soundtrack. A bit schmalttzy at times but then again it's American so you have to expect that. More than a passing nod to 2001 on the way as well.
Recommended but get the popcorn and some drinks in as its a long one !

A wee bit of a
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 04 May, 2015, 10:28:03 pm
Interstellar
but then again it's half English* so you have to expect that.

Both Nolans were born in London and have dual citizenship.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 05 May, 2015, 07:19:32 pm
Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

It's peculiar which teen franchises take off and which don't.  Whilst a bit similar to Buffy the Vampire Slayer in premise and style, and a bit generic and predictable, this had more to recommend it than other teen fiction translations (such as Twilight).  But rather than spawning a series of films, this one faded into obscurity (albeit with a TV show in production).

Standard teenager discovers she has repressed powers and uses them to battle with evil, with the support of an ancient order.  If anything in the film surprises you, then you've probably not watched many films in this genre.  All the tropes are ticked off, one by one.  Worth having on in the background, as whilst it probably won't become a favourite film it was vaguely entertaining in a "switch off brain and just let it happen" kind of way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Charlotte on 05 May, 2015, 10:17:08 pm
Knights of Badassdom: Peter Dinklage LARPing on 'shrooms. Dear Gods.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 05 May, 2015, 10:50:30 pm
Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

It's peculiar which teen franchises take off and which don't.  Whilst a bit similar to Buffy the Vampire Slayer in premise and style, and a bit generic and predictable, this had more to recommend it than other teen fiction translations (such as Twilight).  But rather than spawning a series of films, this one faded into obscurity (albeit with a TV show in production).

Standard teenager discovers she has repressed powers and uses them to battle with evil, with the support of an ancient order.  If anything in the film surprises you, then you've probably not watched many films in this genre.  All the tropes are ticked off, one by one.  Worth having on in the background, as whilst it probably won't become a favourite film it was vaguely entertaining in a "switch off brain and just let it happen" kind of way.
Ahhhh but...

The trouble was that the film was Too Far from The Books, and kind of missed.

The books are HUGE (http://www.cassandraclare.com/).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 May, 2015, 11:59:14 am
Star Wars: A New Hope (remastered CGI dinosaur edition)

This is part of my strategy for dealing with election coverage; ie. to finally get round to watching the prequels, on the somewhat dubious basis that Jar Jar can't possibly be as annoying as the assorted smug lizards that are going to be elected later tonight.  On that basis, and because I haven't seen any of them since about 1997, I've decided to watch them in the recommended {4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 6} order.

Anyway, watched it with barakta, who suffered from traumatic Star Wars as a child - subjected to endless loud-but-inaudible VHS repeats  - quite possibly of Empire - from the wrong side of a hospital ward.  I reckoned it was worth her watching the good one in proper controlled conditions with subtitles at least once.

We concluded that it's all about the sets, props, music and cinematography.  Jury's out on the acting, because the whole thing is endless star wars quotes.  Instant childhood nostalgia for me.  I don't think barakta's as impressed.

Like everyone else, I wish Lucas had stopped meddling, though I do think the CGI space scenes are an improvement.

Oddly what dates it the most seems to be the 1970s more-Disney-than-Disney view of robots, rather than Harrison Ford being about 12.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 May, 2015, 01:13:05 pm
(http://31.media.tumblr.com/f7626b20ca0cfd129f17f9210c60ad71/tumblr_meuf62BkSk1qh1g19o1_500.gif)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 07 May, 2015, 01:53:03 pm
;D

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Otto on 07 May, 2015, 02:27:02 pm
Cloud Atlas.... despite the bum reviews I really enjoyed it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 May, 2015, 02:48:39 pm
Far from the Madding Crowd.

It was ok. More laughs than Tess of the D'Urbervilles that's for sure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 07 May, 2015, 03:26:58 pm
Avengers, age of Ultron.
Meh.  Superheroes who use hidden earpieces to maintain constant communication have caused telepaths to become redundant. Didn't like the movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 07 May, 2015, 08:40:52 pm
Avengers 2. Enjoyed it. Ironman normally really annoys, but he had much less of a pivotal role in this one. Ultron character was decent too.
Also some of my/our best work in ages.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 May, 2015, 08:47:13 pm
My version:

Avengers, age of Ultron.
Meh.  Superheroes who use hidden earpieces to maintain constant communication have caused telepaths to become redundant. Didn't like the movie.

:demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 May, 2015, 05:42:24 pm
Who would have thought? Superheroes in a superhero movie?  ;D

Watched Kingsmen yesterday. As I personally have declared the current 007 franchise for dead, I think this is the perfect replacement!. Loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 09 May, 2015, 11:04:24 pm
Ender's Game

Sci fi film with Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley and some child actors.  Felt very rushed and poorly edited, with a story that lacked any sense of scale.  Basically a mish-mash of ideas that doesn't really come together.  The central premise is the heroes journey, whose quest is to save humanity from alien invasion.  The only thing is, it doesn't follow the classic trajectory (i.e. goes into wilderness and finds self).  Instead, this was extremely linear, with no barriers really put in his way.  This made it feel incredulous that the central character could reach the position he did.

I didn't really like it and find it hard to recommend other than for some of the zero gravity scenes.  Oh, and Ben Kingsley being intense.  Not as intense as Sexy Beast (which would have been interesting in a child's film) but he's definitely left Ghandi behind.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 11 May, 2015, 08:04:28 am
Fury

Five men in a Sherman tank at the fag end of WWII. Nasty and depressing. Probably much like the real thing. A bit clichéd but recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 11 May, 2015, 09:00:20 am
Heaven Adores You - a documentary about Elliot Smith, a singer-songwriter I'd not heard of before. One of the better docu-films I've ever seen. Well shot and sensitively put together. Recommended.

The Falling - much to like but just didn't come together for me. Not one to avoid, it may work for you. It's references are perhaps too obvious, it feels like it's copying without adding much. It's humour, I found, difficult to judge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 May, 2015, 09:20:51 am
Heaven Adores You - a documentary about Elliot Smith, a singer-songwriter I'd not heard of before. One of the better docu-films I've ever seen. Well shot and sensitively put together. Recommended.

He became briefly notorious last year as Peaches Geldof was reportedly a fan and therefore her death was entirely Smith's fault.  Miss von Brandenburg is also a fan but to my knowledge has not OD'd on smack.  Before he went solo he was in a band yclept Heatmiser, who I rather like.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 11 May, 2015, 09:30:09 am
Ender's Game

Sci fi film with Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley and some child actors.  Felt very rushed and poorly edited, with a story that lacked any sense of scale.  Basically a mish-mash of ideas that doesn't really come together.  The central premise is the heroes journey, whose quest is to save humanity from alien invasion.  The only thing is, it doesn't follow the classic trajectory (i.e. goes into wilderness and finds self).  Instead, this was extremely linear, with no barriers really put in his way.  This made it feel incredulous that the central character could reach the position he did.

I didn't really like it and find it hard to recommend other than for some of the zero gravity scenes.  Oh, and Ben Kingsley being intense.  Not as intense as Sexy Beast (which would have been interesting in a child's film) but he's definitely left Ghandi behind.

The trouble is, to do it anything like the book, it would be a looooong film, and the US film industry is never going to tolerate that with an expensive high profile film.  I thought it did an OK job, better than I expected, but yes it lost some of the flow of the book and how he reacted and changed along the way.  Having said that, I found that element of the book a bit too long, as much as it's inevitably a bit short in the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 May, 2015, 09:40:57 am
I confess, I've read 3 of the books from the series.
Was looking forward to the film, then Orson Scott-Card ruined it by coming out as an extreme homophobic moron.

Fun fact for you right-wing homophobes; homosexual behaviour was promoted by kings as a solution to overpopulation. Have a think on that while you are foaming over the tales of feckless dole-scroungers spawning sprogs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 11 May, 2015, 10:00:49 am
Horns

Billed as a Fantasy/Thriller with Daniel Radcliffe and Juno Temple. Started well enough, then started to drag with tedious flashbacks, then descended to pantomime/slapstick silliness.

Overall had the structure and obvious comedy style of a children's film - apart from the murder, rape, bloody violence, drug taking, drink-driving, smoking, male nudity, swearing, etc.


Obvious Child

Comedy about abortion. Without the comedy. Reasonable as a drama though.

'71

A young soldier gets left behind in Belfast's Falls Rd when his unit has to retreat from a riot. Very good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 May, 2015, 11:30:45 am
Spooks.  Poor Man's 'Tinker, Tailor..'  Recommended for a wet and windy day. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 11 May, 2015, 12:32:08 pm
Ender's Game

Sci fi film with Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley and some child actors.  Felt very rushed and poorly edited, with a story that lacked any sense of scale.  Basically a mish-mash of ideas that doesn't really come together.  The central premise is the heroes journey, whose quest is to save humanity from alien invasion.  The only thing is, it doesn't follow the classic trajectory (i.e. goes into wilderness and finds self).  Instead, this was extremely linear, with no barriers really put in his way.  This made it feel incredulous that the central character could reach the position he did.

I didn't really like it and find it hard to recommend other than for some of the zero gravity scenes.  Oh, and Ben Kingsley being intense.  Not as intense as Sexy Beast (which would have been interesting in a child's film) but he's definitely left Ghandi behind.
Another bad adaptation of a teen book....

At least they didn't succumb to the temptation of a love interest. I found it both lengthy and skimpy - it went on too long and missed too much out.
Also, Harrison Ford has gotten old, without getting distinguished. Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 11 May, 2015, 02:26:10 pm
Searching for Sugar Man

Totally enthralling stuff. Highly recommended. Can't say much more without spoiler tags.  :)


Watched this on Saturday. Good film. Wasn't what we expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 May, 2015, 06:01:04 pm
Jupiter Ascending. Starts out great and then slowly falls apart. Still worth seeing, though, if nothing else for the design and visuals.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 11 May, 2015, 09:57:34 pm
Step Brothers, on That Netflix. Very childish, very stupid, moderately funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 May, 2015, 12:21:18 am
Phantom Menace.  'nuff said.   :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 12 May, 2015, 07:58:11 am
Phantom Menace.  'nuff said.   :sick:

I think that is counted as "Taking one for the team" Kim watches Phantom Menace so we don't have to :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 12 May, 2015, 09:00:05 am
Everything you need to know about Phantom Menace is in Spaced

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/10/f1/1a/10f11a8cd47ec1b9f4524e28a99e4d6f.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 May, 2015, 01:13:49 pm
Phantom Menace.  'nuff said.   :sick:

I think that is counted as "Taking one for the team" Kim watches Phantom Menace so we don't have to :)

Here, have the blow-by-blow IRC commentary:

Quote
21:55:22 <kim> okay, it's time...  *fires up phantom menace*
21:56:37 <Red> ...but the election is over
21:56:48 <kim> it seems ...appropriate
21:56:53 <Red> heh                                                                                                             
21:57:19 <kim> everything's too clean
22:00:39 <kim> and the robots are even more annoying                                                                           
22:01:49 <Red> dear god, you haven't even gotten to the annoying kid yet, let alone jar jar!                             
22:04:50 <kim> it's all gone a bit Avatar                                                                                     
22:05:15 <kim> ...fuck                                                                                                         
22:07:14 <kim> why couldn't it be ewoks?  they weren't too bad really
22:10:22  * Red gigglefits
22:10:36 <Red> yeah, come back ewoks, all is forgiven!
22:11:08 <kim> obi-wan just made a terrible decision
22:15:07 <kim> wait, he could have used the jedi nerve pinch to shut him up at any point?                                     
22:19:01 <Red> I think the entire trilogy is basically a string of terrible decisions                                         
22:21:14 <kim> they broguht jarjar with them?
22:49:04 <kim> every time darth maul appears, i get earwomed with gay bar
22:51:57 <barakta> haha                                                                                                       
22:52:32  * kim looquids before it desecrates ben hur
23:00:15 <kim> a dinsaur just farted
23:15:15 <kim> it's more like an anteater-camel hybrid
23:23:45  * kim sings o/~ you!  i'm wanna take you to a gay bar... o/~                                                         
23:32:04 <kim> yoda!                                                                                                           
23:36:35 <kim> and another bad decision                                                                                       
23:50:37  * kim sings o/~ gay bar, gay bar, gay bar... o/~                                                                     
23:59:52 <kim> double ended lightsabre:  cool for exactly 2.5 seconds
00:04:26 <kim> i can't help thinking that the entire star wars universe is long overdue a stern visit from the HSE
00:04:33 <kim> railings, people
00:12:09 <kim> so basically, they won this war by accident
00:12:59 <kim> apart from obi-wan, he's competent
00:16:17 <kim> now they're burning a body indoors without any kind of extraction or particulate filters
00:16:35 <kim> can't believe they did a risk assessment
00:18:07 <kim> oh, yoda looks like he did                                                                                     
00:18:45 <kim> is spikey hair a compulsory jedi haircut, then?                                                                 
00:18:52 <kim> ah, that's it                                                                                                   
00:18:55 <kim> thank fuck for that                                                                                             
00:31:46  * kim goes to bed, where there isn't any jar jar binks
00:32:28 <Red> nini                                                                                                           
00:32:39 <Red> I'll look forward to you watching Attack of the Clones
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 12 May, 2015, 01:17:10 pm
;D

There is, obviously, only one antidote to watching Phantom Menace, and that is to watch Clone Wars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 May, 2015, 01:41:21 pm
;D

There is, obviously, only one antidote to watching Phantom Menace, and that is to watch Clone Wars.

Quote from: Marvin
Funny how just when you think life can't possibly get any worse it suddenly does.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 May, 2015, 02:34:50 pm
Watched Attack of the Clones for the first time last night.  Phantom Menace was a bad film.  This one was just dull.  Its only real merit is minimal Jar Jar.  My advice is to skip the first two hours, watch the obligatory lightsabre fight (which is mostly wide shots, so CGI-Yoda doesn't look too awful), and then stop as soon as the Imperial March finishes playing, so you don't see the cringeworthy end scene.  Least romantic romance ever.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 May, 2015, 02:46:17 pm
Watched Attack of the Clones for the first time last night.  Phantom Menace was a bad film.  This one was just dull.  Its only real merit is minimal Jar Jar.  My advice is to skip the first two hours, watch the obligatory lightsabre fight (which is mostly wide shots, so CGI-Yoda doesn't look too awful), and then stop as soon as the Imperial March finishes playing, so you don't see the cringeworthy end scene.  Least romantic romance ever.

The origional Star Wars was ace and teh rest are all middling to terrible. Lucas should have left it at just one.
Strange director as he has essentially only made three origional movies:

American Graffiti
Star Wars
Raiders of the lost Ark

Apart from that everything else is sequels to Star Wars or Raiders. You would think a man of such obvious talent would get bored and want to do something new. Sequels are always worse than the original film (with the exception of Aliens which was as good as Alien but in a different way).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 May, 2015, 02:56:25 pm
Ahem

You missed out 'Willow', which is  great corny swords and sandals kids film.

I'm still undecided about Labyrinth. I suspect there was no directing done in the making of the film, they just go a warehouseful of insane puppeteers and told them to take acid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 May, 2015, 03:03:26 pm
Ahem

You missed out 'Willow', which is  great corny swords and sandals kids film.


He didn't direct Willow, Ron Howard did. The screenplay was from an idea by Lucas.
Labyrinth was Jim Henson, Lucas was producer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 May, 2015, 03:32:47 pm
Labyrinth was brilliant.  It was a joint effort between Henson and David Bowie's crotch, thobut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 May, 2015, 04:09:16 pm
"Raiders", as Lucas himself doubtless attests, is heavily based on the Saturday morning serials of his youth.
"Star Wars" is a Western, or a Kurosawa film, with frikkin' lasers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 14 May, 2015, 06:15:58 pm
Tragic.

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WG-3GfQX0Gg/T7EESlHckpI/AAAAAAAAAJI/kr15f-Es8hw/s1600/42449.jpg)

Imprisoned in carbonite for crimes against adult children's dreams.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 May, 2015, 09:09:49 am
"Raiders", as Lucas himself doubtless attests, is heavily based on the Saturday morning serials of his youth.
"Star Wars" is a Western, or a Kurosawa film, with frikkin' lasers.

And 633 Squadron!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 15 May, 2015, 10:45:20 am
A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence

I could have walked out any point in the first hour.  I found the humour (the film being more a sequence of sketches than having a strong linear narrative) for the most part tedious and lame. It had it's moments for sure, some of them strong in their own right, but nothing to alleviate the lack of interest I felt in the film as a whole. Then that changed. In one scene. A truly shocking scene, of barbaric nonchalant cruelty. This was most definitely not funny and suddenly I was coldly gripped awake. Then another scene of similar tone. I still don't know why I had such a seismic change of opinion but change it did. When I left the cinema, I felt haunted by this film. Was it a 'good' film? Hell, I don't know but it put it's foot up my arse.

The director says it's a film about what it's like to be human. Watch it as a sequence of observations of human life then it kind of works. I still think the humour is lame though!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 16 May, 2015, 08:23:20 pm
Boyhood

Great coming of age film, in that easy style with which Richard Linklater captures life in a moving frame. Nothing very much happens but for some reason it is quite captivating.  Quite long though (165 mins).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 17 May, 2015, 09:34:03 am
Mad Max: Fury Road.  Great fun, really enjoyed it.

 "I'm going to die historic on the Fury Road!" If that's what feminist action movies look like then please make more!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 May, 2015, 06:55:33 pm
"Last Will & Testament" - The autobiography of Tony Benn.

Made me happy, sad and angry in equal measure.

What a giant of a man he was,  and what what a contrast to what we have on offer today.

I can't recommend this film highly enough to anyone wanting to gain an understanding of the political problems we face today and those that lie ahead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 May, 2015, 07:17:47 pm
And finally.... Revenge of the Sith

Not as annoying as Phantom Menace and at least an order of magnitude less dull than Attack of the Clones.  Some gratuitous shoehorning of the plot and style in the final act to try to make it fit with A New Hope.  The greatly improved CGI Yoda crawled through a duct in the style of Bruce Willis at one point:  "Fucking believe this I cannot.  How happen to the same guy twice the same shit can?"  Also, there was a Wookiee fight.

I conclude that either this was merely a mediocre film, or my expectations had been lowered by the previous two to about the right level.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 17 May, 2015, 10:37:44 pm
This weekend I have mostly not been revising as I should, so I have been rewarded with a veritable film festival.
Pitch Perfect 2 I suspect you either love it hate this. We all laughed quite a lot.
Far from the Madding Crowd meh. Sunday evening telly, not worth going to the big screen for.
The Age of Adeline more meh. Crap acting, totally unconvincing love story, a bit pointless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 18 May, 2015, 11:20:13 pm
In The Loop, for the first time in a while. F***ing excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 May, 2015, 11:50:43 pm
Even more finally, Return of the Jedi.  Again, nothing new here apart from some lovely CGI space scenes, needless extra muppets in Jabba's lair and the extra scene tacked on at the end that sticks out like a sore thumb.  What struck me was how much better it was as a film compared to any of the prequels.  I don't even mind Ewoks any more.  Plucky little teddy-bears.

I heartily recommend the {4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 6} viewing order to the panel.  Well, what I actually recommend is the {4} viewing order, but assuming you've got a broken leg or revision to procrastinate over or something, it seems like the best way to do it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 May, 2015, 09:43:39 am
And finally.... Revenge of the Sith

Not as annoying as Phantom Menace and at least an order of magnitude less dull than Attack of the Clones.  Some gratuitous shoehorning of the plot and style in the final act to try to make it fit with A New Hope.  The greatly improved CGI Yoda crawled through a duct in the style of Bruce Willis at one point:  "Fucking believe this I cannot.  How happen to the same guy twice the same shit can?"  Also, there was a Wookiee fight.

I conclude that either this was merely a mediocre film, or my expectations had been lowered by the previous two to about the right level.

The lengthy fight scene at the end of Sith is dull, dull, dull.

It’s really quite annoying that arguably the best lightsaber fight in the entirety of Star Wars is the one at the end of Phantom Menace – really great swordfighting action and the best bit of music in the prequels too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 May, 2015, 10:06:15 am
Extended sword-fighting scenes are always dull. Zorro could get them over with in about thirty seconds, in the process jumping over two balustrades, incapacitating four henchmen and saving the lady. The way to properly handle sword-fighting scenes was demonstrated in Indiana Jones when Indy faced with sword-swing henchman merely pulls out a revolver and shoots him. He doesn't go to the souq, buy a sword, and come back and spend 25 minutes fighting him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 May, 2015, 10:09:21 am
The exception which proves the rule being Inigo Montoya versus The Dread Pirate Roberts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 May, 2015, 10:51:46 am
The exception which proves the rule being Inigo Montoya versus The Dread Pirate Roberts.
And Inigo Montoya vs count Rugen.

Oh, wait, that's the same fillum.

Hmm - probably any film since then has not managed an interesting extended sword fighting scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 May, 2015, 11:08:09 am
OK, first things first, I'm not a fan of Star Wars.  It was pretty exciting stuff in 1977 but I was a teenager. It's not a film I re-watch.

Why do people get so excited by the prospect of new films in the series? Haven't they learned by now that George Lucas won't deliver what they want?

George Lucas ha a mostly poor track-record of making Star Wars sequels and prequels.

What does Lucas do in his spare time?  He generally has about 10 years to come up with a perfect film idea and then fills it with Teddy Bears and Hippy Space Rabbits.

Since about 1980 I've yet to meet a happy Star Wars fan.

Why do you torture yourselves so?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 19 May, 2015, 11:12:50 am
There is only one Star Wars film.  It is called Star Wars.  And I do not regard the epilogue medal ceremony as part of the canon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 19 May, 2015, 12:08:25 pm
Why do people get so excited by the prospect of new films in the series? Haven't they learned by now that George Lucas won't deliver what they want?

There's a reason it's taken me 15 years to get round to watching them...

(Also not a fan, though I reckon the original is eminently watchable.  It's just that the original 3 films were a major part of my childhood, like Timmy Mallett, or Margaret Thatcher, or oxygen.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 May, 2015, 12:29:03 pm
The exception which proves the rule being Inigo Montoya versus The Dread Pirate Roberts.
And Inigo Montoya vs count Rugen.

Oh, wait, that's the same fillum.

Hmm - probably any film since then has not managed an interesting extended sword fighting scene.

Bob Anderson was the Sword Master for that film.  Also for Fellowship of the Ring, the fight between Aragorn and the Uruk Hai is one of the best swordfighting scenes I've seen on film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 19 May, 2015, 12:40:56 pm
I'm a div2 fan - I'd love to get more of the good stuff, but I don't expect it. I have to agree with Lee - why do people expect so much?

It's not just Star Wars though - flick back through this thread for anything similar. Prometheus springs to mind.
Same with movie adaptations of much-loved comics - they will be shit. You know it. Stop filling my intertubes with fan dribble.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 May, 2015, 04:43:31 pm
I'm a div2 fan - I'd love to get more of the good stuff, but I don't expect it. I have to agree with Lee - why do people expect so much?

It's not just Star Wars though - flick back through this thread for anything similar. Prometheus springs to mind.
Same with movie adaptations of much-loved comics - they will be shit. You know it. Stop filling my intertubes with fan dribble.

Agreed.

It's actually quite noticeable, and tragic,, the surprise in critics' voices, when a sequel isn't a disappointment.

The ones I can remember:

Terminator 2 (although it has a few cringy moments for the kids).
Aliens
Godfather Part 2
Toy Story sequels
The Bourne Identity follow ups with Matt Damon.
Clint Eastwood's Spag Westerns

Plenty of other movies had sequels as good or better than the original but the criteria is having a great original.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 May, 2015, 05:20:18 pm
Star Wars was a formative piece of my childhood. I carry a heavy disappointment to this day that my parents never bought me a Millennium Falcon. Instead I had to go around to my friend Neil's who not only had the MF, but an entire array of Star Wars merchandise. This meant that I always had to play the Empire and not even a cool part of the Empire, like Darth Vader. I had to be the stupid TIE Fighter pilot who crashed into a rock. Argh. Asteroid. Boom. While Han Solo and Chewie would pilot the MF around the room laughing heartily at my demise and yet another victory for the plucky Rebels (nowadays, of course, they're be a proscribed terror organisation). And like many a young boy in late 1970s, my first inkling that females could be anything but an annoyance was though the divine vessel of Princess Leia. I had no idea what I'd need a Princess Leia for, but I figured it wouldn't be so bad if she came around to hang out. Even if I still had to fly the damn TIE fighter. And who didn't want to be plucked from humdrum obscurity in their dull home towns and pitched onto the grand stage to battle an evil Empire. Han Solo was so cool I wanted to be him too. There was a brief spell in my junior school when all you could hear were assorted bad Wookie impressions. I had to sit in the corridor for a week for making such a noise while hitting Darren 'coconut head' Flint in the head with my mighty Wookie paw. Darth Vader, of course, was the villain to end all villains and a inspiration to every creepy heavy breathing phone caller thereafter.

The Empire Strikes Back was no let down. Then came Return of the Jedi, the main consolation of which was some of the stupid teddy bears got blown up and I was probably old enough to know why I'd like Princess Leia to come around and hang out.

I think the fact that I can't even remember the names of the newer films says as much about them as needs to be said. The first one was execrable, the second and third merely plumbing in the sub-levels of dull.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 19 May, 2015, 05:52:07 pm
I remember going to see the first Star Wars. There was a group of us, including Peter Jackson (yes, he of LOTR etc). We took the train into Wellington, a journey time of around 90 minutes, including connecting bus, for me. I remember us having to run to catch the train home.

The film was like no other I'd seen before. A real game changer special effects wise. To this day, I remember the opening shot of a star ship as it passes over you. It seemed miles long. As much as I enjoyed it, I've seemingly not been sufficiently moved to bother with the others. I have seen one or two but remember sod all about them!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 May, 2015, 05:56:03 pm
I didn't get to see the original until 1983 :o but when I did it was on a GBFO screen at the Dominion, Tottenham Court Road after five pints of Theakstons Old Peculier...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 19 May, 2015, 06:23:59 pm
Sounds like an ideal viewing experience!

I didn't know the Dominion was once a cinema. I saw Alexei Sayle there once (he was on stage BTW, not in the audience!) and that was in the 80s sometime. It would have been a  humungous cinema. Like back in the old-un days.

I went to what was the old Renoir (now the Curzon Bloomsbury) recently. I missed the old big cinema but have to admit the smaller salon was an improvement; the sound was brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 19 May, 2015, 06:38:53 pm
The Matrix.

This will probably always be in the Top 5 of my All Time Top 10 films. It has links with real word stuff.

For example - Agent Smith's big soliloquy (the First part): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb6yOklzHMI

Where he says "You know, the first matrix was designed....." - The building on the right through the window is  Chifley Tower: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chifley_Tower#/media/File:Chifley_Tower_western_side.jpg

I worked there for a month, the year after The Matrix was made. I may have done a mini-tour of Sydney, based on The Matrix.
Trivia: Chifley Tower has the sexiest lift voices In. The. World. That breathy Marilyn Monroe voice saying  "Thirteenth Flooooorr....." first thing in the morning, really set me up for the day.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 19 May, 2015, 07:16:36 pm
I'm a div2 fan - I'd love to get more of the good stuff, but I don't expect it. I have to agree with Lee - why do people expect so much?

It's not just Star Wars though - flick back through this thread for anything similar. Prometheus springs to mind.
Same with movie adaptations of much-loved comics - they will be shit. You know it. Stop filling my intertubes with fan dribble.

Agreed.

It's actually quite noticeable, and tragic,, the surprise in critics' voices, when a sequel isn't a disappointment.

The ones I can remember:

Terminator 2 (although it has a few cringy moments for the kids).
Aliens
Godfather Part 2
Toy Story sequels
The Bourne Identity follow ups with Matt Damon.
Clint Eastwood's Spag Westerns

Plenty of other movies had sequels as good or better than the original but the criteria is having a great original.
ironically I have to disagree about examples 1, 2 and 4 :P
(but I get your drift, I think ... )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 19 May, 2015, 07:57:15 pm
The lengthy fight scene at the end of Sith is dull, dull, dull.

It’s really quite annoying that arguably the best lightsaber fight in the entirety of Star Wars is the one at the end of Phantom Menace – really great swordfighting action and the best bit of music in the prequels too.

I used to think that the original Obi Wan vs. Vader was the best.  When I see footage of a pair of 8th Dan kendoka, I understand why it's the best. 

For example:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uykvof57xWs&spfreload=10

The trouble is, it's just not that photogenic.  The Ray Parks one is spectacular, but it's definitely Movie-Do.

IIRC, Bob Anderson wasn't just the sword master, he actually did the shots in the Vader kit (at least, he did on Empire) because the visual field was so restricted that nobody else could be trusted not to brain someone with the stick.  Considering how often I've managed hit myself in the back of the head, this was probably a good thing.

The exception which proves the rule being Inigo Montoya versus The Dread Pirate Roberts.
And Inigo Montoya vs count Rugen.

Oh, wait, that's the same fillum.

Hmm - probably any film since then has not managed an interesting extended sword fighting scene.

Bob Anderson was the Sword Master for that film.  Also for Fellowship of the Ring, the fight between Aragorn and the Uruk Hai is one of the best swordfighting scenes I've seen on film.

Even with the double cut when he loses the sword while he's pinned to the tree…   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 May, 2015, 02:37:09 pm
I'm a div2 fan - I'd love to get more of the good stuff, but I don't expect it. I have to agree with Lee - why do people expect so much?

It's not just Star Wars though - flick back through this thread for anything similar. Prometheus springs to mind.
Same with movie adaptations of much-loved comics - they will be shit. You know it. Stop filling my intertubes with fan dribble.

Agreed.

It's actually quite noticeable, and tragic,, the surprise in critics' voices, when a sequel isn't a disappointment.

The ones I can remember:

Terminator 2 (although it has a few cringy moments for the kids).
Aliens
Godfather Part 2
Toy Story sequels
The Bourne Identity follow ups with Matt Damon.
Clint Eastwood's Spag Westerns

Plenty of other movies had sequels as good or better than the original but the criteria is having a great original.

Naahh, Godfather 2 was at least as good as 1.  It must be 3 you have in mind, Shirley? Much later, repetitive stuff (horses heads in beds way above their league) and not based on the book by Puzo. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 May, 2015, 02:56:44 pm
I meant that these sequels WEREN'T a disappointment.

Godfather 2 was pure excellence, especially the Las Vegas, Fredo Corleone/Hyman Roth, episode.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 20 May, 2015, 07:00:09 pm
Why do people get so excited by the prospect of new films in the series? Haven't they learned by now that George Lucas won't deliver what they want?

Because George Lucas isn't doing it?.
I know that I'm living out a childhood dream working on it :).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 May, 2015, 10:20:39 am
I meant that these sequels WEREN'T a disappointment.

Godfather 2 was pure excellence, especially the Las Vegas, Fredo Corleone/Hyman Roth, episode.

Oops, I am not normally dyslexcick.  I do agolopise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 May, 2015, 09:25:17 pm
Mad Max: Fury Road. It's very well made, the designs are awesome, but I found the action sequences a bit meh.
Certainly decent, but not the action-movie miracle that many claim it to be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 May, 2015, 10:03:09 pm
The Imitation Game.  Boring. Cobbled together out of bits of other films, predictable partly because most of the story's been gone over umpteen times in the last 20 years and partly because the bits that haven't were hackneyed rehashes of similar situations elsewhere.  Also sprinkled with Americanisms for the dimwits on the other side because they can't be arsed figuring out UKisms and larded with modern clichés, e.g. "can you give us a moment?"

CRAP.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 May, 2015, 11:08:27 pm
To be fair, they tried to make it less predictable by deviating from history by a hefty margin...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 May, 2015, 08:10:12 am
Yebbut the content of the deviations was bad soap opera.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 25 May, 2015, 10:58:01 pm
Only Lovers Left Alive ,  Tilda Swinton & Tom Hiddleston as melancholic vampires having trouble with the younger generation.  Jim Jarmusch strangeness.  Good soundtrack as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 May, 2015, 08:22:27 am
Only Lovers Left Alive

I'll have to look out for that one, sounds as though it could amuse me. Plus, I really like Tilda Swinton. For me, any movie she's in is one to watch!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 26 May, 2015, 10:28:52 am
Dallas Buyers Club

Matthew McConaughey is definitely winning me over.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 26 May, 2015, 01:16:46 pm
Only Lovers Left Alive

I'll have to look out for that one, sounds as though it could amuse me. Plus, I really like Tilda Swinton. For me, any movie she's in is one to watch!

Very much a love it or cringe at it film - for me it was the latter, though Tilda Swinton was good in it regardless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 26 May, 2015, 01:26:57 pm
Avengers: The Long Weekend Age of Ultron.

Not as good as the previous one for me but a few good bits.  Nice to see Paul Bettany in a bigger role too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 29 May, 2015, 09:32:42 am
Ex Machina

The horror! The horror! I was reminded, oddly perhaps, of Kurtz in 'Apocalypse Now'. Nathan - the tortured, possibly insane, genius creator - having driven himself mad in the pursuit of understanding, sees few boundaries to his search.

This is a great film. Well worth watching. It won't be a fave of mine because (and this speaks of me) it's just not my type of film - but it is a goody.

The AI questions have been asked before, notably in 'Blade Runner' which is also an obvious reference/influence,  but there are some neat sexuality/gender thoughts that are hard to avoid. The android feeling foolish and shy putting clothes ON, and then stripping peep-show like. I like that this films flirts with ideas generally. It's stylish and looks good even if some might find it (or the science) a bit ropey or lacking. Me, I liked it. As a film, it worked.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 May, 2015, 09:44:20 am
The AI questions have been asked before, notably in 'Blade Runner' which is also an obvious reference/influence,  but there are some neat sexuality/gender thoughts that are hard to avoid. The android feeling foolish and shy putting clothes ON, and then stripping peep-show like. I like that this films flirts with ideas generally. It's stylish and looks good even if some might find it (or the science) a bit ropey or lacking. Me, I liked it. As a film, it worked.
Ahem!
No AI in bladerunner. The protagonist is hunting down human clones whose DNA has been tinkered with to make them suitable slaves (including giving them a fixed, very short, lifespan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 29 May, 2015, 09:55:33 am
The AI questions have been asked before, notably in 'Blade Runner' which is also an obvious reference/influence,  but there are some neat sexuality/gender thoughts that are hard to avoid. The android feeling foolish and shy putting clothes ON, and then stripping peep-show like. I like that this films flirts with ideas generally. It's stylish and looks good even if some might find it (or the science) a bit ropey or lacking. Me, I liked it. As a film, it worked.
Ahem!
No AI in bladerunner. The protagonist is hunting down human clones whose DNA has been tinkered with to make them suitable slaves (including giving them a fixed, very short, lifespan.

Pretty sure that replicants are not human clones - they're androids (who may or may not dream of electric sheep) and the point of Deckard's testing of emotional response is to determine that their AI does not have human empathy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 May, 2015, 10:13:16 am
The AI questions have been asked before, notably in 'Blade Runner' which is also an obvious reference/influence,  but there are some neat sexuality/gender thoughts that are hard to avoid. The android feeling foolish and shy putting clothes ON, and then stripping peep-show like. I like that this films flirts with ideas generally. It's stylish and looks good even if some might find it (or the science) a bit ropey or lacking. Me, I liked it. As a film, it worked.
Ahem!
No AI in bladerunner. The protagonist is hunting down human clones whose DNA has been tinkered with to make them suitable slaves (including giving them a fixed, very short, lifespan.

Pretty sure that replicants are not human clones - they're androids (who may or may not dream of electric sheep) and the point of Deckard's testing of emotional response is to determine that their AI does not have human empathy.
They absolutely definitely not electronic. Based on human DNA.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 29 May, 2015, 10:34:00 am
Yes, okay, whatever ;)

Particulars aside, you get my meaning.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 29 May, 2015, 10:48:29 am
The AI questions have been asked before, notably in 'Blade Runner' which is also an obvious reference/influence,  but there are some neat sexuality/gender thoughts that are hard to avoid. The android feeling foolish and shy putting clothes ON, and then stripping peep-show like. I like that this films flirts with ideas generally. It's stylish and looks good even if some might find it (or the science) a bit ropey or lacking. Me, I liked it. As a film, it worked.
Ahem!
No AI in bladerunner. The protagonist is hunting down human clones whose DNA has been tinkered with to make them suitable slaves (including giving them a fixed, very short, lifespan.

Pretty sure that replicants are not human clones - they're androids (who may or may not dream of electric sheep) and the point of Deckard's testing of emotional response is to determine that their AI does not have human empathy.
They absolutely definitely not electronic. Based on human DNA.

Bioengineered in any case, and with implanted memories - sounds pretty artificial to me.

Yes, okay, whatever ;)

Particulars aside, you get my meaning.

Well, yes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Bledlow on 29 May, 2015, 11:16:21 am
The AI questions have been asked before, notably in 'Blade Runner' which is also an obvious reference/influence,  but there are some neat sexuality/gender thoughts that are hard to avoid. The android feeling foolish and shy putting clothes ON, and then stripping peep-show like. I like that this films flirts with ideas generally. It's stylish and looks good even if some might find it (or the science) a bit ropey or lacking. Me, I liked it. As a film, it worked.
Ahem!
No AI in bladerunner. The protagonist is hunting down human clones whose DNA has been tinkered with to make them suitable slaves (including giving them a fixed, very short, lifespan.

Pretty sure that replicants are not human clones - they're androids (who may or may not dream of electric sheep) and the point of Deckard's testing of emotional response is to determine that their AI does not have human empathy.
They absolutely definitely not electronic. Based on human DNA.
The book is called "Do Androids dream of Electric Sheep?", & the androids, while biological, are described & regarded as artificial, made things, the latest models being intelligent enough to pretend to be human thanks to their latest-technology brains.

You can argue with Dick's science, but that doesn't sound like a human clone to me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 29 May, 2015, 08:41:58 pm
The Mockingjay Pt 1.

I'm making another attempt at this - and having more success than previous ones.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 29 May, 2015, 08:44:21 pm
Spooks: The Greater Good.

If you really liked Spooks, you'll probably like this, but if you weren't a Spooks fan it might not hold your interest.

Harry Pearce is MAGNIFICENT.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 May, 2015, 09:05:04 pm
I think what it really comes down to is whether they've managed to bring back Ruth and Malcolm...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 29 May, 2015, 09:08:59 pm
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 29 May, 2015, 10:49:37 pm
X Men: Days of Future Past

Great entry in the series.  Possibly the best, up there with X Men 2.  Great action, coherent plot, wonderful performances from old and new. Fassbender is a great movie actor: great presence.  Definite recommendation  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 30 May, 2015, 09:42:13 am
I watched the first 15 minutes of "The Dictator" with Sacha Baron Cohen.

As much as I love Borat this was painful and embarrassing to watch and I gave up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 01 June, 2015, 08:52:44 am
Chappie. I missed this in the cinemas and I'm glad I did. I'm thinking that Neil might not be capable of directingh any other actor than Shalto.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 June, 2015, 09:47:52 am
Paddington.

I take back what I said about the trailer. This was brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 June, 2015, 09:49:54 am
Rewatched District 9.  Great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 June, 2015, 10:57:41 am
Paddington.

I take back what I said about the trailer. This was brilliant.

I love that film.  Also, Mrs Brown is my new style guru.  FABULOUS hand-knits in gorgeous colours.

Mcshroom and I went to see San Andreas, which is an awful disaster movie that I enjoyed very much.  Groaning at cliches, spotting the film references, picking holes in the science - it's got all the ingredients for a good post-movie dissection.  Lots of good special effects, and ridiculously pretty teenage heroes you love to hate.  Good, harmless fun.  Shame about the timing but there was nothing whatsoever reminiscent of real life contemporary events.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 02 June, 2015, 11:54:55 am
Yes, great knitwear  ;D

(http://www.irishpost.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/mrsbrown-n.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 June, 2015, 12:01:50 pm
Not far off, actually!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/425519864766935063/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 02 June, 2015, 12:34:20 pm
Rewatched District 9.  Great.

I re-watched that, a couple of months ago and really liked it.  They have the Saffers down to a tee (which, of course they should do), and aren't afraid to laugh at themselves.

MEanwhile I haven't managed to watch a single film for ages due to a) my commuting everyday, which takes up 3 hours in total and b) getting caught up in watching Banshee.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 June, 2015, 01:59:33 pm
On the recent flight to South Africa- American Sniper. Bloody good film IMO. The type of film I like.

On the flight back- Imitation Game which, unlike others, I also enjoyed. I followed this with Interstellar which was a reasonable film.

I think I enjoy films that others find shit because I don't take any of them seriously. I don't spend my time critiquing the science or the holes in the plot or the historical inaccuracies. Film starts, disbelief chip suspended. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 June, 2015, 02:10:25 pm
I think I enjoy films that others find shit because I don't take any of them seriously. I don't spend my time critiquing the science or the holes in the plot or the historical inaccuracies. Film starts, disbelief chip suspended.

See, I get that.  I'm a big fan of low-budget disaster movies.  The hammier and more implausible the better.  (Okay, sometimes critiquing the science is half the fun, but usually it's a quick giggle rather than endless nerd-picking.)  Interstellar was pretty good by the standards of Hollywood science fiction.  Some conspicuous holes in the science, but it had plenty of atmosphere and still worked as a film - it's main failing was hinting at a much more interesting story that wasn't told.

But if you're going to claim to make a film about Alan Turing, then I think you should make a film about Alan Turing.  If you make a film about Bletchley Park, then Lorenz and Colossus deserve at least a mention(!).  By all means make an exciting film about CumberHolmes defeating the Russian spy and single-handedly cracking the One True Nazi Super-Cypher, but don't pretend it's historical.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 June, 2015, 02:52:25 pm
See, I get that.  I'm a big fan of low-budget disaster movies.  The hammier and more implausible the better.  (Okay, sometimes critiquing the science is half the fun, but usually it's a quick giggle rather than endless nerd-picking.)  Interstellar was pretty good by the standards of Hollywood science fiction.  Some conspicuous holes in the science, but it had plenty of atmosphere and still worked as a film - it's main failing was hinting at a much more interesting story that wasn't told.

My usual early-evening entertainment consists of hunting up rammy films on YT.  Cross-checked on IMDB they're usually rated about 5.3.  Some of them though you know in advance are going to be 3.5 or thereabouts. Some of them are OK, though.

Recent finds: terrible production of Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder"; even worse Dougray Scott in "The Day of the Triffids"; but a surprisingly good one with Tim Robbins called "Code 46".  Oh, and "Immortel (ad vitam)" by Enki Bilal is worth a look. Rather fascinating.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 June, 2015, 03:03:58 pm
Oh, and "Immortel (ad vitam)" by Enki Bilal is worth a look. Rather fascinating.
That is a bizarre film. Not because of the story, but the combination of old-style anime cartoony drawn animation with live film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 June, 2015, 03:28:51 pm
Oh, and "Immortel (ad vitam)" by Enki Bilal is worth a look. Rather fascinating.
That is a bizarre film. Not because of the story, but the combination of old-style anime cartoony drawn animation with live film.

Yes.  Quite an interesting world they dreamed up, too.  I like it when a film simply presents an imaginative world without feeling obliged to connect it to the present day via an apocalypse or some such.  It's as much fun sussing out the rules the place works by as following the story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 02 June, 2015, 04:58:36 pm
Nebraska. Bruce Dern. Marvellous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 02 June, 2015, 09:15:27 pm
Man Up. Standard Simon Pegg Fare.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Oakhambike on 02 June, 2015, 09:32:04 pm
'A pigeon sat on a branch contemplating existence'

really
It was good
Swedish and subtitled
Slightly anarchic sense of humour which appeals to me

Very good trailer on google
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 June, 2015, 08:58:24 am
'A pigeon sat on a branch contemplating existence'

really
It was good

Serious question - WHEN did you decide it was good?

Because for the first maybe hour, I thought it boardering on tedious. But then I'm not a fan of that kind of humour, particularly when it's repeated over and over, as it was.

It changed for me on around the hour mark (the monkey scene) and I found myself haunted by the imagery as I left the cinema. It was only as I walked away that I decided I liked the film. If I'd have left before that scene though....

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 06 June, 2015, 10:37:58 pm
Pride. Liked it a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 06 June, 2015, 10:46:28 pm
Tim Burton's Dark Shadows.
As far as I can work out a comedy vampire teen flick.
Just dreadful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 07 June, 2015, 11:10:51 pm
Warm Bodies.  Comedy teen zombie flick.  It wasn't bad!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jacomus on 08 June, 2015, 01:59:51 pm
Mad Max: Fury Road

It was pretty bloody good.

I was aware of a lot of hype about its feminist credentials prior to watching it, and excited to see it partly just for that. However, I was very puzzled and a bit let down to not to notice any particularly feminist overtones whilst watching the film.

When I mentioned this feeling afterwards, my statement was met with quite some laughter. It was pointed out that I likely didn't notice it, as I spend so much of my free time with a team full of Furiosa-esque women - to me, the film played out exactly as 'normal'.

When I thought about it deliberately and we were chatting about it, I did of course notice how much of a departure from the norm it is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 09 June, 2015, 09:14:08 am
Ex Machina (Bluray)

Loved it. A good intelligent Sci-Fi.

It's very much like Blade Runner in concept but set in a large house, with all the action sequences removed.  That sounds terrible but it's not (and nobody loves Blade Runner more than me).

It's super-stylish with more than a passing nod to the "AI" in Metropolis.

Tonight it's:  Shaun the Sheep - The Movie

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 June, 2015, 01:20:00 pm
Ex Machina

+1

I also liked it, and the absence of action sequences was a big part of that.

The basic premise was hardly original, so I was pleased that there was more depth to it than "are they, aren't they?".  Eva's sexuality was initially squicky[1], but eventually we learn that that was the point.  Good use of handwaving and intelligent techno-babble to avoid getting bogged down in Hollywood Science.  Non-annoying ending.  And the whole thing was very pretty.


[1] Unless that's just me?  I read it as a way to make a modern audience uncomfortable with robots.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 09 June, 2015, 01:28:40 pm
Looper

More sci-fi time travel with Bruce Willis. Bless him, he can't act. Another that just plays himself, which isn't always a bad thing. As in this film. Really rather good in fact. It is confusing, due to the usual time travel paradoxes, but there's a half decent film around that. And a neat little shimmy (rather than full on twist) at the end.

Recommended for DVD night...  or Netflix'ing... whatever one does these days.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 09 June, 2015, 04:01:43 pm
Ex Machina

+1

I also liked it, and the absence of action sequences was a big part of that.

The basic premise was hardly original, so I was pleased that there was more depth to it than "are they, aren't they?".  Eva's sexuality was initially squicky[1], but eventually we learn that that was the point.  Good use of handwaving and intelligent techno-babble to avoid getting bogged down in Hollywood Science.  Non-annoying ending.  And the whole thing was very pretty.


[1] Unless that's just me? I read it as a way to make a modern audience uncomfortable with robots.

I found it quite comfortable (But then I'm fine with transparent abdomens full of blue LEDs).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 June, 2015, 04:44:17 pm
I found it quite comfortable (But then I'm fine with transparent abdomens full of blue LEDs).

That was the bit I didn't have a problem with... It's the idea of creating probably-life and immediately forcing it into the submissive, feminine role that creeped me out.  But...[spoilers]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 09 June, 2015, 05:40:45 pm
I found it quite comfortable (But then I'm fine with transparent abdomens full of blue LEDs).

It's the idea of creating probably-life and immediately forcing it into the submissive, feminine role that creeped me out. 

Nah...I'm still fine.

It's when they get in the way of the football when they're Hoovering that will piss me off about these Futuroid Women-Bots mostly.


The question is I suppose whether 'droids should be allowed to be human-looking.

If they are then nobody is going to make an ugly fat one.

If they make then look slim and good looking then men, like it or not, will try shag them.  OK , it may take a few beers but they will. (Some blokes would readily shag that little jerky Honda Spaceman robot.)

We're so far away from actual AI that any fear/anger/worry and other emotions will be pure programming:

IF> Human inserts Tab A into Slot B
DO> Say "Crikey That's nice, I'm really enjoying that"

Better to subjugate a pretty-looking Apple Mac in high heels than a real woman.

At some point in the future it may become an issue but that will be 30 seconds before they tear our heads off and assume control.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 09 June, 2015, 05:59:26 pm
Bayonetta: Bloody Fate

Anime based on a video game.  Basically there are good guys and bad guys engaged in an eternal struggle, but there is a chosen one who can change the fate of the universe.

I think I'm "all growed up" because I watched this in despair at the lack of coherent plot, poor structure, bad dialogue etc.  Suspect it gives hormone crazed teenagers something to fantasise over.  Me, not so much  :(

On the plus side, the artwork was rather crisp.  But on the whole, this kind of thing is better in the video game where you are distracted from the generic content by the need to continually beat the crap out of things  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 10 June, 2015, 03:01:25 pm
Shaun the Sheep: The Movie.

It's an Ardman production so it's wonderful.

Lots of sheep-based puns for the adults to spot. 
I expect I'd spot new ones every time I watched it.

Shear perfection.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 10 June, 2015, 03:25:31 pm
It'd've been better Lee, if Wooly had posted about Shaun the Sheep.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 June, 2015, 11:12:42 pm
"Whiplash" Story of a young musical prodigy (jazz drummer) and his sadistic teacher. Quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 12 June, 2015, 07:21:25 am
Collateral Jamie Fox and Tom Cruise in a really rather good Michael Mann directed film about a contract killer and their taxi driver.

I'm not a fan of Cruise (a technically adept actor by numbers) but acknowledge that he can and does have his moments. He does here. This film teeters on going overboard on a number of occasions but never quite does. It's expertly paced with a well judged use of soundtrack.

it was my ideal viewing experience. Turn on the tele, film just started. A film I knew nothing about (neither cast nor plot). So no expectations. I was into it before Cruise appeared on screen (and even then it took me a moment or two to recognise him). Recommended DVD night fare.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 June, 2015, 08:18:00 pm
Collateral was a real return to form for Michael Mann. The cinematography is good and makes LA look attractive!
Too bad he then threw it all away for "Public Enemy"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 13 June, 2015, 11:35:13 pm
The Connection.  Fabulous film about the Marseilles drug gangs and the magistrate trying to bring them to justice in the 70s. Great cars, fabulous clothes and the soundtrack was brilliant. Especially the final track Dinah Washington - Bitter Earth. 
There was so much smoking in the film I almost fancied one and the south of France looked wonderful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 June, 2015, 03:18:34 pm
Aeroplane time, starting out with Gone Girl. OK, though the twists were pretty extensively telegraphed, but it was an enjoyable thriller. I tried and failed to rewatch Jupiter Ascending. Robbed of big screen spectacle it was just dull and I felt the hand of sleep reach up to pull me under. Swapped for Still Alice (see, I am cultured and it has nothing to do with it featuring Julianne Moore, no matter what my wife alleges). It didn't tumble head-first into the pit of sticky sentimentality but it lacked a gritty edge – everyone was rich and white, college professors, doctors, and lawyers, with perfect healthcare plans and very white teeth. That's not an American reality. Other than the teeth.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 June, 2015, 08:41:13 pm
"Spy".  Brilliant, especially the action scenes.  The kitchen killer...  I will never be able watch any of the Bourne trilogy again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 22 June, 2015, 09:10:02 am
The Look of Silence

Subdued, powerful documentary about the legacy of the community led Indonesian communist purge.  Well worth watching, as it gives an insight into how easily humans conform and use this "norm" to justify acts of inhumanity.  Not a date film though (DAMHIKT).

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
After the surprisingly good first film, I had some hopes for this one.  But it was a CGI heavy disappointment.  A large part of the problem was that the CGI wasn't up to scratch (maybe they were good, but lived in the uncanny valley?) and the focus on the apes, with their sign language forming the dialogue, whilst understandable was ultimately distancing.  The human characters were also a bit lightweight and the plot, whilst there, was generic and overly linear.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 22 June, 2015, 01:38:55 pm
Lucy - Woman accidentally gets full of a drug which makes her super brainy.

Absolutely awful film that uses Morgan Freeman as a scientist to try and make the science seem plausible. "We only use a small percentage of our brain..imagine if we could use 20% or more".

Yes Morgan but I doubt using 20% would make us stick to the ceiling.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - I quite liked it actually, or should I say "FILM..HUMAN...APE....GOOD"?

Nebraska - Bruce Dern on a wrinkly road trip where nothing much happens.  I thought it was wonderful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 June, 2015, 03:14:43 pm
Lucy - Woman accidentally gets full of a drug which makes her super brainy.

Absolutely awful film that uses Morgan Freeman as a scientist to try and make the science seem plausible. "We only use a small percentage of our brain..imagine if we could use 20% or more".

Yes Morgan but I doubt using 20% would make us stick to the ceiling.
I listened to some discussion about this on R4. A summary of the program was "Back when we knew sod all about the brain, someone who was not a scientist said we only used 1/5th of our brain. The truth was that back then we didn't know what most of the brain was for. Now we know that the whole thing is very busy and what we think of as our consciousness only uses a small part of the brain."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 23 June, 2015, 06:34:56 pm
American Hustle

A beer-bellied Christian Bale putting on a hair-piece is something I won't forget in a hurry.  Very funny film about a small time crook getting in out of his depth.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 28 June, 2015, 10:17:56 pm
Haze

Japanese horror. Ostensibly about consciousness, but mainly a grimy squalid little film where the best thing about it was that it was only 49 minutes long keeps you thinking about what the hell it was about for some time after the (dark - in all senses) images have burned into your brain.  Made no real sense, with a lot of room for interpretation.  I think it was a representation of what it feels like to be tortured, but might be wrong.

Still better than Saw.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 29 June, 2015, 07:52:25 am
Live in De@th - It's shit. That is all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 30 June, 2015, 09:17:35 am
Variously, Lucy, Snowpiercer and Ex Machina.

I was willing to suspend disbelief with Lucy, since I always like super powers being used to utterly demolish villains. ;D  The "you only use X% of your brain" myth was mildly annoying, since it is evidently such utter nonsense, and repeated often by people who either deliberately ignore reality, or who should probably attempt to use more than that percentage of their brains!

Snowpiercer was quite unusual, and Tilda Swinton looks the least like Tilda Swinton that I've ever seen her.  It's a very novel approach to a post-apocalyptic world, although I would have preferred a slightly more complete ending.  It seemed to be a little bit too open ended to suggest where things may go.

Ex Machina, as others have said, was thought provoking, even if most of the concepts weren't original.  A movie which only had four characters of any significance was also novel, albeit that Kyoko is a relatively minor part.  I was looking for hints about the British origins of the film, and the only obvious one was the ISO keyboard in the early shots, where you'd often see a US ANSI keyboard.  Even though it was filmed in Norway, the helicopter had a USA registration, implying that they were trying to loosely imply an overall USA connection, especially with Corey Johnson being an actual US actor (cf Irish, Swedish, Japanese or Guatemalan!).  Bluebook smacked of essentially being Google, which I guess was deliberate.

Oh, and even though it was quite a while back, Immortel (ad vitam) / Immortal was an interesting film, albeit very strange at times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 03 July, 2015, 12:41:19 am
Mrs A. can't forgive Colin Firth for not having aged better since P&P!  Hence we might not get to see Kingsman.. ::-)

We did watch Kingsman.  Very entertaining.  The violence was unrelenting although extremely hygenic. It's undoubtedly a p1ss take of the earnest, child-like spy/crime film efforts (Liam Neeson springs to mind!).  I would call it a satirical film in a lot of ways, but don't take it too seriously!

It ends on a bum note though.  I thought the ending was totally unnecessary.

It was clumsy. I presume it was an attempt on the old Bond-style endings, but fell flat. Judging by the reaction in the cinema I'm not sure why it didn't get edited out.

It spoiled it a bit.  Apart from that it was quite entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 05 July, 2015, 11:54:14 pm
Beyond
Billed as a British sci fi, but really a love story with a sci fi backdrop. It has an interesting flashback / flashforward structure, which feels disjointed at first but makes sense in the last 10 minutes.

A decent premise but let down by some below par acting.  At 90 minutes it was perhaps 30 minutes too long, as some of the jumping around wasn't necessary.  Inoffensive on the whole.

Withnail and I
I was going to watch Big Lebowski but, lacking the Kahlua to make my traditional White Russian when I watch it, my fingers plucked out this British Gem. 

If there is a funnier British script in existence I want to know about it.  The wordplay Withnail and I is effervescent and oh-so quotable.  Yes it is as filthy as their kitchen sink, but it all just rattles along without really going anywhere. 

Putting my brain in, rather than gurgling like a drain at the banter, it is not really a story about anything in particular, other than perhaps a moment in time (is "& I" a cipher for growing up from the 60s, whilst "Withnail" represents the generation who failed to let it go?)

I always find the ending strangely affecting, as you get the sense they will probably never meet again because Withnail is destined to become the bum he rants about at the start.  The irony being that he is ranting at the end using his actor training, having now become a bum.

Highly recommended for all but the easily offended (on YACF?  surely not?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 July, 2015, 10:31:48 am
Terminator Genisys...

Not as bad as billed with the mixed reviews. It doesn't bring anything new the table, it's mostly an homage to the first two movies, but entertaining enough. The downside is the plot is so obvious that (yes, giant magnet, we get it) you can pretty much write the ending (trust me, you don't need spoilers). Arnie seems to enjoy himself, Emilia Clarke – despite looking about twelve – plays a good Sarah Connor, and that guy who always plays bad guys was, obviously, going to be bad. Jai Courtney was a bit shit though, he lunked around looking confused, to be honest they could have cast a fridge in the role, none of the haunted intensity of Michael Biehn. Entertaining, if undemanding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 06 July, 2015, 01:21:41 pm
Eyes Wide Shut

Amazingly it gets some fairly good reviews from critics I respect, Roger Ebert for one.

I think I must have missed something.  This is a shit film (Eyes Wide Shit?) of the highest magnitude.  It's "omni-shit".

It's like an extremely high budget Emmanuelle film but with even worse acting.  I'm surprised Tom Cruise didn't get splinters off Nicole Kidman she's so wooden.

Maybe Kubrick just wanted to look at boobs for a few months.

What am I missing here?  Stanley Kubrick made this film.  What was he thinking?

It's terrible and awful and shit isn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Russell on 06 July, 2015, 01:23:23 pm
Untouchable

French film based on a true story about a kid from the projects who gets a job as a carer for a quadriplegic rich dude.

I loved it. It's wet-your-pants funny and has great performances by the two leads.

Can't help wondering how much the story has been Hollywoodised though - there are a lot of cracks that have been heavily and glossily papered over...

Edit: Kermode has it spot on, as usual:
http://youtu.be/b7Sw51qFjhg

We saw this last night. Brilliant. Thanks for the recommendation.

Watched this at the weekend - very good indeed.  One of those rare films that stays in the mind afterwards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 July, 2015, 01:23:58 pm
Eyes Wide Shut

[...]

It's terrible and awful and shit isn't it?

Yes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 06 July, 2015, 11:50:50 pm
Eyes Wide Shut

[...]

It's terrible and awful and shit isn't it?

Yes.

Saw it at the pictures when it first came out. I remember little except being underwhelmed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lisat on 11 July, 2015, 10:59:24 pm
Just seen Mr Holmes, Ian McKellan is fabulous
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 12 July, 2015, 12:03:05 pm
Francois Cluzet was also in Tell No One, an awesome film, he is a doctor whose wife goes missing, then he gets a strange email..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 13 July, 2015, 08:42:47 am
… and the nasty-piece-of-work German woman in Tell No One. She gets her comeuppance. Hurrah!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 13 July, 2015, 08:47:23 am
Terminator Genisys at the pictures last night. (Went on a masterdate1 with myself seeing as I'm now on 2 weeks annual leave!)

Great film! 
(click to show/hide)
  Lots of jokes dating back to the first Terminator film.

Arnie does look rather old now though.   :-\

1  http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Masterdate+&defid=5717623

Quote
Masterdate
When you take yourself out on dates; dating yourself. You already know what you're into, likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc... Dating yourself also allows you the freedom to have a great time, all the time, and never have to hear "you're not paying attention to me" or other forms of bitching and nagging. You are free to mingle with whom you please and are able to spend time enjoying life and being happy.
Could come off as self-centered, egotistic, or conceited to those who don't understand how hard it is to find someone as awesome as you are.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 July, 2015, 09:26:54 am
Lucy

Omg, it's soooooo bad. I didn't realise until afterwards that it's un film de Luc Besson but it figures.

It would be greatly improved by just cutting out all the Morgan Freeman/wildlife documentary bits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 July, 2015, 12:24:33 am
"Pantani. The accidental Death of a Cyclist".
 Some of the editing was too fancy for my liking, but it was interesting nonetheless...except for the end, when they pretty much excuse him for doping. "Everybody else did it", "He was under a lot of pressure", etc.
Was interesting to see some of the 'old' footage again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 14 July, 2015, 10:15:18 am
Lucy

Omg, it's soooooo bad. I didn't realise until afterwards that it's un film de Luc Besson but it figures.

It would be greatly improved by just cutting out all the Morgan Freeman/wildlife documentary bits.

See my review just above.

It's tosh isn't it?

I can't help thinking that Besson thought "Christ, this is tosh, we'd better parachute Morgan Freeman in to make it sound a bit less tosh".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 14 July, 2015, 10:19:25 am
Locke

Tom Hardy driving in his car, on the phone, trying to deal with some life/work problems.

I kid you not, that's the film.  1 actor, in a car, with a phone, making sure some concrete gets poured correctly.

And yet, apart from a bit of a flat ending, I found it rather gripping.

I bloody well hope the concrete pour went OK.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 July, 2015, 05:20:49 pm
Quote
I bloody well hope the concrete pour went OK.

That will be in the sequel?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 16 July, 2015, 06:29:43 pm
Locke

Tom Hardy driving in his car, on the phone, trying to deal with some life/work problems.

I kid you not, that's the film.  1 actor, in a car, with a phone, making sure some concrete gets poured correctly.

And yet, apart from a bit of a flat ending, I found it rather gripping.

I bloody well hope the concrete pour went OK.
I've heard (almost) nothing about this film. tomHardy is amazing,so I thought I'd do some research ...

Which led me to the quite extaordinary "Gaffs" section of the film's IMDB page. I find movie pedants a hilariously tedious bunch, but this "gaff" is so astonishing that I fear I shall remember it for some time:

Quote
They mention the "large" delivery of 355 metric tonnes of concrete with 218 trucks. Apart from the fact that wet concrete is usually referred to in volume, not weight, the calculation of trucks needed for this weight is wrong. The mixing trucks on average hold 18 tons of concrete each, meaning that they only need 20 trucks.
63 of 65 found this interesting

I think there is a grave factual error in that last sentence.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 18 July, 2015, 08:43:11 am
Nightcrawler

A very effective, tense thriller-esque/noire-ish film about a sociopathic/deranged Los Angeles freelance cameraman brilliantly played by Jack Gylenhall. Well worth watching for him alone.

Raises fairly worn questions about voyeuristic press, modern society and morality but does it stylishly. The movie looks good and plays a little with the 'film within a film' idea without disappearing up it's own arse.

Notable also for the Rapha wearing cyclist whose bike Gylenhall nicks to fund his start in the business!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2015, 11:11:47 pm
Jupiter Ascending

Overwhelmingly silly, visually and musically stunning, and mostly incoherent beyond a rock-solid basis in Mary Sue (space opera edition).  It's like David Lynch's Dune meets Flash Gordon on steroids.

It's rubbish, but I actually quite liked it, in a guilty nerdish kind of way.  It's exactly the right kind of camp.   :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 July, 2015, 12:04:13 am
Pale Rider.

Damn but Clint did some fine westerns.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 19 July, 2015, 01:25:42 am
The Terminator.

A brilliant love story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 July, 2015, 08:56:54 am
Jupiter Ascending

Overwhelmingly silly, visually and musically stunning, and mostly incoherent beyond a rock-solid basis in Mary Sue (space opera edition).  It's like David Lynch's Dune meets Flash Gordon on steroids.

It's rubbish, but I actually quite liked it, in a guilty nerdish kind of way.  It's exactly the right kind of camp.   :-[

"Bees don't lie"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 19 July, 2015, 09:49:32 am
"Bees don't lie"

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 July, 2015, 10:41:07 am
Pretty Woman

Haven't seen it for twenty years or so. I hadn't noticed before all the little touches like the Opera they go see being La Traviata.
The whole film is basically La Traviara with Richard Gere's lawyer sidekick replacing Alfredos's father Giorgio Germont.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 20 July, 2015, 12:22:14 pm
The Sitter (watched for all of 30 seconds)

Description was 'adult humour'. Well, if you consider being twelve an adult, then I guess that'll cover it. Deleted the film straight away.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 20 July, 2015, 12:54:28 pm
You know,  I'm half minded to watch Pretty Women again. Just to see if I loathe it as much as I did the first time! I may have mellowed.

On 2nd thoughts though, no. Too many films to watch that I haven't seen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 20 July, 2015, 01:52:38 pm
Forgot to mention, I watched Pride last week. I was disappointed. Amusing in patches but not the film I'd anticipated. I'm not really a fan of those cutesy, British type films even when they're fictional. Base them on fact and I'm less impressed. File under 'Billy Elliot' et al.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 July, 2015, 03:34:53 pm
Pale Rider.

Damn but Clint did some fine westerns.

It's a remake of Shane but not bad for it, other than the apparently inevitable sexual assault that Eastwood can't seem to make a western without including.

I like Clint Eastwood movies but that seems to happen in most of his films, even Bronco Billy where it seemed most gratuitous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 July, 2015, 04:24:50 pm
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Amusing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 July, 2015, 10:46:16 am
Ant-Man.

Really rather good, considering the Marvel world ought to have us all fatigued now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Otto on 22 July, 2015, 11:06:01 am
Hangover 2
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 July, 2015, 04:48:44 pm
Ant-Man.

Really rather good, considering the Marvel world ought to have us all fatigued now.

As far as I'm concerned that happened in 1978, fifteen minutes after Christopher Reeve made his debut as Superman.

Yes, I do know Superman is DC, not AC Marvel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 July, 2015, 07:31:39 am
Didn't watch it last night, but a while back. What does the panel think of A Field in England?  And would they watch it again?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 23 July, 2015, 08:53:10 am
Haven't heard of it before. Precis from www.imdb.com says:
Amid the Civil War in 17th-century England, a group of deserters flee from battle through an overgrown field. Captured by an alchemist, the men are forced to help him search to find a hidden treasure that he believes is buried in the field.

I do so want it to be like this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04kf095
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 July, 2015, 09:57:34 am
Well it does kind-of resemble that, the way Altered States resembles Dr. Kildare.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 July, 2015, 10:01:46 am
Haven't heard of it before. Precis from www.imdb.com says:
Amid the Civil War in 17th-century England, a group of deserters flee from battle through an overgrown field. Captured by an alchemist, the men are forced to help him search to find a hidden treasure that he believes is buried in the field.

I do so want it to be like this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04kf095

It's a Ben Wheatley film and it's probably his least accessible.  It was interesting to watch and I think would probably benefit from being off your face on mushrooms.  On being asked why he made it he said that most of the great film makers made lots of films and that he didn't think he would get the chance to make a film like this again for a while.

He's recently made an adaptation of High Rise due out later this year and has just wrapped main filming on Free Fire which looks really interesting.

If you've not seen any of his films I recommend Sightseers which is great (and probably his most accessible film).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 23 July, 2015, 12:12:52 pm
The Terminator.

A brilliant love story.

Correct.

Several of my favourite films actually turn out to be (Sci-Fi) love stories across time.

Twelve Monkeys
Groundhog Day
Tom's Midnight Garden ('70s BBC drama which even as a kid I found very poignant when the truth "clicks" with Tom)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 24 July, 2015, 12:14:43 am
Tracks. A woman walks from Alice Springs to the Indian  Ocean with four camels, and doesn't need a man. Quirky, beautiful and enthralling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 24 July, 2015, 12:36:52 pm
I really fancy that,  was it on DVD?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 July, 2015, 04:33:22 pm
Ted.

So-so. Not really my kind of humour.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 27 July, 2015, 09:45:41 am
Rush

The story of the Formula 1 rivalry between playboy James Hunt and the more analytical Niki Lauder.

The cars are the ones from my Scalextric so it's perfectly nostalgic for me.

That Niki Lauder ever got back into a car is one thing, that he did it just a few races after his accident is just unbelievable.
Disturbing hospital scenes make you realise just how driven (no pun intended) he was by the rivalry.

F1 then and F1 now are entirely different sports.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 28 July, 2015, 01:51:22 pm
James Hunt was a bit of a wanker, Richard Burton offered him £1m for his wife and Hunt agreed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 July, 2015, 02:20:58 pm
Hunt would have given her away in exchange for twenty Bensons having tried everything possible to get out of the wedding up to and including getting pissed out of his mind before going to the church.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 28 July, 2015, 09:13:09 pm
Amy

What an experience, watching that film.  I remember the first time I saw Amy Winehouse perform on TV, and she really did make you stop what you were doing.  She had a mesmerising, stand-out talent.

This film shows you so much more - her fierce intelligence, vitality and artistic integrity.  Her vulnerability and humour.  There's footage of her singing I'd never seen before, a fresh reminder of just how damn good she was.

The story of her decline and fall is harrowing.  The people around her, who were labelled as culpable in part for her death, nevertheless participated in the film and were themselves pretty honest, so far as they could be, about what happened.

I went to see this with a friend, who at the time was very scathing about Amy's addictions and death.  Seeing what happened in the context of a person's life, and as an evolving narrative rather than a photo and two paragraphs every so often, has changed the way she views Amy's life and death, and that has to be a good thing.

It's a good, and honest, enough film to say that it doesn't dishonour Amy Winehouse's memory.  I suspect there was a whole lot more to it than you see here though. 

Just a thought - it's a better account than The Life and Death of a Cyclist, by a long way, and I liked that film too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 29 July, 2015, 06:12:43 pm
James Hunt was a bit of a wanker

That's awful rhyming slang.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 31 July, 2015, 05:42:05 pm
Spy.

People here raved about it, I thought it was a bit meh, not half as good as Bridesmaids, and Peter Surname plays an Italian who is, wait for it, a groper and a terrible driver, foreign people stereotypes lols. And The Stath doesn't really do a great deal, he's just as rubbish an actor in this as he is when he's driving that car and naked Chinese women are saying "Kiss me, I think you're gay".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 31 July, 2015, 06:32:17 pm
naked Chinese women are saying "Kiss me, I think you're gay".

That's a good line that. Probably from anyone's lips but doubly from a naked Chinese women. I'm thinking to have her hold a pekingese, or would that be ovetkill?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 01 August, 2015, 10:27:08 pm
I really fancy that,  was it on DVD?

On one of the iplayer type sites, can't remember which channel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 01 August, 2015, 10:30:22 pm
I really fancy that,  was it on DVD?

On one of the iplayer type sites, can't remember which channel.

By some enormous coincidence, Daisyhill obtained a copy and I'm watching it with her this week  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 01 August, 2015, 10:37:14 pm
I really fancy that,  was it on DVD?

On one of the iplayer type sites, can't remember which channel.

By some enormous coincidence, Daisyhill obtained a copy and I'm watching it with her this week  :D
Great. Last night, "Into the White"

Battle of Norway, German bomber Heinkel 111 shot down by what was probably a Skua. German survivors find isolated hut; are joined by Brit pilot and Navigator (Rupert Grint doing scouse). Cue tensions...

No subtitles; people speak German, English and Norwegian, and it works. Captions in the end are in Nog, but no problem for me. Remarkable film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 02 August, 2015, 12:10:48 am
Ghajini.

Well. Just as you think you've seen it all in BollywoodLand...

 :o

The song lyric "I'll spew my seed of life into your path" was a magic moment, and no mistake.

Cracking (if rather lengthy) stuff  :thumbsup:. Grab a Cobra and a Korma, and give it a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 02 August, 2015, 10:03:24 am
That's just begging for a bit of northern realism:-

"I'll spew my seed of life into your path"

"Yer'll do as yer told.  Pass the beetroot."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 August, 2015, 10:09:07 am
That's just begging for a bit of northern realism:-

"I'll spew my seed of life into your path"

"Yer'll do as yer told.  Pass the beetroot."

Crying with laughter.   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 02 August, 2015, 10:12:52 am
Happy to oblige, Ruth!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 02 August, 2015, 10:45:38 am
https://youtu.be/4xY6-exZToo

Sing along boys and girls. (and if someone with more time and patience than me could transcribe the lyrics I'd be very grateful).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 02 August, 2015, 07:50:04 pm
Predestination.

I don't know where to start with this, other than that I think everyone should watch it as it's going to be a cult classic. It's a time travel film with Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snooke and well it's just amazing.

Check it out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 August, 2015, 11:17:37 pm
The Lost Weekend.

It's very good at showing the insanity of alcoholism.  This means it's a dark movie indeed.  In terms of style and dialogue it's of its time (1945), a kind of Trainspotting for a generation who always wore a hat and a raincoat.

It'd be interesting to see what someone like Jean-Marc Vallee would do with it.  Hard to see how you could make it any better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 03 August, 2015, 09:30:19 am
"Victim", an oldie from 1961. Dirk Bogarde playing a secretly gay barrister trying to fight a blackmail plot.
Well done & pretty controversial in its day.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 August, 2015, 09:52:24 am
Victim is a cracking movie. One of my all time favourites. Watch also The Servant, Bogarde again with James Fox, Sarah Miles and (a pre sit-com) Wendy Craig, from 1963. A rich rich period for British film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 August, 2015, 11:00:56 am
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. Go on, it does what it says on the tin. I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 August, 2015, 01:09:22 pm
The Adjustment Bureau. I liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 03 August, 2015, 07:20:55 pm
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I've avoided re-watching this for a long time, as it had reached the heady position of "possibly my favourite film" when I watched it last (which was in the cinema) and it also touched a nerve about a particular relationship (which I'm now less reflective on).  Anyway....

It's essentially a movie about what makes us fall in and out of love.  It's told from the perspective of Joel (Jim Carrey) who meets Clementine (Kate Winslett), they become a couple, and when their relationship breaks down they each get their memory of it erased.  The story is essentially told through the memories as they are wiped, which gives an insight into the events that shaped their relationship and the character flaws of Joel and Clementine that lead to the disintegration of the relationship.

This 10 year old film has stood the test of time, with a script that still stands out as original.  It's actually hard to think of many films that feel as fresh despite the passage of time.  The director (Michael Gondry) was clearly confident in the material and the vision he had for it.  It benefits from a lot of in-camera effects (rather than CGI) so that the SFX does not detract due to age and inevitable IT progress made since 2004.  This leaves the high concept sci-fi film with a "near future" feel without overplaying this conceit.

Jim Carrey gives a good non-comic performance and Kate Winslett a brilliant one.  The supporting cast is also pretty good.  The score by Jon Bryon is also perfectly pitched.

Basically, this remains (to my relief) "possibly my favourite film".  It's by no means perfect but does touch great heights.  There is a meaningful core to it that chimes with the human and, shucks, romantic in me (it also helps that I can vaguely relate to Joel as a character). 

Goes without saying that I'd recommend people watch this if they've not done so already (if you do, to avoid possible confusion, take note of Clementine's hair as that is the main signposting to time period).

On a separate point, I began watching Bladerunner.   Did you know that it was set in 2019.  That's a mere 4 years away.  Science had better get a shift on if its to provide me with a hovercar and off-world replicant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 August, 2015, 07:40:34 pm
Yep, a good film....  and I'm not a fan of Jim Carey. I'd rate up a!ongst my recommended films, if not my favourites. Kate Winslet is very good.

Anything written by Charlie Kaufman is going to be original. Weird even. They guy messes with some fascinating ideas.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 04 August, 2015, 09:25:35 am
I love Eternal Sunshine....

A good reminder to watch it again actually though it doesn't quite make my top 10.

As for Jim Carrey I think he's sublimely brilliant at what he's good at, if that makes sense.  ESOTSM showed he wasn't just an extremely gifted physical clown though.
No matter what the role he does seem to get the "Man just outside of society" roles though.

I mean, come on.. This is one of my favourite scenes, ripping the piss out of one of my favourite scenes... Good bye Jim (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5n28hpMFBE)

Blade Runner and the year 2019.  If you watch the extras from "The Director's Cut" you 'll hear some of the actors explain the genius of the Ridley Scott vision of the book and how much L.A. is becoming like his vision.

Bladerunner is firmly placed in my top 5 somewhere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 04 August, 2015, 09:31:44 am
Blade Runner and the year 2019.  If you watch the extras from "The Director's Cut" you 'll hear some of the actors explain the genius of the Ridley Scott vision of the book and how much L.A. is becoming like his vision.

If you've ever sat in traffic on 110 you'd wish for a hovercar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 August, 2015, 01:49:52 pm
Amy

What an experience, watching that film.  I remember the first time I saw Amy Winehouse perform on TV, and she really did make you stop what you were doing.  She had a mesmerising, stand-out talent.

Saw this last night. Not exactly enjoyable viewing but a fine celebration of her extraordinary talent. Probably the most gifted British singer-songwriter, male or female, since Kate Bush.

When she died, I was shocked to discover she was only 27 - I'd assumed she had to be somewhat older. Her lyrics, music and vocals always seemed far too 'lived in' for her age.

Always got the feeling her dad was a bit of a plonker but the film is really scathing of his role in her downfall - while remaining balanced and fair about the positive contributions he made to her life.

Blake comes out of it worst - he seems to be an even bigger scumbag than I realised, and yet quite tragic in his own way too.

The complexities of the story, the lack of simple black and white truths, make it all the more harrowing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 08 August, 2015, 01:57:19 pm
Amy

What an experience, watching that film.  I remember the first time I saw Amy Winehouse perform on TV, and she really did make you stop what you were doing.  She had a mesmerising, stand-out talent.

Saw this last night. Not exactly enjoyable viewing but a fine celebration of her extraordinary talent...

The complexities of the story, the lack of simple black and white truths, make it all the more harrowing.

Yeah, that.  When you can just demonise someone and dismiss them as weak or bad it's much easier isn't it? 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 08 August, 2015, 05:05:13 pm
Predestination.

I don't know where to start with this, other than that I think everyone should watch it as it's going to be a cult classic. It's a time travel film with Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snooke and well it's just amazing.

Check it out.

Very enjoyable indeed, thanks for the recommendation  :thumbsup:

I love the mind warp that comes with watching time travel films!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 08 August, 2015, 05:39:09 pm
Tracks. A woman walks from Alice Springs to the Indian  Ocean with four camels, and doesn't need a man. Quirky, beautiful and enthralling.

Yes.  It was strange.  But she's a a strange woman. Not all neatly tried up at the end like 'Wild' but none the worse for that.

It doesn't make me want to go to the deserts of Australia.  Nope.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 08 August, 2015, 07:00:21 pm

When she died, I was shocked to discover she was only 27

Re. Amy Winehouse.

27 is the age Rock/Pop stars die.  She's part of the infamous "27 Club".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 08 August, 2015, 07:18:55 pm
Grand Budapest Hotel

Cookie cutter Wes Anderson.  I like his style but it just hasn't evolved a great deal; the names change but the tone and the pace is uniform.  Slightly disappointed, even if the story had the usual whimsical charm.  I say this with a heavy heart as I'm a fan :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 08 August, 2015, 07:55:40 pm
27 is the age Rock/Pop stars die.  She's part of the infamous "27 Club".

meh... as I believe is said.

There's probably a 52 club as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 08 August, 2015, 07:56:42 pm
I watched 'American Werewolf in London' (again) inspired by the recent blue moon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 August, 2015, 09:51:36 pm
The Angel's Share.

Liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 09 August, 2015, 11:47:17 pm
No, Amy is not a comfortable watch. At times, almost reality TV voyeuristic. In fairness though what else could it be? As a documentary, it's very well made. Splicing together available footage and testimony to chronicle a story sensitively. And, as mentioned upstream, it steers clear of simplistic narrative. That said, both dad and Blake are cast as villains. I felt it was perhaps 20 to 30 minutes too long but that could be because I felt it was such a harrowing watch.

Two things struck me; how could it be that someone can so blatantly scream 'help me' (just listen to the lyrics and do the math) be ignored and, what a fabulous jazz singer she was. I knew little of her (except from the headlines) at the time and it genuinely surprised me to discover what a natural talent she had. She would have been so much more at home in small, intimate jazz venues than stadiums. She really with would have been a jazz great, as Tony Bennett said.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 August, 2015, 10:00:36 am
In the big list of Stuff Ian Doesn't Get But Everyone Else Does, Amy Winehouse features highly. A couple of semi-decent pop songs and albums that middle-class people put on during dinner parties. Unless they're me, in which case they're asked 'not to put on any more of the miserable goth shit'. Just because it has yet to feature in a Waitrose magazine. Probably.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 10 August, 2015, 10:26:19 am
In the big list of Stuff Ian Doesn't Get But Everyone Else Does, Amy Winehouse features highly.

I'm so glad it's not just me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 10 August, 2015, 10:59:11 am
...
 what a fabulous jazz singer she was. I knew little of her (except from the headlines) at the time and it genuinely surprised me to discover what a natural talent she had. She would have been so much more at home in small, intimate jazz venues than stadiums. She really with would have been a jazz great, as Tony Bennett said.
<ponders>
If her dad had owned a jazz club [just as a random example] she might have done better in the long-term, and had a long - if less explosive - happy life and career.

But would you she have written/recorded such cracking tunes without that more modern/urban/wotever culture she came up through?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 10 August, 2015, 11:00:23 am
In the big list of Stuff Ian Doesn't Get But Everyone Else Does, Amy Winehouse features highly.

I'm so glad it's not just me.

Must admit, I pretty much thought the same. Mainly because I'd only heard a couple of tracks on the radio; like 'Rehab' which is, imho, pretty much standard radio fodder. I think the 'Back To Black' album was a turning point, in more ways than one (see the film for further explanation).

When you see footage of Amy performing as a jazz singer, which was where her heart and soul were, she was one helluva talent. When I say she's up there with the greats, I'm really not exaggerating.

I had problems with her image, even with the diction (note, not addiction, diction). I thought she was a lazy singer. As soon as I put all those ideas aside then I saw someone else entirely. No, I stand by revised opinion, she had a huge talent.     

<ponders>
If her dad had owned a jazz club [just as a random example] she might have done better in the long-term, and had a long - if less explosive - happy life and career.

We'll never know but I certainly share your ponder.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 10 August, 2015, 12:58:06 pm
Kingsman

A lot of fun. Totally silly but an enjoyable watch, despite the OTT violence.

If I Stay

This had potential to be quite good, but it turned out to be fairly poor and dragged on interminably. With the out-of-body scenes, there are two possibilities: (a) keep it realistic, i.e. this is what she is imagining while in a coma and piecing together from what she might hear; or (b) go the full paranormal thing, explore different futures, etc. This film did neither, just had her wandering around the hospital without being able to open doors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 14 August, 2015, 09:23:32 pm
Big Lebowski

Ha haha ha ha ha.  Brilliant, man.

Not watched this for an age.  It is a classic :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 14 August, 2015, 09:31:57 pm
Big Lebowski

Ha haha ha ha ha.  Brilliant, man.

Not watched this for an age.  It is a classic :)

One of a very small number of films I can watch again and again. John Goodman's character is brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 14 August, 2015, 10:11:45 pm
I think I'm one of the few people that didn't like The Big Lebowski. Odd, because I otherwise like the Cohen brothers' films.

I tonight watched Crash, motivated by director Paul Haggis's recent confession. It is a well made movie, moving from simplistic to less so. One of the most stridently singled themed (racism) movie I've seen, I'm still undecided about it's message. Despite some good work during the film, a final scene does risk trivialising it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 August, 2015, 10:27:13 pm
I could watch The Big Lebowski any time. I could probably recite large chunks of the script. But I think it's a long way from being the Coens' best film. It's just very easy to watch. And perennially funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 August, 2015, 11:15:04 pm
She would have been so much more at home in small, intimate jazz venues than stadiums. She really with would have been a jazz great, as Tony Bennett said.

As much as I love jazz, it's also very conservative. I think she would have had a very hard time fitting and expressing her self to the same extent that pop allowed her to do.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 14 August, 2015, 11:42:52 pm
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/23853117/YACF/DudeAbidesStemCap.JPG)

Kristian House's stem cap (http://road.cc/content/news/150232-dude-abides-kristian-houses-big-lebowski-themed-stem-cap). It just really ties the bike together. I need to get myself one of these someday.

The last few days I've been getting into Studio Ghibli movies - in the last week or so I've watched My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. I'm a little bit in love with all of them, but especially Totoro.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 August, 2015, 11:55:01 pm
I want to re-watch Kiki's Delivery Service now.  For the cats[1].


[1] The English dub[2] is a particularly fine work of Stan on this one, where they give Jiji inappropriate dialogue for scenes that were originally communicated entirely in cat body language.
[2] I think I was watching it with a dyslexic friend or something.  Normally I'd stick to subs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 15 August, 2015, 12:06:21 am
The Sting.

Simple fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 15 August, 2015, 01:31:03 pm
In no particular order over the last few weeks:
Yojimbo
The Hidden Fortress
Seven Samurai
Sanjuro

Toshiro Mifune had a physical presence which is a joy to watch.  And it's unbelievable that Seiji Miyaguchi had never used a sword before Seven Samurai.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 15 August, 2015, 03:30:57 pm
The Sting.

Simple fun.

Long time favourite.  1st time I saw it I thought it was very complex  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 15 August, 2015, 07:47:38 pm
Babadook

Excellent creepy film about dealing with grief.  Quite tense in parts. Well worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 August, 2015, 09:54:58 am
Albert Nobbs. Amazing performance from Glenn Close.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 August, 2015, 10:25:54 am
Bob Le Flambeur

Classic 50s French gangster movie by Melville, arguably the first Nouvelle Vague film - not as polished as Rififi but that's kind of the point. Looks rather dated now but worth sticking with for the finale, and just what I was in the mood for on a lazy summer saturday afternoon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 16 August, 2015, 09:01:33 pm
Zardoz = PriSeaner
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 19 August, 2015, 11:18:04 am
Bottle Rocket
Wes Anderson's first film, with first roles for the Wilson brothers (Owen and Luke). 

It doesn't have the budget to indulge in Anderson's usual whimsies, but does hit the mark as a slightly offbeat crime caper.  It does have the now familiar Anderson characterisations of a central outsider who influences a more sensible foil despite clearly being deluded, and his general conceit of a plan that is not matched by the execution, and a love interest that is ambiguous and uncertain. 

It's a film that hinted at some talent, without being that memorable on the whole.

Given I bought every Anderson film from Amazon (DVDs are silly cheap at the moment, £3 or less a pop) I suspect I will now watch his ouvre in chronological order.  So next up, Rushmore methinks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 19 August, 2015, 12:23:00 pm
A bit of:

Casino Royale

Prometheus

Hootch


My capacity for watching a complete film seems to be diminishing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 19 August, 2015, 12:58:14 pm
Sunday: Marvellous

Lovely, uplifting film, and a good antidote to

Saturday: Selma

which was also excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 August, 2015, 05:59:40 pm
27 is the age Rock/Pop stars die.  She's part of the infamous "27 Club".

meh... as I believe is said.

There's probably a 52 club as well.

I don't want to join any club that would have me as a member.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 19 August, 2015, 10:22:03 pm
Rushmore
This really is a fab little film, which just engages through charm and lightness of touch.  Max Fischer is a great creation, played pitch perfect by Jason Schwartzman.  Strong supporting cast too.

I would pay good money to see Heaven and Hell.

Next up in my Wes Anderson adventures: Royal Tanenbaums.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 20 August, 2015, 07:23:19 am
Rush

Probably already mentioned. Entertaining, but maybe a movie by numbers. Seemed a little 2 dimensional to me, overly simplified or boiled down, caricature-ish.. Still, as I say, good entertainment. That said, the real story itself was dramatic, larger than life, so the film could, ironically, stay relatively accurate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 20 August, 2015, 08:53:34 am
Just to help avoid confusion, Rushmore is not a sequel to Rush. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 August, 2015, 12:41:43 pm
The Madness Of George III wasn't part of a series either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 20 August, 2015, 12:43:04 pm
Neither was Malcolm X.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 August, 2015, 12:45:45 pm
Wasn't he the younger brother of Tim, the inventor of the wristwatch?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 August, 2015, 01:28:57 pm
Just to help avoid confusion, Rushmore is not a sequel to Rush.
Well of course it wasn't - Rushmore came out first.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 August, 2015, 01:46:16 pm
And the prize for ruining a perfectly good gag goes to...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 August, 2015, 02:24:49 pm
And the prize for ruining a perfectly good gag goes to...

Bruce Willis in Pulp Fiction?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 August, 2015, 02:44:11 pm
Correct.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 20 August, 2015, 10:46:59 pm
The Royal Tenenbaums
Another mighty fine film directed by Wes Anderson and featuring many of his ensemble cast.  A whimsical comedy that flirts indirectly with some bigger themes (persistence of love etc).  There are many little details that add to the general good natured mood of the film.  Will worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 20 August, 2015, 10:59:54 pm
The Scandalous Lady W
Natalie Dormer in another costume drama.  (No objections, m'lud.)   I learned a bit about the status of women in late 18th century Britain, though I wouldn't classify this as an educational film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 August, 2015, 11:31:50 pm
Bob le Flambeur. First of seven Jean-Pierre Melville films I've got stacked up to watch.

What a great film!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 21 August, 2015, 10:31:26 am
The Royal Tenenbaums
Another mighty fine film directed by Wes Anderson and featuring many of his ensemble cast.  A whimsical comedy that flirts indirectly with some bigger themes (persistence of love etc).  There are many little details that add to the general good natured mood of the film.  Will worth watching.

I loved this.

Lots of critics hated it. Not sure why - very "criticy" reasons, I suspect (i.e. they often don't even _try_ to enjoy a film, IMHO).

But possibly a marmite film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 August, 2015, 10:36:20 am
Bob le Flambeur. First of seven Jean-Pierre Melville films I've got stacked up to watch.

What a great film!

Inspired by me mentioning it the other day or were you planning to watch it anyway? Not that you need an excuse to watch it - it is indeed a great film. The casino scene at the end is fantastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 August, 2015, 11:31:05 am
Buying it was a coincidence at least – I have been meaning to buy and watch a bunch of Melville films for ages – I remember a few from the Alain Delon season that either Channel 4 or BBC2 did many years ago and was recently particularly wanting to watch classic old French crime films.

I bought Le Samourai and noticed a box set of six other Melville films so bought that – it came before my copy of Le Samourai so I started watching them first.  I did remember that someone had mentioned Bob le Flambeur on here so that might have influenced my choice of watching that first!

Yes the casino scene is great, really nailbiting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 21 August, 2015, 03:13:06 pm
We Melvilles really are something else! :thumbsup:

ETA - Oh, just checked WIKICYCLOPEDIA and it turns out J-P wasn't a bona fide Melville after all...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 August, 2015, 06:04:47 pm
I bought Le Samourai and noticed a box set of six other Melville films so bought that – it came before my copy of Le Samourai so I started watching them first.  I did remember that someone had mentioned Bob le Flambeur on here so that might have influenced my choice of watching that first!

Dammit, I want to watch Le Samourai now, but I don't think I have a copy of it at home. Alain Delon is too cool for l'école.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 21 August, 2015, 08:35:48 pm
Interstellar.

An overambitious attempt to reach the dizzying orbit of Kubrik's 2001.  Despite the whizz bang cgi, Interstellar failed to reach orbit!   

Glad I didn't shell out on it on blueray, and instead waited for it to be on sky movies (through now tv).   4 out of 10!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Katie on 21 August, 2015, 11:35:41 pm
Thor at work tonight.

Last cinema one was, uh, that Pixar one about depression that isn't really about depression, with a hockey player and lots of beautiful shots of San Francisco.

I'm bad at film names…
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 August, 2015, 11:37:38 pm
Last cinema one was, uh, that Pixar one about depression that isn't really about depression, with a hockey player and lots of beautiful shots of San Francisco.

Bullitt?

Taxi!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Katie on 21 August, 2015, 11:40:06 pm
I'm also really bad at having ever seen any films ever, so if that was a cultural reference it's just completely passed me by!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 22 August, 2015, 07:35:10 am
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
A little bit too self conscious and pleased with its own peculiarity. Probably an acquired taste. Bill Murray is a little too deadpan for the lead role, and none of the other characters do very much.  It has its moments though, especially the denouement.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 22 August, 2015, 07:51:20 am
Thor at work tonight.
take 2 paracetamol and a couple of days off.

[was that any better citoyen?? No? Oh well ... ]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 22 August, 2015, 08:00:54 am
Stories We Tell

A very accomplished documentary and a fine piece of film making. Recommended.

Don't be fooled by any description saying things like 'interviews with my family'. This is much much more than a simple family story. It deals with truth and perspective, how emotions play a part in our remembering and so influence 'the truth'.

It is also expertly edited to provide a film-like suspense and plays a neat little trick with the viewer that, in itself, reminds you that you make assumptions about fact.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 22 August, 2015, 08:59:59 am
Thor at work tonight.
take 2 paracetamol and a couple of days off.

[was that any better citoyen?? No? Oh well ... ]

Almost. Although, I'd go for Take 2 parathetamol and a couple of dayths off.


As for last films, for reasons too boring to explain, I watched Happy Feet last night. Entertaining and surprisingly accurate biology considering it's about singing and dancing penguins.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 22 August, 2015, 12:20:22 pm
Touche jo!

(I was resisting telling a very NSFW thor joke that I know; I'll save it for a different thread <sigh of disappointment from citoyen>. Plus I didnt want to risk offence with any vatheline or lipthil jokes. )

Oh yes, film reviews:

Its Complicated
Meryl Streep rom-com ... oh dear. you can write the rest yourselves. this did get good reviews which rather raised my hopes. Lesson learned.

the only notable things were in casting:
- Steve Martin did a dull-but-sound job as the Decent Nice Guy. But why did they cast him?? They didnt use 1% of his real talents, and could probably have paid a tenth as much for a more typical standard issue handsome american.
- Alec Baldwin as the Hopeless Husband. He did alright, considering the script. When did he become a comic actor? I cant remember a single film from his early career, but he does straight-faced comedy really well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 August, 2015, 12:41:51 pm
[was that any better citoyen?? No? Oh well ... ]

I'll give you a solid 7/10 for that one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 22 August, 2015, 01:04:51 pm
- Alec Baldwin as the Hopeless Husband. He did alright, considering the script. When did he become a comic actor? I cant remember a single film from his early career, but he does straight-faced comedy really well.

He was doing comedy in 30 Rock for a while wasn't he?  2006-ish?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 22 August, 2015, 02:03:37 pm
- Alec Baldwin as the Hopeless Husband. He did alright, considering the script. When did he become a comic actor? I cant remember a single film from his early career, but he does straight-faced comedy really well.

He was doing comedy in 30 Rock for a while wasn't he?  2006-ish?
Yes, that was where I first noticed him. (I never reeeally got into 30Rock,  but it had its moments).

I wonder if he started a trend - Rob Lowe is brilliant in Parks & Recreation :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 August, 2015, 02:07:08 pm
I'm also really bad at having ever seen any films ever, so if that was a cultural reference it's just completely passed me by!

Let's just say that while "Bullitt" didn't feature a hockey player or depression there was quite a bit of San Francisco, mostly at speeds in excess of 100 mph ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 22 August, 2015, 05:18:53 pm
I'm also really bad at having ever seen any films ever, so if that was a cultural reference it's just completely passed me by!

Let's just say that while "Bullitt" didn't feature a hockey player or depression there was quite a bit of San Francisco, mostly at speeds in excess of 100 mph ;D

And proper car chase scenes, none of this modern cgi rubbish!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 23 August, 2015, 05:38:45 pm
Predestination
Time travel drama with Ethan Hawke.  An ok central conceit but the resolution was pretty obvious.  You really aren't missing anything if you don't see this one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 23 August, 2015, 05:48:48 pm
Predestination
Time travel drama with Ethan Hawke.  An ok central conceit but the resolution was pretty obvious.  You really aren't missing anything if you don't see this one.

I saw that too. Did I not post on it? Whatever.

Yes, it will give you the usual time-travel paradox headache but I did quite like it. I kind of like the notion that someone could be be a product of time travel and not actually exist in any particular time. The ending reminded me of some other film, I think Bruce Willis was in it, where the time traveller realised they had to kill themselves to stop history being repeated (not as simplistic as that, but that's the essense)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 23 August, 2015, 06:05:01 pm
Bruce Willis.  Was it pulp fiction?

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 23 August, 2015, 06:15:47 pm
Yes, that was the one. I remember sod all about it in truth!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 August, 2015, 06:47:36 pm
Bruce Willis.  Was it pulp fiction?

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Oi! Willis has been in a LOT of time-travel movies (12 Monkeys being the best - how did people not understand the plot of that?? - leave it Matt ... ), but Pulp Fiction was NOT one of them!

(Its also a very good film. So there. )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 August, 2015, 06:57:19 pm
Pulp Fiction does have a non-linear narrative though.

We watched All Or Nothing last night, at the request of the boy, who has lately become interested in Mike Leigh. Fine film but I couldn't stick it. I really was not in the mood for so much grimness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 23 August, 2015, 09:15:01 pm
the Daarjeeling Limited

Continuing the series of Wes Anderson films.  This one, set in India, was rather superfluous.  So far, Wes has delivered two goodies, two average films and one I don't think I'd watch too soon in the future.  Next up, the fantastic Mr fox.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 August, 2015, 09:22:27 pm
For the first time, Jurassic World.  Not bad, a bit predictable but the way the final big dinosaur fight ended made me LOL.

Last watched: Candyman which is a superior slasher, even if Tony Todd is a bit too genial-looking to be really scary.  And you can see the strings when he flies backwards out of the psychiatrist's office window.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 25 August, 2015, 04:58:36 am
The Fantastic Mr Fox
Adaptation of a Roald Dahl book, directed by Wes Anderson, done as stop motion animation.  Has some of the dark sensibilities of Dahl (starving out foxes from their foxhole etc) and a thread of humour runs through it.  I didn't quite engage with it though, possibly because I found George Clooneys characterisation of Mr Fox a bit smug and monotonous (see my view of Clooney in most of his films).  Offsetting that, the animation was fine (but more Nightmare at Xmas than Wallace and Gromit in feel) and the story clipped along.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 25 August, 2015, 08:15:08 am
The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson

'an uplifting ode to life in this celebration of Dr Feelgood's Wilko Johnson and his battle against cancer.'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 28 August, 2015, 05:25:12 pm
Moonlight Kingdom

The last of the films in my Wes Anderson watch through.  Follows the template, but the setting is one of the more interesting ones in his canon - basically a light, quirky comedy following the adventures of two 12 year old misfits and the reaction of their small community to them absconding.  Charming and worth 90 minutes of anyone's life.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 29 August, 2015, 08:45:49 pm
Trash

Didn't live up to the name.  Not a bad wee film, even if it tries to take on a significance it doesn't merit.  despite being written by Richard Curtis, it doesn't have too many implausible and sickeningly sweet scenarios.  (You might tell I went into this expecting not to like it and ended feeling slightly charmed).  Anyway, Brazilian kids get mixed up in corruption and try to resolve the situation.  Decent premise, largely delivered upon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pancho on 29 August, 2015, 08:53:42 pm
45 Years

Only a slight exaggeration to say that's almost how long it's been since Mrs P and I went to the flicks together.

Shame the cinema's projector technology died before the film started - and after 30 mins waiting it was declared "off" and we all trooped out and queued for a refund.

So it wasn't the last film I watched, more accurately, it was the last film I tried to watch.

Bit of a bummer, really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 31 August, 2015, 03:49:49 am
Kill Bill Vol 1 & 2

Wanted to see if it was as bad as I remembered and it was...partly because Uma Thurman is utterly and completely unconvincing as a martial artist.
Easily Tarantinos worst film(s), although it/they does have it's moments.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 31 August, 2015, 09:04:22 am
About Time

Richard Curtis. I lasted about 25 minutes before I had to turn it off.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 31 August, 2015, 04:23:56 pm
That's at least 25 minutes more than I managed. I gave up when I found out it was a Richard Curtis film. Which was several weeks before I didn't watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 31 August, 2015, 08:11:18 pm
I'd like to go back in time and unwatch the few Richard Curtis films I may have accidentally watched.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 31 August, 2015, 08:21:33 pm
Wolfpack

Interesting and engaging documentary about the Angelo family, who were largely locked away from the world as they grew up, maintaining a vague link to it through films.  A strangely upbeat film about finding identity and burgeoning adulthood if it is given a chink through which to blossom.  Or something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 31 August, 2015, 09:07:15 pm
About Time

Richard Curtis. I lasted about 25 minutes before I had to turn it off.

Yebbut, Bill Nighy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 31 August, 2015, 10:48:32 pm
LA Story

Inspired by seeing a picture of Steve Martin somewhere, I splashed a couple of £ on this early 90s satire/romcom that I remembered as being "not bad" and "not as annoying as Steve Martin's earlier work". 

It's a bit confused in places, and the satire a bit blunt and sprawling (like LA) but it has an easy charm and a gentle flow of light comedy that provides relief to the thin plot about fate and the like.  I think its biggest issue is that Curb Your Enthusiasm had a similar situation and it's difficult to watch LA Story without contrasting it with Larry David's comedy, and for LA Story to fall short.  But the memory of it being "not bad" was justified.

That said, LA Story does have bonus Rick Moranis. With one of the worst English accents committed to celluloid. Bless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 03 September, 2015, 05:11:39 pm
L'Eclisse

At BFI Southbank.  B&W.  Subtitled from Italian.  Artier than one half of Simon and Garfunkel.  Off the pretention scale; the natural domain of those who stroke beards and feel slightly too warm in their polyester polo necks.

It was. Okay.  Vaguely interesting, some of the time.  Unnerving and vaguely threatening in parts.  But long languid periods where not much happens, so there is an overall sense of there only being the most fleeting of stories.  The ending is a real "WTF" experience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2015, 10:49:01 am
Gone Girl

Had low expectations due to a) having read the book, and b) Ben Affleck, but it was actually rather good. Better than the book, in fact - the ending seemed a lot less silly than the book, and a lot more sinister. I have mixed feelings about David Fincher but he was exactly the right director for this.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 07 September, 2015, 12:10:41 pm
Am reading Gone Girl ATM, so thanks for putting whatever you've put under the spoiler under the spoiler!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 September, 2015, 12:59:12 pm
Am reading Gone Girl ATM, so thanks for putting whatever you've put under the spoiler under the spoiler!

It's only a spoiler if you're less than halfway through the book, but I thought it best to err on the safe side!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 07 September, 2015, 05:42:15 pm
Leon  Gary Oldman was great as a bad guy.  Pity he grew a Ned Flanders moustache and turned into a good guy since the turn of the century.

Annie Hall Woody Allen's best film?  Possibly.  Certainly one of the better ones.  Diane Keaton holds the film together, whilst Woody does a stand up routine around it, being too clever by half.  Has some great moments and lines.  What d'you think? D'you like it? (if you've seen it, that should make sense...)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 09 September, 2015, 04:54:13 am
Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Some superbly acid lines for Maggie Smith. On being asked how she had found America:

I went with low expectations and came back disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 09 September, 2015, 06:39:16 am
Like Father Like Son Japanese film about paternity. Premise is two families find out their sons were swapped at birth and they have to decide whether to swap 6 year old boys or keep them. Quite a subdued film but interesting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 12 September, 2015, 01:35:47 pm
imitation game
Was not that great a script, but Sherlock wasn't bad.

I'm also rattling through the films of the Coen Brothers.  Blood Simple, Fargo and Raising Arizona so far.  All good.  There's at least one Classic in that list, and I'm looking forward to watching the other half dozen or so Coen films I've got lined up this month.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 12 September, 2015, 08:01:39 pm
Like Father Like Son Japanese film about paternity. Premise is two families find out their sons were swapped at birth and they have to decide whether to swap 6 year old boys or keep them. Quite a subdued film but interesting.

So it is rather different to the similar plot (stretching things) in "Leon the Pig Farmer"...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 12 September, 2015, 11:20:47 pm
PK

Not entirely the full Monty, Bollywoodwise; there were no comas, no emergency childbirths, and only occasionally random song and dance.

Kind of a cross between Mr Bean and ET.

Entertaining, but very long.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 September, 2015, 12:08:28 am
Pride

I was expecting it to be more like Billy Elliot. I hated Billy Elliot. I loved Pride. A bit cheesy and I suspect some liberties have been taken with the truth, but it works really well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 September, 2015, 12:38:00 pm
Fight Club, because I read the book* while bored in Basingstoke the other week, and I'd not seen the movie for years, and the ever erudite Citoyen mentioned David Fincher. Takes mostly from book which is no bad thing, and is still brilliant with the everyman Norton, the brash Pitt, and the scatty catty Bonham-Carter. Good god, was that 1999.

*the author's afterword in the current edition is priceless, especially if you didn't like Margaret Thatcher. And that's obviously a thing of which I do not approve.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 13 September, 2015, 02:29:08 pm
I just watched Wyrmwood (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyrmwood), and it was impressively good for a Zombie film that cost $160000 to make.

It's worth watching if you get the chance, and enjoy the Zombie genre, but I wouldn't spend too much money on it.  I watched it as part of my free Amazon Prime usage, before I cancel it.  It's one of the few films I've seen on there, which was worth more than I paid for it (ie nothing!)

Initially it seemed like a fairly straightforward end-of-the-world Zombpocalypse film, but it does have a few amusing and relatively original elements.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Katie on 13 September, 2015, 04:10:58 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy, because my boss and I are working our way through the entire cinematic universe in canon order, and we needed some lighthearded relief following the finale of Agents of SHIELD S01… rather liked it. May have fallen in love with Groot. Though the phrase "pelvic sorcery" still has me in stitches nearly 18 hours later…
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 September, 2015, 04:43:21 pm
Fight Club, because I read the book* while bored in Basingstoke the other week, and I'd not seen the movie for years, and the ever erudite Citoyen mentioned David Fincher. Takes mostly from book which is no bad thing, and is still brilliant with the everyman Norton, the brash Pitt, and the scatty catty Bonham-Carter. Good god, was that 1999.

Ssshhhh!  You're not supposed to mention that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 13 September, 2015, 05:22:33 pm
Legend.  Violent but not as violent as the Krays really were.  Robert Hardy put in a great double act as both twins at once and overall it was a reasonably good film altho' it was a cameo, as to tell the whole story it'd need a lot longer and to start earlier in their evil lives.

Mesrine  Violent real life story of the French criminal (or 'Robin Hood'!) a contemporary of the Krays, mostly operating in Paris.  Although sub-titles are needed unless you understand French very well, it was a better, more serious portrayal of an intelligent but ruthless individual. In two parts as it showed his brutalisation and descent into crime starting when he was a young serviceman and continuing to his sticky end.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 September, 2015, 05:29:10 pm
IIRC Bernard Bonvoisin, singer of shouty French lefty metaillists Trust, used to go out with Jacques Mesrine's daughter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 13 September, 2015, 06:36:44 pm
Avengers: Age of Ultron

It's released on Bluray tomorrow, so I watched it today. You've got to love delivery on the day of release, that arrives early. ;D

It's good fun and silliness.  I'd never claim that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe) films are works of outstanding cinematic worth, but they're all easy and enjoyable to watch.

I think I've found the films involving groups of people, like the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy films, to be the better ones.  There are more characters to play off of each other.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 September, 2015, 08:56:18 pm
I'm pretty sure I've filled up with "gas" containing an additive called "Ultron" on this trip ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 September, 2015, 10:59:43 am
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 September, 2015, 02:36:38 pm
The worlds end

I'm going to ignore the end, because that was carp.

The rest of the film is brilliant, easily their best. Simon pegg plays a blinder, helped by a great cohort. I bet they had a lot of fun making this.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 14 September, 2015, 03:52:30 pm
United 93- A dramatic reconstruction (as opposed to a documentary) around the hijacking of the flight on 11/9/2001, the activity in various air traffic control and command and control centres and the subsequent intervention by the passengers of the flight.

A good insight into to the chaos that ensued in ATC and C&C as the attack developed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 14 September, 2015, 04:00:51 pm
Legend.  Violent but not as violent as the Krays really were.  Robert Hardy put in a great double act as both twins at once.

This made me laugh a lot.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 14 September, 2015, 08:28:54 pm
United 93- A dramatic reconstruction (as opposed to a documentary) around the hijacking of the flight on 11/9/2001, the activity in various air traffic control and command and control centres and the subsequent intervention by the passengers of the flight.

A good insight into to the chaos that ensued in ATC and C&C as the attack developed.

Thanks!

I watched this. I was affected.

The Fog of War. Yay!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 17 September, 2015, 07:29:13 am
Straight outta Compton.

An everyday story of a group of black lads from “da hood” who made it big; forgot where they came from; lost their friendship to money, power, sex and drugs, but who came back together on the death of a friend.

Enjoyable if you like the music and can accept the casual sexism, racism and violence as being of the time. From what I remember from the news and music magazines, LA was not a nice place to live back then, as the Rodney King attack showed.

Not a movie for the Sunday afternoon on Channel 5 but worth £8 of my money.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 September, 2015, 09:43:03 am
Legend.  Violent but not as violent as the Krays really were.  Robert Hardy put in a great double act as both twins at once.

This made me laugh a lot.

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Thanks, I'm not great at remembering actors!  Never mind directors:-[   Winston Churchill was of course Robert Hardy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pancho on 17 September, 2015, 12:06:17 pm
Fight Club, because I read the book* while bored in Basingstoke the other week, and I'd not seen the movie for years, and the ever erudite Citoyen mentioned David Fincher. Takes mostly from book which is no bad thing, and is still brilliant with the everyman Norton, the brash Pitt, and the scatty catty Bonham-Carter. Good god, was that 1999.

Indeed. This film has been on my "should watch it sometime" list since its release. Watched it a couple of months ago at my daughter's instigation and couldn't believe it was that long. What happened to the years?

It's above mentioned daughter's favourite film and, I have to say, I liked it. Not often I say that about films - which I generally find a far too short format.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 17 September, 2015, 12:41:27 pm
Prometheus. Now then.

With the robot ( he of: "Ooh, look out Dr Shaw, he's coming to get you") who is bodiless at this point in the film, informs Dr Shaw that they can still escape the planet, because "There are other spaceships they can use."

That's all very well.

My point is: given the chaps and ladies were in a state of 'human suspension' for their two-year trip to the planet, relying on Mr Robot to 'waken' them, then how exactly is Dr Shaw going to achieve this then?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 September, 2015, 10:13:08 pm
Nothing in Prometheus makes sense. It's a movie entirely constructed from things that don't make sense. It's what happens if we sent the planet's most stupid people, a robot that's stupid, to annoy a really a stupid alien. It's supercritical stupid. A big juddery volcano of stupid. A whirly planet of stupid orbited by moons of stupid and ringed with rings of stupid. A  straining neutron star of stupid where every teaspoon of its matter is more stupid that can ever be comprehended even by a giant AI built to understand stupid. It's the swinging, clanging, banging Newton's Balls of stupid. It's the big black hole of stupid, so stupid that only stupid can escape its stupid grasp. Pumping out giant waves of cosmic stupid that fry your brain into slices of popping and spitting frazzled stupid. That's how stupid that movie is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 17 September, 2015, 11:24:57 pm
Would you like to come down off the fence and tell us what you really think?  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 18 September, 2015, 07:10:46 am
I actually just watched it again last week, thinking that it couldn't have been *that* bad..but it really is. It makes me upset how bad it was. All that amazing IP completely wasted.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 September, 2015, 08:55:07 am
I actually just watched it again last week, thinking that it couldn't have been *that* bad..but it really is. It makes me upset how bad it was. All that amazing IP completely wasted.
Agreed.

It is quite incredibly horribly bad. One of the very few times I've come out of the cinema actually angry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 18 September, 2015, 09:29:09 am
Thank you for those considered views chaps.With a few pints under your belt, that sort of rationalisation makes perfect sense.

I've remembered another point that left me saying: "You stupid women!," even as they were still doing it. When the two women were attempting to run away from the crashed 'alien' spacecraft, rather than run at an 90 degree angle from it, they ran with it. Maybe it was the Director's point to show the boys and girls in the cinema, just how fit these actresses are. It also showed how gullible the Director suspects we are.

Often in film, you can accept a certain 'suspension of disbelief', allowing that "It's only a film," but surely they should have had a 'show-of-hands' on set, and asked how many would, if "A car was chasing them", for example, would continue to run directly in front of it, rather than go to one side.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 18 September, 2015, 09:53:03 am
If the YACF politburo ever need to torture Ian, they need only lock him in a cell and show him Prometheus and The Martian on a 24 hour loop  :D.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 September, 2015, 09:55:32 am
My anger started when they reached the planet.

A whole planet to search. They are in a spacecraft, in orbit. So what happens next?

They land the spacecraft. Co-coincidently right next to what they are searching for. Wow, how lucky was that?

The interstellar spacecraft that turns out to be remarkably good at landing on planets. Offs
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 September, 2015, 10:07:42 am
It's hard to know where to start when you've an entire galaxy of stupid to contend. But firstly, you're planning a mission to the stars, I dunno, wouldn't you like pack some actual scientists that know science and stuff. Why's the robot even there? Why the old bloke? Why not get an actual old bloke to play an old bloke (I've seen old people, I know they exist). Why? Why? Why? The 'whys' just bubble up until you're frothed and overflowing with whys. I'll tell you why. Because it's stupid, that's why.

In a movie that less jumps the shark than performs trapeze over the top of them the defining moment – and perhaps the most stupid moment in modern cinema, and there's not exactly a shortage – is when the scientist on discovering a the alien snake thing starts to couchie-coo it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 September, 2015, 11:04:21 am
I've never felt much need to see Prometheus but I'm beginning to feel like I'm missing out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 September, 2015, 11:57:30 am
In a movie that less jumps the shark than performs trapeze over the top of them the defining moment – and perhaps the most stupid moment in modern cinema, and there's not exactly a shortage – is when the scientist on discovering a the alien snake thing starts to couchie-coo it.
No I think that is surpassed by the caesarian section followed by sit-up like movements. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 September, 2015, 12:29:31 pm
I'll raise you the alien head. Imagine you're a top scientist and you, as the first person in human history, find a bonafide alien head. What do you do with it?

Take it back home and wire it to the mains? Because it might re-start it? Well, I suppose it worked for Dr Frankenstein.

Oh and then it blows up for not much reason either. I suppose the lesson we should take home from this is that if you find an alien head don't simply wire it to a HV source. Try a 9v battery first. Or, I dunno, do some biology on it because in the grand scheme of science dead things generally don't re-animate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 18 September, 2015, 12:35:05 pm
I saw Prometheus in the first week of release, and was, like everyone else on the planet, annoyed by teh stupid and disappointed by the lost potential.

I am also a regular Secret Cinema attender (immersive cinema experience with dressing up, live actors, imaginative set and a film unknown in advance). Usually, the films they put on are of the quality cult variety (Battle of Algiers, Miller's Crossing, Third Man, Brazil etc.) You can imagine my delight when two days after seeing Prometheus I turned up at Secret Cinema only to find it was Prometheus.

Although I did get to kiss an android. Which was nice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 18 September, 2015, 03:05:38 pm
Good job it wasn't Alien Jo. You'd have had to say:"No tongues!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 September, 2015, 04:21:06 pm
I saw Prometheus in the first week of release, and was, like everyone else on the planet, annoyed by teh stupid and disappointed by the lost potential.

I am also a regular Secret Cinema attender (immersive cinema experience with dressing up, live actors, imaginative set and a film unknown in advance). Usually, the films they put on are of the quality cult variety (Battle of Algiers, Miller's Crossing, Third Man, Brazil etc.) You can imagine my delight when two days after seeing Prometheus I turned up at Secret Cinema only to find it was Prometheus.
This is a story so twisted and horrible, it could only really happen in something like Tales of the Unexpected. It's too horrible to even dismiss as "A First World Problem".

People of YACF: before you rant on here about the pain of sitting through some rubbish movie, reread jo's sorry story above. And think on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 September, 2015, 07:00:33 pm
The thing about Prometheus is that it's both astoundingly and resoundingly bad. And it didn't have to be, they had the money, a director with enough reputation to stand up to the producers, and one hell of a platform to jump from. Who doesn't love Alien (OK, with the exception of my mum) and its claustrophobic suspense. Now we all know what it's like to be stuck in a spaceship with an alien that wants to play mummy with your tummy. Then there was Aliens, possibly the best movie ever made. What didn't that have? Gun-totin' sassy talkin' space marines. Check. Plasma rifles with LED digits. Check. Metric fucktonnes of aliens with bad attitudes and acid blood. Check. Feisty heroine who ain't no one's sidekick or love interest. Check. Corporate douchebags. Check. Needless flashy lights and steam. Check. Self-destruct in fifteen minutes. Check. And a major alien ass-kicking finale. Frankly that's my brain on Chuck Norris.

Now to be honest, I know everyone complains about the Phantom Menace spreading its buttocks wide and unclenching on the entire Star Wars franchise, but these people forget Ewoks. OK, the final two Alien films are forgettable but we all know franchises should stop at two. The third always sucks like Dyson during a power surge. Prometheus was more disappointing because it was insultingly bad, like they thought, they're all idiots anyway, who cares. I mean, come on, they hired the guy who wrote the script for the last season of Lost. Accidents like that don't just happen. It's a movie that laughs at you from the beginning and laughs so hard that it leaks so much wee by the end that it needs to change its underpants. It's pointing its finger at you, telling its movie friends, look at that idiot. It must have been deliberately bad, they had decent actors in Theron, Idris, and Fassbender, which they mostly wasted. Did no one at any point in that production from first reading the script put up their hand and say 'erm, hold on a minute, I don't want to be awkward, but really?'

Edit: oh, as mentioned, they stole the plot wholesale from Mission to Mars, a movie that couldn't even be bothered trying to be any good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 21 September, 2015, 09:26:35 am
Ian. You'd have been further disappointed had you bothered to watch some of the Director's cuts. They cut out (no pun intended) the part in the alien labyrinth system where Harry Corbett pops up and questions of Sooty: "What's that Sooty. Sue's got a bun in the oven … and it's an'alien!!?"

I couldn't watch any further. Perhaps there were others I missed …
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 21 September, 2015, 03:36:59 pm
Ian. You'd have been further disappointed had you bothered to watch some of the Director's cuts. They cut out (no pun intended) the part in the alien labyrinth system where Harry Corbett pops up and questions of Sooty: "What's that Sooty. Sue's got a bun in the oven … and it's an'alien!!?"

That was the point where I felt the CGI had got out of hand.  I mean, Harry Corbett's dead isn't he?  Even I know that...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 September, 2015, 03:42:43 pm
You do know that re-imagining Prometheus with the cast of Sooty and Sweep really makes it all make sense. Perhaps they weren't available for casting at the time. As the useless top lady science bod on the spaceship justified her multi-trillion dollar bug hunt, 'I choose to believe' (that's how science works, kids). I choose to believe this movie would have been better had it starred Sooty.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 September, 2015, 03:45:00 pm
You do know that re-imagining Prometheus with the cast of Sooty and Sweep really makes it all make sense. Perhaps they weren't available for casting at the time. As the useless top lady science bod on the spaceship justified her multi-trillion dollar bug hunt, 'I choose to believe' (that's how science works, kids). I choose to believe this movie would have been better had it starred Sooty.

Nope. Prometheus is crying out to be redone with Zig and Zag (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zig_and_Zag_(puppets))
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 September, 2015, 03:55:22 pm
Oh, what a lovely war.  Great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 September, 2015, 04:57:21 pm
You do know that re-imagining Prometheus with the cast of Sooty and Sweep really makes it all make sense. Perhaps they weren't available for casting at the time. As the useless top lady science bod on the spaceship justified her multi-trillion dollar bug hunt, 'I choose to believe' (that's how science works, kids). I choose to believe this movie would have been better had it starred Sooty.

Fending off marauding aliens with a water pistol?  I'd pay good money to see that, though not much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 21 September, 2015, 05:05:17 pm
<Harry Corbett> "Oh, what a mess. Bye-bye everybody, bye-bye."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 September, 2015, 05:06:21 pm
You do know that re-imagining Prometheus with the cast of Sooty and Sweep really makes it all make sense. Perhaps they weren't available for casting at the time. As the useless top lady science bod on the spaceship justified her multi-trillion dollar bug hunt, 'I choose to believe' (that's how science works, kids). I choose to believe this movie would have been better had it starred Sooty.

Fending off marauding aliens with a water pistol?  I'd pay good money to see that, though not much.

Dan Dare, Rogue Planet, 1955.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 22 September, 2015, 08:40:09 am
Ian. You'd have been further disappointed had you bothered to watch some of the Director's cuts. They cut out (no pun intended) the part in the alien labyrinth system where Harry Corbett pops up and questions of Sooty: "What's that Sooty. Sue's got a bun in the oven … and it's an'alien!!?"

I couldn't watch any further. Perhaps there were others I missed …

That's so bad it must surely be good, no? 

It's like art, it shows that bad stuff happens.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 22 September, 2015, 09:21:53 am
John Wick

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Was surprisingly OK.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 22 September, 2015, 07:24:05 pm
Mad Max (Yeah, the original one with the racist weirdo actor).

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 22 September, 2015, 07:33:23 pm
Mad Max (Yeah, the original one with the racist weirdo actor).

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You're not the only one.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 22 September, 2015, 07:50:46 pm
Avengers: Age of Megatron (or some such)

Well it filled a boring evening.

We *tried*to watch Atlantic Rim. I really did try, honest, but it is so bad it goes all the way through good and back into the realms of BAD again!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 September, 2015, 08:51:42 am
Mad Max (Yeah, the original one with the racist weirdo actor).

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You're not the only one.

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Definitely not the only one. I'm a big fan of the 2nd movie. The first is as described by Kim.
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 23 September, 2015, 12:21:02 pm
The one positive thing about Prometheus, is that it is very pretty.  Yes, the whole landing scenario is somewhat ludicrous for many many reason, but it looks good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 September, 2015, 01:39:10 pm
Ridley Scott films usually do, going all the way back to The Duellists.  He always works with great cinematographers, including people like Roger Deakins who shot Blade Runner.

Pity he didn't work with a great scriptwriter on Prometheus.  His output has become increasingly tangled with thoughts of religion over recent years rather than science and Prometheus is arguably a very religious SF film, as well as a very bad one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 September, 2015, 01:51:51 pm
Mad Max (Yeah, the original one with the racist weirdo actor).

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I liked the Goose's brolola song, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 September, 2015, 02:22:20 pm
The one positive thing about Prometheus, is that it is very pretty.  Yes, the whole landing scenario is somewhat ludicrous for many many reason, but it looks good.

On this basis I'm expecting a disappointingly accurate Mars in The Martian.  A la Europa Report.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 September, 2015, 03:41:30 pm
^^^ But please God no zombies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 23 September, 2015, 04:41:44 pm
Ian will be pleased  ;D

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/23/ridley-scott-three-more-prometheus-films-alien?CMP=fb_gu
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 September, 2015, 08:47:05 pm
I'm available to write the damn scripts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 24 September, 2015, 09:32:45 am
There's no point entertaining the idea of Sooty and Sweep. They never made the finished film, as I mentioned.

It's a pickle who to consider isn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 September, 2015, 10:47:53 am
I'm thinking we base it on Rentaghost. Really, I'm writing the script in my head right now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 24 September, 2015, 11:58:43 am
It seems to be the way of ageing male SF writers towards the end of their careers to flog to death the very things that made their names.  Arthur C. Clarke with his pretty bad later Rama books (the less said about the third Odyssey book the better)* and Frank Herbert taking a huge dump on the Dune franchise, although nowhere near as badly as his son Brian and Kevin J. Anderson did, with prequels that made the Star Wars prequels look like Shaft. That was a veritable airstrike of ordure.

Ridley Scott is just continuing in that fine tradition through the medium of film.  I genuinely wonder if he is ruminating on mortality and his thoughts are turning towards the spiritual – hence Kingdom of Heaven**, Exodus: Gods & Kings and the religious aspects of Prometheus?  I remember towards the end of Johnny Cash’s career his songs got a lot more questioning (although he did record a lot of Gospel songs way back too).  A far cry from the wonderful nastiness of “I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die”.

He can feel Satan’s hand-mine clutching at his ankle maybe. 



*Arthur C. Clarke got a lot of the science around space travel very right in his early books, hardly surprising considering he was contributing to the actual science at the time.  Like an awful lot of SF authors, he wasn’t that accurate about computers – either overstating their potential development (HAL) – or understating it.  There’s a bit in one of his books, possibly Odyssey 2010 where a character speculates on a line, I think from Shakespeare and then sets a computer to find out where it’s from. I can’t remember but it takes something like 15 to 20 minutes to churn it out.

On rereading the book at some point in the mid 2000s I idly speculated on how long it would take an actual computer to do that now.  I think from thinking that to finding it out took about three minutes, most of which was time spent walking to the room my PC was in and then powering up and logging on.

Now, finding that out would probably only take as long as the time to type or speak the search line into my phone.

Very few people really truly predicted the absolute ubiquity of hand held mobile computing that we now experience.  Iain Banks at a book reading was talking about the ‘Terminals’ that people in the Culture use – he held up his iPhone and said “This is it, here and now” (actually he was talking about SF at the time so I suppose it was Iain M. Banks talking but he was physically co-located with Iain Banks at the time. Neither seemed to mind).***

** Which is a fine film, especially in the Director’s Cut.  No it is. Shut up.

*** I was once told categorically by a bookshop owner on the Kentish Town Road that they were two different people and would not be convinced they were one of the same, I think because of genre fiction prejudice reasons.  My assertion that I had met them both about a fortnight before and bought them a beer it at a book signing fell on wilfully deaf ears (only one beer. They shared it).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 September, 2015, 01:21:42 pm
Ridley Scott is just continuing in that fine tradition through the medium of film.  I genuinely wonder if he is ruminating on mortality and his thoughts are turning towards the spiritual – hence Kingdom of Heaven**,
I'm pretty sure that the last words said in that film are "If this is the kingdom of heaven, god can keep it." or something very like that.

I actually liked that film, and liked it more when I found out it was largely based on historical events (it was three brothers who bankrupted themselves ransoming the citizens of the entire city).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 26 September, 2015, 04:08:54 pm
Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1

Quite faithful to the book, which is a problem because the last book of the trilogy was boring.  As always for films with this budget, there were some good scenes. The night raid springs to mind.  But it just doesn't have a strong enough progression.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 01 October, 2015, 10:36:52 am
Everest  Not i-max.  Very believable portrayal of what it must be like both the trophy-hunting competitiveness to the way in which extreme conditions can bite you on the bum very fast.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 01 October, 2015, 11:09:28 am
Everest convinced me that the very small part of me that was thinking about how cool it would be to climb to the Roof of the World can STFU.  It's just not in my DNA to put myself in that kind of position.  Even when the conditions looked good in the film, it still appeared a hostile environment.  I guess that means that it is a fairly good representation of the challenge such things represents.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 October, 2015, 02:27:27 pm
The Martian.

Pretty good.  7/10.

Rather like Gravity but slower-paced.  I liked the problem-solving aspect that ran throughout the film.  Like a tense version of Lemmings.

Watched it in 2D as I've had enough of wearing Buddy Holly glasses for limited benefit.

I've not been to the cinema for a while now and, to be honest, I think it's only worth going if:

1) You absolutely must see the film right now (it's bloody expensive)

2) You don't have a big TV, Blu-Ray player and external sound system. (The quality on a decent home system is right up there now).

3) You don't mind the distraction of everyone around you feeding their face for 2 hours. (I do mind it.  I never understood the link between watching a film and constant grazing).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 October, 2015, 03:18:31 pm
Everest convinced me that the very small part of me that was thinking about how cool it would be to climb to the Roof of the World can STFU.  It's just not in my DNA to put myself in that kind of position.  Even when the conditions looked good in the film, it still appeared a hostile environment.  I guess that means that it is a fairly good representation of the challenge such things represents.

Haven't seen EverestTouching the Void remains the best climbing film I've seen, though North Face is pretty good too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 October, 2015, 03:34:19 pm
The Martian.

Pretty good.  7/10.

Rather like Gravity but slower-paced.  I liked the problem-solving aspect that ran throughout the film.  Like a tense version of Lemmings.

The rumours on the interwebs are that it's surprisingly Not Shit.  I eagerly await ian's review.



Quote
I've not been to the cinema for a while now and, to be honest, I think it's only worth going if:

1) You absolutely must see the film right now (it's bloody expensive)

2) You don't have a big TV, Blu-Ray player and external sound system. (The quality on a decent home system is right up there now).

3) You don't mind the distraction of everyone around you feeding their face for 2 hours. (I do mind it.  I never understood the link between watching a film and constant grazing).

I'm inclined to agree.

also:

4) You don't mind someone else setting the sound level (invariably slightly too high, unless it's a sufficiently small or arty cinema that still employs projectionists).

5) Subtitles.  Good luck with those (http://www.yourlocalcinema.com/), unless it's in Forrin.

6) Crap seats, mobile phones, smells, sticky floor, lack of loo breaks, etc.


Also, as my vision has deteriorated to the point where big screens are limited to PAL resolution without wearing my glasses (which are inevitably scratched and smudged, if not actively uncomfortable), I've developed a general preference for watching small screens at close range.  With headphones, because a decent set of cans beats umpty.1 surround any day.  This makes me a philistine, I'm sure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 October, 2015, 04:05:39 pm
Hmm, I'm not scheduled to see The Martian yet. It might make a decentish movie, Robinson Crusoe vs. Apollo 13. That's a big stretchy elastic inadvertent-whack-you-in-the-face band of a might.

I only see movies in the Imax these days which offers a very big screen (the biggest in the UK or Europe, depending on who's doing the intro and what day it is) and a vaguely civilized environment, the ticket prices keep the riff-raff out and we book the posh seats at the back, so generally there's no mobile phone interruptions or chronic chatterers. They still hold with the idea that crunchy, scratchy food and gloopy sauces are compatible with (a) watching a movie and (b) in the dark. Generally the Imax sound is seismically loud enough to drown out the most determined tortilla chip cruncher and the torch function on a mobile phone ensures you don't sit in the last showing's spilled cheesy gloop and salsa.

The last time I went to normal cinema it was basically like sitting in the grubby living room of a family of inveterate crisp munchers who weren't about to pause their mobile conversation for anything other than to shovel more junk into into their maw.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 October, 2015, 04:47:19 pm
The Martian.

Pretty good.  7/10.

Rather like Gravity but slower-paced.  I liked the problem-solving aspect that ran throughout the film.  Like a tense version of Lemmings.

The rumours on the interwebs are that it's surprisingly Not Shit...


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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 October, 2015, 04:54:08 pm
The Martian.

Pretty good.  7/10.

Rather like Gravity but slower-paced.  I liked the problem-solving aspect that ran throughout the film.  Like a tense version of Lemmings.

The rumours on the interwebs are that it's surprisingly Not Shit...


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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 October, 2015, 05:03:42 pm
Question re the science relating to The Martian.

How dense is the atmosphere on Mars at 'Sea Level' in relation to at the summit of Everest?

I ask cos the air is almost too thin to breathe on Everest but it can truly cause serious damage can't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 October, 2015, 05:10:24 pm
Question re the science relating to The Martian.

How dense is the atmosphere on Mars at 'Sea Level' in relation to at the summit of Everest?

I ask cos the air is almost too thin to breathe on Everest but it can truly cause serious damage can't it?

Atmospheric pressure at whatever passes for sea-level on Mars is about 0.09 psi (just over half a per cent Earth mean sea level)

Everest is about 5 psi (I use old units because we're bicyclists), so the pressure on Mars is about 2% the top of Everest. It's also mostly (95%) carbon dioxide.

Not much scope for a windy day.

High altitude is bad in two main ways, oxygen deprivation and oedema caused by the reduced pressure. You'd die pretty quick outside on Mars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 01 October, 2015, 06:10:57 pm
You die pretty quickly outside on Mars? Yes, I remember that from Total Recall :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 01 October, 2015, 07:38:57 pm
In fairness, the author does admit he stretched credulity with the wind strength. Shame it was such a fundamental plot point  ;D.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 October, 2015, 07:42:02 pm
You die pretty quickly outside on Mars? Yes, I remember that from Total Recall :D
Bzzt

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 October, 2015, 11:37:29 am
You die pretty quickly outside on Mars? Yes, I remember that from Total Recall :D
Bzzt

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 October, 2015, 12:18:21 pm
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 02 October, 2015, 01:08:51 pm
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 October, 2015, 01:38:38 pm
The Martian.

Pretty good.  7/10.

Rather like Gravity but slower-paced.  I liked the problem-solving aspect that ran throughout the film.  Like a tense version of Lemmings.

The rumours on the interwebs are that it's surprisingly Not Shit...


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Yebbut it's so fucking elementary.  :sick:  Even Gravity didn't strain physics quite so offensively.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 October, 2015, 01:50:28 pm
My gripe about That Book wasn't the liberties with science, but that people keep saying it's so accurate. Which since it starts with a clanger (sadly not an actual Clanger) and then in the couple of chapters I managed, several others, it's evidently not very accurate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 October, 2015, 02:05:05 pm
My gripe about That Book wasn't the liberties with science, but that people keep saying it's so accurate. Which since it starts with a clanger (sadly not an actual Clanger) and then in the couple of chapters I managed, several others, it's evidently not very accurate.

It's really not.  Even without the storm or the complete failure to address radiation[1], the hydrazine thing is ridiculously impractical.  And let's not mention the natural curiosity of potatoes.  And when's the last time you transcribed hundreds of bytes by hand without cocking it up?  While wearing a spacesuit?  It's hard enough in a computer lab.

But hey, it's mainstream fiction with real science (rather than fantasy science[2] or technobabble) driving the plot.  Where engineering competence - and, indeed, failure - is celebrated, rather than feared.  People are saying it's so accurate, but what they mean is that it's making a proper effort not to dumb things down, that this is refreshing, and they want more.

It's MacGyver for the generation who don't remember mullets.  MacGyver was awesome.  Yes, he frequently got the chemistry (deliberately) wrong, and credibility was stretched several times per episode.  But the other half was plausible, and he was an all-American scientifically competent hero who brought a swiss army knife to a gunfight, and won.  Repeatedly.

More of this sort of thing.  Then it can get better.  Maybe people will make exciting films about expeditions to Mars where nothing goes catastrophically wrong.  Maybe people will see them, be inspired, and go on expeditions to Mars.

Or they could just give up and make another film about gangsters and lawyers instead, because nobody[3] whines about those being unrealistic.


[1] Except by hanging a lampshade on the RTG.
[2] The delightful Tony Stark is disqualified on this basis, sadly.
[3] I'm sure there's a legal equivalent of badastronomy.com out there somewhere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 October, 2015, 02:52:58 pm
And when's the last time you transcribed hundreds of bytes by hand without cocking it up?  While wearing a spacesuit?  It's hard enough in a computer lab.

Never. I've absolutely NEVER managed it. I used to spend hours upon hours typing in code from Commodore 64 magazines back in the 80s, and I don't think I got a single one of those programs to work. EVER. And yet I would never learn my lesson, putting myself through the whole Sisyphean rigmarole again when the next month's issue came out...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 02 October, 2015, 02:54:07 pm
It's MacGyver for the generation who don't remember mullets.  MacGyver was awesome.  Yes, he frequently got the chemistry (deliberately) wrong, and credibility was stretched several times per episode.  But the other half was plausible, and he was an all-American scientifically competent hero who brought a swiss army knife to a gunfight, and won.  Repeatedly.

Point of Order (whilst noting that I basically agree with the Hon Mem's speech):
I don't think anyone in the UK remembers MacGyver. I know him/it through bazillions of references in other US popular culture that *did* reach these shores.

Of course we were lucky enough to get the A-Team and Knight Rider  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 02 October, 2015, 02:56:10 pm
Point of Order (whilst noting that I basically agree with the Hon Mem's speech):
I don't think anyone in the UK remembers MacGyver. I know him/it through bazillions of references in other US popular culture that *did* reach these shores.

I do.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 October, 2015, 03:26:18 pm
Don't even mention MacGyver in the same paragraph as That Book, that's hydrazone fuelled blasphemy of the nth order.

But no one claimed that everything MacGyver did was an actual thing, but you could believe it, and no one lectured you extensively on its scientific veracity. And MacGyver could knock up a contraption within five minutes of be locked up in a garage, he didn't take thirty pages of lumbering prose to get around to some contrived solution. Give him a potato, a drainpipe, and a fire extinguisher and you'd have one stunned villain within 30 seconds. Admittedly he's shows he's a Canadian by his unwillingness to use a gun. His highlighted mullet was a splendour for which we are not truly worthy. That was the Jesus haircut.

I also hated that my brief sortie into the early chapters of That Book made science look awesomely dull and that every scientist appears to have no inner life and thinks in dull American cliché. Oh boy, that sure was dull!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 October, 2015, 04:03:34 pm
And when's the last time you transcribed hundreds of bytes by hand without cocking it up?  While wearing a spacesuit?  It's hard enough in a computer lab.

Never. I've absolutely NEVER managed it. I used to spend hours upon hours typing in code from Commodore 64 magazines back in the 80s, and I don't think I got a single one of those programs to work. EVER. And yet I would never learn my lesson, putting myself through the whole Sisyphean rigmarole again when the next month's issue came out...

Now try the same thing but with a rubbery, and hopelessly vague, Speccy keyboard*

*That I seem to remember required more hands than I was equipped with in order to select some of the less well used commands.

Actually the ZX "Stylophone" keyboard was even worse.  Better to use a Ouija board.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 October, 2015, 04:14:46 pm
It's MacGyver for the generation who don't remember mullets.  MacGyver was awesome.  Yes, he frequently got the chemistry (deliberately) wrong, and credibility was stretched several times per episode.  But the other half was plausible, and he was an all-American scientifically competent hero who brought a swiss army knife to a gunfight, and won.  Repeatedly.

Point of Order (whilst noting that I basically agree with the Hon Mem's speech):
I don't think anyone in the UK remembers MacGyver. I know him/it through bazillions of references in other US popular culture that *did* reach these shores.

Of course we were lucky enough to get the A-Team and Knight Rider  ::-)

No one in the UK remembers MacGyver? I do and so does my wife.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 02 October, 2015, 04:23:30 pm
It's MacGyver for the generation who don't remember mullets.  MacGyver was awesome.  Yes, he frequently got the chemistry (deliberately) wrong, and credibility was stretched several times per episode.  But the other half was plausible, and he was an all-American scientifically competent hero who brought a swiss army knife to a gunfight, and won.  Repeatedly.

Point of Order (whilst noting that I basically agree with the Hon Mem's speech):
I don't think anyone in the UK remembers MacGyver. I know him/it through bazillions of references in other US popular culture that *did* reach these shores.

Of course we were lucky enough to get the A-Team and Knight Rider  ::-)

No one in the UK remembers MacGyver? I do and so does my wife.
I am now mystified. What channel/time was it on?

(google says it was made 85-1992ish - but I cant find  a _specific_ reference to UK broadcast. I have honestly never spoken to anyone about watching it in the UK. Stuff from the same period often crops up e.g. standups talk about the A-team. )

Clearly I'm mistaken, but I'd like to know how badly!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 October, 2015, 04:34:06 pm
Got to admit that I can't remember the channel but it was an early evening thing.

I must also admit that it could have coincided with my posting to Gibraltar......

I will check with the font of all knowledge tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 02 October, 2015, 04:42:30 pm
MacGyver was shown on ITV in 1993-94, but only as a handful of episodes from Series 1, 3, 4 and 5. The BBC broadcast some episodes in the 90s as well.

http://www.culttv.plus.com/macgyver.html

The odd episode is currently being broadcast on CBS Action (Freeview channel 137 and Sky channel 148)

http://www.cbsaction.tv/uk/shows.php?title=Macgyver


EDIT - Found by using 'macgvyer uk tv broadcasts (https://www.google.co.uk/?gfe_rd=ssl&ei=oaMOVvbMMdXFaMKBrtAF#q=macgyver+uk+tv+broadcasts)' as search term.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 02 October, 2015, 05:06:36 pm
And when's the last time you transcribed hundreds of bytes by hand without cocking it up?  While wearing a spacesuit?  It's hard enough in a computer lab.

Never. I've absolutely NEVER managed it. I used to spend hours upon hours typing in code from Commodore 64 magazines back in the 80s, and I don't think I got a single one of those programs to work. EVER. And yet I would never learn my lesson, putting myself through the whole Sisyphean rigmarole again when the next month's issue came out...

Now try the same thing but with a rubbery, and hopelessly vague, Speccy keyboard*

*That I seem to remember required more hands than I was equipped with in order to select some of the less well used commands.

Actually the ZX "Stylophone" keyboard was even worse.  Better to use a Ouija board.

Well, if we're going to get all Four Yorkshiremen about it...

Rubber keyboard? You were lucky to have a keyboard. We'd crowd round our shared 1k ZX81 thumping the plastic membrane until we had bloody stumps for fingers. Bytes? Bytes? Height of luxury. You were lucky to have numbers at all. We had to transcribe Z80 assembler instructions as a 40 line REM statement of random ASCII characters from the pages of Your Computer. If you were lucky, you'd run the program, the computer would get hot for a bit, the screen flash white and then switch itself off. But we were happy in those days, although our computers were poor. Because they were poor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 02 October, 2015, 05:21:47 pm
Should have got a BBC Micro.  I was playing an identikit version of Williams Defender on it in...oooh........1983?

But yes.  I remember the magazine experience all too well.  And all in the hope of playing some crappy game.  Then came the cassette games where loading a game up might take 10 minutes of playing something that sounded like an extended Soviet burst transmission to its subs waiting under the arctic ice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 October, 2015, 07:01:32 pm
My mother, nursing some stillborn dream of being a secretary, used to love typing those games. It took her days to enter them, mostly because she couldn't actually type more than two words a minute. Then I'd play them for about five minutes before thinking this is a bit shit and going out to ride my BMX into a wall/car/hole. She never played them.

Though there was a point when she became completely addicted to Manic Miner and Jet Set Willy.

I remember being angry that MacGyver wasn't shown properly in the UK (as a grown-up, I know have the entire box set, though I suspect that's my wife indulging her thing for Richard Dean Anderson, but I think it's OK for us both to love MacGyver).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 02 October, 2015, 07:07:34 pm

EDIT - Found by using 'macgvyer uk tv broadcasts (https://www.google.co.uk/?gfe_rd=ssl&ei=oaMOVvbMMdXFaMKBrtAF#q=macgyver+uk+tv+broadcasts)' as search term.
Somewhat (even further) OT:

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 02 October, 2015, 08:50:34 pm
I'm going to see the Martian tomorrow and I know I'm going to enjoy it. From what I have read, and the book,  it will for sure, just sit back in a seat - old and bit worn - with plenty of leg room and rather comfy. Switch the brain off and just let the movie entertain me. The wee local cinema is a bit run down, could use a bit of TLC, but the screen is nice and clear, good size for the distance you sit away and the sound is brilliant. All for £6.

Looking forward to see the next 007 in there too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 October, 2015, 09:02:56 pm
Point of Order (whilst noting that I basically agree with the Hon Mem's speech):
I don't think anyone in the UK remembers MacGyver. I know him/it through bazillions of references in other US popular culture that *did* reach these shores.

I do.

I still watch McGyver and he's still awesome.  I'm sure I've posted about it recently???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 02 October, 2015, 09:48:47 pm
But hey, it's mainstream fiction with real science (rather than fantasy science[2] or technobabble) driving the plot.  Where engineering competence - and, indeed, failure - is celebrated, rather than feared.

More importantly, it's a book I actually finished!  And that Kim then read.  Like decoding actual ink smudges on paper.  With made up stuff in it.

That's quite unusual, I reckon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 October, 2015, 10:55:27 pm
More importantly, it's a book I actually finished!  And that Kim then read.  Like decoding actual ink smudges on paper.  With made up stuff in it.

That's quite unusual, I reckon.

I've managed several of Pterry's and made a reasonable dent in the endless stream of 1632 short stories since then.  As well as the *other* book with the potatoes, a half-remembered kids' book that I was able to track down thanks to the internet and a couple of lesser novels that I gave up on partway through on account of being pants.  I think I'm maybe starting to get the hang of reading fiction again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 03 October, 2015, 07:55:17 am


I do.

I still watch McGyver and he's still awesome.  I'm sure I've posted about it recently???

Will this ever stop?

 ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 03 October, 2015, 08:15:12 am
The last film we watched was Yellow Submarine.

We now have 9 year  old desperate to discover MOAR BEATLES MUSIC.

<Tommy Lee Jones> "Guess that means I'll have to buy the White Album again" </Tommy Lee Jones>

I think we've done OK as parents...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 03 October, 2015, 05:13:54 pm
Automata

A European dysptopian sci-fi that puts several "inspirations" into the pot (I, Robot being the most obvious) which stars Antonio Banderas and a couple of other familiar faces (and an unrecognisable Melanie Griffiths).  It is quite well filmed, but the plot feels rather perfunctory and stutters along.  It doesn't help that Banderas is not really that interesting an actor anymore.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 03 October, 2015, 07:45:22 pm
Just back from watching the Martian. I really enjoyed it and got as much enjoyment out of it as when I watched 2001. Yes you could probably pick holes in it, but that is not what movies for me are for. They are for totally escapism, switch off and let the story take you on a journey. And the Martian did that for me big time, so thumbs up
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 03 October, 2015, 09:51:08 pm
Seventh Son. A sad indictment of what happens when the americans are let loose on decent stories. Joseph Delaney visited my kids primary school for a writing class. He must be either rolling his eyes in horror or hoping they paid him a load.

It is dire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 04 October, 2015, 11:18:11 am
Saw The Martian last night. I thought it might have something more about it than the book, but it didn't. Matt Damon was OK. He wasn't Bourne yesterday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 04 October, 2015, 05:11:59 pm
http://youtu.be/gnPWJOJYVKc
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sprogs on 04 October, 2015, 08:16:30 pm
I rarely watch films as I get too restless or need a wee or a pizza or a pint or get slightly distracted...
Oh, right, yes, the last film I watched all the way through was "To Wong foo, Thanks for everything, July Newmarr"
Wesley snipes, Patrick Swayze and john Letsaveyerlegamo, or something.
I just thought it was charming. Gentle fun and obviously the cast enjoying their roles.
I might just watch it again!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 04 October, 2015, 08:30:55 pm
Just back from watching The Martian.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 07 October, 2015, 01:04:04 pm
The Martian.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 October, 2015, 01:36:12 pm
Coherence.  Not bad if you can stand the people and stomach the

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 October, 2015, 02:03:15 pm
Mad Max Fury Road.  Again.  Disappointed by the lack of commentary tracks.  It does all sound wonderfully ridiculously macho in Spanish though I can reveal. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 07 October, 2015, 03:22:20 pm
Just back from watching The Martian.

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Whilst Mission Control were laughing about Lord of the Rings characters how come nobody mentioned that Boromir was in the room?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 October, 2015, 03:45:33 pm
Just back from watching The Martian.

(click to show/hide)

Whilst Mission Control were laughing about Lord of the Rings characters how come nobody mentioned that Boromir was in the room?

No one likes to mention the Gondorian in the room.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 07 October, 2015, 04:13:42 pm
You could also tell that the joke was meant to be for those who'd read the book, not just seen the film, as Glorfindel wasn't in the movie.


I laughed.  The rest of the audience was silent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 October, 2015, 07:16:14 am
I've already forgotten most of the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 09 October, 2015, 03:47:43 pm
Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen. The adventures of a bunch of old Japanese mobsters, actually pretty funny.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 09 October, 2015, 09:17:50 pm
The Martian, yes enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 October, 2015, 08:01:32 am
Thank you.  i was hoping someone might mention whether it was any good. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 10 October, 2015, 08:07:15 am
Thank you.  i was hoping someone might mention whether it was any good.

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 10 October, 2015, 12:24:04 pm
Love

Thinking of watching this on iPlayer?  DON'T.  I wasted 77 minutes of my time so you don't have to.
Paraphrasing some other reviews, it's a concept stretched into a full-length film that goes nowhere.  Add in plot holes, inconsistencies and bad science.  I would have been better entertained watching golf.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 October, 2015, 01:26:25 pm
The missus is watching The Hours downstairs, but I prefer to fall asleep up here.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 11 October, 2015, 10:13:54 pm
Sherpa. Documentary, in competition in the London film festival. First attempt to the show the climbing Everest industry from the sherpa point of view.
Powerful and fascinating documentary. Shows the risks the sherpas have to take, just to keep Westerners supplied on their various ascents. Showed the 2014 disaster and subsequent industrial action from the Sherpa point of view and the view from the Westerners.  Needless to say the audience was 100%  behind the sherpas.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 14 October, 2015, 09:11:34 am
Suffragette.

It annoyed me. Whilst I am all for equality in democracy, this film ignored much of the history of enfranchisement in Britain in favour of portraying women as the oppressed and men the oppressors. Simples.   The jockey who was toppled by Emily Davison.. what of him?

It should never be forgotten that the right to vote was hard won by BOTH sexes.  It is also a fact that until 1918 a very large proportion of the adult male population did not have the right to vote either.  By which time a lot of them had died in the trenches.

When I did a google search "when were men enfrachised in britain" I got this:

"Showing results for when were women enfranchised in britain
Search instead for when were men enfrachised in britain"

Don't get me wrong, one of my favourite politicians is the 'Red Dutchess'.  Also largely forgotten and very badly treated by the party (Tory) of which she was a member.
When i took the 'search instead' option I got this:

"Did you mean: when were women enfranchised in britain"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 14 October, 2015, 09:27:58 am
Mad Max Fury Road.  Again.  Disappointed by the lack of commentary tracks.  It does all sound wonderfully ridiculously macho in Spanish though I can reveal.

I just watched it, and it was quite fun, in an "even more racing around barren wastelands" sort of way.  It does do the driving, racing and crashing very well.

I hadn't got around to looking for a commentary track, although I did watch a couple of the "making of" films, and it's impressive how much of the filming was real, and how little CGI'ed.

Overall it's an enjoyable film, and Charlize Theron doesn't really look very much like herself!  The point where Max walks past the truck to be confronted by six women mostly in skimpy clothes, washing themselves down with water, almost made the film from the perspective of "most unexpected thing for a character to see". :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 14 October, 2015, 09:34:12 am
Suffragette.

It annoyed me.
Me too.

But for different reasons.

And your comments are part of the reason we need The Womens Equality Party.

Not to put too fine a point on it- not everything is about you, you know.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 October, 2015, 11:17:39 am
Suffragette.

It annoyed me. Whilst I am all for equality in democracy, this film ignored much of the history of enfranchisement in Britain in favour of portraying women as the oppressed and men the oppressors. Simples.   The jockey who was toppled by Emily Davison.. what of him?

It should never be forgotten that the right to vote was hard won by BOTH sexes.  It is also a fact that until 1918 a very large proportion of the adult male population did not have the right to vote either.  By which time a lot of them had died in the trenches.

When I did a google search "when were men enfrachised in britain" I got this:

"Showing results for when were women enfranchised in britain
Search instead for when were men enfrachised in britain"

Don't get me wrong, one of my favourite politicians is the 'Red Dutchess'.  Also largely forgotten and very badly treated by the party (Tory) of which she was a member.
When i took the 'search instead' option I got this:

"Did you mean: when were women enfranchised in britain"

Men had the franchise in Britain since the Magna Carta. It started with nobles-only and was only extended to all men regardless of rank or property by the 1867 Reform Act.  It was extended to women over 30 firstly in 1918 and to over-21s in 1928.  A look at Google's ngrams viewer (https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=male+suffrage%2C+female+suffrage&year_start=1800&year_end=2000&corpus=18&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Cmale%20suffrage%3B%2Cc0%3B.t1%3B%2Cfemale%20suffrage%3B%2Cc0) is interesting. A gander at Google Books for the two peaks would probably reveal the reasons for them - I'd guess that the second would be The Female Eunuch.

Anyway, given that it took 650 years for all men to get the franchise, another 60 for all adults is not entirely shameful.  Getting the "property-holder-only" provision removed took 35 years, 1832-1867.

The rising curve for men's suffrage is amusing in that it parallels that for women.  I can imagine it stems from "what about us then?" reactions.

Haven't seen Suffragette, BTW.  I like the depiction in Parade's End, both the books and the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 October, 2015, 12:33:52 pm
I like the depiction in Parade's End, both the books and the film.

Indeed, although Sylvia is a far stronger character than Valentine - both in the books and the TV series.

asterix, you might want to try different search terms - "male suffrage in britain" will return the results you're looking for, including a nice whiny "but what about the men?" article in the Telegraph that would do a great job of annoying fboab.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 October, 2015, 01:09:04 pm
In PE it's not just the female characters who are put across well but the bluster they face from most of the men. OTOH I don't think Sylvia would give a hoot for the vote - she knows how to get anything she'll ever need.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 14 October, 2015, 04:26:23 pm
By coincidence.  Mad Max: Fury  Road.  All sound and fury, which makes the title rather apt.  Brain off and lagers downed, it's fun but largely forgettable.

I also watched Nightcrawler.  Much more interesting film and fun in a different way.  Jake Gyllenghal (sp?) is great in this and the story is coherent, tense and has a purpose of sorts.  The G-man plays a right bastard who bluffs his way up the greasy pole of a particularly shabby aspect of US TV news journalism.  The ones who turn up as soon as possible at an accident scene to get gruesome footage that the more sensational stations will air.  I thoroughly recommend it, but watched with brain on and appropriately sober.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 14 October, 2015, 04:47:31 pm
"but what about the men?" article in the Telegraph
Quote from: Dr. Google
About 463,000 results
:facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 14 October, 2015, 05:02:59 pm
I also watched Nightcrawler.  Much more interesting film and fun in a different way. 

It is a good one. Made better for me by having no expectations of what to expect. It doesn't say a great deal new (we know about paparazzi press etc) but it does say it well and, above all else, in an entertaining way.  JG is good too. Quite a talented chap imho.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 15 October, 2015, 02:19:31 pm
Suffragette.

It annoyed me.
Me too.

But for different reasons.

And your comments are part of the reason we need The Womens Equality Party.

Not to put too fine a point on it- not everything is about you, you know.


Please explain why you got the impression I think it is about me?  It looks at the moment as a rather lazy put-down.  Give it some substance, if you will.

My thanks to the more constructive posters who did help to educate me.

Incidentally I like to think that the 1918 reform was very largely due to the positive contribution made by women during WW1 and not because one campaigner sacrificed her life under the hooves of the King's horse whilst others vandalised property.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 October, 2015, 02:37:56 pm
Incidentally I like to think that the 1918 reform was very largely due to the positive contribution made by women during WW1 and not because one campaigner sacrificed her life under the hooves of the King's horse whilst others vandalised property.
Excellent

You've trivialised the work of hundreds. Trivialised force-feeding, beatings, persecution and arrests for carrying a placard on a street.

Well done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 October, 2015, 03:30:42 pm
Please explain why you got the impression I think it is about me?

By bringing "what about the men?" into it, being a man, you made it about you - generically, if not specifically.

To put it simply, it's just inappropriate to discuss the merits of a film about women's struggle for equality in terms of whether or not it addresses men's struggle for equality. If you don't get that, fine, but this isn't the place to discuss it further, so for that reason, ah'm oot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 15 October, 2015, 04:06:21 pm
Please explain why you got the impression I think it is about me?

By bringing "what about the men?" into it, being a man, you made it about you - generically, if not specifically.

To put it simply, it's just inappropriate to discuss the merits of a film about women's struggle for equality in terms of whether or not it addresses men's struggle for equality. If you don't get that, fine, but this isn't the place to discuss it further, so for that reason, ah'm oot.


OK, I'll buy that.


   


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 15 October, 2015, 10:38:55 pm
Sherpa. Documentary, in competition in the London film festival. First attempt to the show the climbing Everest industry from the sherpa point of view.
Powerful and fascinating documentary. Shows the risks the sherpas have to take, just to keep Westerners supplied on their various ascents. Showed the 2014 disaster and subsequent industrial action from the Sherpa point of view and the view from the Westerners.  Needless to say the audience was 100%  behind the sherpas.

Everest - a dramatised account of the awful 1996 expedition in which 8 climbers died.  Years ago, I saw the Imax film that had gone to the mountain to make a really uplifting film but ended up recording the tragedy and I've read the book by the reporter who was on the expedition and lucky enough to survive. Bearing in mind the need to make the events understandable and accessible and the fact that it is aimed predominately at a US audience, it's not a bad film. But it falls short of showing the chaos that was on the mountain that night and some of the secondary characters are either reduced to stereotypes or too poorly sketched to contribute to the narrative.

The special effects are vey good, though.  However, not a patch on  the real thing, as seen in the IMAX original.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 15 October, 2015, 11:56:10 pm
The Martian.

It's good!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 October, 2015, 11:36:20 pm
Mad Max Fury Road

Hmm that was good, that was. Standout performance by Nicholas hoult. Chalize theron did her job but Hoult's role had more scope.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 18 October, 2015, 09:25:01 am
The Martian.

It's a bit infantile. quite early on you realise it's going to be a nice cuddly film with Mild Peril. The ground control scenes are lame and not very dramatic. Kate Mara gets lines like "Make you sure you're not nearby when the bomb goes off".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 October, 2015, 11:37:04 am
St Vincent

Amusing but mawkishly trite - if I didn't know otherwise, I'd suspect the involvement of Richard Curtis. I went along with it while I was watching it, but the more I think about it, the more problems I have with it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 18 October, 2015, 05:29:50 pm
Margin Call

Wasn't sure what to expect from this, as it was one of those films that was recommended by Amazon on the back of a LoveFilm movie that I thought was so so.  But glad I took a punt as it is an interesting (fictional) insight into the 2008 financial collapse. Despite being about complicated financial products, it plays off of the decisions that individuals need to make in the face of a corporate desire to survive.  The film is full of top calibre talent and they are mostly on top form.

Well worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 October, 2015, 06:41:25 pm
San Andreas.

Sort of enjoyably awful, pure 70s disaster b-movie that seems to have stumbled, intentionally or I suspect otherwise, into 2015. You will at some point utter the sentence 'where the fuck is Ernest Borgnine?' OK, according to my wife, he's dead. Break it me gently dear, why don't you. I invested significant emotional time in Airwolf. I swear in every episode that damn helicopter broke down.

Probably no spoiler required when I tell you the Golden Gate Bridge gets it. That gets trashed as often as the Brooklyn Bridge.

Make sure you have something soft to throw at the screen at the end, there's a moment of pure congealed schmaltz.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 October, 2015, 08:58:42 pm
The Signal

I don't think that film knows what it is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 October, 2015, 07:52:10 am
Sicario

Very violent thriller about the narcotics industry in the US and Mexico.  To be fair, it's probably not possible to make a film about the narcotics industry in the US and Mexico with any less violence.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 19 October, 2015, 10:16:55 am
Was Sicario any good?  I was thinking about going to see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 October, 2015, 04:08:17 pm
Yes, I would rate it worth going to see.  Found the accents a little hard to pick up in places but didn't lose the plot. Quite believable unfortunately.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 October, 2015, 05:15:29 pm
I read in the Trib that the residents of Ciudad Juarez are mightily pissed off about it because the place has calmed down since 2666 (http://www.amazon.com/2666-A-Novel-Roberto-Bola%C3%B1o/dp/0312429215).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 October, 2015, 10:21:18 am
They were the most violent place  in  the  world  in between 2007 and 2012 now 37th.
Quote
Explanations for the rapid decline in violence include the effectiveness of government policing and the success of the Sinaloa Cartel in defeating its rivals
Take your pick.

It was interesting to read a bit of background to the film and to find it is not an unreasonable portrayal of what life is like in those parts!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 20 October, 2015, 01:55:57 pm
Under The Skin.

How very Kubrick it is.  Spacey weird visual pieces with scratchy sound effect music.  Robotty plotline.  General unsettling weirdness.  I liked that it was set in Scotland though,  it reminded me of my holidays.  One particular piece with snow falling on a lake was just beautiful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 October, 2015, 07:05:52 pm
I has my Star Wars Imax tickets. Punch it, Chewie!

Have to wait till the 28th December though.

Gah, if there's an Ewok, that fucking Jar-Jar Binks, or Ewan bloody MacGregor, or any half-witted and instantly forgettable teenage actors I shall duly run amok on the South Bank.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 20 October, 2015, 07:09:21 pm
I has my Star Wars Imax tickets. Punch it, Chewie!

Have to wait till the 28th December though.

Gah, if there's an Ewok, that fucking Jar-Jar Binks, or Ewan bloody MacGregor, or any half-witted and instantly forgettable teenage actors I shall duly run amok on the South Bank.

Nah - just some wrinkly, incontinent old fucker who, if you squint your eyes up real tight, might look a bit like Harrison Ford.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 20 October, 2015, 09:43:50 pm
The Intern
Every bit as shit as the trailer implies. I watched so you don't have to.
I understand way back when that Mr De Niro was in some good films. This sure as fuck isn't one of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 21 October, 2015, 01:02:44 pm
I watched so you don't have to.

It seems to be highly rated elsewhere, despite sounding like a heap of shit. I'm feel the need to watch it to see if I agree with you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 21 October, 2015, 02:44:19 pm
The Martian.

It's a bit infantile. quite early on you realise it's going to be a nice cuddly film with Mild Peril. The ground control scenes are lame and not very dramatic. Kate Mara gets lines like "Make you sure you're not nearby when the bomb goes off".

Fun to watch with a bunch of spacecraft engineers, and we all laughed at the expressions when told they had to knock x days off of the schedule!

The red lights all coming on, on Pathfinder when plugged in was somewhat amusing.  The likelihood of the equipment even having compatible power connectors is somewhere between low and zero (although they would probably all use 28V DC on their main buses, which is very common on spacecraft).  Lights on an unmanned spacecraft are as plausible as a countdown display on a bomb.  Even if used on engineering or qualification models, they'd be removed on flight equipment, to minimise weight, power use, and the risk of a failure having knock on effects.

I also could't understand why they needed the prototype spacecraft on the Earth, mirroring the spacecraft on Mars.  You would want the EGSE (Electronic Ground Support Equipment), and you may plug into a prototype spacecraft to test it was working, but having both the real spacecraft and a engineering model both talking to the EGSE would be a recipe for confusion and probable failure!

Still, overall it seemed to be a fairly realistic representation of spacecraft operations and engineering, even as far as the behaviour of the more political elements of NASA!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 October, 2015, 04:30:49 pm
I also couldn't understand why they needed the prototype spacecraft on the Earth, mirroring the spacecraft on Mars.  You would want the EGSE (Electronic Ground Support Equipment), and you may plug into a prototype spacecraft to test it was working, but having both the real spacecraft and a engineering model both talking to the EGSE would be a recipe for confusion and probable failure!

For storytelling purposes to the non-technical earth based cinema audience I 'spect.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 22 October, 2015, 01:42:22 pm
Took the 8 year old to see Pan, which is a billed as a prequel to the Peter Pan story that we all know and love.

What a complete mess of a film it is.  Many of the scenes seem to have been written simply to provide opportunities to play with 3D (I saw it in normal vision). If they had spent a bit more on the writing and less on the special effects, they might have produced something that made a bit more sense.

To give him his due, Hugh Jackman does his best as Blackbeard, whom he plays as a cross between Edmund Blackadder and Cruella de Ville, and the young boy playing Peter makes a fair stab at it, despite his accent slipping from mock Cockney to Australian at random.  However, the rest of the case are dismal. Hook is portrayed as a kind of poundstore Indiana Jones while Princess Tigerlily can't make up her mind whether she's a knife-throwing, kick-boxing renegade from a Cyndi Lauper video or someone who failed the audition for a Bananarama tribute act. 

Of course, the 8yo loved it  ::-)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 22 October, 2015, 01:50:41 pm
Took the 8 year old to see Pan, which is a billed as a prequel to the Peter Pan story that we all know and love.

What a complete mess of a film it is.  Many of the scenes seem to have been written simply to provide opportunities to play with 3D (I saw it in normal vision). If they had spent a bit more on the writing and less on the special effects, they might have produced something that made a bit more sense.

To give him his due, Hugh Jackman does his best as Blackbeard, whom he plays as a cross between Edmund Blackadder and Cruella de Ville, and the young boy playing Peter makes a fair stab at it, despite his accent slipping from mock Cockney to Australian at random.  However, the rest of the case are dismal. Hook is portrayed as a kind of poundstore Indiana Jones while Princess Tigerlily can't make up her mind whether she's a knife-throwing, kick-boxing renegade from a Cyndi Lauper video or someone who failed the audition for a Bananarama tribute act. 

Of course, the 8yo loved it  ::-)

You've made that film sound way better than I expect it probably is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 October, 2015, 01:51:16 pm
Took the 8 year old to see Pan, which is a billed as a prequel to the Peter Pan story that we all know and love.

What a complete mess of a film it is.  Many of the scenes seem to have been written simply to provide opportunities to play with 3D (I saw it in normal vision). If they had spent a bit more on the writing and less on the special effects, they might have produced something that made a bit more sense.

To give him his due, Hugh Jackman does his best as Blackbeard, whom he plays as a cross between Edmund Blackadder and Cruella de Ville, and the young boy playing Peter makes a fair stab at it, despite his accent slipping from mock Cockney to Australian at random.  However, the rest of the case are dismal. Hook is portrayed as a kind of poundstore Indiana Jones while Princess Tigerlily can't make up her mind whether she's a knife-throwing, kick-boxing renegade from a Cyndi Lauper video or someone who failed the audition for a Bananarama tribute act. 

Of course, the 8yo loved it  ::-)
So it's a panto?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 22 October, 2015, 02:46:10 pm
Took the 8 year old to see Pan, which is a billed as a prequel to the Peter Pan story that we all know and love.

What a complete mess of a film it is.  Many of the scenes seem to have been written simply to provide opportunities to play with 3D (I saw it in normal vision). If they had spent a bit more on the writing and less on the special effects, they might have produced something that made a bit more sense.

To give him his due, Hugh Jackman does his best as Blackbeard, whom he plays as a cross between Edmund Blackadder and Cruella de Ville, and the young boy playing Peter makes a fair stab at it, despite his accent slipping from mock Cockney to Australian at random.  However, the rest of the case are dismal. Hook is portrayed as a kind of poundstore Indiana Jones while Princess Tigerlily can't make up her mind whether she's a knife-throwing, kick-boxing renegade from a Cyndi Lauper video or someone who failed the audition for a Bananarama tribute act. 

Of course, the 8yo loved it  ::-)
So it's a panto?
Oh no it isn't!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 22 October, 2015, 03:46:42 pm
I also couldn't understand why they needed the prototype spacecraft on the Earth, mirroring the spacecraft on Mars.  You would want the EGSE (Electronic Ground Support Equipment), and you may plug into a prototype spacecraft to test it was working, but having both the real spacecraft and a engineering model both talking to the EGSE would be a recipe for confusion and probable failure!

For storytelling purposes to the non-technical earth based cinema audience I 'spect.
Gosh, we wouldnt want THAT. Don't they know they've ruined it for the millions of space industry workers watching?!?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: DDCyclist on 22 October, 2015, 04:45:33 pm
Watched Bicentennial Man the other day. This, IMHO, is one of Robin Williams' best films.

SO wants to see a movie this weekend, but I don't think there's anything on that might appeal to both of us. My guess is that she'll watch Suffragette and I'll watch The Martian. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 22 October, 2015, 06:13:18 pm
Saw the Martian  last night.. I thought it was very good and one should ignore the comments above. I would hate to hear what you guys are going to say about Episode 7...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 October, 2015, 01:44:34 am
I would hate to hear what you guys are going to say about Episode 7...

That's the one where Bunk and McNulty investigate a crime scene and communicate using only variants of the word fuck. It's brilliant!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 23 October, 2015, 09:54:31 am
Took the 8 year old to see Pan, which is a billed as a prequel to the Peter Pan story that we all know and love.

What a complete mess of a film it is.  Many of the scenes seem to have been written simply to provide opportunities to play with 3D (I saw it in normal vision). If they had spent a bit more on the writing and less on the special effects, they might have produced something that made a bit more sense.

To give him his due, Hugh Jackman does his best as Blackbeard, whom he plays as a cross between Edmund Blackadder and Cruella de Ville, and the young boy playing Peter makes a fair stab at it, despite his accent slipping from mock Cockney to Australian at random.  However, the rest of the case are dismal. Hook is portrayed as a kind of poundstore Indiana Jones while Princess Tigerlily can't make up her mind whether she's a knife-throwing, kick-boxing renegade from a Cyndi Lauper video or someone who failed the audition for a Bananarama tribute act. 

Of course, the 8yo loved it  ::-)

You shouldn't have grown up..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 23 October, 2015, 10:38:40 am
The Program

Before I go onto review the film, may I have a moan about the behaviour of the British film going public…. PLEASE STFU in the cinema especially when the film starts! I have no interest in your conversation or your comments on how hard it is to cycle up Mont Ventoux. If you want to shout your mouth off, or show off, please be doing it elsewhere!... oh and having looked at you on the way out, I really doubt you could have cycled up Mont Ventoux!

Rant over…moving onto the film…. While I enjoyed it, especially the clips of racing from the late 90’s/ early 2000’s, I felt the film missed a huge opportunity by telling the story from Armstrong’s point of view: a story which is well known, rather than from the angle of the journo who was seeking to expose him for the cheat he was. To me, that would have made a much, much better film.

One final grumble…if you are going to use popular music in a film, PLEASE use it to represent the years it was released rather than is some random way. I mean… BRMC “Spread your love” did not come out in the year it was used to represent; while the same goes with the Lemonheads: Mrs Robinson (although it was good to hear it again…I love this version of the song).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 23 October, 2015, 11:31:51 am
The Program

Before I go onto review the film, may I have a moan about the behaviour of the British film going public…. PLEASE STFU in the cinema especially when the film starts!

My last cinema trip (The Martian) made me decide to just wait for the BluRay and watch it at home on the big telly in future.
I don't see it as a pleasant experience any more, just an expensive and inconvenient one.

If you get a few ignorants sat close by then you can expect constant noise from eating and drinking, the light from mobile phones and general PLEASE STFU stuff.
 
Unless you go to an IMAX theatre then "home cinema" isn't too far behind actual cinema now (and the toilet is closer).

A film is like a book, to be enjoyed in silence and discussed afterwards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 23 October, 2015, 11:41:28 am
The Program
I felt the film missed a huge opportunity by telling the story from Armstrong’s point of view: a story which is well known, rather than from the angle of the journo who was seeking to expose him for the cheat he was. To me, that would have made a much, much better film.

I saw it last night and thought it was good but not great. Ben Foster is excellent, balancing the almost psychopathic aggression with the seemingly genuine concern for other cancer victims. I suspect the script was lawyered to death but there was a neat ambiguity about Armstrong's motives for setting up his cancer charity and they walked very close to the line in hinting that the authorities may well have been complicit. His contemptuous treatment of Contador is indicated but they miss the chance to show just how petulantly he behaved in Paris after Contador's win, only showing him sulking on the podium.

What's missing, as Essexian says, is the systematic way in which Armstrong tried to trash the lives of everyone who spoke out, which is well documented in the Walsh book. I think, also, you would have needed to read Every Second Counts to understand what's going on when he goes out on his mountain bike right at the end of the film.

I'd like to have had more of the reactions of the other riders on US Postal, who are portrayed simply as EPO-fodder. The film focuses on Landis and his eventual decision to confess, but I've always wondered what was going on in the minds of the likes of Hinchcapie. 

The cycling scenes work well on the big crew and might be lost on TV, so worth the trip for that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 23 October, 2015, 11:44:11 am
If you get a few ignorants sat close by then you can expect constant noise from eating and drinking, the light from mobile phones and general PLEASE STFU stuff.

Agree - I've even had people actually taking calls during a film.  And if the munching and crunching wasn't enough, most of the "food" stinks.

That's one reason why I'm having a 55" TV installed next week  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: DDCyclist on 23 October, 2015, 12:17:37 pm
It's the sickly-sweet smell of popcorn that keeps me away from most cinemas. It makes me want to :sick:.

Don't get me wrong - I love popcorn. Unsweetened and unsalted. I've yet to find a cinema that sells it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 October, 2015, 12:36:49 pm
That's the reason I only do Imax these days. The price keeps people focused on the screen and the audience are generally well behaved and they turn the sound up to 11 to drown out the munching and crunching. Otherwise, I'd rather watch a movie at home. Better selection of beer too. And you can pause it to go for a wee.

On the downside, there's usually a cat sprawled on top of me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: DDCyclist on 23 October, 2015, 01:20:14 pm
We often go to Moviola (http://www.moviola.org/) shows.

No popcorn, well behaved audience with no rustling of crisp bags or crunching of boiled sweets. Generally a glass of wine before the movie starts or during the interval (yes - they often have an interval) and it's not going to cost an arm and a leg.

The choice can be a bit limited, but we're often happy to wait until a film comes out on DVD/download or Moviola put it on somewhere nearby.

I'm tempted to try this Plaza in Dorchester (https://goo.gl/maps/BuFfQ9jNKN42) tomorrow if the show times are right enough. It's a lot cheaper than the big multiplex around the corner, and has retained its Art Deco features (which adds to the experience IMHO).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 23 October, 2015, 01:36:09 pm
One of the unsung benefits of working shifts: You can go to the cinema for the morning showings midweek, which mean that you usually have the place to yourself.  Even for the Martian on the first weekend there were only 4 people in the showing I went to.  Choice of seats and nobody to bother you.

Just sayin'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 October, 2015, 04:33:35 pm
The Retail Park Cineplex Shed ExperienceTM totally turned me off going to the cinema for ages, but then they opened a Curzon down the road and as if by magic, going to the cinema has become a civilized experience again.

They don't sell popcorn, but they do sell beer. I don't mind that it's hugely overpriced because it's worth it not to have to mix with the riffraff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 23 October, 2015, 04:51:33 pm
Taken 2 on TV yesterday.

Liam Neeson talking through a throat full of gravel with a now you hear it now you don't faux septic accent.

Can't wait for Taken3 NOT!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 23 October, 2015, 05:02:49 pm
Taken 2 on TV yesterday.

Liam Neeson talking through a throat full of gravel with a now you hear it now you don't faux septic accent.

Can't wait for Taken3 NOT!

"I don't know who you are, but I will find you and... awww frakkit, you ought to know the drill by now."  :demon:

EDIT: It can't just be me who thinks Liam Neeson is getting just a tad typecast these days?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 October, 2015, 05:20:37 pm
Taken 2 on TV yesterday.

Liam Neeson talking through a throat full of gravel with a now you hear it now you don't faux septic accent.

Can't wait for Taken3 NOT!

"I don't know who you are, but I will find you and... awww frakkit, you ought to know the drill by now."  :demon:

EDIT: It can't just be me who thinks Liam Neeson is getting just a tad typecast these days?

He signed one of those x number of movies deals. To be fair, he seems to be enjoying it. I paraphrase, but I think he said of Taken 3 that losing his daughter for the third time would probably be the definition of terrible parenting. And he did apologise to the people of Texas for scaring them with France. I expect he won't be taking a holiday in Albania any time soon though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 23 October, 2015, 05:30:18 pm
I used to work  4 day week in London. One of the joys of a midweek day off was an afternoon visit to the pictures. Curzon Mayfair was a favoured cinema, or the Renoir (as was)... but, in truth, anywhere was good if you could lose yourself for a couple of hours.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 23 October, 2015, 05:32:37 pm
The Program............

 I have no interest in your conversation or your comments on how hard it is to cycle up Mont Ventoux. If you want to shout your mouth off, or show off, please be doing it elsewhere!... oh and having looked at you on the way out, I really doubt you could have cycled up Mont Ventoux!

/........

They were right though, it is quite hard especially at the top.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 24 October, 2015, 04:57:32 pm
St Vincent

Amusing but mawkishly trite - if I didn't know otherwise, I'd suspect the involvement of Richard Curtis. I went along with it while I was watching it, but the more I think about it, the more problems I have with it.

Pretty much agreed with this on watching it today.  Bill Murray has played the same character since Lost in Translation.  No bad thing, because he does it well, but it means that slightly disappointing ones like this are more obviously flawed.

I also thought it had a Curtis feel.  Maybe because the plot was similar in some ways to All About the Boy (or whatever it was called) with Hugh Grant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 October, 2015, 12:38:46 am
We usually pick a mid-week, late screening. (10-11pm) and the theater will usually be mostly empty. Best one was with Gravity, where we were the only people there!.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 25 October, 2015, 01:22:37 am
Taken 2 on TV yesterday.

Liam Neeson talking through a throat full of gravel with a now you hear it now you don't faux septic accent.

Can't wait for Taken3 NOT!

"I don't know who you are, but I will find you and... awww frakkit, you ought to know the drill by now."  :demon:

EDIT: It can't just be me who thinks Liam Neeson is getting just a tad typecast these days?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKTh7zBIcrM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKTh7zBIcrM)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tigerrr on 25 October, 2015, 06:37:56 am
Taken 2 on TV yesterday.

Liam Neeson talking through a throat full of gravel with a now you hear it now you don't faux septic accent.

Can't wait for Taken3 NOT!

"I don't know who you are, but I will find you and... awww frakkit, you ought to know the drill by now."  :demon:

EDIT: It can't just be me who thinks Liam Neeson is getting just a tad typecast these days?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKTh7zBIcrM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKTh7zBIcrM)
I thought he was very funny in the film. He is quite old now and has difficulty with action bits. Plus his nose is still growing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tigerrr on 25 October, 2015, 05:57:33 pm
Got ticket for the last day of 'The Program' tomorrow - missed the whole thing and really looking forward to it.
Saw the Martian yesterday - loved it actually - read the book by accident and hadn't even realised there was a film so it is all a big bonus.
Ridley Scott has become the master of spacesuits - these looked quite real. Mind you I don't really think you could create an airtight living spec from poly sheet and gaffer tape for reinforcement on mars, based on how fast my neighbours poly tunnel collapsed using that technology.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 26 October, 2015, 06:51:00 am
Perhaps it was duct tape?  I have loads of stuff whose existence outside a skip is dependent on duct tape.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 October, 2015, 07:35:28 am
What We Did On Our Holiday

From the makers of Outnumbered - and very much from the same mould. Concerns a family trip to Scotland for grandad's 75th birthday, but he's dying of cancer and the parents are going through a messy divorce. Then about halfway through comes an ohmygodicantbelievetheyjustdidthat twist... It's funny and charming, if a touch on the sentimental side. The kids, as in Outnumbered, are great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: billplumtree on 27 October, 2015, 01:18:06 pm
Addicted to Sheep.

A documentary about a small family farm in upper Teesdale, and their quest to improve the breeding of their flock of Swaledale sheep.  Warm-hearted without being sentimental, lovely gentle humour (such as the young lad describing how to "stop the tups tupping the wrong yows") and a lot of - well, just normal life.  I vaguely remember Emmerdale being a bit like this once.

And they did this to the bar of the Dukes Theatre in Lancaster  ;D

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7UJkJVtVyRc/Vi95ZUwl2ZI/AAAAAAAAIyQ/q9gtyWavAaw/s720-Ic42/DSC_0083.JPG)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 October, 2015, 02:15:49 pm
Frank

I have no idea what I was expecting but it wasn't that. I liked it though. Funny and charming, in a fairly oddball way.

Also the second film I've seen in the space of two days to feature a viking boat cremation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 27 October, 2015, 03:17:54 pm
Believe it or not, I'd not seen Taxi Driver before last night. Maybe I was expecting too much but I didn't think much of it at all. Interesting in a 'film studies' kind of a way I guess but it's certainly not challenging my top 10 list.

I found the sax soundtrack hugely irritating, the dialogue at times to be inane, the acting almost pantomime (oh, yes I did!) and the story and pacing somewhat dull. That all said, de Niro's changing hairstyle was amusing (continuity not mohawk) and, on that continued hairy subject, I couldn't work out if Keitel's bouf was his own or a wig.

I ought say though, I'm not a fan of Scorsese as a rule but I (tried to) put that to one side.  And I'm making allowances for it being dated and being somewhat of a student project. Even so, I can't agree with the laudits it gets.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 October, 2015, 06:39:09 pm
I love Taxi Driver but it hasn't aged well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 27 October, 2015, 09:08:42 pm
Spectre, I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 October, 2015, 08:51:49 pm
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would.  You already know how it's going to end, and can make a fairly accurate guess as to why, so it's all about the execution.  For a film about people (of all species) making bad decisions, it was surprisingly watchable.  Nice post-apocalyptic feel too it.

The visual effects were as excellent as in the previous one, though I found the apes' extensive use of sign language without any facial expression jarring.  (But not unrealistic, if the films I've seen of real primates using signs learned from non-fluent users are anything to go by.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 29 October, 2015, 09:47:26 am
Gosh, Pacific Rim's a bit silly, isn't it? But was entertaining enough to have on while doing the washing up &c.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 29 October, 2015, 10:11:04 am
Gosh, Pacific Rim's a bit silly, isn't it? But was entertaining enough to have on while doing the washing up &c.

A lot less silly than the film we saw last night, but I'm waiting for fboab to turn up and tell you what she made of it  :thumbsup: ;D.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 29 October, 2015, 10:21:42 am
The Last Witch Hunter

Vin Diesel, Michael Caine, Elijah Wood and
(click to show/hide)

See this?
(click to show/hide)
That's like the acting, that is.

See this?
(click to show/hide)
That's like the dialogue, that is.

See this?
(click to show/hide)
That's the script writers' handbook.

See this?
(click to show/hide)
That's like the best bit of it.

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 October, 2015, 10:34:41 am
44 minutes: the North Hollywood Shootout

only it takes an hour longer than that.  Quite engaging if you enjoy the occasional Roman/NRA holiday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 29 October, 2015, 10:41:07 am
The Last Witch Hunter

Vin Diesel, Michael Caine, Elijah Wood and
(click to show/hide)

See this?
(click to show/hide)
That's like the acting, that is.

See this?
(click to show/hide)
That's like the dialogue, that is.

See this?
(click to show/hide)
That's the script writers' handbook.

See this?
(click to show/hide)
That's like the best bit of it.

 ;D

Fabulous review!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 October, 2015, 10:47:25 am
The Edge of Tomorrow.

Tom Cruise portrays a smarmy, cowardly arse who redeems himself. He's remarkably good at this.

Emily Blunt kicks ass.

A lot of the acting was done while wearing 'armoured suits' weighing 30-50kg. Most of the cast look exhausted and sweaty, no acting needed. Mr Smile Cruise doesn't but is reputedly quite an athlete.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 29 October, 2015, 11:30:04 am
My personal favourite line from a Last Witch Hunter review on imdb:

"Diesel stars as the title character, a man named Kaulder. We don't know what his first name is, but let's just say it's Ron. It seems appropriate for a witch hunter, especially if he's listed last name first, in an alphabetized list of professional witch hunters."

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 October, 2015, 02:07:52 pm
The Grey

Liam Neeson not looking for kidnapped family.

Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 29 October, 2015, 06:03:48 pm
Gosh, Pacific Rim's a bit silly, isn't it? But was entertaining enough to have on while doing the washing up &c.

It's sad to see Del Toro becoming George Lucas II and being more interested in the idea and less interested in actual directing.
I could probably have put up with the spectacle if the acting hadn't been so terrible. (The visuals *are* stunning, though).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 30 October, 2015, 09:32:17 am
Jurassic Park and Jurassic World

... in relatively quick succession, the second on the day after the first (OK, first and fourth, strictly speaking).  This was the re-released 3D version of Jurassic Park and the new 3D version of Jurassic World.

It is quite a while since I saw Jurassic Park, and I'd forgotten quite how stupid so many of the characters are, but that aside it's a fun enough film.

Jurassic World was a nice variation on the theme.  Whilst there are again some spectacularly stupid people, and I'd never hire them to design, build and run that sort of theme park . . .

(click to show/hide)

Both films are fun nonsense to watch.  It's a concept that really can't take itself seriously, although there were less laughs in the most recent film, and probably more people being eaten "on camera" in this incarnation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 31 October, 2015, 03:22:25 pm
Spectre
A diverting film, that ticks a lot of boxes for a Bond franchise movie.  There's a lot of unnecessary plot points that bloat the running time, and some parts that feel out of place.  But in the whole it hangs together and is entertaining.  Mixed feelings about it.  Stirred not shaken.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 October, 2015, 11:17:11 pm
Grand Prix

John Frankenheimer's epic pile of F1-themed tosh from 1966.  Forget the nonsensical plot devices like an H-16 BRM being in contention for a race win at Monza, or "Enzo Ferrari" pulling in his cars just because a driver got killed utterly to DETH  ::-) and instead scratch your head at Graham Hill insinuating himself into every scene possible and the fact that people actually did race on those tracks in my lifetime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 November, 2015, 05:46:46 pm
Poltergeist, which it seems they remade. Everyone involved could and should have done something useful with their time instead. Like learn to knit or grow onions. There are approximately 1,435,937 things that would have been better uses of their time than making this movie.

I want my 99p back.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 November, 2015, 08:00:02 pm
Serpico. A great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 November, 2015, 10:28:20 am
Serpico. A great film.

It's quite depressing though.  There was an interesting interview with him recently, I'll have a look for it (the actual Serpico, not Pacino I mean).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 03 November, 2015, 10:59:26 am
Mr Holmes.

Billed as the great detective's last mystery but the real puzzle is how it got made in the first place.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 November, 2015, 12:09:57 pm
That's a pity, was hoping for good things from that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 November, 2015, 12:20:23 pm
Red - okay, brain out stuff. And Bruce Willis really cannot act. But that all said, a watchably silly bit of cinema. John Malkovic kind of steals the show for me even though he also is not pushing himself, playing a bit of a tried and trusted loon. Morgan Freeman is Morgan Freeman.

No, I'm not selling it well, I know, but it's enjoyable if you don't take it seriously.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 03 November, 2015, 09:26:58 pm
Birdman.  Not bad man.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 04 November, 2015, 03:16:41 am
Red - okay, brain out stuff. And Bruce Willis really cannot act. But that all said, a watchably silly bit of cinema. John Malkovic kind of steals the show for me even though he also is not pushing himself, playing a bit of a tried and trusted loon. Morgan Freeman is Morgan Freeman.

No, I'm not selling it well, I know, but it's enjoyable if you don't take it seriously.
I enjoyed both it and RED 2, with Malkovic very, very silly and La Mirren managing an admirable stoneface while playing a more likeable version of Rabbit from Utopia.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 November, 2015, 07:45:53 am
The Long Goodbye, 1972.  Fun, but there's at least one scene missing.  I have a chum in the cine trade who mentioned once that the moguls quite often cut a crucial scene out of a film simply because it brings it under the 2-hour limit, knowing that the punters will be puzzled but will think it's something they missed rather than the film's fault.
(click to show/hide)

Chinatown tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 05 November, 2015, 12:39:36 am
Asterix and the Mansions of the Gods I put it on as background noise (netflix), while I was soldering up some LED lights and ended up not soldering anything.
 I grew up on Asterix, so needed no introduction to any of the characters (and there was none), but I can see it might struggle a bit with people who aren't all that familiar with the series...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 November, 2015, 07:00:17 am
When we first came over here I added a deal to my French vocab by reading Asterix & Boris Vian.  There are some wonderful puns in Asterix that must be impossible to translate.

Domaine des Dieux came out in the first year we were here.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 05 November, 2015, 07:47:12 am
I've given up on 2 Bond movies over the last week; Never Say Never Again and The Living Daylights. They were dire. Just plain awful.

Now I realise the former is not an official Bond movie, and it does have a mildly amusing 'ageing Bond' take, but it has the same Bondesque feel and lame gags - I managed maybe twenty minutes of it. I gave Dalton a little bit longer. I more-or-less gave up on Bond somewhere during the Roger Moore era. Dare I Try Brosnan? That could be a Bond movie title.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 November, 2015, 08:19:30 am
Chinatown was fun as well as being coherent.  Thinking of diving back into the film noir era tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 November, 2015, 08:36:31 am
kajaki

Recounts tale of a hapless group of british soldiers trapped in a minefield in Afghanistan. Gory, gruelling and has epic, epic rants.

I looked it up later. Pretty much exactly all true with very little embellishment. Very worth watching.

I keep thinking about this. Looked up the film on rotten tomatoes
Quote
The film holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 15 reviews, indicating universal acclaim.

There is one scene where a character does something stupidly, absurdly heroic. Truly incredibly ridiculous. If you watch the film you'll recognise the scene.
It wasn't made up for the movie. That soldier really did what was shown in the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 06 November, 2015, 10:26:10 am
Red - okay, brain out stuff. And Bruce Willis really cannot act.

I don’t know if that’s fair – it’s certainly true that he’s very rarely required to do anything other than essentially play the same character he has done in most films since the 1980s* (and asks for and gets an inordinate amount of money for doing so).

However he can act, or at least act a bit more than the limited repertoire he gets paid millions for.  He’s pretty good in Pulp Fiction – I actually really like the long one take shot where he’s walking through back yards to his old apartment looking for his watch.  Tarantino considers himself an ‘actors director’ and he does get interesting performances out of people who otherwise are similarly typecast in their normal output – Samuel L Jackson phones in  his character in most other films but he’s very different in each of the Tarantino films he’s in.

Terry Gilliam got a great performance out of Bruce Willis (in my view), in the film Twelve Monkeys.  Apparently before filming Gilliam gave Willis a list of Bruce Willis acting clichés he didn’t want to see.




*He’s not alone in this.  It always amuses e that people bang on (or at least used to) about Di Nero and Pacino being these great method actors.  Who essentially keep playing the same character in almost everything they’re in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 November, 2015, 11:17:40 am
First saw BW in Bonfire of the Vanities, when he still had hair.  He was good in that, too.

Watched The Big Sleep last night.  Had forgotten there was so much yakketty-yak. Not to mention corn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 06 November, 2015, 11:31:44 am
You're right. It is a little unfair as there is a degree of type casting for which Willis cannot be blamed. He plays to his strengths maybe. As you say, he was as good as he gets in Twelve Monkeys and, to a lesser extent, Pulp Fiction. Trouble is, for me anyway, whatever character he plays I always see Willis. That distinctive smirk he has  just reminds you. Not his fault, and arguably harsh of me, but nonetheless. Makes me feel he just plays variations of himself. But, as you rightly point out, there are no shortage of actors that do that!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 06 November, 2015, 11:34:59 am
Bruce Willis has killed his reputation. He's acknowledged as a difficult, greedy and lazy actor. Kevin Smith listed the problems directing him, Sylvester Stallone kicked him off the Expendables franchise, and he got fired a couple of months back from Woody Allen's latest film.

I still like him though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 06 November, 2015, 11:41:00 am
I've got both Manhunter and Red Dragon to watch (the latter being the remake of the former... no, not really "remake" as both are from the same book, anyway...)

Not sure which order to watch them in. I saw Manhunter years ago, and my memories of it are probably now over written by having recently watched the Hannibal TV series and having read Red Dragon. Manhunter is generally considered the 'better' movie of the two. Decisions eh? I'm inclined to watch Red Dragon first.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 November, 2015, 12:36:01 pm
You're right. It is a little unfair as there is a degree of type casting for which Willis cannot be blamed. He plays to his strengths maybe. As you say, he was as good as he gets in Twelve Monkeys and, to a lesser extent, Pulp Fiction. Trouble is, for me anyway, whatever character he plays I always see Willis. That distinctive smirk he has  just reminds you. Not his fault, and arguably harsh of me, but nonetheless. Makes me feel he just plays variations of himself. But, as you rightly point out, there are no shortage of actors that do that!
And they are mostly the guys earning the biggest pay. You'd probably find 80% of the pay to Hollywood leading men goes to "stars" rather than "actors".

Twelve Monkeys was interesting - perhaps he was good in that precisely because the role didn't allow him to fall back on the smirking and smart-arsing. Pulp fiction was more regular bruce, just with much better dialogue than usual. (I'm probably biased, as they're both in my favourite movie long-list.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 November, 2015, 03:56:33 pm
*He’s not alone in this.  It always amuses e that people bang on (or at least used to) about Di Nero and Pacino being these great method actors.  Who essentially keep playing the same character in almost everything they’re in.

Now you mention it, the parallels between Jack Byrnes, Fearless Leader and Travis Bickle are plain to see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 07 November, 2015, 11:14:06 am
I've got both Manhunter and Red Dragon to watch (the latter being the remake of the former... no, not really "remake" as both are from the same book, anyway...)

Not sure which order to watch them in. I saw Manhunter years ago, and my memories of it are probably now over written by having recently watched the Hannibal TV series and having read Red Dragon. Manhunter is generally considered the 'better' movie of the two. Decisions eh? I'm inclined to watch Red Dragon first.
Manhunter first. I watched maybe ten minutes of Red Dragon once before thinking 'why am I watching this?', as (regardless of its own merits which I can't really comment on), it's just the same again, only a bit different. The only reason for its existence is someone decided there had to be a version with Anthony Hopkins as Lecter. And he's a cameo in this story, really...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 November, 2015, 12:57:41 pm
The Martian

Better than expected.  A lot of the engineering got Hollywoodified - sometimes to the point of not making sense (as opposed to merely dubious), and some of the best bits got cut for length (and pretty much everything electrical got cut, presumably for maths, so no PirateNinjas), but Ridley did good on the space pr0n.  It's undoubtedly the best silly NASA propaganda movie since the unfortunately timed Space Camp.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 November, 2015, 04:28:36 pm
Town of Runners

The local documentary film club was showing this so I popped along  -  I think it was released a few years ago. A good inside view of the way that running is developing in Ethiopia - it's turning into a dream escape for many young people, much like football/boxing in developed countries with all the up and down-sides of that. A good film for athletics fans.

The Martian

I had to suspend my disbelief when he made a marker pen last 461 days. Entertaining thobut.
;D

(TofR sounds interesting, will look out for it in other channels/formats/venues ... )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 07 November, 2015, 09:08:10 pm
The Martian

Better than expected.  A lot of the engineering got Hollywoodified - sometimes to the point of not making sense (as opposed to merely dubious), and some of the best bits got cut for length (and pretty much everything electrical got cut, presumably for maths, so no PirateNinjas), but Ridley did good on the space pr0n.  It's undoubtedly the best silly NASA propaganda movie since the unfortunately timed Space Camp.

Worth a watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq3xtZ8AjPE
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 November, 2015, 03:36:21 am
The entire Back To The Future trilogy

No DMC-12 ever came out of Dunmurry with an exhaust note like that.  And it was interesting to see the taxi of "the future" was a Citroen DS with bits of plastic glued to it.  I am prepared to suspend my disbelief to a certain extent, but I do not think it is possible to travel from Monument Valley1 to California that quickly, even with the aid of the US Air Force.  And I'm pretty sure that was a 1957 Studebaker parked just next to the building-with-the-clock in 1955.  OTOH Part III had a BEAR in it :thumbsup:

I enjoyed it.

1: Which was inhabited by Indians from the Movie tribe, rather than the Navajo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 08 November, 2015, 06:43:42 pm
Inherent Vice

I like PT Anderson films - he's possible the finest director of the early 21st century, with a string of great films.  This one slots in at the lower end of his ouvre, never touching the highs of The Master or There Will Be Blood, but approaching Magnolia and Boogie Nights.  And better than Punch Drunk Love.   

It is one of those films that is a little too disjointed, due to the source material, to ever really comfortably flow from one scene to the next.  It kind of grips you, but never as strongly as it should due to the lead actor's portrayal of Doc (it lacks the power of Daniel Day Lewis's performance in TWBB or Phillip Seymour Hoffman's in The Master). 

An interesting film, that is almost Lynchian, but without the surreal framework that make Lynch's films so unsettling. But not so interesting as to be essential viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 08 November, 2015, 06:53:27 pm
Two Days, One Night.  Starring Marion Cotillard (french, subtitled).

One of those films with a lot going on under a very simple premise.  A woman is faced with losing her job, unless she can persuade her colleagues to vote to keep her.  So she tries to persuade them, one at a time.

The director plays with your preconceived ideas, and takes you through the sort of emotional rollercoaster that such a situation would mean in real life.  It's really clever, and very affecting.

There are no explosions and none of it is set in space.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 November, 2015, 10:33:28 pm
Mad Max: Fury Road

Care In The Community Max. more like.  Plenty of explosions, has a satellite in it.  Needed someone like Bruce Spence to lighten the mood a bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 November, 2015, 10:44:12 pm
Mad Max: Fury Road

[...] Needed someone like Bruce Spence to lighten the mood a bit.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 November, 2015, 10:47:37 pm
That's another thing which bothered me - if Max's blood is so precious why take him out into the Great Bugger-All at all, never mind chained to the bit of '32 Chevy that's nearest to the accident?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 November, 2015, 10:50:07 pm
The entire plot (such as there is one) is based on people making terrible decisions about the expenditure of limited resources based on a personal grudge.  Which is kind of the whole point in the Mad Max franchise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 November, 2015, 10:52:51 pm
Started watching Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes to while away a Sunday afternoon. Gave up after half an hour because it was so dull.

To quote someone elsewhere: "It's hard to become emotionally invested in CGI chimps speaking in platitudes."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 09 November, 2015, 08:31:20 am
SPECTRE. Enjoyed it. Saw it at a reasonably small cinema, and near the front. Consequently, had to do a bit of looking left & right at the screen. Laughed at the so over-the-top product placement for Omega and, thank goodness – what a terrific shot he is from a moving boat at another moving object!

"We now know what 'C' stands for." Quite a few chortles/snorts from the audience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 November, 2015, 10:24:37 am
Burnt.

A succulent visual composition of delight.  A U.S. take on Fawlty Towers without the laughs.  Quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 November, 2015, 06:44:37 pm
Fast & Furious 6.

Given what it was, I have mixed feelings about this one. Cheesy (in a good way) dialogue and characters, great action/fight sequences, but an enormous amount of 'innocents' killed (by the bad guys of course) very very casually and mostly unmotivated and nobody seems to care?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 10 November, 2015, 08:30:35 pm
Hogfather

Yes, I know it's not really the season for it, but spotted the film on a website and thought I'd watch while I still could.  It's been ages since I read the book so can't make a comparison, but I thought it was good entertainment.  I know others have been made, both animated and live action, but disappointed recurring characters aren't played by the same people.

I've never been able to settle on a favourite Discworld character.  Death, or Lord Vetinari?  But having watched Hogfather, I think I'm in love with Susan.   :-*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 10 November, 2015, 08:42:22 pm
Brooklyn

Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 November, 2015, 09:27:38 pm
I've never been able to settle on a favourite Discworld character.  Death, or Lord Vetinari?  But having watched Hogfather, I think I'm in love with Susan.   :-*

Well duh...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 12 November, 2015, 12:45:41 pm
Red Dragon - I was disappointed.

I guess it worked as a very linear narrative, generic box office, suspense thriller kind of a movie but it wasn't even the sum of it's part for me. Good source material, healthy budget, fine cast... all added up to 'ordinary'. I like Ed Norton as a rule but I felt he was poor, and maybe miscast, here. Ditto Ralph Fiennes but less so - his role offered so much scope but he just was not in the least threatening. It felt like the whole thing was smoothed out, no deep dark crevices explored, just for the sake of producing another movie in the Hannibal Lecter sequence. Shame. I'm trusting that Man Hunter will deliver where Red Dragon failed. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 12 November, 2015, 04:33:38 pm
Stand Up Guys (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1389096/). Pacino, Walken and Arkin.

(click to show/hide)

My favorite quote?

Pacino 'So what'll it be, chew gum or kick ass?'
Walken 'I'm all out of gum'

An enjoyable yarn. (Though Mrs F thought otherwise).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 November, 2015, 10:32:56 pm
Straight Out of Compton

Pretty decent. Misses out on the East coast rivalry and can't help thinking that a straight up documentary would have been better (Like the Public Enemy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMCvWeWnsJw) one)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 November, 2015, 10:37:32 pm
The Wolf Soldier

Put it on as background noise whilst working. Very clearly a PLA propaganda movie, although it kinda misses the point when it takes  whole army to defeat a small group of (western) mercenaries....and they only just barely manages to do so and only due to a super human like effort from our hero.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 13 November, 2015, 03:39:44 am
Diary of a Teenage Girl

Coming of age film told from perspective of 15 year old young woman, which captures the insecurities, hormonal challenges and thrill of being a teenager who realises there is this thing called sex that adults do and can be jolly good fun.  Has some uncomfortable subject matter, but handled well.  A good film worth catching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 13 November, 2015, 04:24:27 pm
Spectre.

OK. It is what it was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 November, 2015, 07:36:19 pm
Ishaare

A documentary about how signing deaf and deafblind people in Mumbai communicate with hearing people using gesture.  So many fascinating cultural differences.

You can watch the whole thing here:  https://vimeo.com/user14202278/review/142068786/9dd1530f0b

(Primarily in Indian Sign Language, with subtitles throughout.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 14 November, 2015, 07:47:17 pm
Thanks for the  pointer Kim. I've an interest in sign and gesture so have downloaded it for later watching.

(BTW, I assume you meant 'signing'  rather than "singing" - though the typo did give me a smile!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 November, 2015, 07:49:07 pm
BTW, I assume you meant 'signing'  than "singing" - though the typo did give me a smile!

Ah yes.  Those singing dead people...

Fixed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 14 November, 2015, 10:57:25 pm
Burnt.

A succulent visual composition of delight.  A U.S. take on Fawlty Towers without the laughs.  Quite good.

It's completely bombed at the box office, along with Sandra Bullock's political satire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 15 November, 2015, 07:01:45 am
A twofer, last night.

First up The Brass Teapot the film equivalent of lift music. You recognise it as a film whilst watching it but 15 minutes later you have forgotten all about it.

Next up was The Hunger Games: Catching Fire this I enjoyed but now really need to see part 3!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 November, 2015, 09:45:34 am
Continuing a dive into the seamier recesses of better-forgottenness, the 1968 film of Dennis Wheatley's 1934 novel The Devil Rides Out.  Terrible direction, makeup laid on with an icing bag, everyone concerned obviously laughing their legs off or embarrassed as hell but the cars are beautiful.

Takes real stamina to watch all the way through, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 15 November, 2015, 09:56:50 am
Manhunter - interesting and not what I was expecting. Departed from the book, most notably the end. I can see it becoming a cult classic, if it's not already one. Not what I'd call a complete movie but it has a certain something. Synth soundtrack dates it instantly. 60s acid rock (where was the lava lamp?) during the climax assures it cult allure. Hopkins' performances defined what we now accept as Lecter, no criticism of Brian Cox's performance but it does not have the monster behind the mask in quite the same way.

In fairness, this film is centered on Will Graham - the "man hunter" of the title. It's not about the baddie. The film is nuanced accordingly. Fans of the TV series Hannibal will see how Petersen's performance here influenced Hugh Dancy, even down to the eye blinks, twitches and frowns.

And whilst on the subject of names,  my big question - Molly's son is Willy in the book, Josh in Red Dragon, Walter in the TV series Hannibal and Kevin (Kevin?!!) here. Go figure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 15 November, 2015, 10:17:37 am
re Red Dragon/Manhunter/Hannibal - I've enjoyed my little drill down diversion into this pool. When you get to know a plot so well, even remembering specific lines of text/dialogue, it frees you somewhat  to look at other areas. The 'compare and contrast'  exercise has been engaging; to see how different people interpret the novel and the characters etc, see what is left out or added, what is emphasised or played down - to see how all of that alters the overall feel. I'm going to continue on my journey with Lecter (or Lektar) but I'd like to do the same again within another pool.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 November, 2015, 03:46:37 pm
Fury
The tank movie. Not a happy film but pretty good; I don't think it glosses over anything and doesn't try to paint pretty pictures. Don't watch if you are squeamish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Basil on 15 November, 2015, 04:11:58 pm
The Lady in the Van.

Not bad.  They've done a reasonably good job, but I much preferred the stage version. 1
Dame Maggie was of course wonderful.  It must have been a relief for her to step away from the danger of being type cast in her later career as an upper class dragon.
Frances de la Tour, who I used to fancy years ago in an odd sort of way, just looked, erm, odd.

1I'd be interested to know what anyone who has never seen the original stage version thinks of this film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 November, 2015, 05:57:46 pm
Mad Max. Well, more Mad Maxine tbh. Made about as much sense as the original, when faced with a world without oil what do you do? Pimp up some muscle cars that do about four miles to the gallon, that's what. Entertainingly nonsensical, and Charlize is the best one in it. Max was a bit meh. Seems to love face masks though.

Spectre, finally. Quite liked it, it went back to Bond-roots, gadgets, predicaments, nefarious villain happy to invite Bond around to his pad to discuss his suitable nefarious plans in some detail, and some gentle self-mocking. Frankly, Bond films were never that great and god knows, do we need more gritty Bourne-style adventures where Daniel Craig wanders around looking intense and trying to find his personality.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 15 November, 2015, 06:08:35 pm
1I'd be interested to know what anyone who has never seen the original stage version thinks of this film.
Just quoting here to remind me to share my pearls of wisdom.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 15 November, 2015, 06:15:34 pm
do we need more gritty Bourne-style adventures where Daniel Craig wanders around looking intense and trying to find his personality.

I can handle it so long as his doesn't decide he's Roger Moore!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 15 November, 2015, 08:05:20 pm
Manhunter...Synth soundtrack dates it instantly. 60s acid rock (where was the lava lamp?) during the climax assures it cult allure...

Actually 80's Shriekback post-punk funky shit for quite a bit of it.  Grab a copy of Oil and Gold.  The 60's stuff was Iron Butterfly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 15 November, 2015, 08:21:38 pm
Yes, I saw mention on the credits. In a gadda davida baby. Plus Red 7 - Mike Rutherford google informs me. Which is coincidental as I thought for a terrifying moment that it was Phil Collins  during the closing credits :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 15 November, 2015, 09:48:19 pm
Dream House - twaddle.

Dull for an hour then a wtf moment flirted with interest before descending into complete piffle. A waste of a cast (Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 16 November, 2015, 02:43:41 am
I've never been able to settle on a favourite Discworld character.  Death, or Lord Vetinari?  But having watched Hogfather, I think I'm in love with Susan.   :-*

Well duh...
Absolutely! I fell for her in 'Soul Music'. Classic cheesecake publicity shot where the publicity picture has her...testing the stretchiness of her skirt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 November, 2015, 10:24:29 pm
Burnt.

A succulent visual composition of delight.  A U.S. take on Fawlty Towers without the laughs.  Quite good.

It's completely bombed at the box office, along with Sandra Bullock's political satire.

I can live with that.  It's not unreasonable.

I watched The Drop.  They won't all live happily ever after, that's for sure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 16 November, 2015, 10:27:17 pm
Spectre.

It was cracking good fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 16 November, 2015, 10:34:10 pm
Minions.

They make better side-kicks than they do lead roles, just sayin'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 November, 2015, 10:46:38 pm
Spectre.

It was cracking good fun.

Yes we enjoyed it.

However I'm pretty sure that the sunrise scene was actually a clip of the sun setting.  It lasts just long enough to detect that sinking feeling. That's quite cunning really as it means they didn't get up at some stupid hour to get all their stuff ready.   They could have had a longer clip and run it backwards but then they'd had to reverse the train.  Maybe the smoke would have gone the wrong way?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 16 November, 2015, 10:49:50 pm
Spectre.

It was cracking good fun.

Yes we enjoyed it.

However I'm pretty sure that the sunrise scene was actually a clip of the sun setting.  It lasts just long enough to detect that sinking feeling. That's quite cunning really as it means they didn't get up at some stupid hour to get all their stuff ready.   They could have had a longer clip and run it backwards but then they'd had to reverse the train.  Maybe the smoke would have gone the wrong way?

I don't think I can even remember that.  Was it where the sun was coming up over the North African desert with the mountains in the distance?  Because I really liked that bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 16 November, 2015, 10:51:27 pm
The Red Shoes on Sunday on the telly. Can't beat a Powell and Pressburger.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 16 November, 2015, 10:52:39 pm
The Red Shoes on Sunday on the telly. Can't beat a Powell and Pressburger.

I adore that movie.  Moira Shearer, the golden age of British thingy, just glorious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 16 November, 2015, 11:10:16 pm
Spectre.

It was cracking good fun.

Yes we enjoyed it.

However I'm pretty sure that the sunrise scene was actually a clip of the sun setting.  It lasts just long enough to detect that sinking feeling. That's quite cunning really as it means they didn't get up at some stupid hour to get all their stuff ready.   They could have had a longer clip and run it backwards but then they'd had to reverse the train.  Maybe the smoke would have gone the wrong way?

I don't think I can even remember that.  Was it where the sun was coming up over the North African desert with the mountains in the distance?  Because I really liked that bit.

It reminded me of this picture of Josie Dew I found today.

http://tuvizo.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/C53-JOSIE-DEW.jpg
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 November, 2015, 09:11:30 am
Spectre.

It was cracking good fun.

Yes we enjoyed it.

However I'm pretty sure that the sunrise scene was actually a clip of the sun setting.  It lasts just long enough to detect that sinking feeling. That's quite cunning really as it means they didn't get up at some stupid hour to get all their stuff ready.   They could have had a longer clip and run it backwards but then they'd had to reverse the train.  Maybe the smoke would have gone the wrong way?

I don't think I can even remember that.  Was it where the sun was coming up over the North African desert with the mountains in the distance?  Because I really liked that bit.

Yes it was a good scene.  I paid special attention to the sun because I remember watching sunsets in Equatorial Kenya.  It sinks very fast in those latitudes.  Daylight one minute, then you need a torch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 17 November, 2015, 10:09:51 am
There's to be a remake of Momento - one of my favourite ever films.  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alexb on 18 November, 2015, 05:46:40 pm
Spectre. With the family.
It was OK, but I just got fed up with every other shot looking like a cover from GQ.

Also rapey - weirdly rapey.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 18 November, 2015, 06:31:10 pm
Hunger Games in preparation for part IV.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 November, 2015, 08:03:53 pm
Hopefully they'll tell the story in the right goddamn order this time.   >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 18 November, 2015, 09:00:45 pm
Spectre. With the family.
It was OK, but I just got fed up with every other shot looking like a cover from GQ.

Also rapey - weirdly rapey.

Rapey?  I don't remember rapey?  Which bit?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 November, 2015, 11:21:38 pm
Hunger Games One.

Will probably have to watch two and three again before four
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 19 November, 2015, 09:51:04 am
Touching The Void.

Again.

A documentary about events in 1985, when Joe Simpson and Simon Yates made the first ascent of Siula Grande, and Joe had a terrible accident on the way down the mountain.  Simon made a heroic, mad attempt to rescue Joe but in the end Joe was suspended by a rope, and Simon had to cut the rope and leave Joe for dead on the mountain.

I never get tired of this film.  It's a harrowing testament to the power of human will, and the hunger for life.  It's one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen.  Good use of music, too.  Good extras on the DVD.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 19 November, 2015, 10:02:14 am
Hunger Games One.

Will probably have to watch two and three again before four
We did one and two last night, three will be this evening and four is tomorrow.

OMG THE HUNGER GAMES MOCKINGJAY PART TWO!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 November, 2015, 01:50:46 pm
Charlotte Gray

Cate Blanchett is an SOE courier dropped into Vichy France.

Rupert Penry Jones isn't.

Michael Gambon isn't Dumbledor.

A several of others appear.

A good film IMHO.

Back in the day when I was a beat bobby, I used to pop into a local community centre during crumblies lunch club. One of the ladies there who was very quiet and distant but would chat occasionally, was an ex SOE agent and spent time in France.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Katie on 19 November, 2015, 04:16:59 pm
Hunger Games One.

Will probably have to watch two and three again before four
We did one and two last night, three will be this evening and four is tomorrow.

OMG THE HUNGER GAMES MOCKINGJAY PART TWO!

Argh no I'm not seeing it til Monday D:

(I've read the books, but… I remember how taken aback I was by the beautiful song in the last film, if anyone had told me to expect that then I'd have been devastated. So, with that in mind: pleeeeease no spoilers!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ian H on 19 November, 2015, 10:44:46 pm
I only watch films at the cinema.  The Lady in the Van this evening.  One of those films that are so good you ignore/forget/forgive all the faults.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 20 November, 2015, 07:47:52 am
Irrational Man - don't bother.

If you've seen a Woody Allen film before then you've seen this one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 November, 2015, 09:30:05 am
Jobs.  A bit disappointing, but then I was never a fan.  Amusing dialogue as suggested by the trailer and at least they acknowledged Alan Turing.  California? It ticked all my boxes. 

.. I did like the remark that the most efficient animal on the planet was a human riding a bicycle:

Quote
I think one of the things that really separates us from the high primates is that we’re tool builders. I read a study that measured the efficiency of locomotion for various species on the planet. The condor used the least energy to move a kilometer. And, humans came in with a rather unimpressive showing, about a third of the way down the list. It was not too proud a showing for the crown of creation. So, that didn’t look so good. But, then somebody at Scientific American had the insight to test the efficiency of locomotion for a man on a bicycle. And, a man on a bicycle, a human on a bicycle, blew the condor away, completely off the top of the charts.

And that’s what a computer is to me. What a computer is to me is it’s the most remarkable tool that we’ve ever come up with, and it’s the equivalent of a bicycle for our minds.” ~ Steve Jobs

Maybe a human on a Condor bicycle is more efficient still especially if it has a cycle computer..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 November, 2015, 01:47:45 pm
I only watch films at the cinema.  The Lady in the Van this evening.  One of those films that are so good you ignore/forget/forgive all the faults.
Really?!?

If true, there's a certain cool to that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 20 November, 2015, 11:52:58 pm
Mockingjay part 2 OMFG THE HUNGER GAMES.

(click to show/hide)


Aside from that, it's part 4 of a series I've seen all of, read several times. Jennifer Lawrence really is very good, but I knew what was going to happen and wasn't really awed by it. No surprises, which makes it less OMFG than its predecessors, but not because it's less good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 22 November, 2015, 07:24:21 am
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials.

Not a patch on the first one, feels like a "quick let's jump on the bandwagon" film.

The zombies are really scary, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 November, 2015, 05:50:58 pm
Gravity, on the little telly this time. A nice, compact film, doesn't need to overload back story and motivation, beyond that you're stuck the fuck in space and it's a long way down. Not quite the Imax spectacle, the space station coming apart and the sense of vertigo is quite literally breathtaking on a screen that captures your entire visual field, but it was still impressive scaled down to 45 inch in my living room.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 22 November, 2015, 06:00:21 pm
The vacation of tomorrow, today!

I watched Westworld (1973) last night.  Great movie, and one of the first films to use digital image processing to create the "android pixellated vision" effect:

Quote
Westworld was the first feature film to use digital image processing. Crichton originally went to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, but after learning that two minutes of animation would take nine months and cost $200,000, he contacted John Whitney Sr., who in turn recommended his son John Whitney Jr. The latter went to Information International, Inc., where they could work at night and complete the animation both faster and much cheaper.[15] John Whitney, Jr. digitally processed motion picture photography at Information International, Inc. to appear pixelized in order to portray the Gunslinger android's point of view.[4] The approximately 2 minutes and 31 seconds worth of cinegraphic block portraiture was accomplished by color-separating (three basic color separations plus black mask) each frame of source 70 mm film images, scanning each of these elements to convert into rectangular blocks, then adding basic color according to the tone values developed.[16] The resulting coarse pixel matrix was output back to film.[17] The process was covered in the American Cinematographer article "Behind the scenes of Westworld"[18] and in a 2013 New Yorker online article.[19]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westworld)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 22 November, 2015, 06:18:25 pm
Touching The Void.

Again.

A documentary about events in 1985, when Joe Simpson and Simon Yates made the first ascent of Siula Grande, and Joe had a terrible accident on the way down the mountain.  Simon made a heroic, mad attempt to rescue Joe but in the end Joe was suspended by a rope, and Simon had to cut the rope and leave Joe for dead on the mountain.

I never get tired of this film.  It's a harrowing testament to the power of human will, and the hunger for life.  It's one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen.  Good use of music, too.  Good extras on the DVD.

Brown girl in the ring, tralalala!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 22 November, 2015, 06:30:36 pm
Touching The Void.

Again.

A documentary about events in 1985, when Joe Simpson and Simon Yates made the first ascent of Siula Grande, and Joe had a terrible accident on the way down the mountain.  Simon made a heroic, mad attempt to rescue Joe but in the end Joe was suspended by a rope, and Simon had to cut the rope and leave Joe for dead on the mountain.

I never get tired of this film.  It's a harrowing testament to the power of human will, and the hunger for life.  It's one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen.  Good use of music, too.  Good extras on the DVD.

Brown girl in the ring, tralalala!

I know.  Poor bastard.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 November, 2015, 09:20:49 pm
Mad Max

Make sure you poke the appropriate buttons on the remote to get it in the original Australian and not the piss-boilingly awful USAnian dubbed soundtrack.  Considering its rep for violence very few people actually get killed utterly to DETH on camera too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 November, 2015, 02:56:50 am
Mad Max 2

Are you beginning to sense a theme here?  Just as good as it ever was.  It's 29 minutes shorter than Mad Max 4, which probably means that the latter is at least thirty minutes too long.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 November, 2015, 07:38:08 am
Mad Max

Make sure you poke the appropriate buttons on the remote to get it in the original Australian and not the piss-boilingly awful USAnian dubbed soundtrack.  Considering its rep for violence very few people actually get killed utterly to DETH on camera too.

Not a yardstick. There's only about 1½ totally killed in Green Street.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 23 November, 2015, 07:47:07 am
Ant-Man

I liked it, it was funny in the right places and scary in a few others.

We followed this with Ep1 of "Jessica Jones".  Two extremes of the Marvel Universe you will not be able to find!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 23 November, 2015, 09:43:07 am
No Escape (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1781922/)

Owen Wilson is the father of a family going ex pat to the Far East for work. On arrival it all gets a bit fraught.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 23 November, 2015, 05:02:06 pm
The Dressmaker.    Bizarre and surreal black comedy set in the Outback.  I found it amusing but that's just me.. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 24 November, 2015, 10:47:58 am
Just completed the Harry Potter Septology (again) followed by Star Wars Episode 1 The Phantom Menace.

I know............
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 24 November, 2015, 10:51:24 am
Horns

On Netflix. Right weird. Must've been good because despite not really watching it (the reason I go to the cinema for my filmic requirements) I was fairly gripped to the point of a repeated "WTF" conversation with No1Daughter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 November, 2015, 11:13:41 am
Horns

On Netflix. Right weird. Must've been good because despite not really watching it (the reason I go to the cinema for my filmic requirements) I was fairly gripped to the point of a repeated "WTF" conversation with No1Daughter.
I've read the book. So damn confused - gripping, yes - but when I finished the book I was left with the feeling that it was a very pointless story that wasn't all that entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 24 November, 2015, 01:53:12 pm
Jude - featuring 2 young Dr Who's (or should that be whose?) and a similarly young and very nekid Kate Winslett.

I dunno, I know I should have liked it. Michael Winterbottom is a very capable film maker, the actors acted earnestly, it was a good if bleak (very bleak) tale told well but... I found it slow and dull and ultimately a bit empty. Maybe that was the point. Life sucks and it rains... a lot.  Guess I was just in the wrong mood.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 November, 2015, 02:02:39 pm
2 young Dr Who's (or should that be whose?)

"Doctors Who"?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 24 November, 2015, 04:06:50 pm
Bridge of Spies

One of the best films I have seen for a while. Recommended.

it reminded me of watching 'Fail-Safe' a very of a long time ago and the atmosphere of those times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 24 November, 2015, 07:14:56 pm
Aftermath (2012)

A nice cheery film (not) about the 30 days following a nuclear "exchange", with some unmentioned enemy and the US of A.
The aftermath of the exchange apparently results in zombie like cannibals?!?

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 24 November, 2015, 07:17:23 pm
The Goonies

Starring an even shorter Sam Gamgee.

I bloody love that film.  It's absolutely fantastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 24 November, 2015, 08:05:42 pm
The Goonies

I bloody love that film.  It's absolutely fantastic.

Agreed. It is one of my all time fave films - and I'm being serious!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 24 November, 2015, 08:36:53 pm
The Goonies

I bloody love that film.  It's absolutely fantastic.

Agreed. It is one of my all time fave films - and I'm being serious!

"Tell us everything!"
"Everything?!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 24 November, 2015, 09:13:32 pm
The Goonies

Starring an even shorter Sam Gamgee.

I bloody love that film.  It's absolutely fantastic.

Hey you Guuuuuys!

I love that film too!   :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 25 November, 2015, 10:20:27 am
I'd be interested to know what anyone who has never seen the original stage version thinks of this film.

The Lady in the Van.

Quote from: No1Daughter
I definitely feel like I've just seen a grown up film
and
Quote from: No1Daughter
It's mostly about him, though, isn't it?

Preceded by
Spectre
I didn't think I'd leave the house again if I went home after work, so I went straight to the flicks and saw this. I fell asleep in the first half hour... and was clock watching for the last half hour in a 'how much longer does this predictable tosh have' kind of way. I too thought it was a bit rapey.
I haven't enjoyed a Bond film, erm, ever, though, so it's hardly a surprise it didn't float my boat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 25 November, 2015, 04:21:20 pm
I'd be interested to know what anyone who has never seen the original stage version thinks of this film.

The Lady in the Van.

Quote from: No1Daughter
I definitely feel like I've just seen a grown up film
and
Quote from: No1Daughter
It's mostly about him, though, isn't it?

Preceded by
Spectre
I didn't think I'd leave the house again if I went home after work, so I went straight to the flicks and saw this. I fell asleep in the first half hour... and was clock watching for the last half hour in a 'how much longer does this predictable tosh have' kind of way. I too thought it was a bit rapey.
I haven't enjoyed a Bond film, erm, ever, though, so it's hardly a surprise it didn't float my boat.


We will go to watch Lady in the Van next.

If you "haven't enjoyed a Bond film, erm, ever" then why on god's green earth go and watch another?  There are plenty of walls around against which one may bash one's head, for free, too.  (I am not a Bond film addict!)


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 25 November, 2015, 04:44:58 pm
If you "haven't enjoyed a Bond film, erm, ever" then why on god's green earth go and watch another?  There are plenty of walls around against which one may bash one's head, for free, too.

* whispers past back of hand *
She's got a season ticket, and feels an obligation to get value for money. She watches some right duds...  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 25 November, 2015, 04:45:19 pm
If you "haven't enjoyed a Bond film, erm, ever" then why on god's green earth go and watch another?  There are plenty of walls around against which one may bash one's head, for free, too. 
:)

For sure, but they don't have comfy seats and (effectively) free heating.
I've got unlimited and it's all that was on (that I hadn't already seen) at the right time. I'd've enjoyed the nap except there were other people around and I've been known to snore.
She watches some right duds...  ;)
He speaks the truth.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: trekker12 on 25 November, 2015, 04:54:54 pm
The Hunger games trilogy

Caught the first one on Film 4 last week knowing nothing about it and Mrs Trekker and I enjoyed it so much we went out and bought the box set and watched the remaining two over the past week. The second one was good, third not so but with no games any longer they have to wrap up the story somehow. Queue much sultry staring to camera.

Going to watch the last part at the cinema though, and might even read the books at some point.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 25 November, 2015, 05:39:17 pm
Hmmm. Cinema season tickets ...

I'venever really thought about those. This may change how I view the Other People I see at the flicks - particularly near-empty showings ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 November, 2015, 06:30:53 pm
Tangerine

A long and largely cringeworthy build-up to a moving final scene.  File under "Ha ha only serious".

Points for casting (obviously) and for demonstrating that it's possible to shoot a proper film entirely on iThings.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 November, 2015, 01:14:30 am
Mad Max 3

With guest appearance from the Frying Pan of SPANG.  I, Cosmo Larringsman, maintain that the Mad Max series is getting sillier on a logarithmic scale; Mad Max was not at all silly, 2 was slightly silly, this was very silly and Fury Road was like being in the middle of a slapstick scene involving hammers made of silly putty.  George Miller is said to be planning two, if not three, further films.  This will stretch credulity some way beyond its elastic limit and if Max is finally revealed to be the Messiah then I'm heading to Australia to stamp on Dr Miller's glasses.

Also episodes 2-4 have essentially the same plot :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 26 November, 2015, 01:37:17 pm
Hmmm. Cinema season tickets ...

I'venever really thought about those. This may change how I view the Other People I see at the flicks - particularly near-empty showings ...
No1Daughter has one too, she goes with her mates, and sometimes on her own at 'odd' times- she works shifts.
Generally we go at least once a week. We don't do live telly, and from a purely financial point of view if you go more than once a month you've saved money. Of course, it doesn't really work like that, what actually happens is
She's got a season ticket, and feels an obligation to get value for money. She watches some right duds...  ;)
That.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 26 November, 2015, 02:01:44 pm
The Interview

Very juvenile tosh about Kim Jong Un getting (and engaging in) 'Honeydicking'

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 27 November, 2015, 10:37:01 am
Hmmm. Cinema season tickets ...

I'venever really thought about those. This may change how I view the Other People I see at the flicks - particularly near-empty showings ...
No1Daughter has one too, she goes with her mates, and sometimes on her own at 'odd' times- she works shifts.
Generally we go at least once a week. We don't do live telly, and from a purely financial point of view if you go more than once a month you've saved money. Of course, it doesn't really work like that, what actually happens is
She's got a season ticket, and feels an obligation to get value for money. She watches some right duds...  ;)
That.

I’ve got one too.

I’m feeling much less keen on using it now that Cineworld have gone to 100% digital projection – it’s not as good; that’s not film snobbery it just doesn’t deliver as good a picture.

The big plus is you get to walk out of films you’re not enjoying and not feel cheated (then quickly nip in and see something else).  Having said that I’ve not walked out of many films; the most recent was Bridesmaids.  Like all the performers in it, wasn’t enjoying the film so went to see something else.

I think I average about two films a month over the year (sometimes it’s two in one day, sometimes I won’t see one for a couple of months).  If the new Star Wars film is even moderately good I expect to get value for money from repeat viewings.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 01 December, 2015, 09:10:58 am
Black Mass:  gruesomely violent depiction of real-life gangsters in Boston.  I'll never see Johnny Depp in the same light again and I never thought much of Boston anyway. 

Lady in the Van:  The good the bad and the ugly of human nature.  Worth watching.   


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 06 December, 2015, 11:12:38 pm
The Hunger Games Mockingjay I

Amazingly, having watched this come up on the BBFC (or whatever it is called) frontspiece we were subjected to The Hunger Games Mockingjay II. The lights were still on too, which, in a digital cinema I found quite surprising. A bloke dashed off and on his return said "they forgot". Forgot to turn the lights off in an automated cinema? To be fair, they also had forgotten to clean the auditorium after the previous shows. I narrowly avoided sitting on a dried pizza crust.

All was well though, popcorn and nachos covered in yellow slime sat in front of us. It was a public cinema after all!

It was good, but it was long. It was excellent to have shots of key characters gazing into the distance, like we used to have in movies, before Bourne. This was the end result of turning 1.5 Films into 2. You need filler.

Obviously not as bad as the Hobbit, which I haven't watched and have no intention of doing - I read the book. The hobbit is not a three film story. The last bit of Hunger Games is not a two film story.

Loads of boring tunnel tosh. Some stuff about living in a tiger's basement. Oh some babies are bombed. Oh the sister is dead. Oh who did that?! A bit more death then some nasty stuff done to a cat. Poor kitteh - it did not deserve that! But it acted well.

Finally a picnic setting. A baby that was as large as Jennifer Lawrence, and me wondering how they got these bottle of lemonade into this ruined Victors Village. Plus, where were these kids gonig to go to school...?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 06 December, 2015, 11:57:47 pm
Wanted- Weavers of old get attitude and start killing folk. This gives us Angelina Jolie with tatts, Morgan Freeman being Morgan Freemand and Mr Teatime slapping folk about. All set in Chicago.

Was good in my book but I'm easy to please.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 December, 2015, 02:01:07 pm
Fail Safe 1964 version

Just thought I'd get in some prime time Cold War viewing.  It's still very good esp. compared to more hysterical US stuff produced subsequently.   How things have changed since then.  The special effects, I mean.   

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 10 December, 2015, 03:22:16 pm
Carol - see it. Film of the year for me.

Stunningly shot, brilliantly acted, perfect pitch soundtrack. Blanchett once again shows what a brilliant actor she is,  and Rooney Mara damned near matches her. Films don't get better than this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 10 December, 2015, 03:46:06 pm
Wanted- Weavers of old get attitude and start killing folk. This gives us Angelina Jolie with tatts, Morgan Freeman being Morgan Freemand and Mr Teatime slapping folk about. All set in Chicago.

Was good in my book but I'm easy to please.

The film bore only a tangential resemblance to the graphic novel that apparently inspired it. Mind you, a faithful cinematic adaptation would have been 18/R-rated at best, and only after a lot of cuts to satisfy the censors/ratings agencies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wanted_(comics)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 11 December, 2015, 12:01:16 am
I thought Wanted was a very nasty and unpleasant film that assumes every young man's fantasy was to humiliate female colleagues and fire guns round corners. Also getting a bit bored with Morgan Freeman doing his wise old man schtick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 11 December, 2015, 08:44:48 am
Ghost. My wife wanted to watch it. She gave up after 20 minutes  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 11 December, 2015, 12:31:45 pm
Victor Frankenstein

Just don't.

(click to show/hide)

Another on the 'she watches some right duds' pile.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 December, 2015, 11:56:06 pm
Oldboy (2013 spike lee version)

No, I've never seen it before.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 12 December, 2015, 08:36:53 am
The Matrix.

I fell asleep for half an hour during the middle of it, so wound it back and rewatched that bit.

It was an interesting experience. I can see why I've not rushed to rewatch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 December, 2015, 04:17:30 pm
I still quite enjoy the Matrix. The sequels. Meh.

It was one of those movies I had no idea about when I first saw it (we had one of those monthly cinema passes) so if it was raining we'd just go watch anything, on the grounds there was no loss if we walked out. It definitely benefited from a dose of wtf.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 12 December, 2015, 07:32:37 pm
Jupiter Ascending.

By the Wachowski brothers.  Stylish with an ok central idea, but yet another disappointing film by them.  More Matrix Reloaded than Matrix (which remains truly awesome btw). 

Basically a heroine is fated to rule the Earth, falls in love with an alien, beats a dynastic family, blah blah.  Generic enough.  But the conceit that populated planets are not just random rocks in space (I could be more specific but won't spoil it should anybody want to watch it) was interesting, even if it wasn't handled that well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 December, 2015, 07:37:09 pm
Jupiter Ascending.

By the Wachowski brothers Wachowskis

FTFY


'Stylish' was the whole point of the film, IMHO.  The story was just there to string it together (and I don't mean that in a bad way).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 12 December, 2015, 07:55:41 pm
I stand corrected. 
I did see that in the credits at the end.
It struck me at the time as a bit like calling the Marx Brothers the Marxists.
Then I googled 2 minutes ago.....

Wachowskis it is   :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 13 December, 2015, 03:30:58 pm
Life of Pi

On the plus side, it was lovely to look at. And it had the longest credits I've ever seen on a movie. The production must have employed the population of a small nation.

But, yes, whilst a faithful version of the book the film did somehow lack the enigma.
Pretty much agree with that.
although:
(click to show/hide)

Rather unfortunate timing; every scene involving tiger conflict, I kept thinking of those bloody cats-scared-of-cucumbers videos, of which I'd only been made aware a few hours earlier!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 December, 2015, 04:47:59 am
Jupiter Ascending.

By the Wachowski brothers.  Stylish with an ok central idea, but yet another disappointing film by them.  More Matrix Reloaded than Matrix (which remains truly awesome btw). 

Basically a heroine is fated to rule the Earth, falls in love with an alien, beats a dynastic family, blah blah.  Generic enough.  But the conceit that populated planets are not just random rocks in space (I could be more specific but won't spoil it should anybody want to watch it) was interesting, even if it wasn't handled that well.

The first 3rd of of it is decent..and then they just keep nibbling at it, breaking it tiny bit at a time, which means you still maintain hope that they can salvage it until the end.
Beautiful images. Loved it just for that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 December, 2015, 04:51:49 am
"Creed" - Word of mouth was that it was good...word of mouth was kinda wrong. It has it's moments. Stallone is good. Some of the cinematography is very good. (some of it standard).  Jordan is pretty poor, but his role is limited to being angry and hitting things, so he mostly gets away with it. The romance could have been skipped entirely and it wouldn't have made any difference to the movie at all.
 I was disappointed by the last fight. I had hoped that they would more towards realistic boxing, but I guess it was also a homage to the original Rocky movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 14 December, 2015, 05:17:36 pm
The Wolf of Wall Street.

It's basically Goodfellas in stockbroking, but none the worse for that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 15 December, 2015, 12:13:24 am
True Lies.

Excellent!!

We used to make the best planes in the world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 December, 2015, 06:38:07 am
The Duellists (1977)

Excellent.  Some quite good fencing, too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 December, 2015, 09:51:17 am
The Duellists (1977)

Excellent.  Some quite good fencing, too.

Cracking film! Not seen it for a while. Very funny, if I recall correctly.

Has anyone seen Grandma? I've just listened to Mark Kermode's review and it has made me very much want to see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 15 December, 2015, 11:55:05 am
Brooklyn's Finest (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1210042/) Hawke, Gere, Cheadle and Snipes.

3 NYPD end up in the same vicinity through different routes.

Pretty damn good akshirley.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 December, 2015, 01:12:00 pm
The Duellists (1977)

Excellent.  Some quite good fencing, too.

Cracking film! Not seen it for a while. Very funny, if I recall correctly.

...

Er... don't think so. Funny, that is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 December, 2015, 02:28:34 pm
Er... don't think so. Funny, that is.

Erm... The one with Harvey Keitel and Keith Carradine, right? My memory is obviously faulty. It's some time since I saw it.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 December, 2015, 02:34:17 pm
Yes, that's it.  Not particularly funny, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 15 December, 2015, 04:14:56 pm
Pitch Perfect 2. Not as good as the first, and the sub plot about Europeans being awesome at acapella singing was a bit strange, but I enjoyed it, and it got me listening to old Pat Benatar songs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 16 December, 2015, 12:34:59 pm
Christmas with The Coopers
Not actually that bad. For a free film. Better than sitting at home with Candy Crush, anyway.

In the Heart Of The Sea
In 3D, but I'd forgotten my 3D glasses. I thought I'd give it 5 minutes and then leave, but I stayed to the end. Chris Hemsworth is dreadfully unconvincingly wooden and 2D, but the plot rattles along quite nicely. I bet the whales look great if you've got the glasses on, mind.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 16 December, 2015, 12:57:57 pm
In the Heart Of The Sea

I'm not a fan of Ron Howard, I think he tends to be overly dramatic (which suits some stories, maybe even ^ that one) and definitely overly saccharinises but credit where it's due, he can make a film. Just that I'm not inclined to watch them...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 December, 2015, 07:41:22 am
Christ Stopped at Eboli

This is a wonderful film but we're pissed off. We used to have the VHS version, which lasted around 3½ hours, and the cover of our new DVD version still reads "200 minutes", but a lot of scenes have been cut and it finished in just over two hours.  Since we were splitting it over two nights last night's second "half" left us hungry.

Incidentally, the IMDB bio of Gian-Maria Volontè mentions the films in which he appears as a tough-guy baddie destined for a sticky end, and makes no mention of Christ Stopped at Eboli.  Aye well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 18 December, 2015, 02:00:12 pm
Blade Runner

This time on Blu Ray with a decent home sound system and big TV. (I think I own all formats now, including paper & VHS).

It's stunning, even after all this time the sets still hold up.

Ridley Scott at his very, very, best.  A perfect way to spend a dark & rainy Sunday afternoon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 December, 2015, 02:47:16 pm
Blade Runner

This time on Blu Ray with a decent home sound system and big TV. (I think I own all formats now, including paper & VHS).

It's stunning, even after all this time the sets still hold up.

Ridley Scott at his very, very, best.  A perfect way to spend a dark & rainy Sunday afternoon.

The best film in the Multiverse. Ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 December, 2015, 03:37:06 pm
Starwars   At last..

People in the audience occasionally laughed for no obvious reason except they may have watched the previous episodes and understood the joke.

I enjoyed it anyway.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 December, 2015, 04:19:11 pm
Blade Runner

This time on Blu Ray with a decent home sound system and big TV. (I think I own all formats now, including paper & VHS).

It's stunning, even after all this time the sets still hold up.

Ridley Scott at his very, very, best.  A perfect way to spend a dark & rainy Sunday afternoon.

The best film in the Multiverse. Ever.

Agreed, but which cut?  There's a godzillion of the things.

I like the one
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 December, 2015, 08:44:11 pm
Blade Runner

This time on Blu Ray with a decent home sound system and big TV. (I think I own all formats now, including paper & VHS).

It's stunning, even after all this time the sets still hold up.

Ridley Scott at his very, very, best.  A perfect way to spend a dark & rainy Sunday afternoon.

The best film in the Multiverse. Ever.

Agreed, but which cut?  There's a godzillion of the things.

I like the one
(click to show/hide)

I like all the cuts but, the original release is my favourite. I agree about the Deckard Replicant shouters. Super Twats.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 December, 2015, 08:46:31 pm
Red 2. Hilarious :thumbsup:

As an aside, we saw a bit of the car chase thingy being filmed- a car on the back of a low loader with a big camera up against the windscreen and side window with lots of crew hanging on/ off.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 18 December, 2015, 08:59:06 pm
I agree about the Deckard Replicant shouters. Super Twats.

Sorry but Deckard, in the film, is a Replicant.  It couldn't be clearer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 18 December, 2015, 09:22:20 pm
I agree about the Deckard Replicant shouters. Super Twats.

Sorry but Deckard, in the film, is a Replicant.  It couldn't be clearer.

Evidence?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 December, 2015, 08:07:50 am
I agree about the Deckard Replicant shouters. Super Twats.

Sorry but Deckard, in the film, is a Replicant.  It couldn't be clearer.
Evidence against; he's worked in the department too long.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 19 December, 2015, 08:23:57 am
Started watching The Empire Strikes Back.

Realised I hadn't seen it before. Thought Harrison Ford was a bit wooden. Fell into a few plot holes and decided to record the rest...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 19 December, 2015, 08:31:40 am
It's ambiguous.  The original cut didn't have any ambiguity though (and went so far in the voiceover to give him and Rachel a human lifespan at the end).  The ambiguity was introduced by the director and final cuts. Those have a couple of clues - one being a shimmer in his eyes (from memory) and the other allusions to planted memories (the unicorn).  I think the consensus is that the Studio interfered with Ridley Scott's intention, which was to allude to him being a replicant without saying it explicitly.

The book by PKD. No question. Human.

Great film BTW. Always springs to mind when people ask me what my favourite films are. Although it's surprisingly marmite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 December, 2015, 08:51:25 am
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Replicant#Was_Deckard_a_replicant.3F

Started watching The Empire Strikes Back.

Realised I hadn't seen it before. Thought Harrison Ford was a bit wooden. Fell into a few plot holes and decided to record the rest...

I always found him a bit wooden.  Maybe he is a replicant after all.

On seeing his phyzog when he climbs into bed with Anne Archer in Patriot Games, we rechistened him King Leer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 December, 2015, 10:40:26 am
Blade Runner

This time on Blu Ray with a decent home sound system and big TV. (I think I own all formats now, including paper & VHS).

It's stunning, even after all this time the sets still hold up.

Ridley Scott at his very, very, best.  A perfect way to spend a dark & rainy Sunday afternoon.

The best film in the Multiverse. Ever.

Pffft!  Whither Commando, eh?  EH??
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 19 December, 2015, 01:30:19 pm
Red 2. Hilarious :thumbsup

Ditto. Though it really has no right to be. Every sinew in your body complains; 'this really oughtn't be funny'. But darn me, it is.  The script picks up exactly where it left off. Why mess with a good thing?

My favourite line; Helen Mirren's character - "just rent 'Dirty Dancing' and tell her you love her". In context, it's chuckle-stuff, believe me!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 19 December, 2015, 05:46:34 pm
I agree about the Deckard Replicant shouters. Super Twats.

Sorry but Deckard, in the film, is a Replicant.  It couldn't be clearer.
Evidence against; he's worked in the department too long.

There's no evidence he's worked in the department for that long.

The origami Unicorn is the clearest indication that Gaff knows what Deckard dreams about.
Gaff never lets him out of his sight, he's always just around the corner, keeping tabs.
"You've done a man's job".  That's a strange thing to say to a man in the context of a film about what makes us human.
Deckard surrounds himself (or has been surrounded) by old photos, seemingly a bit too old, as is the way with Replicants subconsciously grasping at a fictitious past.
Deckard keeps going even after some life-threatening beatings, the kind that combat Replicants may be designed to withstand.

Oh yes, and Ridley Scott says he's a Replicant.

Either way, the fact we are discussing it, 30 years on, is what helps make it so special.  It's a film so beautiful you could watch it with the audio off and just play some music of your own.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 19 December, 2015, 06:23:32 pm
I didn't know Ridley had pronounced on this.  I read it that Deckard was fearful of discovering he was a replicant. Bit like the denial of a closeted gay homophobe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 19 December, 2015, 08:59:31 pm
Star Wars part VII. 3D iMax boomy goodness. Mmmm... splosions  :thumbsup:

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 20 December, 2015, 01:20:28 am
Star Wars part VII. 3D iMax boomy goodness. Mmmm... splosions  :thumbsup:

(click to show/hide)

Erhh, that was not exactly a secret.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 20 December, 2015, 07:26:39 am
I'm more concerned about what's been happening to Bill Weasley. Hanging about with robots is clearly not good for your soul.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 December, 2015, 09:49:56 am
I'm more concerned about what's been happening to Bill Weasley. Hanging about with robots is clearly not good for your soul.

S' probably coz married to Fleur Delacor (Sp?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 December, 2015, 09:53:33 am
Star Wars 1 (well, 4, actually)

It's a bit of fun, quite likely made better in 1977 by the amazing effects. For all the size of the Death Star they got around it quite quickly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 December, 2015, 05:30:45 pm
I didn't know Ridley had pronounced on this.  I read it that Deckard was fearful of discovering he was a replicant. Bit like the denial of a closeted gay homophobe.

I reckon Roy Batty* was in denial (Cycling shorts and no shirt, I mean, come on).

* I've always thought the name Roy Batty sounded more like a Yorkshire Butcher than an off-world combat Android.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 December, 2015, 05:49:47 pm
Its a crying f**king shame that noone asks Harrison about this in any of the billion interviews he is doing currently.

I think that for viewers who havent read the original, the element of doubt is a lovely facet of the film. Its a shame if they produce versions that take away the uncertainty. And I would be sceptical of pronouncements made after the fact, as humans* DO change their minds  - or even plain lie - about such things!

I'm not COMPLETELY convinced that Blade Runner is the Bestest Film Evvah, but it may well be the best SF film.
OK; if we can have 2 categories - one for kids, one for semi-grownups - then Star Wars AND Blade Runner can have a pot!

*I'm not sure about Replicants ...
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 December, 2015, 07:19:08 pm
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 December, 2015, 08:06:00 pm
Notting Hill

Had some time to kill waiting for the call to do taxi duty last night and it was on telly, but even so, I'm not sure why I stuck with it. Truly awful film. I might have been less offended if the big finale didn't remind me (but not in a good way) of Roman Holiday, which is one of my all time favourite films.

I'm sure ian will be pleased to note that the closing shot shows Hugh Grant reading Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 20 December, 2015, 08:32:15 pm
* I've always thought the name Roy Batty sounded more like a Yorkshire Butcher than an off-world combat Android.

Brilliant :)

Now I've got an image in my noggin of Nora Batty from Last of the Summer Wine delivering the teardrops in the rain speech.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 December, 2015, 09:01:29 am
Well, it turns out the new Star Wars is really not bad at all - in fact, I'd go so far as to say better in many ways than the original (ep 4) and ESB.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 21 December, 2015, 09:56:10 am
* I've always thought the name Roy Batty sounded more like a Yorkshire Butcher than an off-world combat Android.

Brilliant :)

Now I've got an image in my noggin of Nora Batty from Last of the Summer Wine delivering the teardrops in the rain speech.

(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/1/285x214/75735_1.jpg)

I've seen stuff you folk wouldn't believe,
Compo's Wellies on fire next to Cleggy's Ford Orion,
I watched three daft blokes in a bathtub crash into Dan Flower's gate,
All those moments lost in time...like...Tea...down t' drain.....time to diet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 December, 2015, 09:58:39 am
* I've always thought the name Roy Batty sounded more like a Yorkshire Butcher than an off-world combat Android.

Brilliant :)

Now I've got an image in my noggin of Nora Batty from Last of the Summer Wine delivering the teardrops in the rain speech.

(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/1/285x214/75735_1.jpg)

I've seen stuff you folk wouldn't believe,
Compo's Wellies on fire next to Cleggy's Ford Orion,
I watched three daft blokes in a bathtub crash into Dan Flower's gate,
All those moments lost in time...like...Tea...down t' drain.....time to diet.


POT frickkin D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 23 December, 2015, 09:03:01 pm
Sisters
Much funnier than I feared. Much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 23 December, 2015, 11:24:20 pm
* I've always thought the name Roy Batty sounded more like a Yorkshire Butcher than an off-world combat Android.

Brilliant :)

Now I've got an image in my noggin of Nora Batty from Last of the Summer Wine delivering the teardrops in the rain speech.

(http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/1/285x214/75735_1.jpg)

I've seen stuff you folk wouldn't believe,
Compo's Wellies on fire next to Cleggy's Ford Orion,
I watched three daft blokes in a bathtub crash into Dan Flower's gate,
All those moments lost in time...like...Tea...down t' drain.....time to diet.


 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 24 December, 2015, 08:30:21 pm
Sommersby.

I quite liked it. Also remembered how much of a crush I have on Jodie Foster :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 December, 2015, 09:54:03 am
Hateful Eight (70mm version). Not sure. It's beautifully lit and shot. Gripping story, typical Tarantino over-the-top characters, but he.........................drags...........................................it......................out.....................
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 December, 2015, 10:38:06 am
Paddington

As a childhood fan of the animated TV series, I was instinctively against this film when it came out last year - it just looked wrong, with the cgi bear, and too much 'action' etc. But my wife has been desperate to see it for ages, so Father Christmas popped the DVD in her stocking and we watched it yesterday evening and... I bloody loved it. Laughed out loud several times, really sharp script and very well acted throughout. And I adored the style of it, with the dolls' house gimmick and the calypso band. Really very good indeed.

It can't compare to the TV series, which holds a special place in my heart, but it deserves to be judged on its own merits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 December, 2015, 11:00:45 am
The Apartment - a 1960 Billy Wilder film with Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray. Despite it's dubious morality and portrayal/treatment of women (which was, I think, it's point and so one must take account of the era of it's production), this was a remarkably entertaining watch. Jack Lemmon is excellent and the dialogue fizzes. It's maybe a tad too long but is none-the-less a recommended watch.

I watched Carol again, this time on the small screen. It's a brilliant movie, no question, but you miss a deal of the nuance of Blanchett's performance, she does so much with her eyes and micro-expressions. Makes me want to invest in a big screen and projector.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 December, 2015, 02:31:12 pm
Brave - the pixar thing on Christmas Day.

Scottish tom-boy princess rebels against arranged marriage to comedy "braveheart" scottish types.

Almost perfect (if you liked stuff like Up and Toy Storys anyway!).

(I'm not really bothered by the quality of modern animations ... but her hair! Just wow. )


The Double - Richard Ayoade's 2nd film, a dark comedy with Jesse Eisenberg in the title roles. Quite closely based on the Dostoevsky story, apparently (which I havent read, sorry. )

Not perfect! But intriguing. Undisguised homage to Brazil visually, but there's no harm in that.
I think I wanted something a bit less grim. And the final act was ambiguous:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 26 December, 2015, 03:13:20 pm
Hateful Eight (70mm version). Not sure. It's beautifully lit and shot. Gripping story, typical Tarantino over-the-top characters, but he.........................drags...........................................it......................out.....................

Oh Christ .. it's 3 hours!!!

Why does he insist on doing this?

Djanjo Unchained was a great film but 45 mins too long.  So much dead time.  I think it's a big failing of Tarantino's that he mistakes boring scenes for tension-filled dialogue.

He needs to hand over his work to a good editor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 27 December, 2015, 12:31:02 am
Speaking to my sister on the phone earlier, they were watching the entire Godfather trilogy.

I settled for Skyfall this evening, seen it before, but I do think Craig and Dalton got closest to the Fleming writing of Bond.

Watched the Dark Knight Rises over the weekend, but really couldn't follow the disjointedness and lost interest.     

Just finished reading 1984, want to watch that again now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 December, 2015, 02:45:11 am
Hateful Eight (70mm version). Not sure. It's beautifully lit and shot. Gripping story, typical Tarantino over-the-top characters, but he.........................drags...........................................it......................out.....................

Oh Christ .. it's 3 hours!!!

Why does he insist on doing this?

Djanjo Unchained was a great film but 45 mins too long.  So much dead time.  I think it's a big failing of Tarantino's that he mistakes boring scenes for tension-filled dialogue.

He needs to hand over his work to a good editor.

Apparently it's only the 70mm version that's that long..the general release will be shorter. I'll watch it again...maybe not in the cinema, but I'll definitely watch it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 December, 2015, 09:30:31 am
The Birds.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 27 December, 2015, 11:23:30 am
Chappie

I like Niell Blomkamp's films and this one does not disappoint. Mad Saffers, robots and an ED-209 clone.

Fun and funny, in places, bloody in others.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 27 December, 2015, 03:56:38 pm
The Birds.

I named my son Miitch after the lead character, 27 years ago.

[/familytrivia]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 27 December, 2015, 04:44:52 pm
Chappie

I like Niell Blomkamp's films and this one does not disappoint. Mad Saffers, robots and an ED-209 clone.

Fun and funny, in places, bloody in others.

Saw that on Christmas Day.  Great film.  Now I must see District 9.

That same evening, we also watched Pixels.
Mr. Sandler is not one of my favourite cinematic artists, but that film was brilliant.   :thumbsup:   I well remember spending too much time and money in video arcades.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 27 December, 2015, 07:18:33 pm
District 9 was very good.  Chappie was not.  I remember the Tetra Vaal short he did, and thought it might be worth it, but I prefer Short Circuit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 December, 2015, 08:52:29 pm
I enjoyed Chappie, but I don't think it'd stand up to re-watching.  It suffered from never being sure how cutesy it was trying to be, and the plot's general failure to make sense.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 December, 2015, 12:40:25 pm
Hateful Eight (70mm version). Not sure. It's beautifully lit and shot. Gripping story, typical Tarantino over-the-top characters, but he.........................drags...........................................it......................out.....................

Oh Christ .. it's 3 hours!!!

Why does he insist on doing this?

Djanjo Unchained was a great film but 45 mins too long.  So much dead time.  I think it's a big failing of Tarantino's that he mistakes boring scenes for tension-filled dialogue.

He needs to hand over his work to a good editor.

This. It's been a downhill slide since Inglourious Basterds and those overextended scenes. Tarantino's dialogue is entertaining, no one forgets the riffs from Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, but they don't stand being extended into long scenes because people only talk like that in Tarantino films and that soon becomes gratingly obvious.

I'm off to see Star Wars this evening. Da-daaa da da da daaaa da da da daaaa!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 December, 2015, 01:55:24 pm

This. It's been a downhill slide since Inglourious Basterds

Pfffft. It's been downhill since Reservoir Dogs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 December, 2015, 02:43:39 pm
Pulp Fiction was great, but after that, the law of diminishing returns applies. Inglourious Basterds was the movie that cried out for someone to tell Tarantino to cut. There was that awful, contrived scene in the basement that went on for what felt like forever and for all I know is still running. At least a third of the movie could have left on the floor and it would have been all the better for it. I'm a bit so-so on the violence too, I kind of get the shock value, but then it goes on and on, like it's being applied with a trowel. Less is sometimes more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 28 December, 2015, 09:18:01 pm
Sexy Beast.  Ben Kingsley makes a fantastic psychopath.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 December, 2015, 09:47:58 pm
Escape to Victory.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 28 December, 2015, 09:55:50 pm
Sabotage.  Brilliant film but not my favourite AH.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 28 December, 2015, 10:21:40 pm
Escape to Victory.  ;D

Is that the one that proves actors can't play football and footballers can't act?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 December, 2015, 10:31:11 pm
Escape to Victory.  ;D

Is that the one that proves actors can't play football and footballers can't act?
Since disproved by Vinnie. Surely?!?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 December, 2015, 11:15:00 pm
Based on Mr Jones' performance in:
I'm not sure the latter counts as acting.  Except that he didn't try to twist off anyone's knackers in the latter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 29 December, 2015, 02:19:04 am
Pulp Fiction was great, but after that, the law of diminishing returns applies. Inglourious Basterds was the movie that cried out for someone to tell Tarantino to cut. There was that awful, contrived scene in the basement that went on for what felt like forever and for all I know is still running. At least a third of the movie could have left on the floor and it would have been all the better for it. I'm a bit so-so on the violence too, I kind of get the shock value, but then it goes on and on, like it's being applied with a trowel. Less is sometimes more.

Wasn't too keen on Inglourious Basterds (although it does have it's moments), but I loved the first 2 acts of Django. 3rd act, not so much and I tend to skip it when I put it on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 December, 2015, 07:35:28 am
Luckily for me I watched Inglourious Basterds when the alternative would have been doing b*gger all in a foreign city where b*gger all happens until it is time to leave.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 29 December, 2015, 08:14:21 am
Escape to Victory.  ;D

Is that the one that proves actors can't play football and footballers can't act?
Since disproved by Vinnie. Surely?!?
Eric Cantona's not the worst actor I've ever seen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 29 December, 2015, 08:53:23 am
How about the last 8 films I've watched:

Star Wars
Star Wars
Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi
Star Wars
Return of the Jedi
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 December, 2015, 11:06:17 am
But have you ever watched Breaking Bad?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 29 December, 2015, 12:00:50 pm
Eric Cantona's not the worst actor I've ever seen.

The exception that proves the rule perhaps.

Cantona excepted, I can't think of a single acting performance by a footballer where they don't look like a child in their first nativity play.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 29 December, 2015, 03:00:30 pm
Escape to Victory.  ;D

Is that the one that proves actors can't play football and footballers can't act?
Since disproved by Vinnie. Surely?!?

Er, no.

We are in for a treat tonight, as we have obtained via a Namazoon voucher, the two Thunderbirds films from the 1960s. Thunderbirds are Go! and Thunderbird 6.

Chips'n'dip, popcorn, fizzy drinks and just about anything else we can think of that's bad for you, will be consumed . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 29 December, 2015, 04:24:36 pm
But have you ever watched Breaking Bad?

I watched it on my phone whilst driving.

Thought it was overrated.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 29 December, 2015, 05:17:20 pm
But have you ever watched Breaking Bad?

I watched it on my phone whilst driving.

Thought it was overrated.

Try it on a different route.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 29 December, 2015, 06:33:15 pm
"The Man from U.N.C.L.E.".  Didn't like it at all. Fake '70's colours, over-stylized and an unlikable protagonist.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Feanor on 30 December, 2015, 01:49:04 am
We took an afternoon off skiing yesterday to go see the new Star Wars at the Speakeasy, the local single-screen cinema here in Breck.

I'v only seen a few of the Star Wars movies, and I'm a bit vague on the chronology.
But I thought the new one seemed an awful lot like the original one, re-heated.

But it was the jolly space romp you expect.

The single-screen cinema was a nice change from the usual muliplex affairs, too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 30 December, 2015, 11:18:46 am
We'll be seeing it on Saturday! But that's not the reason for m'post, nor the fact I watched Kung Fu Panda 2 (again), which was fab. But . . . on Boxing Day, I watched for the very first time, on a friend's HUUUUUUGGGGE TV . . . .

Gravity

Wow. Stunning. One of the best films I've ever seen. Brother-in-law has now seen it 7 times. Brilliant!!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 December, 2015, 09:56:47 pm
That there new Star Wars film this morning.

It gets my vote as a winner.

Didn't see THAT coming though..........
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 31 December, 2015, 05:18:41 pm
Star Wars...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 December, 2015, 05:26:58 pm
The problem with the Imperial Empire (http://scaryduck.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/star-wars-problem-with-imperial-empire.html)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 December, 2015, 11:55:50 pm
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Visually meritorious but really.  Three hours?  Radagast and His Wah-Wah Rabbits?  Benedict Cucumberpatch playing a silhouette?  Apparently Peter Jackson's forthcoming adaptation of "One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich" is to be released in eight four-hour instalments1.

1: Lie
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 January, 2016, 01:34:21 am
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Visually meritorious but really.  Three hours?  Radagast and His Wah-Wah Rabbits?  Benedict Cucumberpatch playing a silhouette?  Apparently Peter Jackson's forthcoming adaptation of "One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich" is to be released in eight four-hour instalments1.

1: Lie

The Hobbit fails the test of a film being longer than it takes to read the book.

I mean, since the best pictures are in your head, what's the point of a 6 hour film of a 300 page book ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2016, 09:51:49 am
The new Star Wars

we did both enjoy it (both saw the original when we were the target age, and it left a lasting impression!).
But I cant help feeling that all the reviews and discussion are over-complicating things; this really is just a standard modern "reboot"*. He took all the good bits of the first film (plus a few from ESB and RotJ), tweaked the plot slightly to reference the old films, and made the most of modern technology. It was actually pretty close to a "remake".

Job done!

7/10 money well spent, but nothing special.

*bugbear - total misuse of the word, but we all share the new non-IT meaning, so, whatever ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 January, 2016, 05:00:37 pm
It Follows

A horror film about being followed by spooky dead person(s).

Not as scary as the reviews make out.  Tense in places.

6/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 January, 2016, 05:01:58 pm
Shaun the Sheep: The Movie

Even better the second time.  So many visual gags per minute it's difficult to spot them all.

10/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 01 January, 2016, 05:09:54 pm
Star Wars...

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 January, 2016, 05:48:10 pm
Star Wars...

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: matthew on 01 January, 2016, 06:42:18 pm
I took my niece ( 8 ) to see the Snoopy and Charlie Brown film this morning,  :thumbsup:, plenty of bits for the adults to enjoy based on knowledge of the cartoons and enough plot to keep the littlies enthralled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 January, 2016, 06:53:07 pm
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Visually meritorious but really.  Three hours?  Radagast and His Wah-Wah Rabbits?  Benedict Cucumberpatch playing a silhouette?  Apparently Peter Jackson's forthcoming adaptation of "One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich" is to be released in eight four-hour instalments1.

1: Lie

The Hobbit fails the test of a film being longer than it takes to read the book.

I mean, since the best pictures are in your head, what's the point of a 6 hour film of a 300 page book ?

Just for shits'n' giggles I then binge-watched The Lord Of The Rings.  Yes, all of it.  The DVD extended remix versions.  That's my quota of Hobbity Nonse comfortably exceeded for the next twelvemonth.

Now, where did I put that Harry Potter box set?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 January, 2016, 10:32:23 am
Local Hero

Giggled all the way through it and when I wasn't giggling tried to work out who all the young people were. Jenny Seagrove had particularly interesting feet.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2016, 12:14:36 pm
Peter Capaldi!

(Sniggers)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 January, 2016, 01:55:41 pm
A couple of recent TV watches-

Behind the Candleabra- Michale Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as his aide. A film I enjoyed. I can't quite work out if Douglas and Damon were overcamping it or whether that was the actual affectation of the subjects though.

Daleks Invavsion earth 2150 A.D. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060278/). proper Olde Skool sci fi complete with warbly electronic voices, men in black PVC overalls and aliens on rollers :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2016, 07:06:25 pm
Wilko does have a degree in English from Newcastle Uni.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 02 January, 2016, 08:19:51 pm
Local Hero

Giggled all the way through it and when I wasn't giggling tried to work out who all the young people were. Jenny Seagrove had particularly interesting feet.

Among other things.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2016, 09:15:25 pm
A Good Day To Shoot An Extended Mercedes Commercial Die Hard

Bruce Willis and his vest kill lots of bad guys and jump off things while other things explode, with extra helichopters.

Just one thing, Bruce, how did you get a stolen car with a boot full of guns lots of guns across an international frontier?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 January, 2016, 11:05:55 pm
A Good Day To Shoot An Extended Mercedes Commercial Die Hard

Bruce Willis and his vest kill lots of bad guys and jump off things while other things explode, with extra helichopters.

Just one thing, Bruce, how did you get a stolen car with a boot full of guns lots of guns across an international frontier?

In his vest obv.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2016, 11:30:49 pm
Commando

Arnie kills lots of bad guys and jumps off things while other things explode.  Loads of killin's but helichopter activity a bit low-key.  And what was Vernon Wells' jumper made from?

"Possibly the greatest movie ever made" - Cosmo Larringsman
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 January, 2016, 12:22:20 am
Just one thing, Bruce, how did you get a stolen car with a boot full of guns lots of guns across an international frontier?

In his vest obv.

Quite.  One of the first things they teach you in the guarding module at henchperson college: Don't try to stop Bruce when he's wearing a vest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 03 January, 2016, 09:40:01 am

The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson
This was tucked away on the BBC late one night over the xmas holidays (still available on iPlayer, but only in the sign-language version it seems) so I recorded it knowing Mark Kermode rates it. Wow, it's brilliant, life-affirming stuff. Wilko is very eloquent about his life and experiences and how his recent diagnoses have affected him and his philosophy. I'd always written him off as a bit of a shallow, 1970s speed-head punk, but no, I was wrong, he has quite some depth. I am now tempted to catch Dr Feelgood at a gig this month  :thumbsup:
[/quote]

NB,  of course, that Wilko Johnson =/ Dr Feelgood ... and hasn't since  about 1977
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 03 January, 2016, 10:55:18 am
A couple of recent TV watches-

Behind the Candleabra- Michale Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as his aide. A film I enjoyed. I can't quite work out if Douglas and Damon were overcamping it or whether that was the actual affectation of the subjects though.

Daleks Invavsion earth 2150 A.D. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060278/). proper Olde Skool sci fi complete with warbly electronic voices, men in black PVC overalls and aliens on rollers :thumbsup:
BTC I enjoyed, and saw at the cinema, where there was a lot of knowing laughter. "Sweetie, you're snoring"

DIE was always my preferred film to The Other Dalek Film. Very, very camp.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 03 January, 2016, 05:24:34 pm
Seen this weekend with mcshroom.

Paddington.
Still fabulous and brilliant and lovely.

The Imitation Game.
Very good.  For once Keira Knightley had rationing as an explanation for being emaciated so didn't grate too much.

The Hundred Foot Journey
With that Helen Mirren.  Most enjoyable and made me want to go to France and have a tandoori.

Star Wars Force Awakens.
All right,  for a re-make.  Hopefully the next episode will be better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 03 January, 2016, 06:25:01 pm
The Imitation Game.
Very good.  For once Keira Knightley had rationing as an explanation for being emaciated so didn't grate too much.
that's rather harsh, but also rather funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 January, 2016, 07:01:37 pm
A couple of recent TV watches-

Behind the Candleabra- Michale Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as his aide. A film I enjoyed. I can't quite work out if Douglas and Damon were overcamping it or whether that was the actual affectation of the subjects though.

Overcamping Liberace?

Did you never see Liberace? You'd do yourself a mischief trying to overcamp him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 January, 2016, 07:06:41 pm
Kingsman: The Secret Service

Colin Firth unleashing some truly epic violence in a church is something to behold.

Thoroughly over the top and all the more enjoyable for it.

I'm inclined to think that the Bond franchise has been left with nowhere to go.  Jason Bourne grabbed the gritty realism and Kingsman grabbed the self-parody and gadgets.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 03 January, 2016, 07:13:33 pm
The Imitation Game.
Very good.  For once Keira Knightley had rationing as an explanation for being emaciated so didn't grate too much.
that's rather harsh, but also rather funny.

I can't watch her without shouting 'eat more pies' repeatedly at the screen. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 January, 2016, 07:31:30 pm
I think everyone should eat more pies. Pies are good for you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 03 January, 2016, 07:50:49 pm
I think everyone should eat more pies. Pies are good for you.

Yes.  They are.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 January, 2016, 07:51:25 pm
I think everyone should eat more pies. Pies are good for you.

< wanders off to the kitchen to look for pies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 January, 2016, 07:57:48 pm
Commando An Arnie Film

Arnie kills lots of bad guys and jumps off things while other things explode. 

FTFY

Although he's perfectly cast in the Terminator films, 1 & 2, and "Last Action Hero" is much, much, better than you'd ever think was possible*

* I never expected Arnie to send himself up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 January, 2016, 10:00:36 pm
I think everyone should eat more pies. Pies are good for you.

You won't find any pies in my kitchen.

Coz I eated them all om nom nom nom burp.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 03 January, 2016, 10:23:05 pm
I think everyone should eat more pies. Pies are good for you.

You won't find any pies in my kitchen.

Coz I eated them all om nom nom nom burp.

... And the rest are in my freeeeezer, 'cos Booths by work was filling the shitbin with Topping's delicious PIES on Christmas Eve, and 90p reduced from £4.50 meant it was worth filling my rucksack with cranberry-topped pork-and-or-turkey yumminess.  Uurp.   :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 03 January, 2016, 11:31:18 pm
The Book Thief

Miss W's favourite book so based on that recommendation we got the DVD. I had no idea about the story, such as the plot or the period during which it was set. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a sad story and delicately told with the lead actors playing their parts very well. A reminder of both how kind and also how cruel people can be to one another.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 04 January, 2016, 08:12:40 am
Room Intense; particularly the first hour where the reality of the situation gradually unfolds (helps if you know nothing of the story in advance, and I mean nothing)  At times it's not an easy watch (the grainy film gives it a realistic edge) but it is an uplifting story with an optimistic message, even if there might be professional opinion that could challenge that.  On rare occasions, it does come across a tad trite and that does diminish the power of an otherwise excellent film.

Most notable for me was the performance of the 5 year old boy, from whose perspective the story is mainly told. That perspective in itself is revealing, and asks many questions, but the young actor handles it with with an assuredness that belies his youth and gives the story on-screen credibility. A recommended film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 January, 2016, 08:29:27 am
Battle of the Five Armies.  Piffle, boilerplated out of American soaps and action films of low wit.  Fortunately, one of our dogs livened up the evening by piddling on the Bukhara.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 04 January, 2016, 05:45:17 pm
Wild

A woman undertakes a personal and actual journey to overcome the sense of loss felt when in response to a personal tragedy. 

Good central performance by Reese Wetherspoon, but I felt it lacked emotional punch because she played it without much warmth.  My limited empathy came more from from her situation rather than how she portrays the person.  Which is probably understandable given the background story to the character she was playing.

Part of me was anticipating a film along the lines of Into the Wild (not just because of the title!) because of the general theme of searching for meaning in the wilderness.  In that (superior) film it was the scenery that felt menacing and alive.  Instead, in Wild, the personal journey didn't feel as epic or as challenging.  The threat in Wild came from the people she met along the trail from time to time which I guess was a metaphor of sorts for life in general.

I felt underwhelmed by the end of the film, around 2 hours after it started.  It never really grabbed me as saying anything particularly profound, or at least not as profound as it gave the impression of wanting to be, and I was left thinking more could have been done with the source material (albeit it is based on a true story).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 04 January, 2016, 07:04:45 pm
I watched that a while ago. Excellent attention to the detail of a newbie with too much kit, but never seemed to go anywhere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 04 January, 2016, 07:46:12 pm
I love Wild.

The chief danger she faces is herself.  She'd have died if she'd continued her old life. 

And the best thing in it was Laura Dern as her mum - an outstanding performance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 04 January, 2016, 09:01:03 pm
The Last Samurai.

Sword-tastic  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 January, 2016, 09:13:28 pm
Star Wars - The Force Awakens.  Disney didn't screw it up.  It's extremely good.   The plot isn't very different to A New Hope (which I saw on release in 1977!) but it shows just how shite the prequels were.  Everyone can act, the visuals are stunning and there isn't a sign of Jar Jar Binks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 January, 2016, 09:24:58 pm
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Visually meritorious but really.  Three hours?  Radagast and His Wah-Wah Rabbits?  Benedict Cucumberpatch playing a silhouette?  Apparently Peter Jackson's forthcoming adaptation of "One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich" is to be released in eight four-hour instalments1.

1: Lie

The Hobbit fails the test of a film being longer than it takes to read the book.

I mean, since the best pictures are in your head, what's the point of a 6 hour film of a 300 page book ?
To get three times the income from tickets and DVDs.  The films are shite as well as being too long.  Too much messing with the original plot, which (in usual Tolkien style) is already paper-thin and makes heavy use of the deus ex machina (how many times do the sodding Eagles save the protaginists' arses in Middle Earth?).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 January, 2016, 09:59:40 pm
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Meh.


Everest

People making bad decisions is only entertaining when played for laughs.  Not something that I found easy to watch.  Probably would have been better in IMAX.


127 Hours

This was basically a drawn-out response to the Audax Packing List (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=95112.0) thread, and was a lot better than I expected.


Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Snowpiercer excepted, the allegory doesn't get any less subtle.  Much pantser and and more irritatingly CW (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_CW)ish than the first one.  Kept me from going back to bed for a couple of hours when ill.


2012

Our original choice of Sharknado 2 as a new year's eve cheesy disaster film was vetoed.  This one delivers on special effects without any danger of likeable characters or a coherent plot, and functions as a sort of buy-one-get-one free offer on implausible ways to die.  Net result is a hollow shell of The Day After Tomorrow.  Did they *really* have to end on "No more pull-ups."?   :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 04 January, 2016, 11:56:59 pm
Interstellar.

It made more sense after I put the subtitles on to overcome the mumbling.

Did I really say it made sense? I thought Bourne had put some beef on, but it explains why he hasn't been driving cars off the top of parking garages.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 05 January, 2016, 12:12:46 am
Interstellar.

It made more sense after I put the subtitles on to overcome the mumbling.

Did I really say it made sense? I thought Bourne had put some beef on, but it explains why he hasn't been driving cars off the top of parking garages.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 05 January, 2016, 09:04:04 am
The latest Star Wars (can't remember its subtitle)

Enjoyed it actually and so won't go through disassembling/cutting it to ribbons, but I did say, as an aside to my wife, "He does a lot of panting doesn't he," with reference to Finn.

… and before going to see it, I just could not get the Raiders of the Lost Ark theme tune out of my head!! "Dah-dah-da, dah-da-darrr! (add more da-darrs)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 05 January, 2016, 10:43:32 pm
The Danish Girl
I cried buckets at the last set-piece, which was both allegorical and beautiful, as well as following a leitmotif for the whole film. Redmayne is good, though he simpers a bit as Lili, but Anna Vikander is wonderful as Gerda.

My take on the 'trans actor' issue: I have seen too many films where the hard choice is thrown away by using a woman in drag to play the 'man'. Just like 'Different for Girls', a favourite of mine, we are seeing a man playing a (physically) man transitioning to a woman. He will look, in most cases, like a man in a dress. We usually do. It is NOT the same as blackface. Yes it would be nice to see more trans actors getting work, but I would love to see them getting work playing what they are, which is men and women. I know I am out of step with many people on this issue, but that's life.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 January, 2016, 11:48:18 pm
The solution is obviously more trans actors with opposite-gender twins.  Worked well in Orange Is The New Black.  Or perhaps *gasp* trans actors in stories that have nothing to do with transness.  Hats off to the Doctor Who team for that - possibly a television first?

What did you make of the historical accuracy issue?  (I don't know the history, but have seen plenty of ranting from people who do, which suggests it makes The Imitation Game look factual.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 06 January, 2016, 02:36:19 pm
Wild

A woman undertakes a personal and actual journey to overcome the sense of loss felt when in response to a personal tragedy. 

Good central performance by Reese Wetherspoon, but I felt it lacked emotional punch because she played it without much warmth.  My limited empathy came more from from her situation rather than how she portrays the person.  Which is probably understandable given the background story to the character she was playing.

Part of me was anticipating a film along the lines of Into the Wild (not just because of the title!) because of the general theme of searching for meaning in the wilderness.  In that (superior) film it was the scenery that felt menacing and alive.  Instead, in Wild, the personal journey didn't feel as epic or as challenging.  The threat in Wild came from the people she met along the trail from time to time which I guess was a metaphor of sorts for life in general.

I felt underwhelmed by the end of the film, around 2 hours after it started.  It never really grabbed me as saying anything particularly profound, or at least not as profound as it gave the impression of wanting to be, and I was left thinking more could have been done with the source material (albeit it is based on a true story).
Interesting. We watched this over the holidays (a girl can't ride her bike every hour of the day) and I assumed the reason I didn't feel terribly engaged was the whole Breaking Bad phenomenon (I wasn't really watching it) and the reason I was narked I hadn't seen it on the Big Screen.

The Danish Girl
Grown up entertainment. No1Daughter reckoned she had missed the memo on the age guide- she was the only person under 40 at our showing. We liked, in a thought provoking kind of way.

Joy
I think I'm in love with Jennifer Lawrence.
Quote
I don't need a handsome prince that's my superpower
Also, I don't think I've ever seen a compression moulding machine in a film before. Her suppliers were shite. I laughed. I do this stuff every day.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: menthel on 06 January, 2016, 02:53:22 pm
Neu Star Wars- was good.

Kingsman- was very good. Much fun but not for those of a sensitive disposition, the violence is quite comically graphic (if that even makes sense).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 07 January, 2016, 09:23:03 pm
Under The Skin.

How very Kubrick it is.  Spacey weird visual pieces with scratchy sound effect music.  Robotty plotline.  General unsettling weirdness.  I liked that it was set in Scotland though,  it reminded me of my holidays.  One particular piece with snow falling on a lake was just beautiful.

Thanks for that recommendation Ruthie, I've just watched that too.  ??? What was it about though? Lovely scenery.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 January, 2016, 08:49:15 am
Start Wars

I enjoyed it.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 January, 2016, 08:54:01 am
Start Wars

I enjoyed it.

(click to show/hide)

The Disney experience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 08 January, 2016, 08:54:57 am
The original star wars was rated U. The Force Awakens is PG12
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 January, 2016, 09:31:56 am
Possible it contains strong thematic elements. I'd not let my kids watch such things. If I had them. And if I let them out of the basement. Homeschooling doesn't require daylight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 January, 2016, 11:06:23 am
Start Wars

Is that the film adaptation of Tony Blair's memoirs?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 January, 2016, 11:23:31 am
Start Wars

Is that the film adaptation of Tony Blair's memoirs?
Are you thinking of Starts Wars; the Rise of a Middle-East Messiah?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: trekker12 on 08 January, 2016, 11:29:03 am

Everest

People making bad decisions is only entertaining when played for laughs.  Not something that I found easy to watch.  Probably would have been better in IMAX.


I've not seen it but I think it was developed entirely on the basis of footage from the original IMAX crew that happened to be on the mountain at the time. I've read several books on the incident but never got round to watching any of the footage. It was never supposed to be a feature film, just a demonstration of new technology showing scary drops and ice falls in 3D when they first developed IMAX.

I guess now IMAX has made it to mainstream cinema it seemed a waste to not re-use the footage.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 08 January, 2016, 11:44:33 am
Start Wars

Is that the film adaptation of Tony Blair's memoirs?
Are you thinking of Starts Wars; the Rise of a Middle-East Messiah?

He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 08 January, 2016, 03:49:07 pm
Kingsman- was very good. Much fun but not for those of a sensitive disposition, the violence is quite comically graphic (if that even makes sense).

There was a throw away joke about anal sex in the Kingsman that left a very bad taste in the mouth. Bond or the Bond girls would never do such a thing

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/13/kingsman-director-matthew-vaughn-reveals-secrets-behind-church-scene-sex-joke-and
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 08 January, 2016, 06:47:29 pm
Kingsman- was very good. Much fun but not for those of a sensitive disposition, the violence is quite comically graphic (if that even makes sense).

There was a throw away joke about anal sex in the Kingsman that left a very bad taste in the mouth. Bond or the Bond girls would never do such a thing

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/13/kingsman-director-matthew-vaughn-reveals-secrets-behind-church-scene-sex-joke-and

I'm not why that was especially bad?  Can you explain or am I beyond the pale for simply asking? 

IIRC the last Bond film I watched showed someone having their eyes gouged out, involuntarily.  Someone agreeing to anal sex is worse than that?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 08 January, 2016, 07:13:22 pm

Everest

People making bad decisions is only entertaining when played for laughs.  Not something that I found easy to watch.  Probably would have been better in IMAX.


I've not seen it but I think it was developed entirely on the basis of footage from the original IMAX crew that happened to be on the mountain at the time. I've read several books on the incident but never got round to watching any of the footage. It was never supposed to be a feature film, just a demonstration of new technology showing scary drops and ice falls in 3D when they first developed IMAX.

I guess now IMAX has made it to mainstream cinema it seemed a waste to not re-use the footage.
It's not the old IMAX footage.
We saw the IMAX showing and yes, that makes the mountain views glorious, but it doesn't stop it from being a pretty harrowing watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 08 January, 2016, 11:12:13 pm
The Changling - harrowing and brilliant in equal measures. Almost had to pause it to calm down a bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 January, 2016, 07:42:16 am
The Limits of Control.  At the beginning it tests the limits of self-control of the viewer to see if he'll manage to stay sat and not go and do something interesting such as worming the dog, but it does eventually build into something worth watching. I don't think I'd watch it twice, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 09 January, 2016, 06:23:25 pm
Star Wars 7.  Not bad, quite enjoyed it - though for the first few minutes, I was trying to overcome the 'OK so here we had the done-to death-white suited/ memed-out baddies...'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 January, 2016, 08:31:04 pm
Minions, I loved it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 09 January, 2016, 08:34:17 pm
Hope Floats.

I love that movie.  It's all about women.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mcshroom on 09 January, 2016, 08:40:25 pm
Amy

A tough watch but worth watching. Seemed rather long with the ad breaks included on C4.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 09 January, 2016, 11:14:19 pm
Minions, I loved it!

Cracking film, especially when you have an 11 year old, a 42 year old, and two >65 and they all get different bits of humour. I personally loved the ukulele scene at the end.

Just finished watching The Grey with Liam Neeson, being gritty, but not saving the day.

Edited for tryping errots
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 09 January, 2016, 11:36:23 pm
Creep, on Demand 5. A bloody good 'creature' but far too much 'why are you being so STUPID?"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 January, 2016, 12:48:15 am
Untouchable

Less cringeworthy and a lot funnier than I expected.  Cripspiration for the noughties.


The Martian

The zero-g effects, continuity and much of the dialogue don't stand up to a second viewing.  And nerds: it'll make more sense if you put your calculators away.

The Hollywood science, space hardware and MovieOS are still way above average, and Mars is almost as stunning on the small screen.  I'm genuinely impressed that this film ever got made.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 10 January, 2016, 12:53:16 am
Creep, on Demand 5. A bloody good 'creature' but far too much 'why are you being so STUPID?"

Weapons-grade stupidity on the part of one, some or all of the potential victims is a must, otherwise yer average horror movie ends being a lot shorter and slightly lacking in thrills, chills and claret spillages.

Heres a screenplay wot I just cobbled together as an illustrative example of why a rare outbreak of common sense is bad news for the special effects industry:

A group of teenagers - all looking suspiciously free of acne on account of being played by actors 5-10 years out of adolescence - are in a burger bar, making plans for the weekend.

Teenager 1: Who's up for a weekend of shenanigans at that abandoned shack in the woods?

A couple of teenagers exchange a look as if to say 'is he mad?'

Teenager 1: Anyone?

Teenager 2: Nah... heard there's weird shit goes on out there.

Teenager 1: OK then. The usual hanging around the shopping mall it is...

Roll credits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 10 January, 2016, 10:52:03 am
The Martian - hmm, yes, I'd forgotten I'd seen that. I'm no nerd or sci-fi geek so it's credentials in that respect don't play a part in my thinking. I enjoyed it as a story well told, a well made movie, but it doesn't score highly in my 'movies to remember' list. The 'discomusing' stayed just the right side of cringe for me and gave the movie a warmth and humour.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 10 January, 2016, 10:44:50 pm
Kingsman- was very good. Much fun but not for those of a sensitive disposition, the violence is quite comically graphic (if that even makes sense).

There was a throw away joke about anal sex in the Kingsman that left a very bad taste in the mouth. Bond or the Bond girls would never do such a thing

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/13/kingsman-director-matthew-vaughn-reveals-secrets-behind-church-scene-sex-joke-and

I'm not why that was especially bad?  Can you explain or am I beyond the pale for simply asking? 

IIRC the last Bond film I watched showed someone having their eyes gouged out, involuntarily.  Someone agreeing to anal sex is worse than that?

It jarred with me I must admit.  I don't know why but it seemed to cross a line. 
I'm old though. 
Maybe it went from unbelievable cartoon violence into the world of all-too-sleazy porn, and in an all-too-casual way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 10 January, 2016, 10:50:26 pm
I watched several movies today.

The Mighty Saturns,  Disc 2 - the launch of the Saturn 1s and 1bs,  in date order.  Brilliant.

Elizabethtown - awful movie,  Great soundtrack.

Dan In Real Life - the world's most high pressure family gets together for a weekend from hell.  Again,  lovely soundtrack.

Almost Famous,  another Cameron Crowe flick,  this one far superior,  another top-class soundtrack.

That's what happens when you let the ironing build up - a huge movie binge.



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 January, 2016, 07:10:17 am
Army of Shadows

Bleak French (with subtitles) film about life as part of the French resistance in occupied/Vichy France.  Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 January, 2016, 07:12:31 am
Kingsman- was very good. Much fun but not for those of a sensitive disposition, the violence is quite comically graphic (if that even makes sense).

There was a throw away joke about anal sex in the Kingsman that left a very bad taste in the mouth. Bond or the Bond girls would never do such a thing

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/13/kingsman-director-matthew-vaughn-reveals-secrets-behind-church-scene-sex-joke-and

I'm not why that was especially bad?  Can you explain or am I beyond the pale for simply asking? 

IIRC the last Bond film I watched showed someone having their eyes gouged out, involuntarily.  Someone agreeing to anal sex is worse than that?

It jarred with me I must admit.  I don't know why but it seemed to cross a line. 
I'm old though. 
Maybe it went from unbelievable cartoon violence into the world of all-too-sleazy porn, and in an all-too-casual way.

Bond or Kingsman?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 January, 2016, 07:51:39 am

IIRC the last Bond film I watched showed someone having their eyes gouged out, involuntarily.  Someone agreeing to anal sex is worse than that?

It jarred with me I must admit.  I don't know why but it seemed to cross a line. 
I'm old though. 
Maybe it went from unbelievable cartoon violence into the world of all-too-sleazy porn, and in an all-too-casual way.

Tbh, it's was just that crappy 'laddish' attempt of humour that we so miss since the lads' mag market tanked. Bond jokes were just naff entendres. It would have been better if Princess Sweden had offered to vigorously peg our hero.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 11 January, 2016, 10:34:34 am
Kingsman- was very good. Much fun but not for those of a sensitive disposition, the violence is quite comically graphic (if that even makes sense).

There was a throw away joke about anal sex in the Kingsman that left a very bad taste in the mouth. Bond or the Bond girls would never do such a thing

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/13/kingsman-director-matthew-vaughn-reveals-secrets-behind-church-scene-sex-joke-and

I'm not why that was especially bad?  Can you explain or am I beyond the pale for simply asking? 

IIRC the last Bond film I watched showed someone having their eyes gouged out, involuntarily.  Someone agreeing to anal sex is worse than that?

It jarred with me I must admit.  I don't know why but it seemed to cross a line. 
I'm old though. 
Maybe it went from unbelievable cartoon violence into the world of all-too-sleazy porn, and in an all-too-casual way.
I think it crossed a line. Just crass. I don't get Vaugn's explanation at all. And worse, I couldn't actually see a joke there; more an attempt to lever some porn in there, should please the lads.

[He does seem to make a common mistake; that to parody something you just have to do the same thing but 10xbigger/faster/louder/ruder . ]

Havent watched the rest of the film yet - it sounds very good, but I can't help thinking it might be ruined for me, knowing about that final scene. Shame ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 January, 2016, 10:40:11 am
Monsters: Dark Continent

I wanted an easy-to-watch brainless movie that didn't demand attention. This looked (from the poster/pic and title) to fit the bill.
It didn't. What I got was a slow turgid allegory on how the 'good guys' (aka the USA military) are the real monsters. In case you didn't twig, something happens every 5 minutes to remind you. If you aren't paying attention, it rubs it in with the subtlety of a chav chucking rocks at pigeons.

There is some really good acting in there but blimey this is overdone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 January, 2016, 12:59:57 pm
The Hateful Eight. 

I saw this with Charlotte OTP and Andy NOTP at the Odeon Leicester Square to enjoy the full experience of the 70mm Ultra Panavision Roadshow.

Really enjoyed it as a full cinema performance and a reminder of how much fun event cinema can be rather than the multiplex experience. It had an overture, an intermission and came with a programme.

I very much enjoyed the film but it’s a very Tarantino, Tarantino film and if you haven’t liked his earlier films, this one probably won’t convert you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 11 January, 2016, 01:29:08 pm
Earlier as in .... all the ones he made before this?

Or "earlier" as in ... the crap last 4-or-so (basically everything post PF in my mind!)

I really really want this film to be good - the building blocks are alllll there. Please?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 January, 2016, 01:35:39 pm
Earlier as in .... all the ones he made before this?

Or "earlier" as in ... the crap last 4-or-so (basically everything post PF in my mind!)


Wot, even Jackie Brown?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 11 January, 2016, 01:37:36 pm
I'm aware that many like JB. I just couldn't get into it, not sure why. It was still a lot better than whichever-Kill-Bill I tried to watch!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 January, 2016, 01:40:36 pm
"Kill Bill" was fun in a cartoonish sort of way but generally smelled of some studio wonk overindulging Tarantino to an absurd level.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 January, 2016, 03:12:34 pm
Earlier as in .... all the ones he made before this?

Or "earlier" as in ... the crap last 4-or-so (basically everything post PF in my mind!)

I really really want this film to be good - the building blocks are alllll there. Please?

Probably the latter I suspect (i.e. the later films you’re less keen on). 

I’ll admit I much prefer his earlier films (the first four if you count True Romance, which although he didn’t direct it has a great script by him – and anyway I like Tony Scott).  I’m a big fan of Jackie Brown, left me cold the first time I saw it but my appreciation for it has grown.  In fact I would almost much prefer to see him do a bunch more Elmore Leonard adaptations than some of his own scripts.

Of the more recent films, I still don’t really rate Inglorious Basterds (although as ever some of the parts are good) but Django Unchained has really grown on me – this as ever is obviously a personal thing.

The most recent one is a film I think you need to see twice, as there’s a strong mystery element to it* and it will be interesting to watch the various characters again now that I know the full story.  I liked this one first off but the whole 70mm Roadshow experience was great fun – how it will stand up over time I don’t know.


*At the Intermission my friend Andy said “It’s like Agatha Christie with guns”.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 11 January, 2016, 09:38:26 pm
The Danish Girl

A celebration of a woman who gives up promising career as landscape artist so she can sell perfume in a department store, gossip with her girlfriends, marry the right man and have children.

But perhaps I missed the point.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 11 January, 2016, 10:26:03 pm
The Hateful Eight. 

I saw this with Charlotte OTP and Andy NOTP at the Odeon Leicester Square to enjoy the full experience of the 70mm Ultra Panavision Roadshow.

Really enjoyed it as a full cinema performance and a reminder of how much fun event cinema can be rather than the multiplex experience. It had an overture, an intermission and came with a programme.

I very much enjoyed the film but it’s a very Tarantino, Tarantino film and if you haven’t liked his earlier films, this one probably won’t convert you.

I think there's a case for making "Not the Director's Cut" version of Tarantino films.  I mean get another director, with a pair of scissors, to cut out 30-45 minutes of his later works.

I'm fairly sure that would make them fantastic films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 12 January, 2016, 08:08:45 am
Brooklyn - a lovely film with good solid performances all around. Particularly from Saoirse Ronan, who carries this film with certainty. Indeed, without her performance some might have found this film a little too lightweight.

Falling into the 'they don't make them like this anymore' category, it might not be everyone's tastes but, for me, this is one to savour. A film about choice, culture and tradition (saying any more would risk spoilers) this is a confident film that finds a good balance between sentiment and humour.

As the credits ran, I saw the film was written by Nick Hornby (from a novel). Don't let that put you off (if it might) - this is not an overly sentimental, saccharinous bit of trite pap, as he might be prone to write!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 12 January, 2016, 09:52:46 am
I thought it was really meh- not enough story and absolutely no chemistry between characters nor consistency in their characters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 12 January, 2016, 10:09:56 am
The Bourne Identity followed by TB Supremacy. Tonight will be TB Ultimatum.

Because.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 13 January, 2016, 04:07:38 pm
Currently watching Deep Star Six off the internet telly box in retro video rental store worn vhs quality!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 13 January, 2016, 05:01:55 pm
The Empire Strikes Back.  Missus bought the first trilogy. TESB's the only one I've seen. ROTJ tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 January, 2016, 08:43:01 am
And what a crock of shit that was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 14 January, 2016, 08:46:27 am
wrong side of the Ewok Line, I take it?  :)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 January, 2016, 09:23:45 am
The smallest monsters in Halo ('tis a popular computer game, m'lud) make noises like an Ewok when you shoot them.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 January, 2016, 09:29:28 am
and don't forget:

"Jar-Jar makes the Ewoks look like fucking Shaft!"

/Bisley
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 January, 2016, 09:54:59 am
Previously I'd made a safe harbour for disliking Ewoks. But quite liked them when I watched it before Christmas. Age must have softened me. Like brie. Then went all seagal on a ungodly number of stormtroopers (who are perennial shit at everything, no wonder the Empire always loses).

Jar-Jar though, as mentioned, proved unwatchable. I had to bail on the movie, as experiences go it's somewhere between an all over fungal problem and tripping and falling headfirst into an unflushed Wetherspoon's pub toilet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 January, 2016, 10:31:04 am
and don't forget:

"Jar-Jar makes the Ewoks look like fucking Shaft!"

/Bisley
I'm going to start a youtube channel called "why ewoks are badass".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 January, 2016, 01:09:13 pm
I was born on the wrong side of the Ewok Line.  I mean, I can see plenty of reasons to hate them, but really they're no sillier or more irritating than plenty of things we already accept in Star Wars canon.  C3PO for a start.  And they did prove that imperial stormtroopers don't like it up em.

Anyway, if you do the maths, the wreckage from the second Death Star would have wiped them out (if the bombardment didn't get them, the resulting nuclear winter would have done) shortly after they finished singing, so it seems mean to hold a grudge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 14 January, 2016, 04:55:36 pm
Much of my post-teen Starwars Appreciation has been, as previously mentioned, via the medium of LEGO STAR WARS on Playstation.

Ewoks are ok. That metal piece of wotsit, however, is known chez boab as C-Crappio-O.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 January, 2016, 05:09:47 pm
R2D2, on the other hand, is the true hero of the series.  And, in spite of his superficial resemblance to Dusty Bin, surprisingly un-annoying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 14 January, 2016, 10:33:35 pm
Truly Madly Deeply

Sigh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 January, 2016, 08:22:07 am
Thoroughly Modern Millie

MrsC was surprised to find out I hadn't seen it. She was at boarding school, about 11, when first shown it. When they returned to school, she waited until everyone was asleep then pushed a laundry basket with a squeaky wheel along the dorm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 January, 2016, 09:30:08 am
^^^ Nice. Please convey my admiration.

Last night we watched a ghastly thing called "River", sent my wife by one of her running chums.  Why such a feast of boring misery should ever have been made beats me. Wife likes it and there are six miserable episodes to sleep through. (http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/gaah.gif)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 15 January, 2016, 12:22:44 pm
Atonement - I read the book and enjoyed it but the film was disappointing (how often do we say that?). I couldn't warm to Cecilia (played by Kierra Knightley) despite her circumstances. I wouldn't neccessarily blame Knightley for that though, the accent she did (English upper class) tended to irritate me more than it ought to have in fairness. Personal bugbear. I remember the book evoking the effects of the heat wave much more than the film did. Indeed, I remember the book being far more coherent and even paced; the film is quite dull until the final scenes.

Julie and Julia - a magnificent performance by Meryl Streep (one of the truly great actors of these times) in a light and amusing comedy. This ought be a Christmas move really, perhaps one day it will be or perhaps it already is somewhere, as it has that 'feel good' air about it.  The character Streep plays (Julia Child) was a real life cookery writer and TV chef in the USA and seems larger than life anyway; Streep played her for laughs largely but with enough hints to the person behind the mask to have her seem real. Maybe 30 minutes too long but a cracking script keeps it all moving along nicely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 17 January, 2016, 08:26:36 am
Scarface

It's 33 years old and it is still has one of the best montage sequences of all time.  Whilst it's famous for Al's leetel fraynd, there is so much more to enjoy in this classic story charting the rise and fall of Tony Montana. The direction, the script, the performances.  Living in 80s Miami still looks so damn cool.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ham on 17 January, 2016, 08:44:48 am
Earlier as in .... all the ones he made before this?

Or "earlier" as in ... the crap last 4-or-so (basically everything post PF in my mind!)

I really really want this film to be good - the building blocks are alllll there. Please?

Probably the latter I suspect (i.e. the later films you’re less keen on). 

I’ll admit I much prefer his earlier films (the first four if you count True Romance, which although he didn’t direct it has a great script by him – and anyway I like Tony Scott).  I’m a big fan of Jackie Brown, left me cold the first time I saw it but my appreciation for it has grown.  In fact I would almost much prefer to see him do a bunch more Elmore Leonard adaptations than some of his own scripts.

Of the more recent films, I still don’t really rate Inglorious Basterds (although as ever some of the parts are good) but Django Unchained has really grown on me – this as ever is obviously a personal thing.

The most recent one is a film I think you need to see twice, as there’s a strong mystery element to it* and it will be interesting to watch the various characters again now that I know the full story.  I liked this one first off but the whole 70mm Roadshow experience was great fun – how it will stand up over time I don’t know.


*At the Intermission my friend Andy said “It’s like Agatha Christie with guns”.

Seen in a multiplex without intermission, one of the trailers was for a new film that felt like an Elmore Leonard, not much point to that comment as I can't remember what it was called, something about a private eye and an enforcer.

I think Tarantino is turning into a great storyteller.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 January, 2016, 12:19:34 pm
Thoroughly Modern Millie

Some Like It Hot

Both completely and utterly bonkers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 17 January, 2016, 02:15:07 pm
Last Trailer I Watched: Revenant
(bear tries to eat Wolf of Wall St)

pfft. What a load of prettily shot piffle that looks.

<...
reads reviews. Hears Kermode review
...>

Hang on. This actually sounds rather good!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 January, 2016, 05:51:24 pm
My first international jaunt of the year, and passing the time means I get to watch any old crap (I don't travel so much these days, there used to be a point where by the end of February that I'd seen everything. Mind you I remember when they had the one movie, and that was it.)

Spy – James Bond/Bourne spoof thing. Modestly amusing, mostly for the Stath taking the piss out of himself. Actually, it would have been a better movie if it was just that.

The Martian - it had to happen, not as bad as I feared. If I were Matt Damon I'd keep both feet firmly on the terra firma of planet Earth, it never goes well for him. It was all a bit tension light, everything seemed to have an easy solution. I may have napped in the middle or it may have had a 'three years later' appear at the bottom of the screen. Probably a good thing. I couldn't be bothered rewinding to find out. And yeah, I could have cringed into an entirely new dimensions at the 'science the shit out of this' line.

Fantastic Four – it seems the thing now to re-invent movies that they've only recently re-invented, just with a younger cast. In a decade or so, it'll be foetuses starring in these things, modern movie goers evidently don't want to faced with the craggy Mount Rushmore visages of anyone over the age of forty with their creaky corroding bodies and endless need to tell you about stuff that happened to them. Bor-ing. Anyway, same old, same old, some people get super powers, one of them goes bad, there's a fight. It's been done a million times and often better.

Inside Out - a modern day Numbskulls, very cleverly and affectingly done and by far the best of the lot. Watch the closing credits for the best explanation of cat behaviour you'll ever get.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 January, 2016, 06:43:38 pm


The Martian - it had to happen, not as bad as I feared. If I were Matt Damon I'd keep both feet firmly on the terra firma of planet Earth, it never goes well for him. It was all a bit tension light, everything seemed to have an easy solution. I may have napped in the middle or it may have had a 'three years later' appear at the bottom of the screen. Probably a good thing. I couldn't be bothered rewinding to find out. And yeah, I could have cringed into an entirely new dimensions at the 'science the shit out of this' line.



Inside Out - a modern day Numbskulls, very cleverly and affectingly done and by far the best of the lot. Watch the closing credits for the best explanation of cat behaviour you'll ever get.

I loved the Numbskulls when I was a kid.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/davidmack/saving-matt-damon#.pn6j0NNdW
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 January, 2016, 08:01:38 pm
Children Of Men

Caught it on Syfy while channel hopping last night. Seen it before obvs but not for a while so I'd forgotten a lot of the detail. The story is a bit more flimsy than I remembered but the visuals remain incredible, especially the car chase and the final Battle of Bexhill scenes. Great cameos from Michael Caine and Peter Mullan too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 January, 2016, 11:39:08 pm
San Andreas

Standard high-budget disaster movie fare.  Brits who weren't evil.  But what I really want to know is when did we get to the point where the fact that a basic wired phone plugged into an analogue POTS line will work without mains power is obscure technical information that might serve as a plot device?   ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 18 January, 2016, 06:35:34 am
San Andreas

Standard high-budget disaster movie fare.  Brits who weren't evil.  But what I really want to know is when did we get to the point where the fact that a basic wired phone plugged into an analogue POTS line will work without mains power is obscure technical information that might serve as a plot device?   ::-)

As soon as such phones disappeared in favour of electronic ones that needed batteries to support memories, like the BT React series.  Late 80's or maybe even earlier: Most of my contemporaries at school didn't know how phones worked, and probably still don't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tigerrr on 18 January, 2016, 07:25:27 am
The revenant. Best crawling movie ever. De Caprio crawls superbly in snow and ice and water. Masterful anguished bleak facial expressions. Best bear attack ever filmed. Horse guts less convincing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 18 January, 2016, 09:58:07 am
San Andreas

Standard high-budget disaster movie fare.  Brits who weren't evil.  But what I really want to know is when did we get to the point where the fact that a basic wired phone plugged into an analogue POTS line will work without mains power is obscure technical information that might serve as a plot device?   ::-)

I may have missed the point but wired phones don't use mains power, they are powered by the POTS line itself, 50-70v.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 18 January, 2016, 10:05:47 am
San Andreas

Standard high-budget disaster movie fare.  Brits who weren't evil.  But what I really want to know is when did we get to the point where the fact that a basic wired phone plugged into an analogue POTS line will work without mains power is obscure technical information that might serve as a plot device?   ::-)


We got to that point in The Day After Tomorrow.  So, 2004.

Me and mcshroom thought San Andreas was fairly dreadful and I hated all the main protaganists and wanted them to drown.  The daughter in particular.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 18 January, 2016, 10:43:45 am
Anomalisa animated film written and co-directed by Charlie Kaufman. This film doesn't have the usual Kaufman mind warps and is pretty straight forward; a successful, middle-aged man in meltdown. Struggling with issues of identity, boredom and purpose he finds temporary respite in an unfamilar face (and voice). You quickly forget you're watching puppets and empathise with the human condition.

The animation (stop motion) is brilliant. This film is worth seeing for that alone. Add to it the very human story and it becomes captivating viewing. There's a curious final scene, I thought so anyway, almost a redirect. I'm still timed-out as to its significance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 January, 2016, 01:11:29 pm
San Andreas

Standard high-budget disaster movie fare.  Brits who weren't evil.  But what I really want to know is when did we get to the point where the fact that a basic wired phone plugged into an analogue POTS line will work without mains power is obscure technical information that might serve as a plot device?   ::-)

I may have missed the point but wired phones don't use mains power, they are powered by the POTS line itself, 50-70v.

Exactamundo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 January, 2016, 01:49:11 pm
The revenant. Best crawling movie ever. De Caprio crawls superbly in snow and ice and water. Masterful anguished bleak facial expressions. Best bear attack ever filmed. Horse guts less convincing.

It's better than when he leaves the country club, gets into his car and drives slowly and carefully home?  (Wolf of Wall Street)   And why did he attack the bear?  No, don't tell me, I can wait.   

   



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 January, 2016, 02:02:21 pm
A very nice little staging of J. B. Priestly's play An Inspector Calls.  BBC plug-in-component cast but that got the family game of spot-the-star over PDQ so that we could actually catch everything being said for a change.

Always did like his stuff. This was great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 19 January, 2016, 02:46:13 pm
Contagion What an odd experience it was watching this movie. It had all the components to be a good movie (director, cast, budget, even script) yet somehow failed. It's not like the subject couldn't have delivered a decent film either. It even felt like it thought it was a good movie but.... I think someone simply forgot to decide what they wanted to say. It didn't suck, it just didn't happen.

And why did Jude Law play an Australian? (At least, I think he was trying to be an Australian). His accent wasn't spot on and was simply distracting when his nationality was irrelevant to the film.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 January, 2016, 04:58:48 pm
Tell me this: did they heal sick people by vaccinating them? Because if they did I don't want to see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 19 January, 2016, 05:27:50 pm
Tell me this: did they heal sick people by vaccinating them?

In honesty, I don't know but I think not. If you got the bat/pig flu then you were a gonna. I think the vacine developed merely prevented you from catching it in the first place. I don't think it was absolutely clear though.

A web search reveals that the film was applauded for its treatment of the science; introducing and using medical terms correctly etc. Maybe the intention of the film (the thing I didn't see) was to be factual - a kind of docu-film or perhaps more accurately a film-umentary. Maybe I was looking for the wrong thing and it's actually a wonderful, genre-defying film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 January, 2016, 05:51:19 pm
Well... I'll put it on the maybe list.

Cheers
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 19 January, 2016, 09:42:56 pm
Late to the party, as usual ...

Everest

As others have said, not an easy or enjoyable watch.  It was a bit like Casualty.  You try and work out at the start who's going to die, and how, adjusting en route for bad decisions, then see how many you can tick off at the end.

Ye gods.  I think I value my life too much to go doing that sort of thing, and I'm fine with that.  Way above the acceptable risk level. The saddest one was the little Japanese woman topping her seventh summit.  She was the most sympathetic character IMO, and she died a horrible lonely death, and she's still up on that mountain, freeze-dried.  Sheesh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 January, 2016, 08:18:25 am
Even later..

The Bedford Incident

1965 Cold War tension with excellent cast.  B&W.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 20 January, 2016, 09:14:12 am
Late to the party, as usual ...

Everest

As others have said, not an easy or enjoyable watch.  It was a bit like Casualty.  You try and work out at the start who's going to die, and how, adjusting en route for bad decisions, then see how many you can tick off at the end.

Ye gods.  I think I value my life too much to go doing that sort of thing, and I'm fine with that.  Way above the acceptable risk level. The saddest one was the little Japanese woman topping her seventh summit.  She was the most sympathetic character IMO, and she died a horrible lonely death, and she's still up on that mountain, freeze-dried.  Sheesh.

Yes, I watched this last night. Harrowing. I was in bits by the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 20 January, 2016, 10:00:36 am
I'm slightly embarrassed to say I didn't know what was going to happen in Everest.
I found it really hard to watch. No1Daughter & I were in a state of shock by the time we left the cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 20 January, 2016, 11:49:08 am
The trailer makes it seem like a fairly standard action movie. It's pretty faithful to the accounts, and we were mainly interested in how Anatoli Boukreev would come out of it.
The main accounts conflict, which is why the film credits a book about the Brian Blessed expedition from the Tibetan side at the same time.That was written by the TV producer making the film. He got to the summit, Brian didn't.
That's a lighter read, and a good background to the subject, although people die, obviously.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Zone-Climbing-Everest-Through/dp/0099255723
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 January, 2016, 01:33:34 pm
Even later..

The Bedford Incident

1965 Cold War tension with excellent cast.  B&W.

Very early performance from Donald Sutherland in it (the bit where they are analysing the cabbage).

It's a retelling of Moby Dick with the Soviet Submarine substituting for Ahab's great while whale of course (and no worse for it).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 January, 2016, 02:03:15 pm
The original Girl with Dragon Tattoo film and the other two in the trilogy. Very enjoyable films, well made and filmed. I watched the English dub version, which seems to have been done pretty well. The final one was the weakest, I felt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 20 January, 2016, 05:10:15 pm
I'm slightly embarrassed to say I didn't know what was going to happen in Everest.
I found it really hard to watch. No1Daughter & I were in a state of shock by the time we left the cinema.

I was very disappointed by the absence of double glazing. 0/10.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 20 January, 2016, 08:37:12 pm
Late to the party, as usual ...

Everest

As others have said, not an easy or enjoyable watch.  It was a bit like Casualty.  You try and work out at the start who's going to die, and how, adjusting en route for bad decisions, then see how many you can tick off at the end.

Ye gods.  I think I value my life too much to go doing that sort of thing, and I'm fine with that.  Way above the acceptable risk level. The saddest one was the little Japanese woman topping her seventh summit.  She was the most sympathetic character IMO, and she died a horrible lonely death, and she's still up on that mountain, freeze-dried.  Sheesh.

Yes, I watched this last night. Harrowing. I was in bits by the end.

The big hero of that story must be the chopper pilot.

"I'm going to lift the tail, then tip over the edge and fall until the blades catch the air.  That all right with you?"

Unbelievable.  So brave.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 January, 2016, 10:47:25 pm
The big hero of that story must be the chopper pilot.

"I'm going to lift the tail, then tip over the edge and fall until the blades catch the air.  That all right with you?"

Unbelievable.  So brave.

I think bravery's a basic requirement if you're going to thrash yourself into the air on a flying windmill, but agreed.

His name is Madan Khatri Chhetri, and in real life he did it twice.

He's performed countless other crazy flying windmill rescues since.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 21 January, 2016, 09:06:31 am
The Next Three Days probably the best I've seen from Russel Crowe. Which is maybe not saying much. A perfectly capable thriller worth watching. I found it a tad too long but then imo a film has to be pretty darned good to sustain itself over 100 minutes*.

*One of the first things I look at when deciding whether to watch a film. If it's over 2 hours then I'm doubtful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 January, 2016, 09:21:56 am
Quote
The Next Three Days probably the best I've seen from Russel Crowe. Which is maybe not saying much.

He was quite good as a Hornblower but he couldn't keep it up.

I mean there was only one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 January, 2016, 01:53:39 pm
Quote
The Next Three Days probably the best I've seen from Russel Crowe. Which is maybe not saying much.

He was quite good as a Hornblower but he couldn't keep it up.

I mean there was only one.

Portraying John Nash in 'A Beautiful Mind'?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: menthel on 21 January, 2016, 09:25:10 pm
Chappie. It's dreadful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 22 January, 2016, 12:04:34 am
Contagion What an odd experience it was watching this movie. It had all the components to be a good movie (director, cast, budget, even script) yet somehow failed. It's not like the subject couldn't have delivered a decent film either. It even felt like it thought it was a good movie but.... I think someone simply forgot to decide what they wanted to say. It didn't suck, it just didn't happen.

Just watched this.  I think they were going for realism.  Getting the science right[1] and the lack of heroic gun fights, car chases, MovieOS, plucky journalists, and outright stupidity in the name of saving the main character's family were all notable.

On that basis, I thought it was quite good.

The film didn't have to say anything (beyond "this is what could happen"), but that's maybe because I wasn't expecting it to?


[1] Other than the incubation period of the disease being far too short for it to spread that widely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 22 January, 2016, 07:40:51 am
My addendum....

A web search reveals that the film was applauded for its treatment of the science; introducing and using medical terms correctly etc. Maybe the intention of the film (the thing I didn't see) was to be factual - a kind of docu-film or perhaps more accurately a film-umentary. Maybe I was looking for the wrong thing and it's actually a wonderful, genre-defying film.

To be fair to the film, I was simply wrong footed by it. Sometimes I take potluck with what's on tele and don't read any further than the TV guide 4 sentence blurb.  That can build a false expectation. This film is perhaps one to take a notebook to rather than popcorn!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 22 January, 2016, 01:03:44 pm
Agreed.  From a typical plot synopsis, you'd be expecting something akin to Outbreak.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 22 January, 2016, 04:21:51 pm
Quote
The Next Three Days probably the best I've seen from Russel Crowe. Which is maybe not saying much.

He was quite good as a Hornblower but he couldn't keep it up.

I mean there was only one.

Portraying John Nash in 'A Beautiful Mind'?

Yes, that too, it has to be said.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 January, 2016, 04:58:30 pm
I thought Contagion was well handled. But yeah, if you went into it expecting anything in particular to happen, then it might be guilty of disappointment. They did gleefully and gruesomely kill off lots of famous actors.

Anyway, on flight back

The Man from UNCLE. From the TV show I'm sure I remember watching but probably didn't on the grounds I wasn't born, but everyone knows the characters. It's well cast and modestly entertaining though burdened with the usual identikit plot that every spy thriller has.

Sicario Seems have got a lot of critical approbation, seemingly on the basis it's a bit morally ambiguous and that Americans seem consistently surprised by their nation's relationship with illegal drugs. Emily Blunt has to wear a very serious actor's face throughout the entire movie which must have been quite tiring and I mostly wanted to give her a pep talk (and to be honest, it wasn't really clear why her character was in the movie). Benicio del Toro was awesomely scary though. I don't think the movie received any funding from the Mexican Tourist Board.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 22 January, 2016, 09:57:14 pm
BBC's An Inspector Calls, with David Thewlis.  Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 January, 2016, 08:17:27 am
The Green Hornet (2011) :-  enjoyable silliness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 January, 2016, 08:25:07 am
....
Portraying John Nash in 'A Beautiful Mind'?

Yes, that too, it has to be said.

I liked Stephen Fry's comment "John Nash, who suffered the terrible handicap... of being played by Russel Crowe".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 26 January, 2016, 10:45:08 am
....
Portraying John Nash in 'A Beautiful Mind'?

Yes, that too, it has to be said.

I liked Stephen Fry's comment "John Nash, who suffered the terrible handicap... of being played by Russel Crowe".

That's a bit harsh (from Fry) considering what a decidedly limited actor Fry is too.

There are performances by both that I like but both play, or at least are required to play within a fairly limited range.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 26 January, 2016, 11:42:01 am
Stephen Fry is an accomplished and talented actor, playing parts across the whole range from 'Stephen Fry' to 'Stephen Fry'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 January, 2016, 11:44:53 am
He's also a comedian (of sorts) and tends to say things tongue-in-cheek for laughs/piss take. I'm sure Mr Crowe will not take too much offence.

Edit: in fact he might, as pointed out later in this thread. He can be a right argumentative sod.  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 January, 2016, 12:35:06 pm
The revenant. Best crawling movie ever. De Caprio crawls superbly in snow and ice and water. Masterful anguished bleak facial expressions. Best bear attack ever filmed. Horse guts less convincing.

It's better than when he leaves the country club, gets into his car and drives slowly and carefully home?  (Wolf of Wall Street)   And why did he attack the bear?  No, don't tell me, I can wait.   
 
You've overlooked the other option; think what "knife-attack" usually means.

Anyway, no more spoilers. I've seen the thing now - bloody great. (with some emphasis on bloody). Definitely a "big screener". It deserves one of the Oscars for cinematography and direction (I'm never sure where the split is in between those :/ ), and Supporting Actor (although it certainly won't get that one, its the wrong kind of role).
Leo is good, but I'd say he put more suffering than acting talent into the making of this.


There is quite a lot of crawling, but actually the true story featured many many miles more crawling, so we should be grateful!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 26 January, 2016, 01:03:44 pm
Saw it too, on Friday. Excellent. Watching on big screen essential.

Crawling features quite a lot, as does speaking Pawnee, as does traipsing through freezing cold water. How on earth these chaps survived in them days, is beyond me. Tough chaps.

Got most of what Tom Hardy was talking about. Was the rest of his dialogue in Welsh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 26 January, 2016, 02:32:43 pm
I've not seen any crawling films recently (maybe the Shawshank Redemption or possibly Aliens were the last ones I did watch), but I did see Room last week. Highly recommended. If you've read the book, it captures it very well, which is not surprising considering Emma Donnoghue was a screen writer and producer. If you've not read it, I'd recommend seeing the film with as little forewarning about the context as possible. I thought Jacob Tremblay as Jack was superb. To what extent that was his acting or the direction I don't know, but a fine performance in any case.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 January, 2016, 03:25:21 pm
I'd recommend seeing the film with as little forewarning about the context as possible.

Ditto. Their situation is unclear at first, and it's slow unveiling gives the film added creepiness.

Quote
I thought Jacob Tremblay as Jack was superb.

And ditto again. Tremblay is Screen Actors Guild nominated for best supporting actor 2016 - pretty impressive for a 9 year old!

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 January, 2016, 03:40:11 pm
Stephen Fry is an accomplished and talented actor, playing parts across the whole range from 'Stephen Fry' to 'Stephen Fry'

He's too instantly identifiable to play much else.  Hamlet, with that conk?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: clarion on 26 January, 2016, 03:46:04 pm
Though he managed both a moving  Oscar Wilde, and a barely moving Jeeves very convincingly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 26 January, 2016, 05:19:32 pm
Though he managed both a moving  Oscar Wilde, and a barely moving Jeeves very convincingly.

He has been trying to play Oscar Wilde for most of his life.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 January, 2016, 05:34:43 pm
Stephen Fry is an accomplished and talented actor, playing parts across the whole range from 'Stephen Fry' to 'Stephen Fry'

;D

His Jeeves was awful! So wooden. Hugh Laurie is a great Wooster though.

Andrew - Russell Crowe takes offence very easily, as he has famously demonstrated in numerous interviews (eg when Kermode commented on his accent as Robin Hood)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 January, 2016, 05:40:20 pm
Back on topic, kind of: I was supposed to be going to a screening of Battle Mountain tonight, the new Graeme Obree documentary, but I can't make it. Very disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 January, 2016, 05:46:41 pm
Stephen Fry is an accomplished and talented actor, playing parts across the whole range from 'Stephen Fry' to 'Stephen Fry'

;D

His Jeeves was awful! So wooden. Hugh Laurie is a great Wooster though.

Andrew - Russell Crowe takes offence very easily, as he has famously demonstrated in numerous interviews (eg when Kermode commented on his accent as Robin Hood)
Was it not Mark Lawson on R4? Very memorable interview - I actually thought Lawson deserved a bunch-of-fives, but it made entertaining listening anyway?
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 January, 2016, 05:49:06 pm
Yes, I think you're right, Lawson rather than Kermode. I can't stand Lawson but that was very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 January, 2016, 06:13:26 pm
Crawling features quite a lot, as does speaking Pawnee, as does traipsing through freezing cold water. How on earth these chaps survived in them days, is beyond me. Tough chaps.
The consensus from people who live up in those parts is "wtf are they doing, going through that water? Getting wet means dying, fast.".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 26 January, 2016, 06:33:06 pm
Tomorrowland

The Disney extravaganza that the inexplicably popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise wasn't.

If you enjoyed Jupiter Ascending, then it's worth watching, but I recommend you stop 3/4 of the way through and imagine your own ending.  Perhaps featuring David Bowie as Nikola Tesla[1].

(click to show/hide)

If this doesn't sound appealing, then avoid with a very sturdy barge pole.


[1] Don't get me started on that movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 January, 2016, 06:44:41 pm
Back on topic, kind of: I was supposed to be going to a screening of Battle Mountain tonight, the new Graeme Obree documentary, but I can't make it. Very disappointed.

First I've heard of it and I'm probably in it :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 January, 2016, 05:09:44 pm
Back on topic, kind of: I was supposed to be going to a screening of Battle Mountain tonight, the new Graeme Obree documentary, but I can't make it. Very disappointed.

First I've heard of it and I'm probably in it :-\

The likelihood of you being in it was the main reason I wanted to see it, tbh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 27 January, 2016, 05:21:26 pm
Hhhhmmm, does Larrers appear as 1st drunk? (group of 5)

The scene: Obree is surrounded at one point, by a bunch of drunken UCI officials, who have had too much sauce over an extended luncheon, and is jostled and ridiculed by the officials as they leave the restaurant. Larrers has a mumbling part, though is uncredited on the film.

Is it that one?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 January, 2016, 06:16:55 pm
The Big Short.  Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 28 January, 2016, 08:22:09 am
Ride Along 2

A masterpiece of cinema art this………..nah, not really.

Instead, a simple 90 minute rehash of the first film although based in Miami this time with all the usual 2D characters such films normally contain: the harden cop, the rookie, the love interest, hit man, a mega rich villain etc etc etc.

Once decent car chase and a few funny bits but other than that, not much.

If you liked the first one, you are likely to like this one. But please, don’t expect too much……. Oh… I did like the first one… ops.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 January, 2016, 07:26:00 pm
The Man From Earth

Proper low-key science fiction.  Hardly original, but it doesn't matter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 30 January, 2016, 08:19:40 pm
L'Avventura

A woman goes missing.  People exist.  Nothing much happens in the usual way, with seemingly little plot or story development, but the details are in the small things people do and don't do.  Very nicely shot Black and White, subtitled, Italian film from the 1960s.  Part of a trilogy.  One to watch if you are pretentious and like that kind of this (like what I is, brah).
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 31 January, 2016, 04:16:31 pm
Kingsman

Most of what needs to be said about this film has already been said. I thought the infamous anal sex joke was crass and unfunny but not nearly as awful as the church scene. Mostly enjoyed it despite the occasional missteps though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 31 January, 2016, 04:34:14 pm
Watched it last night, I thought it was excellent. I didn't know the story before hand, I was willing him to get up and try again, but it was a true story and that doesn't really happen. Although having said that the American who got up and walked into camp was an amazing story.

Late to the party, as usual ...

Everest

As others have said, not an easy or enjoyable watch.  It was a bit like Casualty.  You try and work out at the start who's going to die, and how, adjusting en route for bad decisions, then see how many you can tick off at the end.

Ye gods.  I think I value my life too much to go doing that sort of thing, and I'm fine with that.  Way above the acceptable risk level. The saddest one was the little Japanese woman topping her seventh summit.  She was the most sympathetic character IMO, and she died a horrible lonely death, and she's still up on that mountain, freeze-dried.  Sheesh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 31 January, 2016, 04:39:02 pm
The Man From Earth

Proper low-key science fiction.  Hardly original, but it doesn't matter.

Fond of that, despite the not-very-appropriate title.  Might have been written for the stage.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 31 January, 2016, 05:01:47 pm
The Big Short.  Excellent.

Agreed. A Michael Moore type of film without the pious righteousness ;) (I like Moore BTW, it's just his delivery I find difficult to take)

No, a seriously good film, very well made. A factual film with a non-fictional feel and tension, it worked and the genre-splicing wasn't at all clunky. With it being factual, it leaves one feeling more chilled than you'd think it might. People talk of films that changed their lives, well,  with this one I could well imagine it might. Well worth it's 'best film' nomination talk for it's construction alone. Most definitely recommended.

Victoria - a young, lost Spanish women working in Berlin has a night to remember. A German indie movie with a creepy/mounting tension that will have you imploring her to not to do it. Her own story provides the why. Notable for it's seemingly real time, single shot filming* (cf Birdman) on a handheld camera and improvised dialogue, this film is technically impressive AND - more importantly - excellent viewing.

*a web search reveals it to have actually been one continuous shot!  :o I'm stunned. I just assumed clever editing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 31 January, 2016, 05:29:12 pm
Kingsman

Most of what needs to be said about this film has already been said. I thought the infamous anal sex joke was crass and unfunny but not nearly as awful as the church scene. Mostly enjoyed it despite the occasional missteps though.

I liked the church scene. OK, it's brutal and stylised, but it was very well done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 31 January, 2016, 05:58:10 pm

I liked the church scene. OK, it's brutal and stylised, but it was very well done.

It's not the violence per se that bothered me, it was the idea of the good guy slaughtering a church full of people who essentially weren't the bad guys.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 31 January, 2016, 06:20:08 pm
Nebraska
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 31 January, 2016, 07:01:00 pm
Finally got around to seeing The Force Awakens. Loved it. But I might never stop crying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 31 January, 2016, 07:06:30 pm
I started watching Scream but couldn't stay awake because, if you've seen Scary Movie first, you're just waiting for jokes that never come.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 31 January, 2016, 11:21:12 pm
Finally got around to seeing The Force Awakens. Loved it. But I might never stop crying.

I did wonder what you might think of it but figured any preemptive questions would have been too revealing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 February, 2016, 10:08:37 am

I liked the church scene. OK, it's brutal and stylised, but it was very well done.

It's not the violence per se that bothered me, it was the idea of the good guy slaughtering a church full of people who essentially weren't the bad guys.

Possibly I over-interpreted, but I assumed it was a satire on the fact that god-fearing Americans are in fact generally mental. As goes the perennial Guns and Ammo discussion: would Jesus conceal carry?

You might have a point, I'm generally a bit queasy about violence in movies these days (it's one of the things that puts me off Tarantino), but I didn't find that scene so bad, mostly because it was very over-stylised and had Colin Firth playing very against type.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 01 February, 2016, 12:37:40 pm
Finally got around to seeing The Force Awakens. Loved it. But I might never stop crying.

I did wonder what you might think of it but figured any preemptive questions would have been too revealing.
Several people have said the same to me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 February, 2016, 08:15:03 pm
Last night Iwatched all but the first 10 minutes of the 2010 True Grit. Jeff Bridges Rooster Cogburn was a great portrayal. Matt damon as the full of it Texas ranger was also good. I'm not yet sure about Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie though I suspect her portrayal would grow on me.

I could have sworn Emmet Quincy was John Goodman.

A few days ago I watched the first 45 minutes to an hour of Perfume. I suspect I have the rest of a damn fine filmawaiting me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 February, 2016, 09:39:29 am
John Carter

What the fuckety-fuck?

I don't know how some films get the go-ahead from a studio boss. This must have cost millions in CGI.

I've never read the (100 year old) book but it's a film that was made 40 years too late.  I think the original book may have inspired subsequent films (Star Wars? Dune? Stargate?) that made this film redundant.

Lots of epic CGI but a rather silly looking main premise.... that the hero suddenly develops an ability to jump like a Cricket.

Perhaps most bizarre of all is the female lead.  She's a Martian, Queen of Helium apparently.  She has a very clipped English accent, Surrey I'd guess.. but she's a Texan actress (Lyn Collins).  So it was a clear decision by the director to tell her that Martians don't sound American, they definitely sound more "Home Counties".

Summary: Silly and redundant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 February, 2016, 01:07:35 pm
John Carter

What the fuckety-fuck?

I used to torture my string-theory-PhD-student nephew with quotations on Martian physics.  He's studying law now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 February, 2016, 05:46:06 pm
John Carter

What the fuckety-fuck?

I used to torture my string-theory-PhD-student nephew with quotations on Martian physics.  He's studying law now.

..and did he ever find out how long it was?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedaldog. on 03 February, 2016, 12:15:58 am
American Graffiti. A real piece of "Seting the stage to the time". I first saw it in '78/79 and was happy to get it on TV recently.

#just watched "Escape from LA "and it was fun! All those poor outcasts in Los Angeles didn't know where their next sleezisex costume was coming from.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 February, 2016, 07:46:12 am
John Carter

What the fuckety-fuck?

I used to torture my string-theory-PhD-student nephew with quotations on Martian physics.  He's studying law now.

..and did he ever find out how long it was?

A piece of the former or the arm of the latter?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 03 February, 2016, 10:05:21 am
Spotlight

The best film we've seen since Whiplash
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 05 February, 2016, 10:11:42 am
Quote from: fboab
Don't tell anyone but I'm on my way to see Dirty Grandpa
Quote from: No1Daughter
Why? Why would you do that?
Quote from: fboab
I don't know. There's nothing in the house for tea?
Quote from: No1Daughter
You are allowed to just go to the shop
Quote from: fboab
I am? Anyway, there's no Cineworld in Boro. I am reaching the end of my cine-fullness
Quote from: No1Daughter
You should be ashamed



Reader. I am.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 05 February, 2016, 01:00:39 pm
I saw the trailer. I hope De Niro is ashamed too. At least you weren't paid to go.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 05 February, 2016, 01:15:05 pm
The Italian Job (2003) - I only watched 30 minutes. It's not a remake, it's an entirely different film but for having the same title and being about a heist with minis.

Probably an average film in fairness but I was tired and couldn't be bothered to stick with it. Points I noted; poor script* and Statham is Statham, decent enough action sequences, opening 15 minutes (the first heist) is engaging.

*Personal bugbear; lines that serve only to tell the audience what is happening. That is, character A tells character B something that B would know but the audience would not.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 February, 2016, 01:19:01 pm
They weren't even proper minis.  What's the point in doing a heist with minis that are the same size as normal cars?

Pixels made better use of them.  (Which is probably the only good thing about Pixels.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 February, 2016, 01:48:32 pm
Cloud Atlas

Like watching a very pretty puzzle slotting together.  If I watched it again, I'd probably notice the music more (good film scores being doomed to go unnoticed the first time round).

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 February, 2016, 08:33:46 pm
sucker punch

*almost* very good

visuals and sound are lush
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 06 February, 2016, 09:57:00 pm
Zoolander 2

Shouldn't have been made. Very few guffaws.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 06 February, 2016, 11:35:52 pm
Dad's Army

Was quite short but could have been shorter. Always felt that the characters weren't quite up to the TV ones, but it was made up for by the female members of the cast. Worth seeing, but not by much.

Well worth going to and seeing that almost all the audience were older than me. No mobile phone abuse and only two wrapper fiends.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 February, 2016, 11:52:39 pm
Well worth going to and seeing that almost all the audience were older than me. No mobile phone abuse and only two wrapper fiends.

Hearing aid feedback then?   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 06 February, 2016, 11:58:52 pm
 ;D took a long time to empty the cinema too. Although that did mean we saw the bloopers at the end of the titles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 February, 2016, 09:27:25 am
Paris Trout.  Nasty story, good film, ending slightly shaky but after all that went before you could believe anything by then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 February, 2016, 10:09:49 am
Dad's Army

Was quite short but could have been shorter. Always felt that the characters weren't quite up to the TV ones, but it was made up for by the female members of the cast. Worth seeing, but not by much.

*cough* *splutter*

"female members of the cast"?!?

No respect for times gone by ... *shakes head* ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 07 February, 2016, 11:25:37 am
The Italian Job (2003) - I only watched 30 minutes. It's not a remake, it's an entirely different film but for having the same title and being about a heist with minis. ....

The choice of title was considered rather odd at the time.  Most of the USA haven't heard of the original film, so there was little advantage to using that title in their market.  In the UK, reusing the title was generally seen as heresy, so it actually had the risk of making the film less commercially successful.  There was no sensible reason to use the title!

As I recall, it wasn't a bad film, a reasonably good fun robbery film.  Clearly not the cult film that the original Italian Job became, but who can ever predict what film is going to meet that criterion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 07 February, 2016, 01:02:00 pm
The Lobster.

Went to the cute little David Lean cinema in Croydon which does odd showings of random films. Very good satire on the way that society treats single people and couples but my god it has some 'challenging' scenes in it  :-X

Different to anything I've seen before. And they made Colin Farrell look damn unattractive.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 07 February, 2016, 01:29:47 pm
We went to see that too, though at the PictureHouse in Greenwich. Utterly bizarre and quite challenging in some ways, not so much the scenes necessarily as some of the concepts - and odd for us as we spent a week at the hotel after our wedding ... (Service is a little different in real life, fortunately.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 07 February, 2016, 07:25:32 pm
Jurassic World

An enjoyable way to spend two hours, delivering pretty much what you expect from an action film that was spliced from the DNA of Jurassic Park, but with the technology to deliver a level above that 23 year old dinosaur.  I would have liked to have seen it in 3D at the cinema, because I bet it would have been jaw dropping in places.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 February, 2016, 08:13:50 pm
Room.

Good adaptation of the book and the wee boy was great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 07 February, 2016, 08:24:28 pm
On Yer Bike - Obree
The Final Hour - Boardman
Jacques Anquetil: The Man, The Mystery, The Legend

I think the Boardman one was the best. Obree's one showed his UCI travails pretty well though. Anquetil's one was quite sanitised.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 07 February, 2016, 09:12:46 pm
Hateful Eight. Will be a while before I figure out if I like it.

Interestingly I read that the guitar Kurt Russell destroyed was a priceless antique, but they forgot to tell him  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 February, 2016, 04:05:51 pm
Jurassic World

An enjoyable way to spend two hours, delivering pretty much what you expect from an action film that was spliced from the DNA of Jurassic Park, but with the technology to deliver a level above that 23 year old dinosaur.  I would have liked to have seen it in 3D at the cinema, because I bet it would have been jaw dropping in places.

Given a sample, they might be able to rebuild Richard Attenborough.

------o0o------

The Conformist - Bertolucci, 1970.  Jean-Louis Trintignan as a Fascist hit-man in 1930s Italy. Enjoyed it in a nasty sort of way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 08 February, 2016, 04:46:39 pm
Over the weekend:

The Hobbit - its really quite dire

Dads Army - Not bad,quite inoffensive,  some local interest a a lot of it was filmed close by. Felt  not as good as it should  have been though.

Spectre - Quite enjoyed this, wish they'd stop with the female character who jumps into bed with Bond immediately upon meeting him. its old and actually takes away from the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 08 February, 2016, 06:22:12 pm
UK premiere of "The Cowrads Who Looked to the Sky", a Japanese film directed by Yuki Tanada (female), and who introduced it at the ICA cinema.

First scene is two cosplay characters bonking,  but the film goes on to illustrate how hard life is for people at the bottom of the pile in Japan.

Film now touring Britain in The Japan Foundation Film Programme 2016, see http://www.jpf.org.uk/whatson.php#827 (http://www.jpf.org.uk/whatson.php#827)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 10 February, 2016, 10:17:08 pm
Deadpool. It's quite good, wouldn't say it's a must see, but it features the best Stan Lee cameo to date.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 10 February, 2016, 11:00:51 pm
Deadpool. It's quite good, wouldn't say it's a must see, but it features the best Stan Lee cameo to date.

That's quite a claim: after his scene as a librarian in the Amazing Spider Man.

I found a roundup of The Man's cameos  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFpak2hE1Jw).

I'm looking forward to seeing Deadpool.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 11 February, 2016, 10:43:17 am
I have to say that The Lobster didn't work for me. As a rule I like weird but this felt padded out. Interesting social commentary (single people are social outcasts, partners seemingly needing shared traits/interests) and some good chuckles along the way but I found it a bit dull in truth. The nub of a good idea stretched thin beyond its substance. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 February, 2016, 02:34:54 pm
Chappie

Strange and flawed but I kind of liked it. I was trying to describe it to my colleague just now and landed on "a cross between Short Circuit and Robocop but not nearly as good as either".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 February, 2016, 02:42:25 pm
Short Circuit + Robocop + District 9.

And not as good as any of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 February, 2016, 05:39:08 pm
I still haven't seen District 9. Must rectify that some time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 14 February, 2016, 12:54:22 pm
Interstellar

Gutted that I didn't see this on Imax in the cinema, as it looked spectacular on 2D Blu-Ray in my lounge.  A bit of a hackneyed story (Earth is dying, mankind must establish a colony somewhere else, sends out brave Americans to find those colonies) but I'll forgive that for something that looked and sounded so fantastic, and with such good pacing.  And where the acting is (generally - Michael Caine is an exception) of such a high standard.  At 160 minutes, it takes some endurance, but it passed by quite quickly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 14 February, 2016, 01:59:51 pm
Superbob

Ended better than it started, but that's not saying much. Peckham postman gets hit by meteorite and gains superman powers but remains socially awkward introvert.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 14 February, 2016, 02:33:53 pm
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

Very enjoyable. A film about chance and luck, and a guy who likes blowing things up. Good family viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 15 February, 2016, 04:17:35 pm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Broken_Circle_Breakdown

Cripes. really good, but a tough watch. The upbeat bits contain enough joy that you don't finish watching it utterly depressed! And the bluegrass is amazing; all performed by the cast, apparently  :o
(if you like Alison Kraus, you'll like these songs).

And that poster is utterly unrepresentative of the movie. It may be one reason I was expecting something very different  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bumper on 15 February, 2016, 07:34:58 pm
Mad Max Fury Road

2 hours watching a truck being driven across sand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 15 February, 2016, 08:30:40 pm
Avatar (again). Still stunning visuals and Cameron was really going to town on the 'We really shit on the Native Americans back in the day' guilt trip.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 15 February, 2016, 09:39:24 pm
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies
I'm not sure the addition of undead hordes adds to Jane Austin's tale, and colouring in is generally a better displacement activity. Still. Erm. Actually I very nearly left, but it's cold and I wanted company for the walk home.
Also
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 15 February, 2016, 10:13:20 pm
Most of Perfume, as a download on my tablet, then forgot to /didn't get round to the last 25 mins and now it's expired
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 15 February, 2016, 10:14:51 pm
Yesterday: Billy Liar (1963).
Today: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013).

The two couldn't be more different despite a common theme. Tom Courtenay shows his virtuosity against a grim suburban early 60s Bradford. Ben Stiller flatters himself in a beautifully shot travelogue.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 February, 2016, 10:23:19 pm
Mr Nobody


Starts badly, ends badly, is compelling in the middle.  Non-linear while still making sense.  Worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 16 February, 2016, 07:50:34 am
The Lobster

Excellent. I think. Not everyone's cup of tea, and perhaps should have been a bit shorter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 February, 2016, 08:30:27 am
Avatar (again). Still stunning visuals and Cameron was really going to town on the 'We really shit on the Native Americans back in the day' guilt trip.

Horrible film.  Visually stunning and fun shoot-em-up, but plot, dialogue, tinpot mysticism and even vocabulary are at the seizure end of the wince range.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 16 February, 2016, 08:56:34 am
I've just recorded and part watch A Kind of Loving, starring Alan Bates and Thora Hurd. It's a 1962 Kitchen Sink drama.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 16 February, 2016, 09:22:12 am
It's a 1962 Kitchen Sink drama.

I loved those as a genre; some of my favourite films ever. I had loads on VHS (taped from early morning slots or seasons) but, alas, no more.

Look Back In Anger, Taste of Honey, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Room At The Top, Poor Cow... all classics in their own way. UK films generally from that era grabbed me; Victim, The Servant, Spare The Rod, Term of Trial, Sapphire.... I could go on and on and on and on....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 17 February, 2016, 04:57:55 am
Frank - I'd been meaning to watch this for some time, it having caught my attention a while ago.

It's a pearl of film. What starts off as a lunatic laugh ends asking profound questions about truth and integrity, fame and publicity. Yes, we've had those questions before - some might even call it cliche - but the manner in which this film asks them makes it stand out. Highly recommended viewing.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 February, 2016, 08:32:28 am
Currently in the thick of Breaking Bad, 3 episodes per evening.  Started off thinking "this is crap but let it run a bit", now look forward to the next dose.

Frustrated last night because episode N - title Peekaboo - chugged to a halt halfway through.  There's a deep pit in the disc with radiating cracks, like an impact crater half a millimetre across.  Have to start at the next one and pick up the threads. :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 17 February, 2016, 09:28:13 am
It's a 1962 Kitchen Sink drama.

I loved those as a genre; some of my favourite films ever. I had loads on VHS (taped from early morning slots or seasons) but, alas, no more.

Look Back In Anger, Taste of Honey, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Room At The Top, Poor Cow... all classics in their own way. UK films generally from that era grabbed me; Victim, The Servant, Spare The Rod, Term of Trial, Sapphire.... I could go on and on and on and on....
Andrew,
You have some absolute belters there. I wish I could watch them again.



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 February, 2016, 09:50:52 am

Frank - I'd been meaning to watch this for some time, it having caught my attention a while ago.

It's a pearl of film...

I wasn't at all interested in seeing it until my wife made me watch it with her and I absolutely loved it. I'd imagined it was going to be a lot more frothy than it turned out to be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 February, 2016, 01:19:35 am
Robocop (2014)

It was on C4 tonight, so I started watching it with the boy. We were both well and truly bored by about half an hour in, so I suggested he put Robocop (1987) on instead. There's no comparison. The remake/reboot/reimagining has some fantastic CGI but is stodgier than a pasta sandwich. The original, by contrast, looks cheap and tacky but is perfectly paced, and doesn't outstay its welcome. It's also not a 12A so no compromises on the spectacular violence. Plus it's very funny too.

I would ask why anyone thought that remake was a good idea, but I imagine some people have made a tidy profit from it. Very, very dull, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 21 February, 2016, 01:41:14 am
I have watched recently:
The Martian. OK, not a great film, but enjoyable and engaging.

Dad's Army: a mixed bag. Toby Jones does well as Mainwaring/Lowe/Churchill, and Bill Nighy is just, well, Bill Nighy.The Yorkshire coast doesn't really work as the South Downs. Seven Sisters, but the village is pretty. Michael Gambon does a good Godfrey, but Frazer is far too young and Pike not young enough.

I think the film suffers in the way any such work would, by being held up in comparison to institutions such as Dunn and Pertwee.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 21 February, 2016, 09:26:33 am
The second best marigold hotel

Very enjoyable, harmless fun.

The Wolfpack

Documentary about six teenage brothers who are homeschooled and never allowed out of their apartment in New York's East Side because it's not safe. Compelling material, but the film did not hold together, it was drawn out and repetitive. Would have been much better as a 30-40 minute documentary, or could have done with more direction and purpose.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 21 February, 2016, 03:08:20 pm
A shot in the dark

The second pink panther film.  Whilst mildly amusing i think I prefer the 70s Clouseau, which was more puerile and tongue in cheek.  Put aside the slapstick, and Peter Sellers performance in the first two films was a little too subtle and didn't give all out belly laughs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 21 February, 2016, 03:18:27 pm
I have watched recently:
Dad's Army: a mixed bag.
I think the film suffers in the way any such work would, by being held up in comparison to institutions such as Dunn and Pertwee.

.....and Lowe....and Laurie.... and Le Mesurier...and Lavender... and Ridley... and Beck.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 22 February, 2016, 02:13:00 am
I have watched recently:
Dad's Army: a mixed bag.
I think the film suffers in the way any such work would, by being held up in comparison to institutions such as Dunn and Pertwee.

.....and Lowe....and Laurie.... and Le Mesurier...and Lavender... and Ridley... and Beck.
Absolutely. It was a superb ensemble, and the film never seemed to gel in that way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 22 February, 2016, 02:15:13 am
The second best marigold hotel

Very enjoyable, harmless fun.



My favourite line from it:
"How did you find America, Muriel?"
"Well, I went with low expectations and came back disappointed"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 February, 2016, 02:34:50 am
"Hello, an hiw did you find yourself this morning?"

"I just rolled back the sheets and there I was!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 22 February, 2016, 02:54:18 am
Well, there is no present like the time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 February, 2016, 08:23:44 am
A shot in the dark

The second pink panther film.  Whilst mildly amusing i think I prefer the 70s Clouseau, which was more puerile and tongue in cheek.  Put aside the slapstick, and Peter Sellers performance in the first two films was a little too subtle and didn't give all out belly laughs.

My favourite of his is Being There.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 22 February, 2016, 09:49:59 am
Yesterday, The Program. Ben Foster brilliantly plays Lance Armstrong. And yes, it does show what happens to someone who is so driven to 'win', you inevitably lose yourself. What a thorough rotter. And I was one of those who, at the time, refuted the likelihood of him cheating because, as he so often repeated: "I have never tested positive for drugs." It only proved how devious he (and the rest of the team) manipulative were.

Still, enjoyed the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 22 February, 2016, 12:37:49 pm
The Lost Weekend

Excellent, pretty intense for a Sunday-afternoon-black-and-white film. Thanks to Ruthie for the recommendation.

Slow West

Another cracking film, this one a modern film made to look all technicolor. Very good indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 February, 2016, 01:45:13 pm
Yesterday, The Program. Ben Foster brilliantly plays Lance Armstrong. And yes, it does show what happens to someone who is so driven to 'win', you inevitably lose yourself. What a thorough rotter. And I was one of those who, at the time, refuted the likelihood of him cheating because, as he so often repeated: "I have never tested positive for drugs." It only proved how devious he (and the rest of the team) manipulative were.

Yeah, me too.  In France he was mostly referred to as "l'américan", usually in a disdainful tone, and that made my hackles rise - particularly as the French riders at the time were not exactly choir-boys.  The way he did it was vile, but back then I didn't know and he did provide me with a lot of pleasure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 February, 2016, 04:37:31 pm
A Little Chaos

Rickman and Winslet, what could be better? Light period ROM/drama, with some delicious scenes. Something like the lighter Shakespeare comedies. Costumes to die for.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 27 February, 2016, 12:17:51 pm
Orphee

1950s, black and white, subtitled, iconic, French. Like a live action Aha Take on Me Video.  With added angst. What's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 February, 2016, 10:47:00 am
The Martian

I enjoyed it. Saw it at home on the very big screen with surround sound. Who cares about the plot holes and Hollywood science, it was a film  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 28 February, 2016, 01:21:35 pm
The Martian

I enjoyed it. Saw it at home on the very big screen with surround sound. Who cares about the plot holes and Hollywood science, it was a film  ;D

Actually, most of the plot holes are small and/or technical, it appears to be a fairly realistic representation of such a sequence of events.

The only really big plot hole, is the storm blowing things around at the start.  The atmospheric pressure on Mars is so low, that even the huge planet covering storms that sometimes occur, would have little effect on you or any large man made structure.  The author admits this, but it was a necessary bending of reality to make the remainder of the story necessary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 28 February, 2016, 01:27:01 pm
Wolf Children

Not a bad film, and the animation was very well done.  It's a slightly novel take on the werewolf mythology, and set in modern day Japan, so culturally somewhat less familiar to those of us from the UK (and similar cultural backgrounds).

It does seem a little bit too "everyday", with nothing terribly dramatic happening for a lot of the film, although that's clearly deliberate, this obviously isn't an action film.

I do wonder what the script is like in the original Japanese, I have seen criticism of the English soundtrack as being "overly sweet and simplistic".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 February, 2016, 03:31:42 pm
The Martian

I enjoyed it. Saw it at home on the very big screen with surround sound. Who cares about the plot holes and Hollywood science, it was a film  ;D

Actually, most of the plot holes are small and/or technical, it appears to be a fairly realistic representation of such a sequence of events.

Much of the book's delightful attention to detail got the Hollywood treatment in the film, but not to the point of making it less enjoyable.  Perhaps the most blatant was that they kept the line about "forgot about the oxygen I was breathing out" while showing him breathing room air before the explosion, which made no sense (in the book he reduced the hydrazine in a nitrogen/hydrogen/CO2 atmosphere, while wearing a medical oxygen mask).  The plastic flapping in the wind when many of the scenes show pressure gauges was a bit blatant too.  But I'll accept things like the silliness with the Pathfinder model as an attempt to present visually what would have been some very non-visual engineering hard work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 28 February, 2016, 04:07:05 pm
Dot The I

Low budget film with a star cast - from before they were famous, at least in English language films. Love triangle with a few twists, and quite clever because you keep thinking you've worked it out and you haven't. A bit ragged in places but the top notch acting holds it together.

Recommended, but maybe not to everyone's taste.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 February, 2016, 04:08:42 pm
The Martian

I enjoyed it. Saw it at home on the very big screen with surround sound. Who cares about the plot holes and Hollywood science, it was a film  ;D

Actually, most of the plot holes are small and/or technical, it appears to be a fairly realistic representation of such a sequence of events.

The only really big plot hole, is the storm blowing things around at the start.  The atmospheric pressure on Mars is so low, that even the huge planet covering storms that sometimes occur, would have little effect on you or any large man made structure.  The author admits this, but it was a necessary bending of reality to make the remainder of the story necessary.

Yeah.  In The Outward Urge, John Wyndham had his Mars lander put a leg through crust over a hole and topple over.  Something along those lines, e.g. a gradual breakthrough beginning with Wotisiface too far from the ship to get back or trapped in a crevice or summat might have been better.

Although landers have five legs nowadays to avoid this.  Pass the drawing-board.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 28 February, 2016, 04:21:33 pm
Mad Max Fury Road Beyond Terrible


My god, how in the living land of FUCK did this pile of steaming shit get 10 Oscar nominations?  ??? ??? ???


Just about the worst film I've ever seen. No plot, no script, terrible unbelievable characters and the film just repeats the first half in the second half.  A bloody insult to its earlier incarnations (it makes Beyond Thunderdome look like The Godfather) which I very much enjoyed.


I am utterly gobsmacked as to what most others seem to see in it.  Particularly the critics who seem to really love it unanimously  :jurek: ??? :facepalm:
It was the 8.7/10 on imdb and Oscar nominations (including best picture FFS) and my old fandom of MM 1 & 2 that led me towards one of the most disappointments in a film I've ever had.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 February, 2016, 04:26:24 pm
It's a two-hour dieselpunk post-apocalyptic car chase.  What were you expecting?


ETA: Correction.  A dieselpunk car chase would be the one in Raiders Of The Lost Ark.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 28 February, 2016, 04:27:58 pm
Mad Max Fury Road

2 hours watching a truck being driven across sand.


Ah I'm not alone, thank god for that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 28 February, 2016, 04:29:02 pm
It's a two-hour dieselpunk car chase.  What were you expecting?


Well with all the praise it's got, a lot more than I got.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 February, 2016, 04:34:43 pm
I thought it did what it said on the tin, ie. take the battle scene from the second film and stretch it out to an entire movie.  It was well-choreographed, with proper old-fashioned stunt work.  And yes, none of the characters are developed and very little actually happens, but I don't think it was supposed to be that sort of movie.

Not really my thing (I've ranted previously about how the first film is boring), but competent enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 February, 2016, 04:37:54 pm
Never watched any of the Mad Max films because I don't like them...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 28 February, 2016, 04:41:31 pm
Part of the issue for me is that with all its great reviews the levels of anticipation I had were not lived up to. 


I've read down the reviews on imdb today and it does seem to be a marmite production.  They are either 10/10 or 1/10.  Guess which camp I'm in  ;)




Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 28 February, 2016, 04:46:45 pm
I'm still thinking I'm in an alternate universe though - the real one has a good film that actually is worthy of a single Oscar nomination - let alone 10!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 February, 2016, 06:37:14 pm
Spectre

It's a Bond film, that about covers it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bumper on 28 February, 2016, 06:39:48 pm
Mad Max Fury Road

2 hours watching a truck being driven across sand.


Ah I'm not alone, thank god for that.

 welcome to the club, now 2 strong :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 28 February, 2016, 08:13:20 pm
Water

an unusual Indian film in that it has a plot that does not revolve around spurious dances apparently in the Swiss Alps as a quick change from Mumbai.

This one was set in Bombay (as was) in 1938 with the backdrop of the growing independence movement.  The plot is a child bride whos is widowed and sent to live in poverty in a house of other widows of all ages.  A depressing fate as widows were very unlikely to get re-married at that time as there was a taboo against doing so.  Anyway, a bloke fallls in love with one of the widows, his parents say no, she kills herself, he buggers off with Ghandi's independence mob and the closing scene is one of the widows handing the child bride up to him on the departing train, I'm assuming with an implied bright future.

The best Indian film I've ever seen apart from a few Raj Kapoor numbers
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 29 February, 2016, 08:09:15 am
The Fault In Our Stars

Pass the kleenex.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 February, 2016, 08:11:50 am
So Mad Max wins 6 Oscars, it must be good!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 February, 2016, 08:40:16 am
I wouldn't argue with the ones it won but if anyone had felt short-changed by it not winning Best In Show I should be inclined to shun them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 February, 2016, 10:23:43 am
Max Max and Mightily Miffed Road wasn't that bad. Or good. It's a Mad Max film. People dress up like they're trying to upset their mum and zoom around a sand pit in glorified go-karts. I did think driving from A-B to first half of the movie and back from B to A in the second was bit of cheating. She could have been driving to her nan's and back.

I didn't actually mind The Martian as a movie. It was the book that narked me. I can put aside bad science and windy days on Mars but then I wasn't the one saying how accurate the damn thing was. Other than, it seems, the bits that weren't accurate. As mentioned, watching Damon get rescued again is always good value, I'd pay those billions to get him back from his nan's. Just not in a go-kart.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 29 February, 2016, 10:28:38 am
So Mad Max wins 6 Oscars, it must be good!!
It had good editing and sound.

(according to the Academy, anyway - I haven't even seen it).

You need a lot more to make a good movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 March, 2016, 01:22:43 pm
Spike Island

Mancunian inbetweeners tragically fail to see a performance by a popular beat combo.  Watchable enough, but I suppose you had to be there.


Power In Our Hands

British Deaf Association archive[1] footage spliced together with interviews and given a civil rights narrative.  Well worth watching, though it is a bit of a BDA love-fest.  Already being familiar with most of the politics[2], for me it was about seeing the language evolve over the course of a few generations, from furtive, high-baud-rate-low-throughput fingerspelly sign to the evocative BSL we know today.  Some thought-provoking stuff on the importance of film/video as a historical record for sign language users.

Made by Deaf people, so lots of refreshingly sensible camerawork and annoying plinky music.  In BSL with English subtitles.

ETA: Expanded 'BDA' for clarity.


[1] Read: found in a cupboard.
[2] If you aren't, it's a good introduction.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 March, 2016, 01:40:32 pm
Took me a while to work out that "BDA" wasn't a reference to the engine fitted to rallying Ford Escorts ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 March, 2016, 02:09:02 pm
Never watched any of the Mad Max films because I don't like them...

 ???

How does that work?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 March, 2016, 02:10:50 pm
J Edgar Di Caprio does a very good and creepy John Edgar Hoover as he takes over and builds up the FBI.

M as Ma Hoover as well.

Boy but was he a paranoid fucker.......
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 March, 2016, 02:14:06 pm
Never watched any of the Mad Max films because I don't like them...

 ???

How does that work?
I expect it is a bit like watching Breaking Bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 March, 2016, 02:37:05 pm
Never watched any of the Mad Max films because I don't like them...

 ???

How does that work?
I expect it is a bit like watching Breaking Bad.

On an ipad?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 01 March, 2016, 03:05:22 pm
Never watched any of the Mad Max films because I don't like them...

 ???

How does that work?


I rether enjoyed this comment  :thumbsup: :-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 March, 2016, 05:28:59 pm
Took me a while to work out that "BDA" wasn't a reference to the engine fitted to rallying Ford Escorts ;D

It's not this lot, either:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aVI60i4z0w
https://youtu.be/5aVI60i4z0w
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 March, 2016, 06:43:07 pm
J Edgar Di Caprio
... will *definitely* be  my stage name.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 02 March, 2016, 02:31:51 am
Never watched any of the Mad Max films because I don't like them...

 ???

How does that work?
I expect it is a bit like watching Breaking Bad.

On an ipad?

I'd assumed it was like the Guinness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 March, 2016, 10:31:47 am
Max Max and Mightily Miffed Road wasn't that bad. Or good. It's a Mad Max film. People dress up like they're trying to upset their mum and zoom around a sand pit in glorified go-karts.

The first Mad Max was a brilliant revenge movie. Subsequent episodes focused on the costumes and car chases rather than the story.

Haven't seen Fury Road yet but I can't imagine it's any worse than Beyond Thunderdome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 March, 2016, 10:59:37 am
The Theory of Everything

A slow paced romantic biopic about a clever man with an inadequate body, and some wonderful women.

Taken 3

Exactly what I expected, given Taken 2 and the reviews of this film. I was therefore not disappointed in the slightest. An enjoyable romp.

Die Hard 2

Haven't films come on a lot in the last 25 years.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 March, 2016, 11:15:01 am
Max Max and Mightily Miffed Road wasn't that bad. Or good. It's a Mad Max film. People dress up like they're trying to upset their mum and zoom around a sand pit in glorified go-karts.

The first Mad Max was a brilliant revenge movie. Subsequent episodes focused on the costumes and car chases rather than the story.

Haven't seen Fury Road yet but I can't imagine it's any worse than Beyond Thunderdome.


wafo  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 March, 2016, 12:19:53 pm
Haven't seen Fury Road yet but I can't imagine it's any worse than Beyond Thunderdome.

I have news.  It is.  Much worse.  Exactly much worse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bumper on 02 March, 2016, 12:29:13 pm
3 now in the club   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 March, 2016, 12:35:41 pm
The first Mad Max was indeed a darker affair. Then they applied increasing levels of silly to the sequels. The Mightily Miffed Road sits somewhere to the south of Thunderdome. It does make tremendously little sense though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 02 March, 2016, 11:15:05 pm
Inside Llewyn Davis on Film4.

Great music, and a great snapshot of the period (I imagine). I hated the main character, but sympathised at the same time. It's a good movie.

I like Coen Brothers movies anyway, though I refuse to watch the Ladykillers cos it just can't come close to the classic Ealing comedy. Tom Hanks is no Alec Guinness and there's no one like Herbert Lom.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 05 March, 2016, 08:13:37 am
Two Years At Sea

It felt like it took two years to watch this. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be a film that you watch, it was more like an installation you walk in and out of, watching a few minutes at a time.

As for "enigmatic cinematography in low-key black and white" — bollocks, it looked crap, badly exposed, covered in video artefacts, with added fake scratches and watermarks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 05 March, 2016, 08:32:29 am
The Program

I enjoyed this, but I kept finding myself picking up on things I didn't think entirely accurate. I liked seeing hints of Lance and Floyds inner demons there beneath the surface. I didn't know if the portrayal of him doing his cancer fund-raisers was accurate, him embellishing the truth for dramatic effect.  The paul and phil commentary still grates as they bang on about how there has never been a hint of suspicision, etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 05 March, 2016, 09:37:31 am
John Wick

Marvellous, preposterous, over the top bang bang bang stab fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 06 March, 2016, 12:43:09 am
Saving Private Ryan

Preposterous bang bang bang stab stuff.

The beach sequence was extraordinary, but not as emotional as it should have been, too graphic and too much disconnect between the numbers cut down - most of the soldiers in the boats shot, then loads over the sides. Most of the soldiers in the shallows and first bit of beach killed, then loads to storm the barbed wire. Similar disconnect in the final tank battle, there seemed to be ever more US troops as the battle went on.

Plus no soldiers apart from US ones. Plus a bit of an absurd premise. Plus the gratuitous death of TH at the end.

Glad I have finally seen it though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 06 March, 2016, 07:51:19 am
Spy

I didn't have high hopes for this (my goodness, the American audiences really can't cope with British-style swearing, can they?) but it was very enjoyable and nowhere near as puerile as suggested. OK, it's no Kingsman but Melissa McCarthy was excellent, Jason Statham was perfectly cast as and over-the-top himself and pulled it off brilliantly, even Miranda Hart didn't irritate too much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 March, 2016, 08:12:03 am
Saving Private Ryan

Preposterous bang bang bang stab stuff.

The beach sequence was extraordinary, but not as emotional as it should have been, too graphic and too much disconnect between the numbers cut down - most of the soldiers in the boats shot, then loads over the sides. Most of the soldiers in the shallows and first bit of beach killed, then loads to storm the barbed wire. Similar disconnect in the final tank battle, there seemed to be ever more US troops as the battle went on.

Plus no soldiers apart from US ones. Plus a bit of an absurd premise. Plus the gratuitous death of TH at the end.

Glad I have finally seen it though.

Wot no Krauts?

Lack of other Allies feasible so soon after D-Day, everything took place within a day's walk & Allies were further up the coast.

What I didn't like was the lousy physics during the landing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 06 March, 2016, 09:02:16 am
Oh yes, there were Krauts, but they were bit parts. Apart from the nasty one that proved that Krauts have no souls.

OK, so there was a likelihood that there would be no Allied troops, but there was no mention of any joint effort to get rid of Mr Hilter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 March, 2016, 09:46:03 am
Par for the course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 06 March, 2016, 10:06:01 am
Yes, I did wonder if there might have been an Enimga machine found in a tank.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 March, 2016, 04:25:36 pm
Weren't the Allies just folk to change the beds, do the washing up and serve the beer for the Americans?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: trekker12 on 07 March, 2016, 04:49:55 pm
Saving Private Ryan

Plus a bit of an absurd premise.


It's supposed to be based on a 'true' story although I can't find any actual evidence of this - the Sullivan brothers going down in the same ship is the closest I can find in a quick Wikipedia search.

The absurd bit is taking a platoon out of the line for a search and rescue mission when troops (and Germans) were still scattered all over the peninsula with no clear indication if we were actually winning. The story goes a company padre was sent to get him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 March, 2016, 05:28:48 pm
I remember pointing out to someone when we left the cinema - I watched this back when it came out - once also since - that the Omaha beach scene underplayed the seriousness of the problem the US soldiers had there (yes it was a specifically US beach landing - Gold Juno and Sword were separated from Omaha by Utah beach - the other american one - and 3/4 of the ground troops from D-day onwards *were* american to be fair)). 
On the real D-day it was by far the toughest of the beaches for various reasons (armour sunk offshore landing the wrong place - fresh panzer division arrived on the scene the day before or summat - landing craft going to wrong place etc.) - the soldiers were mostly pinned to the surf-line for about 16 hours iirc.  So I have no problem personally with the americans taking credit where it is actually due - they got the brunt of the casualties that day for mostly that beach - kudos for taking it at all.  It was pointed out to me that they had to make some allowances for dramatic effect however - a full gruelling 16 hour marathon was probably not required  ;)


However, having seen it twice - it's a overall a reasonably pointless film for me - mostly just about the - yes extraordinary - opening sequence really and general war-is-bad-mmmkay type stuff.


Actually thinking about it now, maybe I'm now benumbed to the war-is-bad message in such war films.  I used to like stuff like Platoon, Apocalypse Now and such but more recent war films like 3 Kings, Thin Red Line, American Sniper  - what's the one with Matt Damon as a bomb disposal guy? - haven't really done anything for me.  I guess the special effects of blowing people up get better but I got the war-is-bad soldiers go mad/do evil things under hellfire conditions message some time ago... ho hum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 March, 2016, 05:59:36 pm
I liked Band of Brothers much more, even though Stephen Ambrose was later shown to have grafted in incidents involving other units than Easy Company.

A quirky WW1 film I really like is The Wipers Times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 March, 2016, 06:03:11 pm
Wipers = Ypres presumably - I shall have a look  - WW1 isn't done enough for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 07 March, 2016, 06:24:04 pm
American Ultra

A bit of a mess actually. Avoid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 07 March, 2016, 09:57:37 pm
Wipers = Ypres presumably - I shall have a look  - WW1 isn't done enough for me.

Apologies for sullying this thread with television, but have you seen Our World War (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p022twsy)?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 March, 2016, 11:13:59 pm
Yes, it was very good - excellent in fact.  Could have been much much longer though - leaped through rather a lot.  I wanted more.  A really good point was portraying both factions as humans I thought.  WW1 was not black and white good v evil in the way WW2 was, despite continuing propoganda that way.  I was recently in Kiel where the german fleets were built and stationed - they have a very sensitive museum there which made my heart break for their people.


[edit - sorry *points at self* I geek out at these historical breakwaters]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 March, 2016, 12:12:13 am
Terminator Genisys


Total utter unmitigated crap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 March, 2016, 12:22:15 am
Sorry, I was a bit premature, I wrote that 20 mins too early.

Pure, complete, 100% rubbish.

I've watched it so that you don't have to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 March, 2016, 07:29:38 am
Spectre.  What a barrel of retrodden crap.  I want my evening back.

Why watch it?  Well... a new Bond comes out, missus says "Dad'll like that" and gets it.  When we run out of other stuff we put it on. She endures it, I endure it, and at the end the Inlaw Paw says "I'm glad that's over."

Good-bye for ever, Mr. Bond.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 09 March, 2016, 08:17:02 am
Hail, Ceasar
I go see some utter crap. This really wasn't. Surprising, funny, great characters, great actors. Great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 March, 2016, 09:43:20 am
Hail, Ceasar
I go see some utter crap. This really wasn't. Surprising, funny, great characters, great actors. Great.

I've got tickets to go and see that on Saturday. Very much looking forward to it.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 March, 2016, 09:48:54 am
Edge of Tomorrow 3D

I quite enjoyed this, although I watched it after only getting 10 minutes into Mad Max Furry Road. It was Source Code meets Saving Private Ryan. With post processed 3D (which I found out afterwards - that explained Tom Cruise's odd neck) that added to some of the scenes. Bits of the film dragged a bit, but it was good escapist fun, wouldn't rush to see it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 10 March, 2016, 09:50:11 am
Edge of Tomorrow 3D

I quite enjoyed this, although I watched it after only getting 10 minutes into Mad Max Furry Road. It was Source Code meets Saving Private Ryan. With post processed 3D (which I found out afterwards - that explained Tom Cruise's odd neck) that added to some of the scenes. Bits of the film dragged a bit, but it was good escapist fun, wouldn't rush to see it again.

We watched the 2D version at the weekend.

It's Groundhog Day with aliens and without the music...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 March, 2016, 09:54:38 am

after only getting 10 minutes into Mad Max Furry Road.


Think, rerun  that 10 minutes 12 times and you've seen it all - job done.


Edge of Tomorrow as not bad at all I thought - definitely Groundhog day with aliens :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 March, 2016, 10:55:26 am
The Martian.  My inner physicist screamed a couple of times but I knocked him on the head.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 11 March, 2016, 04:12:31 pm
Hail, Ceasar
I go see some utter crap. This really wasn't. Surprising, funny, great characters, great actors. Great.

Interesting to hear because I'm really not sure about this one. As a rule, I like the Coen brothers but I'm not sure I need to see another 'silly' Coen film with Clooney's gurning and supposed comic abilities.  As much as I liked OBWAT, once was enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 11 March, 2016, 09:09:01 pm
We rewatched Burn After Reading the night before Hail, Caesar. Much much better. H,C seemed to waste a lot of the cast and whilst most of the individual bits were funny they just didn't hang together.

Seemed more like a sketch show than a film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 March, 2016, 09:27:57 pm
Terminator Genisys  yesterday - we quite enjoyed it - a nice silly romp - the hard edge has long long gone from this franchise though.


Tonight we're currently watching the Age of Adeline - this is turning out to be a really nice film though it's not finished. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 March, 2016, 01:07:02 am
Spectre

Usual mish-mash of Bond James Bond nonsense, but better than previous episodes featuring D. Craig.  Some top helichopter activity, Moneypenny is a dashed pretty gel and I like it that all the gadgets in the Aston were labelled with Dymo and had bare wires sticking out.  Very BRITISH.  The CIA would have had it integrated into the car's computer via touchscreen; Felix "Not Appearing In This Film" Leiter would have got a BSOD at the crucial moment.  But did it really have a manual 'box?

However... I'm sure there hasn't been a train like that in "North Africa" in my lifetime, there was no tank of Dangerous Fish, BJB wrecked yet another Aston and D. Craig was as wooden as ever.  Dougray Scott for Bond James Bond this time, Ms. Cauliflower Broccoli.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 March, 2016, 11:02:46 am
Copenhagen w. Stephen Rea, the aforesaid Mr. Craig and Francesca Annis (whereat wife exclaims "my god, is it that old?" Charitable lass she is.)

Excellent Beeb prod of Michael Frayn's play about the 1941 meeting between Bohr and Heisenberg, with three versions of what might have been said. Fascinating.

Googled Heisenberg afterwards to find out a bit more about his life.  Apparently he was a meth cook and wore glasses and a beard.  D. Craig a very bad choice in that case, looks nothing like him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 March, 2016, 11:58:59 am
Excellent Beeb prod of Michael Frayn's play about the 1941 meeting between Bohr and Heisenberg, with three versions of what might have been said.

No-one was quite certain what happened?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 12 March, 2016, 01:15:49 pm
A Walk In The Woods

Bill Bryson (played by Robert Redford) decides to walk the Appalachian trail.

Underwhelming.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 March, 2016, 01:17:06 pm
Excellent Beeb prod of Michael Frayn's play about the 1941 meeting between Bohr and Heisenberg, with three versions of what might have been said.

No-one was quite certain what happened?

Nah, they moved around too much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 12 March, 2016, 01:33:06 pm
Spectre

I pretty much agree with Mr L's take on it. The film was an honest Bond movie that covered the bases. Perhaps a little too reverential tbh with numerous nods to the past. In short, a decent enough place holder in the franchise, not the best but above average... but a pretty pants movie by any broader definition.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 12 March, 2016, 09:50:57 pm
Swordfish

Perfectly summed up by

Deeply silly but loads of killin's an' splosions :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 March, 2016, 10:52:14 pm
We rewatched Burn After Reading the night before Hail, Caesar. Much much better. H,C seemed to waste a lot of the cast and whilst most of the individual bits were funny they just didn't hang together.

Seemed more like a sketch show than a film.

I know what you mean - there was something a little disjointed about it, and overall it was perhaps a tad insubstantial (especially compared to, say, Fargo or Miller's Crossing) but I loved it anyway. Josh Brolin was excellent and so was the chap playing Hobie Doyle. And I don't mind a bit of George Clooney gurning - he is very good at it. Thoroughly entertaining, made me laugh lots - in particular, the religious focus group and the tap-dancing sailors. And Tilda Swinton's bits. And Frances McDormand's scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 March, 2016, 02:14:55 pm
Emboldened by my recent viewing of "Spectre" I decided to revisit the previous offerings featuring D. Craig as Bond James Bond.  First up:


Casino Royale

Billed as the reboot of the the Bond James Bond franchise with fewer gadgets and more gritty realism.  Oh.

J Random MoviegoerSo, Cosmo, is "Casino Royale" any good, then?
Cosmo LarringsmanNo.  No, it is not.
JRM:Pray elucidate!
CL:It.  Is.  Glacially.  Slow.  And Bond James Bond spends more time changing his shirt than he does killing baddies utterly to DETH.  And he has a lovely shiny new Aston which he wrecks the first time he drives it and, moreover, does so somewhere which is recognisably Millbrook rather than Montenegro.  And the helichopter content is low indeed.  And D. Craig was plucked from his ancestral home in the heart of the New Forest to play the lead.  You can take the boy out of the woods but, at least in his case, you can't subsequently turn him into anything other than a Chippendale wardrobe.  And he's got funny ears.
JRM:There must be some good bits, surely?
CL:That Vesper Lynd is a dashed pretty gel though the scenes with her slinking around Venice in a red dress were possibly too clever for their own good.
(click to show/hide)
A bendy-bus gets killed utterly to DETH.  And Dame Judi is a wonderful 'M', though Dame Judi would be a wonderful statue, even with no lines.  Or head.
JRM:So, not recommended then?
CL:All Bond James Bond films must be watched at least once, even the dire ones from the latter end of R. Moore's tenure1.  D. Craig is a better Bond James Bond than R. Moore and probably T. Dalton ["Who he?" - Ed.] but this is one to be rewatched only at Christmas, with a bellyful of turkey, a large glass of Posh Drink and a lap filled with walnut shells.
JRM:Gee, thanks, Cosmo!
CL:You're welcome!

Here endeth the first lesson.  Now part two the second, with guest reviewers Doctor N. Bohr and Professor B. Cox:


Quantum Of Solace

Bond is Back!  More git grit!  More realism!  More, er, well, let's just watch the movie, eh?  Car chase. Good start.  Oh, he's bent the Aston!  [...]  Up grams theme song.  J. White & A. Keys.

Professor B. Cox:Ooh, Jack White!  I was in a band once!
(Action cuts to Siena)
BC:Ooh, France!  I been there!
(Action cuts to London)
BC:Ooh, London!  It's rubbish.  Manchester's loads better!
(Action cuts to Haiti)
BC:Haiti's rubbish.  Puerto Rico's loads better!  They've got a brilliant telescope!
(Bond James Bond rocks up in a boat)
BC:Ha ha!  Look at his hair!  He looks like a hedgehog!
(Action cuts to a production of Tosca in Austria)
BC:Opera's rubbish, isn't it?  I was in a band once!
Dr N. Bohr:Was that the speed of light2 on that neon sign?
(Action cuts to Bolivia)
BC:Ooh, Bolivia!  I went there once.  I had a big helichopter, and sat on top of a mountain!  Chile's loads better, though.  It's got telescopes!
NB:Taxi drivers, eh!
BC:Did he say "Damaged Goods"?  Wasn't that the Gang Of Four?  I was in a band once!
(Action cuts to London again.  'M' is getting grief from a The FOREIGN Secretary.)
NB:Ah, policy-based evidence making!
(Action cuts back to Bolivia)
NB:More bloody Fords!  Can you say "product placement"?
(Action cuts to Russia)
BC:Ooh, Russia!  I been there!  But they threw me out coz I wouldn't wear a furry hat.  It hid my hair.
(End credits roll)
BC:They asked me to play Bond James Bond.  But they said I'd have to have a haircut.
NB:Quantum Of Solace?  Quantum Of Bollocks, more like!  Not a single mention of superposition!
BC:Buy one of my DVDs instead.  Loads more helichopters!

Summary:  Better than "Casino Royale" - much more biff an' 'splosions an' killin's.  That Camille is a dashed pretty gel.  And Dame Judi is teh aces, but then you knew that.

Have I got time to watch "Skyfall" before the rugby starts?  Yes.  Yes, I have:


Skyfall

Soft!  What is that whining noise oozing from the speakers?  Oh, it's Adele.

The late Bond James Bond shows up in M's gaff disguised as a coal-heaving pikey and things go steadily downhill from there.  'Q' is Nathan Barley's idiot sidekick Pingu.  Suddenly!  Nothing happens!  And it keeps on not happening.  Mostly.  And the DB5 has been changed to RHD since "Casino Royale".

There were some helichopters.  And some top fire-extinguisher work by 007.  Did I mention that E. Moneypenny is a dashed pretty gel?  Dame Judi ect. ect.  Shame she gets killed utterly to DETH at the end, after A. Finney has stolen what's left of the film.

D. Craig's facial expressions were by Grinling Gibbons.


Conclusion

The D. Craig Bond James Bond films make a lot more sense when viewed as a story arc rather than standalone items, and are arguably a good deal less rubbish3 when treated thus.  Cosmo Larringsman: watching bad movies so you don't have to.

1: "For Your Eyes Only", ITV1, 16:15 today.  Don't do it, kids!
2: Yes.  Yes, it was.
3: Except "Skyfall", which is a Rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 13 March, 2016, 04:07:10 pm
I'm sorry Mr.L, but the bits where DC takes his shirt off are the bits that get rewound repeatedly in this house, and are the best bits of any Bond James Bond fillum ever.  They're lovely lovely bits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 March, 2016, 04:20:12 pm
I'm sorry Mr.L, but the bits where DC takes his shirt off are the bits that get rewound repeatedly in this house, and are the best bits of any Bond James Bond fillum ever.  They're lovely lovely bits.

Bond James Bond is for Thwarting the Enemies of the Queen.  He does not do any Thwarting while he's changing his shirt.  He does not kill any baddies utterly to DETH by contemplating his wardrobe.  And he cannot bring down enemy helichopters armed only with a fire extinguisher if he's busy worrying about whether there's a grease spot on his collar.  If you want No-Shirts Activities then the Die Hard franchise is over there ==>

 ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 13 March, 2016, 04:21:21 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 13 March, 2016, 07:52:02 pm
Mad Max Fury Road

2 hours watching a truck being driven across sand.


Ah I'm not alone, thank god for that.

 welcome to the club, now 2 strong :thumbsup:

Make that 4.

The original MM introduced the wider werld to one M. Gibson Esq. who subsequently signed on to do MMII and III with no mention of plot sex & violence when he read the original cheque.

MM was poor, II was worse & III was worserer. I don't need to sit thru' 'Mildly Annoyed Motorway' to know it's a waste of space. 10 Oscar noms, you say? How many wins . . . ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 13 March, 2016, 07:55:01 pm
10 Oscar noms, you say? How many wins . . . ?

Most of those were for things like editing and set molishment (which are I reckon fair enough), rather than actually being a good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 13 March, 2016, 08:06:38 pm
10 Oscar noms, you say? How many wins . . . ?

Six believe it or not - but yeah, best film, best director eluded them
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 13 March, 2016, 10:12:44 pm
Hail Caesar!

I kind of agree with the comments above about it having some great comic moments (my favourites - Feinnes 'Would that it were' coaching and dancing sailors [surely it can't get any gayer? Oh yes, it can!]), but it didn't really hang well together. It didn't seem that clever to me either, relying rather too much on slapstick and obvious parody (which Blazing Saddles did better). That was until I read the Guardian Review (http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/mar/11/hail-caesar-coen-brothers-eddie-mannix-reel-history-josh-brolin-george-clooney), and in particular the background on Eddie Mannix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Mannix) who I had been unaware of. I sort of got the cabal of Communist screen writers joke as the imagined un-Americans that McCarthy feared, but hadn't really appreciated that the whole film was essentially filtered though unreliable narration of a Hollywood fixer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 March, 2016, 10:38:13 pm

the whole film was essentially filtered though unreliable narration of a Hollywood fixer.

That makes a lot of sense, now you mention it. The submarine in particular should have been a bit of a giveaway.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 13 March, 2016, 10:45:56 pm
Jobs (2013)

What a wanker.  Not sure who those other guys are supposed to be...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 14 March, 2016, 12:05:14 am
Taken

The boss winced at some of the gratuitous violence, so I'll not get her to watch Taken 3 or John Wick. Or the broken finger and eye gouge in England vs Wales (2016)

It's quite a good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 March, 2016, 08:43:05 am
^^^When I see "retired government operative" or "ex-CIA agent" or similar in a film blurb I usually look elsewhere.

We finished watching Restless last night. Good because it needed a deal of reading between the lines.  The missus kept carping on about how the heroine's eye colour managed to change between 1939 and 1970-odd, but I found Rufus Sewell morphing into Michael Gambon at the same time a little less credible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 14 March, 2016, 08:54:20 am
^^^When I see "retired government operative" or "ex-CIA agent" or similar in a film blurb I usually look elsewhere.

RED is a notable exception to the rule, having both a stellar cast and being very funny...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 March, 2016, 11:19:17 am
Sorceror

William Friedkin's visually sumptuous 1977 not-a-remake of Le Salaire de la Peur aka The Fear Of Wages The Wages Of Fear.  I saw this at the cinema when it was first released and thought it was brillsticks, but hardly anyone agreed and it flopped at the box office because:
An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman American, a Frenchman, a Palestinian and a Nazi hiding out in $LATIN_AMERICAN shithole accept large sums of money to transport unstable explosives over two hundred miles of terrible roads to put out an oil well fire.  With hilarious consequences, especially for the Nazi.  Takes a while to get going but turns into the Top Gear Bolivia Special only with WW2-era lorries and without Richard Hammond.  Tangerine Dream's first Hollywood soundtrack.  Roy Scheider proves himself very handy with a shovel; features a cameo appearance by a very beaten-up Wolseley 6/110.

1: "Sorceror" is the name of a truck
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 14 March, 2016, 04:55:47 pm
Sorceror

I went to see it purely based on the Tangerine Dream soundtrack ( I was rather obsessed back then).

I had the vinyl soundtrack but can't say I listened to it much.

When I try to remember the film I realise I'm remembering in Black & White and getting confused with "Wages of fear".

It really is a terrible title for the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 14 March, 2016, 06:48:09 pm
Miss You Already

If you take a drama and add a couple of jokes, it does not make it a rom-com.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 March, 2016, 10:57:44 pm
Steve Jobs (2015)

Still a wanker.  Those other guys barely feature, and this time there's hardly anything about computers (if you want those, go and watch the excellent Halt And Catch Fire instead).  Compelling enough story about the relationships and obsessions of a wanker.  I liked the use of different video/film media.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 March, 2016, 02:28:17 pm
Steve Jobs (2015)
I actually saw and touched a NeXTCube once.

Jupiter Ascending

Beautiful spaceships. Spaceships with giant deco statues, woohoo.

Wooden storyline.

Lovely overacting by Redmayne.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 March, 2016, 03:46:40 pm
Steve Jobs (2015)
I actually saw and touched a NeXTCube once.

I introduced barakta to Tim Berners-Lee's one in the Science Museum last week.  I like the way it's got that straight-out-of-the-university-computer-lab tatty sticker aesthetic.  Steve wouldn't be impressed.

Otherwise the closest I've come is running AfterStep in the early days of Linux-on-the-desktop.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 March, 2016, 03:51:19 pm
When I saw (and touched) one, it was cutting-edge hardware.

When you saw one, it was in a museum.

Go on, make me feel even older, go on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 March, 2016, 04:04:55 pm
^^^When I see "retired government operative" or "ex-CIA agent" or similar in a film blurb I usually look elsewhere.

RED is a notable exception to the rule, having both a stellar cast and being very funny...

Yes.  We have both 1 & 2.  I think we saw the trailer before I read anything about it, though - although John Malkovich is always worth the money.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 March, 2016, 02:27:36 pm
Day of the Triffids

They don't make them like that anymore :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 17 March, 2016, 03:05:22 pm
Which one - there's at least four different versions I can think of - offhand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 March, 2016, 03:20:45 pm
Mike Leigh's Naked

After banging on to my son about how he needs to see this film, I impulsively ordered the DVD off Amazon and watched it almost as soon as it arrived. Haven't seen it for some time so there are a few bits I've forgotten, and although certain aspects of it are a little dated now, David Thewlis's performance certainly hasn't lost any of its impact. Incredible film. Gut-churningly grim but very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 March, 2016, 04:09:47 pm
Which one - there's at least four different versions I can think of - offhand.

Why, the best of course (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055894/) ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 17 March, 2016, 04:21:34 pm
IMDB only knows about 2 film versions (but several TV series - and I think they've missed quite a good one that the Beeb did in "modern" times. Could be wrong mind ... )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 March, 2016, 08:23:40 pm
IMDB only knows about 2 film versions (but several TV series - and I think they've missed quite a good one that the Beeb did in "modern" times. Could be wrong mind ... )

This one wasn't it?  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1332653/  Eddie Izzard as the bad guy...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 17 March, 2016, 08:27:00 pm
Mike Leigh's Naked

After banging on to my son about how he needs to see this film, I impulsively ordered the DVD off Amazon and watched it almost as soon as it arrived. Haven't seen it for some time so there are a few bits I've forgotten, and although certain aspects of it are a little dated now, David Thewlis's performance certainly hasn't lost any of its impact. Incredible film. Gut-churningly grim but very funny.

I've got the VHS of that somewhere, and I must dig it out (then find a VHS player).

I heard recently that David Thewlis based his performance on Mark E Smith out of the Fall - it's an enticingly plausible thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 March, 2016, 09:16:31 pm
Sharknado 3. Well it promised 'a vortex of airborne sharks' and it delivered. If you've seen one, you have idea. It's a joke that only works if the fridge is full of hoppy beverages.

The Bay. Another of those 'found footage' movies that were once-upon-a-time popular (do young people remember those?) I actually enjoyed it, it wasn't badly done, and spookily believable. Other than the 'fungal bacteria or mutant tapeworm' attempt at science. Giant isopods are well fucked up, like you've shrunk and been attacked by a woodlouse. It could happen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 17 March, 2016, 10:57:12 pm
IMDB only knows about 2 film versions (but several TV series - and I think they've missed quite a good one that the Beeb did in "modern" times. Could be wrong mind ... )

This one wasn't it?  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1332653/  Eddie Izzard as the bad guy...
I have a suspicion that was a Sky thing (i.e. not visible in this household). I certainly havent seen a version with Izzard in!

Before 2009 my memory of anything - let alone random TV sci-fi - is far too unreliable, so I should let this lie...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 March, 2016, 09:11:41 am
John Wick

Keanu Reeves gets very cross, shoots lots of people who are trying to stop him from shooting Theon Greyjoy (is that guy an annoying git in every single role he gets?).

I have no idea how they managed to spin this out to a full movie length. They did, it doesn't get boring.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 March, 2016, 09:57:23 am
Took out a Netflix trial sub and watched an episode of Deadwood last night.

8.8 on Imdb? That? Really?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 18 March, 2016, 10:24:14 am
The Eddie Izzard Day of the Triffids thing was BBC about 10ish years ago wasn't it?


[edit] - Yep https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Day_of_the_Triffids_(2009_TV_miniseries)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 March, 2016, 04:26:59 pm
Annie Hall

I was sure I must have seen it before but none of it was familiar to me. Great film. Very funny. Diane Keaton is just wonderful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 March, 2016, 05:37:32 pm
Olympus Has Fallen. I did see it on a plane some time back, but I'm looking forward to seeing London Has Fallen. I'll be honest, I loved it. There was the po-faced White House Down with the same plot at the same time, but OHF has Morgan Freeman in it, so wins and then wins some more. I've previously posited the theory that no matter the movie, no matter how bad the script, the screenwriting, the cinematography, the directing, just cast Morgan. It's all going to smell of roses. Not that this needs it, Norks make ace baddies, DC gets blown up, the White House gets pebbledashed with high calibre bullets. Pretty much by the end of it, I had to be restrained from declaring war on North Korea myself.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 21 March, 2016, 08:11:15 am
The Gift (2015)

Fairly standard psychological thriller helped along by the rather excellent Rebecca Hall

Cesar Chavez

Interesting story, mediocre film

The Bed Sitting Room

Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where the survivors of the "unfortunate incident" succumb to the effects of radiation... in possibly the most English sci-fi film ever made. Brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 21 March, 2016, 09:14:07 am

The Bed Sitting Room

Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where the survivors of the "unfortunate incident" succumb to the effects of radiation... in possibly the most English sci-fi film ever made. Brilliant.

Arthur Lowe, Marty Feldman(?), a parrot... All filmed in the same quarry as Dr. Who?

I'm the biggest Milligan fan out there but even I thought that was some pretty bizarre shit!

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 21 March, 2016, 10:23:13 am
The Bed Sitting Room

Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where the survivors of the "unfortunate incident" succumb to the effects of radiation... in possibly the most English sci-fi film ever made. Brilliant.
That sounds rather bonkers! And the Beeb put it on the radio (I just like radio plays, sorry):

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06sf10d

Three years since the nuclear misunderstanding which led to the third world war ("and it's no idle boast when I remind you that this was the shortest world war on record... two minutes twenty eight seconds... including the signing of the Peace Treaty which is now on sale at Her Majesties Stationary Office with a free T- shirt") survivors gather together on the former-streets of London. In amongst the rubble, Captain Kak and his fiancee Penelope find Lord Fortnum, who is convinced he's turning into a Bed-sitting room. With property prices what they are, Kak should be on to a good thing.

This atmospheric, surrealist play was originally written by John Antrobus & Spike Milligan, and has been adapted for radio by John Antrobus & Paul Merton.

Music & FX by Jerry Peal.
Directed by Sam Michell.
Produced by Victoria Lloyd.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 21 March, 2016, 10:33:53 am
Well I had the house to myself this weekend, so watched The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. Just the "Legacy" to go at some point.  Stylish, implausible, not too much gratuitous violence, and no unnecessary (or indeed any) nudity. Enjoyable, but didn't leave much of an impression.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 21 March, 2016, 11:32:31 am
Well I had the house to myself this weekend, so watched The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. Just the "Legacy" to go at some point.  Stylish, implausible, not too much gratuitous violence, and no unnecessary (or indeed any) nudity. Enjoyable, but didn't leave much of an impression.

Jason Bourne was, I think, the reason they (all too briefly) dropped the submarine-car-gadget shite from James Bond films.

I prefer my spies like Jason Bourne but I know full well they are more like Olivia Coleman in "Night Manager".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 22 March, 2016, 09:50:04 pm
Haven't heard of it before. Precis from www.imdb.com says:
Amid the Civil War in 17th-century England, a group of deserters flee from battle through an overgrown field. Captured by an alchemist, the men are forced to help him search to find a hidden treasure that he believes is buried in the field.

I do so want it to be like this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04kf095

It's a Ben Wheatley film and it's probably his least accessible.  It was interesting to watch and I think would probably benefit from being off your face on mushrooms.  On being asked why he made it he said that most of the great film makers made lots of films and that he didn't think he would get the chance to make a film like this again for a while.

He's recently made an adaptation of High Rise due out later this year and has just wrapped main filming on Free Fire which looks really interesting.

If you've not seen any of his films I recommend Sightseers which is great (and probably his most accessible film).
I went to see High Rise tonight.

I think I am not clever enough for such things. I seriously considered leaving because all I could think was 'What The Veritable...'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 March, 2016, 10:54:21 am
10 Cloverfield Lane. Really enjoyed it. Avoid reading the reviews, they can't help but give away the plot. Worth it for splendidly delivered 'fuck' from the lead character when she realises the full depth of her predicament. If there was ever a moment for a sincere utterance of the word 'fuck' that's it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 March, 2016, 11:35:29 am
10 Cloverfield Lane. Really enjoyed it. Avoid reading the reviews, they can't help but give away the plot. Worth it for splendidly delivered 'fuck' from the lead character when she realises the full depth of her predicament. If there was ever a moment of a sincere utterance of the word 'fuck' that's it.

I heard Mark Kermode's review on the radio last week and he made such a point of not giving away the plot beyond the basic set-up that I couldn't resist looking it up...

Yeah, I would probably say 'fuck' quite sincerely in that situation too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 24 March, 2016, 12:02:31 pm
The Two Faces of January (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1976000/)

Different. Glad I watched it but won't do so again.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 24 March, 2016, 12:07:43 pm
Having read it, not sure you need the 'spoiler' Fuzz Meister. I'm still in the dark. Does Aragorn moiders Mary Jane have big norks or something?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 24 March, 2016, 03:26:25 pm
High Rise

Glad I didn't pay for the ticket!  How the hell the Guardian thought this deserved 4 stars is totally beyond me.  On every level - acting, screenplay and especially editing - this was 2 hours of thrashing nonsense. 

Looked like it was one of those films that was great fun to make for all involved - but they forgot the audience.  Did they really think that orgy scenes worthy of Confessions films would have the ability to shock (presumably that was the purpose) or realise that leaving no space for any kind of reflection on what was unfolding would not induce claustrophobia (again presumably the purpose) but just relentless, mind-numbing boredom.

Haven't read the book (and I won't be rushing to thanks to this) - don't really care if it's a worthy interpretation or not - but it's certainly a stinker of a film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 March, 2016, 05:14:14 pm
The abiding memory I have of the book was of the hero cooking a haunch of Alsatian over a fire of telephone directories.  I doubt this would have made it into the film, because telephone directories are all but extinct.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 24 March, 2016, 05:23:34 pm
I've read several of Ballards novels with similar settings, and they're all excellent. But that doesnt mean they'll make good films.

given the above - and my new love affair with Tom "Night Manager" Hiddleston - I want this to be good, but the reviews have been very mixed.    :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 24 March, 2016, 05:47:03 pm
Secario. 

Meh.  Can't say that it lived up to the promise of being a goody e.g. 93% on rotten tomatoes, at all...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 24 March, 2016, 06:29:50 pm
Pretty sure we watched Sicario - the fact that I can't remember it at all leads me to think that yeah - meh
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 March, 2016, 06:38:11 pm
Sicario was very meh. I think I mentioned it earlier. I didn't get all the 'Emily Blunt is fantastic' either since as far as I could tell she'd just strolled into the movie for no discernable reasons. I can imagine everyone thinking is she supposed to be in this? and squinting at the script. She puts on an anguished face for a while and then, well, who knows. Lots of people die, fortunately mostly Mexicans. Do Americans think drug cartels are all about the group hugging and home cooked meals? My take home message was 'yes.'
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 March, 2016, 09:39:16 pm
High Rise

Glad I didn't pay for the ticket!  How the hell the Guardian thought this deserved 4 stars is totally beyond me.  On every level - acting, screenplay and especially editing - this was 2 hours of thrashing nonsense. 

Well, I liked it... mostly. Thought it was funny, well acted and very stylish - both in the design and the direction. Superb soundtrack too - lovely use of Abba.

And I thought the orgy scene was hilarious.

On the down side, I felt it didn't hang together as a coherent whole but I didn't mind that too much because there were lots of excellent individual scenes and performances. (mattc - Hiddleston is superb.)

I'm glad to have seen it. And I definitely want to read the book now.

Mr L - It's done as a period piece, a very 1970s vision of near-future dystopia, like Abigail's Party meets A Clockwork Orange and/or Brazil, but I guess telephone directories would be a detail too far. Unfortunately, the absence of telephone directories doesn't mean the dog is spared.

Didn't need the Thatcher snippet at the end. The message was clear enough without spelling it out so bluntly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 25 March, 2016, 11:55:03 pm
Some time ago I bought the boxed set of "The BBC Television Shakespeare" , with the intention of culturally enriching myself by watching the plays I hadn't seen.   As I've more or less lost the habit of sitting down in front of a screen it's not quite worked out.   

Tonight I decided to remedy this & watched "The Tempest" , the closest I've been to this in the past is "Forbidden Planet"

Oh my!  All these familiar looking people!  Michael Hordern (the best Gandalf) as Prospero, Manuel, Nigel Hawthorne, Warren Clarke and bizarrely, a near naked & spangly Ford Prefect (David Dixon) as Ariel!

Entertaining enough, and now I know where a few more quotes come from.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 26 March, 2016, 08:05:05 am
A Long Way Down

Four incompatible people (Toni Collette, Pierce Brosnan, Imogen Poots and some bloke out of Breaking Bad) meet while intending to jump off a tall building on New Year's Eve. They wanted to do it alone, so make a pact to jump on Valentine's Day instead. ???

(click to show/hide)

Comedy/Drama with excellent performances, story a little disjointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 March, 2016, 08:17:17 am
Deadpool. It's quite good, wouldn't say it's a must see
I'm looking forward to seeing Deadpool.

It's amusing, enjoyed as one might enjoy a bag of maltesers. It maintains a constant tone; gags and dialogue being sharp and smile worthy. It's sassy self awareness has been done before but it works nonetheless. It ultimately amounts to nothing but it's not a waste of time. I personally found the final deliberate scmultzy kltch Wham! touch a little too knowingly OTT but what the hell, due slack was cut.

It is a movie I can imagine some will hate. Not just it's cartoon violence but just as some don't do black humour (and Deadpool  isn't just black humour) some will simply not click with this.

BTW, I have no knowledge of the comics so I have no idea how it compares.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 27 March, 2016, 02:00:05 am
Re the devoured dog above: start of one story:

"There was a group of children on the street, playing with a dog. As I watched, one of them started to eat it from the tail end"

Last film I watched was a cheapo DVD purchase of one I like to settle into. Lots of big names, nothing shocking or too violent (apart from...well...). The Shipping News, from a tale by E Annie Proulx. A warm film for when I feel a little lost in a cold world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 27 March, 2016, 08:48:56 am
John Wick

90% gratuitous violence, 10% story. Interesting take on a society within society, with it's own morals, laws, money, and seemingly invisible to mainstream society. Surprisingly not shit, if a bit shallow.

Oh and to the numerous sensitive reviewers of this (and similarly Lobster): the dog doesn't actually get killed - it's a film! The actors didn't actually get shot either  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 27 March, 2016, 04:39:41 pm
Went to the nearest multiplex, to watch Hail Cesar. I enjoyed it, especially the bits where stuff was done like what they done it in the fifties movies.

Now watching MiB.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 27 March, 2016, 06:12:46 pm
given the above - and my new love affair with Tom "Night Manager" Hiddleston - I want this to be good, but the reviews have been very mixed.    :-\
Is it wrong to say I would possibly have left the building- I did not like this film at all- but I could watch him for hours?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 28 March, 2016, 04:00:22 pm
The Revenant is on at our local fleapit (taudis?) this evening. In VO (version originale) too. Normally I'd go watch pretty much anything in VO, within reason, simply to support my local cinema but this movie simply does not tickle my interest. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 March, 2016, 06:22:14 pm
The Dirty Dozen was on telly this afternoon. Either this is another sign the world gets desensitized as the years go by, or the scheduler has never seen this film. Its not a companion piece to The Magnificent Seven - its more like a Tarantino movie.

As a 12yo boy I loved it, but its quite a nasty movie. For an Easter Monday afternoon slot, anyways ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 March, 2016, 06:28:25 pm
Eddie the Eagle. It's like Cool Runnings, but for ski jumping and with Hugh Jackman.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 March, 2016, 12:28:38 am
Star Wars - The Force Awakens

It's alright, I suppose, if you like that sort of thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 March, 2016, 07:51:05 am
The Dirty Dozen was on telly this afternoon. Either this is another sign the world gets desensitized as the years go by, or the scheduler has never seen this film. Its not a companion piece to The Magnificent Seven - its more like a Tarantino movie.

As a 12yo boy I loved it, but its quite a nasty movie. For an Easter Monday afternoon slot, anyways ...

Haven't seen that since the 60s, must have a look for it.  I remember our student-digs landlord recommending it as a good laugh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 March, 2016, 09:58:00 am
The Dirty Dozen was on telly this afternoon. Either this is another sign the world gets desensitized as the years go by, or the scheduler has never seen this film. Its not a companion piece to The Magnificent Seven - its more like a Tarantino movie.

Maybe they should have put a film about nice fluffy bunnies on instead. Oh, wait a minute...

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/watership-down-parents-left-horrified-as-1978-animated-film-traumatises-children-on-easter-sunday-a6956061.html
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 March, 2016, 10:24:19 am
Batman vs. Superman. Or Two Blokes in Tight Clothes Try to Outbrood One Another. Man, there are some furrowed brows. They should have an oscar for brow furrowing and staring into the distance. It's either meaningfulness or constipation.

It was stodgily watchable, lumbering from one laboured set piece to another, all in a mire of mild confusion. And really, we all know why Batman is Batman, we don't need another explanation. I can't be the only person in the world who wants to tell Batman to lighten up. Jeez, it would have been a lot better if he'd gone squirrel rather than bat. Squirrelman. Is that a comic? It should be. Lex Luther is more than a bit slappable (and hey, considering there's a big broody bloke in a giant suit and a another big broody bloke with superstrength, you'd think between them that one of them could issue that slap, but alas both our superheroes were a bit dim). Affleck is a very good batman, all said. I could watch (you're making those moon eyes! says my wife) Amy Adams approximately forever.

Which was handy because the movie did appear to last approximately forever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 March, 2016, 10:47:51 am
(http://squirrelworld.lincatz.com/squirrelman1.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 March, 2016, 11:03:44 am
The Dirty Dozen was on telly this afternoon. Either this is another sign the world gets desensitized as the years go by, or the scheduler has never seen this film. Its not a companion piece to The Magnificent Seven - its more like a Tarantino movie.

Maybe they should have put a film about nice fluffy bunnies on instead. Oh, wait a minute...

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/watership-down-parents-left-horrified-as-1978-animated-film-traumatises-children-on-easter-sunday-a6956061.html

Son used to call it "Watered-down Shit".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 March, 2016, 12:39:02 pm
The Dirty Dozen was on telly this afternoon. Either this is another sign the world gets desensitized as the years go by, or the scheduler has never seen this film. Its not a companion piece to The Magnificent Seven - its more like a Tarantino movie.

Maybe they should have put a film about nice fluffy bunnies on instead. Oh, wait a minute...

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/watership-down-parents-left-horrified-as-1978-animated-film-traumatises-children-on-easter-sunday-a6956061.html

TBH, I don't think it's the rabbits particularly, other than the fact they put it on at Easter.  It's the usual assumption that "animation" => "for children" that was almost forgiveable back in the day when you had to go to an effort to get hold of Japanese tentacle porn, but should really have been knocked on the head within about 5 minutes of South Park going mainstream across the western world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 March, 2016, 01:24:21 pm
It's the usual assumption that "animation" => "for children" that was almost forgiveable back in the day when you had to go to an effort to get hold of Japanese tentacle porn, but should really have been knocked on the head within about 5 minutes of South Park going mainstream across the western world.

Heh. Fritz the Cat, not to mention.  It used to be shocking even to know of its existence.

Saw it once, but dubbed into French with a Framerican accent it was a bit strange.

Just looked for it on Netflix and came up with the Joseph Fritzl Story. Surprised it's not a musical.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 March, 2016, 04:21:13 pm
We watched the Disney Animation 'Inside Out' at the weekend.


Saccharine, schmaltzy yuck?  Well maybe, actually it was delightful, what a big softy I am - there was definitely something in my eye towards the end.  :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 29 March, 2016, 04:55:39 pm
^ was that the one dealing with 'emotions' inside a child's head? If it was, we saw that too. Quite a good subject we all thought.

Prior to that it was the film with Mark Rylands in (Tom Hanks as well): Bridge of something. Really enjoyed that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 29 March, 2016, 05:56:36 pm
Still Alice
(click to show/hide)
A very sad story. I expect most people here have experienced different forms of dementia in others but I can't imagine what it's like when you have so much more life left to live.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 March, 2016, 06:29:26 pm
^ was that the one dealing with 'emotions' inside a child's head? If it was, we saw that too. Quite a good subject we all thought.



Yes it was  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 March, 2016, 08:31:34 pm
Janis Joplin - Little Girl Blue

I seem to have something in my eye.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 29 March, 2016, 08:32:17 pm
Captain Phillips (again).

Very, very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 29 March, 2016, 09:28:16 pm
Brooklyn

Another Nick Hornby story, this one was pretty good as a film.

A Thousand Times Goodnight

A Norwegian film, in English, shot mostly in Ireland, with a French actress as the lead. Excellent, moving drama on many levels, and refreshingly non-formulaic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 March, 2016, 09:31:21 pm
Batman vs. Superman. Or Two Blokes in Tight Clothes Try to Outbrood One Another. Man, there are some furrowed brows. They should have an oscar for brow furrowing and staring into the distance. It's either meaningfulness or constipation.

It was stodgily watchable, lumbering from one laboured set piece to another, all in a mire of mild confusion. And really, we all know why Batman is Batman, we don't need another explanation. I can't be the only person in the world who wants to tell Batman to lighten up. Jeez, it would have been a lot better if he'd gone squirrel rather than bat. Squirrelman. Is that a comic? It should be. Lex Luther is more than a bit slappable (and hey, considering there's a big broody bloke in a giant suit and a another big broody bloke with superstrength, you'd think between them that one of them could issue that slap, but alas both our superheroes were a bit dim). Affleck is a very good batman, all said. I could watch (you're making those moon eyes! says my wife) Amy Adams approximately forever.

Which was handy because the movie did appear to last approximately forever.

Yes, it went on long after it finished.

Worse still, the biblical nature of Superman's demise suggests he'll be back..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 March, 2016, 11:47:14 pm
Amy

I'm not surprised Mitchell Winehouse doesn't like this film.  Horrible and compelling in equal measure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 30 March, 2016, 12:03:41 am
I really enjoyed batman vs superman, it was pretty much a mash up of the Dark Knight returns and Watchmen graphic novels of my youth. The imagery of Batman in a duster wearing goggles was lifted straight from the pages of the Dark Knight returns. As much as I enjoyed it, a sizeable number of the audience were bored and just started chatting amongst themselves. If you're that bored just leave, why try ruin other people's enjoyment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 March, 2016, 09:13:58 am
1994 US TV film called Without Warning on YouTube.  Presented as emergency news broadcast using real-life anchors & reporters - a touch of the Orson Welles.  Good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 30 March, 2016, 10:47:02 am
Star Wars - The Force Awakens

It's alright, I suppose, if you like that sort of thing.

Agreed.

I imagine the cinema was full of fans jumping up and down with excitement when they saw Hans Solo's old ship, another Space Bar full of creatures (including Anne Robinson as the Bar owner as far as I could tell), Princess Leia coming out of rehab long enough to do her Pension-Fund part...etc.  Harrison Ford managed to run in exactly the same way that OAPs run across the road, without actually increasing speed.

Despite being an almost perfect age to become emotionally involved with the series (I was 15 in 1977) I never did.

This one seems to be a "return to form" because it's basically a remake of the first one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 March, 2016, 12:32:43 pm
I griped that the new Star Wars was a fairly pointless remake of the original. I loved the original and it's mostly dated well. I have no idea what the new version added, tbh, other than it wasn't the majestic thrice fuck-up of the Lucas revisits. Entertaining, modestly so, but a shame they didn't do something with it rather than lever in a few new characters so they could replace the old ones (who perhaps, other than Chewy, should have been left to enjoy their retirement). It worked a lot better for Star Trek, mostly because the sparky cast captured and embellished the spirit of the original.

I really enjoyed batman vs superman, it was pretty much a mash up of the Dark Knight returns and Watchmen graphic novels of my youth. The imagery of Batman in a duster wearing goggles was lifted straight from the pages of the Dark Knight returns. As much as I enjoyed it, a sizeable number of the audience were bored and just started chatting amongst themselves. If you're that bored just leave, why try ruin other people's enjoyment.

The benefit of the Imax is that the sound drowns out the chatterers and nacho crunchers (seriously, who though a tray of crunchy tortilla chips smothered with gooey sauce was a good idea in a darkened room intended for showing movies?). It was all very gods and monsters, a mishmash of half-baked biblical metaphor and classical allegory. It's not that I didn't entirely enjoy it, but Lex Luther wasn't very scary and seriously, while those superheroes might be blessed with strength and fortitude, someone skipped the brains part. And does like everyone know who Superman is? I don't know how, not with that disguise. The 'and another thing' ending did stretch and stretch though. Me and Amy could have gone got more popcorn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 March, 2016, 12:49:10 pm
Despite being an almost perfect age to become emotionally involved with the series (I was 15 in 1977) I never did.

Surely 15 was too old for Star Wars?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 30 March, 2016, 12:57:54 pm
That's what I thought - I was almost the perfect age at 7 yo methinks. I was still 12 when Return of the Jedi came out and Empire Strikes Back was just about my perfect film for ages.  I had all the books (ooh pictures), we had plastic lightsabers and the model toys.  Bet you didn't do that at 15 :-/


Force Awakens was definitely just a remake really - I feel near compelled to watch all Star Wars outings at the cinema (though episode 2 brought this to a halt (can't remember if I saw Sith at the cinema or not) despite Ewoks and Jar Jar Binks etc.  This one was a delight in comparison to the 'prequels'  I thoroughly enjoyed seeing 8 yo boys dressed as Darth Vader and Stormtroopers in the cinema.  Say what you like but I could have been that kid 40 years ago if my mother had been more generous with toys back then - it's an impressive feat to keep that sort of thing going since then if nothing else.


I rather enjoyed the petulant behaviour of mini-Solo bad guy (forget his name Kylo Ren?) even if the new guy Finn should have been chopped into spam when he tried taking on this expertly trained Sith Lord wielding Luke Skywalker's lightsaber like it was a cucumber.  ::-)

It was fun and a star wars movie -  Star Wars was a big part of my childhood.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 March, 2016, 01:04:34 pm
I griped that the new Star Wars was a fairly pointless remake of the original. I loved the original and it's mostly dated well. I have no idea what the new version added, tbh, other than it wasn't the majestic thrice fuck-up of the Lucas revisits.

Agreed.  I actually giggled at the new Death Star.  This one goes to 11.

But hey, Rey's unsurprising to everyone but the martketroids popularity is pissing off the marketroids, and General Leia is now officially a Disney Princess, which is surely justification enough.

And I find it hard not to like a film with Harrison Ford in it.  I cringed my way through Firewall, and managed to sit through the entirety of Indiana Jones And The Film With The Excessively Long Name, so this wasn't particularly challenging in that respect.  LEE's right about the running, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 30 March, 2016, 01:11:54 pm
I must watch out for the running next time I see it (if there is one).


My last post got me thinking - hard as the Star Wars yolk is to throw off, I'm glad I've rid myself of other compulsions from that age, such as a penchant for the Bay City Rollers or wanting to appear on stage with Shawaddywaddy on Jim'll Fix It.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 March, 2016, 01:43:22 pm
Looks best on a tie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 31 March, 2016, 06:53:31 am
I really enjoyed batman vs superman, it was pretty much a mash up of the Dark Knight returns and Watchmen graphic novels of my youth. The imagery of Batman in a duster wearing goggles was lifted straight from the pages of the Dark Knight returns. As much as I enjoyed it, a sizeable number of the audience were bored and just started chatting amongst themselves. If you're that bored just leave, why try ruin other people's enjoyment.

Maybe they weren't bored, just answering their phones?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 01 April, 2016, 12:45:11 am
Hitchcock.

Starring Helen Mirren.

It was very enjoyable but somehow fell short of the mark.  Maybe it needed a better director.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 01 April, 2016, 07:53:28 am
The Lego Movie.

How this didn't get a best animation Oscar I don't know - ludicrously entertaining, and all very pleasingly metafictional.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 April, 2016, 08:15:49 am
I really enjoyed batman vs superman, it was pretty much a mash up of the Dark Knight returns and Watchmen graphic novels of my youth. The imagery of Batman in a duster wearing goggles was lifted straight from the pages of the Dark Knight returns. As much as I enjoyed it, a sizeable number of the audience were bored and just started chatting amongst themselves. If you're that bored just leave, why try ruin other people's enjoyment.

Maybe they weren't bored, just answering their phones?
Well im with gerald on this one.

(the chatting - I have no plan to pay money to see this movie!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 April, 2016, 09:06:15 am
The Lego Movie.

How this didn't get a best animation Oscar I don't know - ludicrously entertaining, and all very pleasingly metafictional.

The intrusion of

(click to show/hide)

burst the bubble for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 01 April, 2016, 10:00:50 am
The Lego Movie.

With one of the most ear-wormy songs ever written.

A superb movie, thoroughly recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 April, 2016, 10:17:51 am
The Lego Movie.

How this didn't get a best animation Oscar I don't know - ludicrously entertaining, and all very pleasingly metafictional.

The intrusion of

(click to show/hide)

burst the bubble for me.

Yes, that bit was unnecessary and messed with the tone, but altogether a great movie. Everything is indeed awesome. I tried to persuade the mothership to play that song as the intro to our sales conference, but evidently they have a better grasp of irony than I'd credited them with. Took me a while to release it was Tegan and Sara, Calgary's biggest fringed pop duo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 April, 2016, 11:21:58 pm
Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story

Well worth the price of admission, though I spent most of the sequences from the event muttering "oh look, there's $USUAL_SUSPECT" instead of paying attention to the film.  And got to have a nice chat with the star and Charlie the Manager afterwards.  Spotted myself twice, plus once taking off in the course car, and had my name mentioned in a radio message as well.

(Awaits call from BAFTA)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 03 April, 2016, 03:05:00 pm
Olympus Has Fallen. I did see it on a plane some time back, but I'm looking forward to seeing London Has Fallen. I'll be honest, I loved it. There was the po-faced White House Down with the same plot at the same time, but OHF has Morgan Freeman in it, so wins and then wins some more. I've previously posited the theory that no matter the movie, no matter how bad the script, the screenwriting, the cinematography, the directing, just cast Morgan. It's all going to smell of roses. Not that this needs it, Norks make ace baddies, DC gets blown up, the White House gets pebbledashed with high calibre bullets. Pretty much by the end of it, I had to be restrained from declaring war on North Korea myself.

It's just a re-make of 'Die Hard'.  And as such, it was very enjoyable  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 04 April, 2016, 01:59:48 pm
Abyss- the long version.

Still good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 April, 2016, 09:44:50 am
Deadpool

I had low expectations.

I was wrong. That was actually rather good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 April, 2016, 10:35:11 am
Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story

Well worth the price of admission, though I spent most of the sequences from the event muttering "oh look, there's $USUAL_SUSPECT" instead of paying attention to the film.  And got to have a nice chat with the star and Charlie the Manager afterwards.  Spotted myself twice, plus once taking off in the course car, and had my name mentioned in a radio message as well.

(Awaits call from BAFTA)

It's just a re-make of 'Die Hard'.  And as such, it was very enjoyable  :)


(that is how I read the last few posts - I clearly hadn't woken up properly ... )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 April, 2016, 11:07:34 am
The thought of Mr Obree with a machine pistol is not something I want to contemplate  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 April, 2016, 11:16:02 am
The thought of Mr Obree with a machine pistol is not something I want to contemplate  ;D
Journalist "What is special about your machine pistol, Mr Obree?"

GO "Most machine pistols fire bullets at 10 rounds per second, see, and if you fire faster than that, you can't control it. Mine fires at 200 rounds per second."

Journalist "That's remarkable. How do you achieve that?"

GO "I've stabilised the recoil by firing forwards and backwards at the same time. Here, I'll demonstrate . . .."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 06 April, 2016, 01:25:59 pm
The thought of Mr Obree with a machine pistol is not something I want to contemplate  ;D

He could probably molish a latter-day Sten gun from the leftover bits in his workshop.  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 06 April, 2016, 05:05:42 pm
Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story

Well worth the price of admission, though I spent most of the sequences from the event muttering "oh look, there's $USUAL_SUSPECT" instead of paying attention to the film.  And got to have a nice chat with the star and Charlie the Manager afterwards.  Spotted myself twice, plus once taking off in the course car, and had my name mentioned in a radio message as well.

(Awaits call from BAFTA)

Me too! Down in Brighton. I nabbed Graeme before we went in as he was hanging around the foyer. So I got him to hold my little Wiggo (on Instagram as @mr.rigs).

Anyway, I think I convinced him I wasn't completely mad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 06 April, 2016, 05:35:39 pm
If I hadn't already encountered your 'little Wiggo' Riggers old chap, I'd be reading something quite quite different into your encounter with Mr Obree.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 07 April, 2016, 01:46:08 pm
We watched The Breakfast Club last night. Why on earth is it considered a classic?

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 April, 2016, 02:57:52 pm
I had to buy my sister the Breakfast Club on DVD for her birthday this year - I could ask her but she made us watch it.


It's bratpacky - it was kind of OK if you like teen angst things - which I don't particularly.  I guess it's a classic if you liked that sort of thing back then and are an ageing wannabe*


I was surprised to see Harry Dean Stanton in it.  But then I looked up the brat pack and discovered that he was considered their 'mentor' - presumably not in the drug taking/alcoholism/partner abuse department.






*no I didn't say that about my sister  :-X
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 April, 2016, 03:07:05 pm
My stepdaughter loves that film.

It's ok.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 April, 2016, 03:16:28 pm
Hunger Games: Mockingjay (parts 1 & 2)

Yawn.

It's not that I've got anything to actually complain about, other than the cat's body language being wrong (and if I'm going to make a fuss about that let's start with The Golden Compass), and the fact that Peeta is clearly evil-looking[1], and therefore fails to be a convincing love-interest for the ever-sensible Katniss, resulting in apparent plot holes and an overly-dissonant ending.

It's just that the whole thing comes across as what you'd get if you gave The CW an enormous budget and told them to make something like The Fifth Element, then edited Season 2 together into a couple of extra-long movies.

It's probably good allegory for today's youth, thobut.


[1] Maybe it's just me?  It's that mid-90s hair thing where you can't tell whether young men are harmless gayers or abusive cool kids.  I suppose the target audience weren't around in the 90s, so don't have that issue.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 07 April, 2016, 03:29:58 pm
I had to buy my sister the Breakfast Club on DVD for her birthday this year ...
I was surprised to see Harry Dean Stanton in it. ...
I don't remember HDS in The Breakfast Club.  Are you sure you're not mixing it up with Pretty in Pink?  Itself an excellent fillum - Jon Cryer's Duckie is a great character. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 April, 2016, 03:41:56 pm
But, but, it has Molly frickin Ringwald in it. What more do you want?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 April, 2016, 04:25:42 pm
But, but, it has Molly frickin Ringwald in it. What more do you want?
but but she's a lot better in Pretty in Pink!

(although I love Jon Cryer more)

Breakfast Club is pretty good. But it hasn't aged brilliantly due to the horrendous US fashions/styles on display, plus the fact that it was really very original at the time.

When you've seen 50 films/TV shows that are so influenced by it, the original often looks rather lame in hindsight.  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 April, 2016, 07:07:18 pm
Molly Ringwald is the main reason I have watched Breakfast Club so many times.

As I get older, though, I seem to find Ally Sheedy more... intriguing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 08 April, 2016, 12:25:56 pm
I had to buy my sister the Breakfast Club on DVD for her birthday this year ...
I was surprised to see Harry Dean Stanton in it. ...
I don't remember HDS in The Breakfast Club.  Are you sure you're not mixing it up with Pretty in Pink?  Itself an excellent fillum - Jon Cryer's Duckie is a great character.


Hmm, yeah I might well be - I think I bought her both now you mention it - since PiP cost about £1.99 from amazon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 April, 2016, 07:28:08 pm
Hmm, Molly Ringwald. Floaty little thoughts. I'm not sure those 80s movies have entirely stood the test of time. Those shoulder pads certainly haven't.

In other news, The Revenant does have lots of crawling doesn't it? You weren't joking. Some nice cinematography but I could help thinking it was a 45 minute movie crammed into a mere two and a half hours.

Because I couldn't sleep in my flight home, I think I watched about a billion movies. Eventually they all sort of segue into one another. Crimson Peak, not that good (and I'm no lepidopterist but I think they were butterflies and not bloody moths), though from some reason – possibly involving generous servings of port –  I enjoyed another entry in the Paranormal Activity series. Tried to rewatch the new Stars Wars, got bored and watched Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, which is apparently a true story and one of the better comic book romps. Sisters, which should have been better considering Tina and Amy, but was entertaining enough. I'm sure I watched more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 09 April, 2016, 10:39:34 pm
Just finished watching "Rubber" (2010). A movie about Robert, a killer tyre!!

Sent from my Tab2A7-10F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 April, 2016, 08:36:53 am
Molly Ringwald is the main reason I have watched Breakfast Club so many times.

As I get older, though, I seem to find Ally Sheedy more... intriguing.
Could never understand the fuss over Molly Ringwald. Ally Sheedy now . . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 11 April, 2016, 09:03:07 am
Gattaca

Flattered to deceive. Looked good but said little. Almost trite. Disney with sci-fi. Some cluncky dialogue jarred. And Law is pretty limited as an actor, sometimes cringeful.

I liked a lot of the soundtrack though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 April, 2016, 10:36:35 am
Just finished the first season of the Fargo TV series.  Good, occasionally delightful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 11 April, 2016, 11:09:32 am
The 2004 film version of "The Merchant Of Venice" with Pacino & Irons.     Quite well done & beautiful locations.  I'm now looking at flights & hotels...

I studied this for my English GCE mumble years go & remembered a lot of the dialogue.   I've tickets to see it at the Playhouse in Liverpool later this year with Jonathan Pryce as Shylock.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2016, 11:15:03 am
Bored, without adult supervision, and with access to Netflix. What could go wrong. Knowing that's what. OK, I know Nicolas Cage is the King of Sucky Movies. I have my eyes open. But, hey, it's 10pm Sunday night and I have head full of a snot and I get a dubious pleasure from bad movies.

WTF? This casually limboed under my low expectations. Utterly, utterly awful. I got to end through high octane morbid curiosity. Could it get worse? I figured no. I couldn't see any conceivable way it could. I mean, seriously, if you've been dropped from orbit into an ocean of foetid superheated shit, you'd assume that was the entire depth of your predicament, that it couldn't get worse. Until you discover the boiling ocean of shit is populated by hungry shit sharks. That's pretty much the ending. Not literally unfortunately, the appearance of hungry shit sharks would have improved matters.

I'm watching this crap so you don't have to. I have another five days of nil supervision.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 11 April, 2016, 12:11:07 pm
Bored, without adult supervision, and with access to Netflix. What could go wrong. Knowing that's what. OK, I know Nicolas Cage is the King of Sucky Movies. I have my eyes open. But, hey, it's 10pm Sunday night and I have head full of a snot and I get a dubious pleasure from bad movies.

WTF? This casually limboed under my low expectations. Utterly, utterly awful. I got to end through high octane morbid curiosity. Could it get worse? I figured no. I couldn't see any conceivable way it could. I mean, seriously, if you've been dropped from orbit into an ocean of foetid superheated shit, you'd assume that was the entire depth of your predicament, that it couldn't get worse. Until you discover the boiling ocean of shit is populated by hungry shit sharks. That's pretty much the ending. Not literally unfortunately, the appearance of hungry shit sharks would have improved matters.

I'm watching this crap so you don't have to. I have another five days of nil supervision.

It's just awful isn't it.  Early on, it really does have promise, but then it goes all gratuitously nasty and burny and ultimately pointless.  And the bunnies, I mean seriously, is it supposed to be an ironic reference to ConAir?

Appalling.  Shouldn't be allowed.  Down with this sort of thing.  Careful now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2016, 12:35:41 pm
I don't think it was a film that did irony. To be honest, if the aliens (who, in case the audience didn't get the subtle religious subtext that the film been delivering with hammer blows to the their skulls, had to be given actual fucking angel wings). Rabbits, I've no idea. I didn't go to Sunday School. Maybe the Easter Bunny?

Also, not only was the film content with being unbelievably bad, the entire thing made no sense. Why? Nothing that happened in the movie had any bearing on the ending.

Does anyone dare me to watch Left Behind? I saw it was on Netflix and it's supposed to be the nadir of Cage's sucky movie career to date. Which means that it's worse than Knowing. I could wear a special stupidity protection helmet to prevent brain injury.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 April, 2016, 12:48:36 pm
Ian, I dare you to watch the TV pilot for Aquaman.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 April, 2016, 12:55:59 pm
Does anyone dare me to watch Left Behind? I saw it was on Netflix...

Funny, it isn't here.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2016, 01:08:47 pm
Oh it's available in the UK. I don't know though, if it's worse than Knowing this could actually be genuinely dangerous. It promises a melange of the Nic Cage School of Bad Acting and Christian fundamentalism. I mean, what could go wrong there?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 April, 2016, 01:43:58 pm
The story is that Nicolas Kim Coppola changed his name so his famous surname would not give him an unfair advantage in the movie business.


I used to enjoy his films although they do get gradually worse over time.  I wonder these days if the real story is that he was forbidden to use the name in case he sullies it ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 April, 2016, 01:48:53 pm
Knowing has 6.6 out of 10 on imdb - it must be above average  :demon:


(rotten tomatoes apparently feel different about it  O:-) )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 April, 2016, 02:23:38 pm
I watched Starman and Kingdom of Heaven over the weekend.

Starman- good old 80's tosh :thumbsup:

Kingdom of Heaven- what Ridley Scott made because someone had already made Cleopatra.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 11 April, 2016, 02:25:18 pm
Saturday was date night for Mrs L and I, and since we were too late to get tickets to see Richard Herring at Stafford Gatehouse, we went to the flicks to see Eddie The Eagle .  (Shockingly, it's the first time I've been to the pictures since Christmas 2006).  It's really good fun - very Cool Runnings, even down to the down-and-out coach on his own road to redemption.  Plenty of the artistic licence (Canada Olympic Park is not that scenic!) can be forgiven when the result is such a feel-good fillum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 11 April, 2016, 02:38:30 pm
I watch a right load of crap and I won't go see Eddie The Eagle. :-o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 11 April, 2016, 02:59:57 pm
we went to the flicks to see Eddie The Eagle .  (Shockingly, it's the first time I've been to the pictures since Christmas 2006).  It's really good fun - very Cool Runnings,

Anyone else reminded of Cool Runnings by Michael Jackson's funeral?

(http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1247001803/677/2574677.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2016, 04:13:18 pm
Knowing has 6.6 out of 10 on imdb - it must be above average  :demon:


(rotten tomatoes apparently feel different about it  O:-) )

I think that says more about IMDB readers than the movie. Like Amazon book (and all other internet) ratings, read the one and two star reviews and attribute sanity as required. If the one stars are along the lines of 'Amazon sez I had to review this book but I havnt red it yet' or 'there's too many big words like dictionary' or 'contains profanity' it's probably OK. If they're thorough deconstructions that point out that it's an unmitigated pile of nonsensical wank, then it's probably just that.

In preparation for Left Behind (I'm still not sure, will a bike really helmet protect me?), I read the Netflix reviews. Now it did get some five star reviews like this one:

Quote
*****
even though it is bad, i liked it cuz i like plaines. definitely recommend watching if u like planes.

10 out of 19 people found that helpful. And do I wish I had a button that I could press that would instantly vaporise all ten of them.

What you don't realise is that that comment was written by Will Self. Because he didn't wear a bike helmet the movie liquified his brain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 April, 2016, 04:25:15 pm
There was a reason for the  :demon:  emoticon in that post y'know  :P




Quote
*****
even though it is bad, i liked it cuz i like plaines. definitely recommend watching if u like planes.


10 out of 19 people found that helpful. And do I wish I had a button that I could press that would instantly vaporise all ten of them.





 :-D


I don't like focussing on just the 1* reviews because there are just people out there who are rabid haters of certain directors, actors and such. I know someone on h2g2.com who you can see his forehead veins pulsing and his whole face going purple at the very mention of JJ Abrams and he will write a very thorough deconstruction of a film that I find I actually quite like.  For example the new Star Treks or Star Wars films.  I did ask him once why he kept going to watch them  - it always seems rather perverse that haters seem to actually go out of their way to watch the stuff they hate  but hey ho.  ???


I'll pick a few good *and* bad reviews before I make a decision.


Oddly if it's a comedy or a horror I generally just ignore reviews as they tend to be universally bad and so are not much use - especially from professional critics.  Having said that, I *really* should have listened when I heard that Dumb&Dumber To was crap.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 April, 2016, 04:31:28 pm
Beware of anything less than 7.5 on IMDB.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 April, 2016, 04:44:14 pm
^^^ and even then...  Zombie films with high scores have been voted for by pricks who like zombie films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 April, 2016, 04:55:04 pm
If you rely on the likes of IMDB for guidance, you will probably ignore some films you would love. Even the shittest film in the world has someone that likes it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 April, 2016, 05:21:41 pm
That's true. Under Siege gets 6.4
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2016, 06:13:20 pm
Under Siege is brilliant though. When I'm commander of the world, I'm going to retrospectively re-award all the Oscars to this movie.

I really think I'm going to watch Left Behind. I don't want to, but it has developed a strange allure. Possibly the combination of a stinky head cold and an afternoon spent inputting my expenses has somehow tenderised my brain. I will wear my best bicycle helmet while I watch it though.

Idly glancing through the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, even critics like Roger Ebert gave Knowing a 4/4 review. Barney fucking pyjamas! He must have been nobbled. For Left Behind though, there seems to have been no sum of money that could induce a good review.

I confess I'm a little bit scared. The kind of little bit that translates to abso-fucking-lutely terrified. I confess I've seen every movie in the Paranormal Activity series and liked them. But this is something else entirely. It's like I'm stepping beyond any reasonable frame of rationality. But I have to. As a practitioner of Tidy Haired Thought Leadership™ I'm doomed to lead. To go the places you fear. Destiny beckons. An ocean of pure, superheated shit awaits. Filled with hungry shit sharks.

Remember, if you don't hear from me again, I did this for you. All of you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 April, 2016, 08:26:04 pm
To be fair, film quality can be like the circles of politics and fashion - at the extreme ends of the good-bad spectrum they can merge into one.  The *very* worst films are often so bad it's genius.
I could watch Plan 9 from Outer Space all day.
Under Siege isn't quite there but is in a zone of special silliness that's entertaining much like Con Air (though Con Air is much better) - oddly enough as a twentysomething bloke when it came out - Erika Eleniak and the cake didn't really do it for me - that bit was just shit.




I never rely on film reviews entirely but it can be useful to have a quick gander before making a vital decision on whether to actually pay to watch it or not (rotten tomatoes is more reliable but even that seemed to Love Max Fury(ious I bothered) Road).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 11 April, 2016, 09:09:49 pm
Under Siege is brilliant though. When I'm commander of the world, I'm going to retrospectively re-award all the Oscars to this movie.

I really think I'm going to watch Left Behind. I don't want to, but it has developed a strange allure. Possibly the combination of a stinky head cold and an afternoon spent inputting my expenses has somehow tenderised my brain. I will wear my best bicycle helmet while I watch it though.

Idly glancing through the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, even critics like Roger Ebert gave Knowing a 4/4 review. Barney fucking pyjamas! He must have been nobbled. For Left Behind though, there seems to have been no sum of money that could induce a good review.

I confess I'm a little bit scared. The kind of little bit that translates to abso-fucking-lutely terrified. I confess I've seen every movie in the Paranormal Activity series and liked them. But this is something else entirely. It's like I'm stepping beyond any reasonable frame of rationality. But I have to. As a practitioner of Tidy Haired Thought Leadership™ I'm doomed to lead. To go the places you fear. Destiny beckons. An ocean of pure, superheated shit awaits. Filled with hungry shit sharks.

Remember, if you don't hear from me again, I did this for you. All of you.

I don't understand why you would do this to yourself ian.  It's like a mad form of self-harm.  An awful, badly-written set of terrible books based on a Fundie literalist interpretation of the Bible, turned into a Nick Cage film - the very concept pisses me right off.

There are Hitchcock movies, y'know.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2016, 09:19:05 pm
I'm having second thoughts. I made the mistake of reading a few reviews (normally I read them after the fact). Fear has crystallised into jaggedy little terror spikes and they're needling my brain.

I'm not sure I can. Nicolas Cage in a christian fundie movie. I'd pay good money to watch Jesus go gangnam, but the King of Sucky Movies in a god-botherer scripted by a doughnut?

I think I need to step back from the precipice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 11 April, 2016, 09:20:04 pm
Have you seen Ruby Sparks?  Go and watch Ruby Sparks.  It's a great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 April, 2016, 10:03:05 pm
To be fair, I find it hard to believe you can go worse than Gone in Sixty Seconds or Snake Eyes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 April, 2016, 10:11:16 pm
Or Ghost Rider  :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2016, 10:35:44 pm
Oh. My. God.

Nicolas Cage. I just realised.

Captain Corelli's Fucking Mandolin. My nemesis.

I see now. The dark, dark truth. Stretched from here to infinity, dark tinsel strung between the stars, across spaces where only shadows lurk, ripe with death and madness, the web of slumbering terror, ever patient, ever eager. There's no escape. He waits eternal. It's all true, the stories about his timelessness. He's counted down my hours. Now it awakes and the horror can only consume me. It's too la...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 April, 2016, 10:46:20 pm
Haven't seen that and am not likely to - I don't really do Rom-Com or just Rom.  Thankfully neither does the missus - if only I could wean her off CorrieEnders  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 11 April, 2016, 10:52:54 pm
To be fair, I find it hard to believe you can go worse than Gone in Sixty Seconds or Snake Eyes.

How about Drive Angry?

Though it does have an amusing turn by William Fichtner as Hell's accountant...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1502404/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 April, 2016, 11:03:54 pm
I can only go on one's I've seen sadly.  I'm sure you're correct
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 April, 2016, 07:45:31 am
I really think I'm going to watch Left Behind.

Sounds a bit half-assed to me.  ;D

Quite like Adaptation, but then it's Charlie Kaufmann.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 April, 2016, 10:55:40 am
And I woke up. A cold space, unseemingly vast. Beyond I heard the scream of wind like it was tearing across giant blades. At least I hoped it was the wind. Opening my eyes was like scraping away dirt from a window. A low sickly light filled the space. I realised I was not alone. Sitting opposite was a man on a chair. A chair that looked to be constructed from old, old bones. I recognised him, of course. He looked up from the book he was reading and seemed to consider me for a time, the way one considers a new discovery, wondering whether it's worth further scrutiny or not. His eyes were no colour I recognised. I had to look away for a moment, only seeing the aching spaces.

"Aren't you?" I said, my words like old parchment.

It wasn't quite a smile that reached his lips. Something cold instead leached through time, forever distant.

"Yes, I'm Nicolas Cage. Though here my name is Yog-Sothoth."

"But where is here?" I think I knew.

"I am all time and all space. This is my domain. The impossible." He held up the book. I read the title. Captain Corelli's Mandolin. A shiver quaked me. He really smiled and tapped the cover of the book. I knew then what the book truly was. The dread Necronomicon. The old title fell away.

"How..."

"You watched the movie."

Whatever was, was gone, the abyss reeled around us. The wind wasn't that, I realised, it was the multitudinous screams, a chorus of pain, eternal as the stars. Yog-Sothoth had the book open, his mouth distorting. Strange words that weren't words rupturing the air. It was all too late...

----

OK, I watched it. I went into the impossible. It was bad. But not quite as bad as Knowing, which was almost disappointing. Or the godforsaken remake of The Wicker Man. That's not a commendation. Left Behind is by any conventional measure awful. The laboured Bible bashing would have pushed Jesus to hard liquor, whores, and gambling. Not to measure the entire noxious Rapture theology. Kids get zipped up to heaven despite being amoral little Hitlers. Muslims, nice to everyone, but no way Muhammed, you backed the wrong horse. Boozers. Gamblers. No pass for you. Old ladies with dementia, God doesn't want your forgetful shit taking a seat on Elysium. Little people, no way. They're always so short and angry. Heaven is a tall people only gig. As far as I could tell, if Heaven took any black people, it was for the other Heaven, the one at the back. Top tip, if you want to enraptured, just make sure your write BIBLE STUDY in big bold, all caps in your diary. That's how it works. He probably won't check.

On the plus side, come on, who doesn't want to be flown by a pilot called Rayford Steele. The music (and production values) were pure 1990s TV movie (seriously, I can't stress the music enough, it's perversely brilliant for all the wrong reasons). The acting is painful and Nic Cage spends the entire movie looking like he's enduring a colonoscopy.

I can't, to be honest, even contemplate how such a movie can have come to exist. Surely there are better things to spend $16 million on. Nic could have spent it on better proctologist, for instance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 12 April, 2016, 01:12:54 pm
Well done on sticking with Left behind, a while back I managed ~20 minutes, before absolutely anything at all became a vastly more compelling option.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 April, 2016, 01:38:41 pm
To be fair, I find it hard to believe you can go worse than Gone in Sixty Seconds or Snake Eyes.

How about Drive Angry?

Though it does have an amusing turn by William Fichtner as Hell's accountant...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1502404/

Drive Angry sounds like something I'd write. Sadly not on Netflix.

They do have Season of the Witch. Which sounds like – dare I say – classic Cage. I have to go out tonight unfortunately, but I'm booking that for later in the week.

Snake Eyes and 8MM were awful, but they were dull awful. One surprising benefit of watching Left Behind is that my day now had a splendid 90s TV movie soundtrack playing in my head. Also, when my wife gets home to discover piles of clothes everywhere, I can blame it on the rapture and not my unstructured approach to laundry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 April, 2016, 04:04:29 pm
Ian, no good will come of this masochism.  Save yourself before it's too late, with some quality Bruce Willis time, or Bond James Bond.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 April, 2016, 05:24:37 pm
Probably too late - I think he's addicted. He must know that there are plenty of - you know  - actually *enjoyable* movies on th shelves of his local Blockbusters.

(some of them even contain Mr Cage. )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 April, 2016, 06:09:17 pm
Well, it goes without saying that I never stray too far from my Die Hard Box Set (but let's not talk about the latest one, 1 through 4 only). There few situations that don't benefit from considering what-would-John-McClane-do. It's my mantra. If I may share a little THTL with you, I suggest you all take it onboard. WWJMD. John McClane wouldn't baulk at the prospect of Nicolas Cage. OK, unless it was The Wicker Man remake.

It's not really masochism. I've learned a lot. Anyone's day is more dramatic with a TV movie soundtrack. I had previously gone with Michael Bay, but it's a bit tiring and I spent my days in fear of being struck by an asteroid. I've learned that Nicolas Cage is probably an human avatar of Yog-Sothoth. When he's not in the movies, he's busy presiding over the timeless halls beyond the Gate of Silver Key (don't try to find it with satnav). I've also realised my fear of Captain Corelli's Mandolin isn't down to the fact that it's cloying middle-class twaddle, it's because it's actually the dread Necronomicon. On that basis, I'd suggest no one reads it. It may look like human book, but it's the dark grimoire of Abdul Alhazred, and contains all that is needed to summon the Old Ones. Summoning the Old Ones from their eternal slumber between the stars is generally not a good idea. Cthulhu is the very definition of getting out of the wrong side of the bed.

So, in it's own way, watching Left Behind might have actually saved the world. I consider that a successful evening and well worth the sacrifice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 12 April, 2016, 07:55:16 pm
Probably too late - I think he's addicted. He must know that there are plenty of - you know  - actually *enjoyable* movies on th shelves of his local Blockbusters.

(some of them even contain Mr Cage. )


You have a Blockbusters?  It still exists?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 April, 2016, 08:14:25 pm
Probably too late - I think he's addicted. He must know that there are plenty of - you know  - actually *enjoyable* movies on th shelves of his local Blockbusters.

(some of them even contain Mr Cage. )


You have a Blockbusters?  It still exists?
The sole branch exists to provide Ian with copies of Nicholas Cage's movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 April, 2016, 08:27:49 pm
I used to like the Blockbuster experience, that desultory 10pm stroll past empty shelves to find all they had was 100 copies of some lacklustre rom-com or some shit about zombies, the most useless of the monsters, until those chucklemonkeys turned vampires into wearisome teenagers. I don't want to get bit by some kind of angsty human kitten. Seriously, that's just as bad as the zombies, which is like being chased by a OAP. Have you watched The Walking Dead. That show is so slow that for all I know it's playing backward. Hey, let's walk into another ambush, that'll be cool. Idiots.

According to the internet, there's a theory that Nicolas Cage is a vampire. Someone found some old photos that purport to be him. They're close but we all now know he's an avatar of Yog-Sothoth.

Sadly, our local Blockbuster gave up the ghost about two years ago. Are there any left?

None of this is about my enjoyment. I saved the world. Thanks so far? Nil.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 12 April, 2016, 09:20:00 pm
That's the first negative comment I've ever hear about the walking dead - people had me almost convinced to watch it at some point.  I still may to be fair - it receives rave reviews everywhere else... interesting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 April, 2016, 09:33:46 pm
I've been trying to watch it for years. It's not exactly fast-paced. It's aptly zombie-paced. Plus I have yell 'it's a trap you idiots' quite a lot. They never listen.

It's partly that I don't find zombies scary. There's loads of things I do find scary: non-angst-kitten vampires (or come to think of it, vampire kittens), poltergeists and assorted ghosts, kaijū, clowns, some (but not all) demons, an angry Chuck Norris. But zombies. You can fight them off with a stick, or merely walk away at a spritely pace.

Plus I have the attention span of a nematode.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 12 April, 2016, 10:17:47 pm
I quite liked the newer super-fast zombies of 28 days later and world-war-Z  - I was particularly enthused there when they flew from Israel to the world Zombie research facility in Cardiff - located neatly on one of my cycle routes (really - well the film location at least  :-D )  Not often Cardiff makes it into Holywood fillums.  I'm taking it that Walking dead is not that then.


Otherwise yeah I generally agree - it really makes me laugh that Zombie Flesheaters/Dawn of the Dead and such were banned as video nasties in the 80s.  They are just a tomato-ketchup fest.  ::-)   Gory in a kind of totally-unbelievable way I suppose.  Scary?  Hahahahaha
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 12 April, 2016, 10:25:02 pm
12 months ago I saw Seasick Steve, bought tickets for The Saw Doctors today - but that's not 'til October,. Hope I get to something before then  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 April, 2016, 12:47:49 am
Iron Sky

I'm unsure as to whether this is satire or just very very silly, but if all the Space Nazis looked like Renate1 then I for one would welcome our new Space Nazi overlords.

1: Although she reminded me quite a lot of Sally Phillips.  Sally Phillips as any kind of Nazi would be Just Wrong.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 13 April, 2016, 07:56:43 am
To be fair, film quality can be like the circles of politics and fashion - at the extreme ends of the good-bad spectrum they can merge into one.  The *very* worst films are often so bad it's genius.

This is normally apparent from the wide range of reviews and ratings - usually with few in the middle range, people either love it or don't get on with it at all. The same is true for films where a lot of people don't get the irony or the underlying point of the film, especially where the trailers make them think they're going to see an entirely different thing (like The Cabin in the Woods).

Knowing manages to score 3 point something on imdb, but scrolling through the first few pages of reviews there's not a single review offering more than one star, which is the minimum allowed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 April, 2016, 10:06:23 am
There's a trick to reading the reviews in this day and age. You have to winkle out the review intelligentsia and that's best found the critical end. It can be quite tricksy. I think I mentioned a book a while back (it's here (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17171909-brilliance)). It lumbered under a weight of five star reviews. The people, they apparently loved it. Now I'm obviously a bit of connoisseur when it comes to the bad, worse, and the awful, and this was all them and tied with a bow. One of the worse things I've read. Even accounting for taste and lack thereof, you couldn't stretch beyond a single star. Maybe a second star out of pity.

I'm giving Left Behind 1 star for the soundtrack and Knowing -3 stars because it makes no sense*.

*OK, I'll bite. You're aliens. You can see the future. You, for some reason, want to save the Earthlings (I'd not bother) from solar cataclysm. How are you going to do it? Send some cryptic numbers back to the 1950s and hope someone figures it out. You're only taking kids and, unaccountably, rabbits. Squirrels are a no-no. You might note an immediate problem here. The world is ending in 2013. You've sent the message back to 1950ish. You're only taking kids. Of course, your message just might get buried in a time capsule (well, they can see the future, but they rescue loads of kids and rabbits at the end, so that's a lot of time capsules) to be opened fifty years later. Or you could have skipped this entire step. So there's a message for the kids. Except the kids don't figure it out. Nicolas Cage does. Becauses he's at MIT. Presumably because the campus police haven't managed to track him down yet. Having uncovered that message concerns disasters a plane falls on him. As predicted. Oh my. He's the only parent whose 10 minute drive to pick up his kid from school involves a lengthy stretch of congested interstate (the movie didn't seem sure whether it was supposed to be in Boston or NYC, and they're about four hours drive apart on a good day). Nic Cage tracks down the original 1950s recipient's (who the aliens have kindly driven to suicide with their message) daughter and grandchild. We're not sure why. After some more cinematic treading of water, our Nic decides the best way to avoid cataclysm is to go to the coordinates on the message, which given that all the other coordinates refer to disasters, wouldn't seem to be a good idea. The woman dies a car wreck because they're being chased by aliens (why?), fortunately her daughter isn't too traumatised by this. Anyway, the aliens arrive at the coordinates and save all the kids and rabbits. But not Nic (because they're only saving kids remember). None of the kids solved the puzzle. They could have whisked off the kids from anywhere. There was absolutely no reason for any of the movie or plot that went before. None of it leads to the ending. Nic goes back to his estranged father, a pastor as it's all hideously unsubtle millennialist rapture crap, and the world ends. Kaboom goes the remaining CGI budget. Kids and rabbits end up in Garden of Eden on alien planet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 16 April, 2016, 09:34:42 am
The new Miles Davis movie has one of the cleverest bylines I've seen for a while:

"His story - with a little improvisation"

Groan. Can anyone beat that?

(it stars Don Cheadle and Ewan McGregor, which sounds rather promising. But then I rarely get on with music Bios  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 16 April, 2016, 11:40:41 pm
Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story

Crazy British shed-fettlers, we salute you!

I failed at Larrington-spotting, but did manage to spot Mr Obree when he came into the cinema for the Q&A afterwards, so it wasn't all bad.  You don't really appreciate quite how narrow Beastie is until you see it in the flesh.  Madness.

Cinema was packed with people other than the usual suspects, which explained the suspiciously empty bike racks.  I suspect publicity had been drummed up via local radio.

Well worth seeing if you get the opportunity.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 April, 2016, 04:25:06 am
I was the one driving the Mu(d)stang.  I think the end of my fag put in an appearance too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 17 April, 2016, 07:43:38 am
Iron Sky

I'm unsure as to whether this is satire or just very very silly, but if all the Space Nazis looked like Renate1 then I for one would welcome our new Space Nazi overlords.

1: Although she reminded me quite a lot of Sally Phillips.  Sally Phillips as any kind of Nazi would be Just Wrong.

Is that the "Nazis on the moon" fillum, if so I thought it was a mildly entertaining hour and a bit.

Started watching Europa Report on Netflix yesterday. Stopped again. Don't bother.

Did watch die hard 2 again though. Mr Willis on his usual form, but not a patch on Arnie in Predator the night before.

And yes, the wife IS away ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 17 April, 2016, 08:45:05 am
Batman-v-superman.

Hmmmm

Felt like episode one of a badly thought out TV series.

So much pointless stuff put in (I mean there are tribes in the Amazon that haven't seen civilisation for decades that know that Bruce Wayne's parents' death is what drives Batman) and loads left out (how convenient that Wonderwoman just happens to be in the area.)

Hopefully Suicide Squad won't be such a disappointment!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 April, 2016, 09:13:57 am
Started watching Europa Report on Netflix yesterday. Stopped again. Don't bother.

How very strange.  Netflix must be offering different selections in different countries. Europa Report isn't available here.  Copyright reasons, maybe: they aren't filtering out crap just because this is France.

(As I was writing the above one of the dogs let slip a silent deadly which reached my office as I reached the word crap. Film critics yet.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 17 April, 2016, 03:32:42 pm
We watched a really weird one last night - a film call Bad Words - a dark comedy with Jason Bateman (apparently he directed it too) about a 40 year old misanthrope hijacking a load of schoolchildren's 'spelling bees' (do they really do that in the USA?  how dull).


Sounds absolutely crap - was actually really pretty good. Who'd a thunk it.  Very funny, quite adult at times, despite the loads of children in there - and quite charming in the end too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 17 April, 2016, 04:39:43 pm
Iron Sky

I'm unsure as to whether this is satire or just very very silly, but if all the Space Nazis looked like Renate1 then I for one would welcome our new Space Nazi overlords.

1: Although she reminded me quite a lot of Sally Phillips.  Sally Phillips as any kind of Nazi would be Just Wrong.

Is that the "Nazis on the moon" fillum, if so I thought it was a mildly entertaining hour and a bit.

Started watching Europa Report on Netflix yesterday. Stopped again. Don't bother.

Did watch die hard 2 again though. Mr Willis on his usual form, but not a patch on Arnie in Predator the night before.

And yes, the wife IS away :-D


Ooh, this reminds me - I saw a trailer for that at the cinema a couple of years back - it looks shit, but just the sort of arch-silly shit that I love.  I must search this out.  Nazis in space - what can go wrong?  :-D ;)


On a similar model of masochism as Ian, we have decided against our better judgement to watch, as some Sunday afternoon shizzle, Pixels.  This could be a poor decision.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 April, 2016, 04:41:16 pm
Sarah Palin vs The Space Nazis has some cringeworthy bits, but on the whole it delivers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 17 April, 2016, 07:28:10 pm
Sarah Palin vs The Space Nazis has some cringeworthy bits, but on the whole it delivers.


Lol - now *that* sounds interesting.  :thumbsup:


We just laughed like drains all the way through Pixels - can't see why everyone is so down on it.


Might be because I am just smack-dab in the right age group for remembering all those video games I suppose.  Base the sequel on ZX spectrum games and no-one could be me at Lunar Jetman - raah.


There was a poor moment of English stereotyping and it was very juvenile but - dur - it's about 80s video games invading earth.  It was never going to be Dr Zhivago. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 April, 2016, 10:21:31 am
Batman-v-superman.

Hmmmm

Felt like episode one of a badly thought out TV series.

So much pointless stuff put in (I mean there are tribes in the Amazon that haven't seen civilisation for decades that know that Bruce Wayne's parents' death is what drives Batman) and loads left out (how convenient that Wonderwoman just happens to be in the area.)

Hopefully Suicide Squad won't be such a disappointment!

Yeah, if I see another Batman origin story I'll probably get so angry that'll make yet another Spiderman movie.

I was moderately excited on the plane the other week to see they had Deadpool. I sat them, cued up my G&T and it turned out to be the trailer in the 'coming soon' category. Ended up watching one of those M. Night Shalamadingdong movies. He's still going. To be honest, it wasn't as bad as it could be. If you've seen The Happening. Now that's a comically bad movie.

And yes, American's love 'spelling bees' (not literally, it's easy to spell b-e-e-s). I assumed it was some kind of cult, but apparently not.

Netflix selection is country dependent. Basically, in the US you get everything, in the rest of the world varying levels of Blockbuster shelf desolation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 18 April, 2016, 10:27:47 am
The trouble with superhero origin stories is that makes he idea of falling into a vat of toxic waste or being exposed to cosmic rays (or what have you) almost an attractive idea  :-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 April, 2016, 10:33:27 am
The trouble with superhero origin stories is that makes he idea of falling into a vat of toxic waste or being exposed to cosmic rays (or what have you) almost an attractive idea  :-D
Watch Agents's of Shield. It's a lottery whether you explode into dust, or become super sexy person with superpowers.

The odds aren't good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 April, 2016, 10:47:36 am
I irradiated my foot with iodine-125 (amongst other things). My special powers to date seem limited to being reasonably good at guessing the time without referring to my watch. I'm not yet found many crime-fighting applications for this special power.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 April, 2016, 12:51:21 pm
This Sporting Life.

If you are feeling too cheerful then watching this film will cure that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 April, 2016, 01:21:06 pm
The trouble with superhero origin stories is that makes he idea of falling into a vat of toxic waste or being exposed to cosmic rays (or what have you) almost an attractive idea  :-D

The antidote to this is the original "Robocop" when one of the bad guys crashed a van into a loadbof unspeakable gunge and turned into the kind of gloop you get in a pork pie six months past its sell-by date.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 April, 2016, 01:30:48 pm
The best superhero origin stories serve as a Frankensteinian Zeitgeist.  Electricity, radiation, genetic mutation... whatever seems powerful, poorly understood and scary at the time.

Batman's is timeless, and dull.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 April, 2016, 02:15:00 pm
Not seen but heard a mention last night of [urlhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt1612774/]Rubber[/url], a film about a homicidal car tyre.

I mean, WT actual F?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 April, 2016, 02:53:11 pm
Not seen but heard a mention last night of [urlhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt1612774/]Rubber[/url], a film about a homicidal car tyre.

I mean, WT actual F?
Let us not forget, a homicidal car tyre that gets a serious romantic crush on a girl.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 18 April, 2016, 04:28:20 pm
Hush.

I'm not usually one for slasher movies, but this one was great!  Mind, nobody from YACF would've even tried to ...

(click to show/hide)

Maybe don't watch this at night if you're a woman living alone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 April, 2016, 05:55:31 pm
Dr. Strangelove, for the first time in 25 years.  Shame they didn't make the wings of their B52 model flex properly, but it was pretty good all the same - and films from recent years haven't done much better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 April, 2016, 06:10:22 pm
Hush.

I'm not usually one for slasher movies, but this one was great!  Mind, nobody from YACF would've even tried to ...

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)


Quote
Maybe don't watch this at night if you're a woman living alone.

It's the sort of thing[1] that makes me want to wire the house with motion sensors, redundant power supply, backup communications, etc.  Life's too short to be flinching at every strange noise when you're on your own.  Besides, I'm genre-savvy and know that I'm far too sensible, queer and unattractive to be the subject of a horror movie - the psychopath will pick me off without warning in the first act, probably when I'm looking for an inhaler.


[1] Not really, that's having been physically threatened by actual burglars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 18 April, 2016, 08:52:48 pm
Hush.

I'm not usually one for slasher movies, but this one was great!  Mind, nobody from YACF would've even tried to ...

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)


Quote
Maybe don't watch this at night if you're a woman living alone.

It's the sort of thing[1] that makes me want to wire the house with motion sensors, redundant power supply, backup communications, etc.  Life's too short to be flinching at every strange noise when you're on your own.  Besides, I'm genre-savvy and know that I'm far too sensible, queer and unattractive to be the subject of a horror movie - the psychopath will pick me off without warning in the first act, probably when I'm looking for an inhaler.


[1] Not really, that's having been physically threatened by actual burglars.

Yeah, me too.  The inhaler thing  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 18 April, 2016, 09:52:27 pm
The trouble with superhero origin stories is that makes he idea of falling into a vat of toxic waste or being exposed to cosmic rays (or what have you) almost an attractive idea  :-D

The antidote to this is the original "Robocop" when one of the bad guys crashed a van into a loadbof unspeakable gunge and turned into the kind of gloop you get in a pork pie six months past its sell-by date.


Ah yes, a classic scene of gyore
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 19 April, 2016, 10:43:15 pm
Saw "Our little sister" today at the ICA, a Japanese film about three sisters who invite their newly-discovered step-sister to live with them.

As usual for a Japanese film, very subtly nuanced study of personal relationships, and authentic portrayal of life in Japan for those unfamiliar with same, with high food interests.

It's on at a few selected cinemas around the country, see ourlittlesister.co.uk (http://ourlittlesister.co.uk)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 April, 2016, 08:07:58 am
Saw the poster for Our Little Sister, thought it looked tempting, but actually went to see Dheepan. Good but disturbing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 April, 2016, 09:25:37 pm
Interstellar. Sort of the Grapes of Wrath in space, with Michael Caine, a poltergeist and quantum love. Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 25 April, 2016, 08:35:37 am
45 Years

Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay in a subtle, exquisite portrayal of people in a long marriage.  It's a marriage that falls into crisis a few days before a landmark anniversary - his past is made present, exposing the fragility of their (and every) seemingly strong relationship. 



There are no splosions or aliens or car chases in this film. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 25 April, 2016, 08:39:40 am
45 Years There are no splosions or aliens or car chases in this film.

For that alone, I shall watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 25 April, 2016, 08:35:14 pm
The last Hunger Games film.  It's not as bad as the third one.  Cheesy ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 April, 2016, 09:12:33 pm
I only watch files with explosions, aliens and car chases in them. Occasionally monsters.

What's the point otherwise? It's about as exciting as a walk down the street. Less so, come to think it, depending on where you live.

I'm quite excited to hear there's a movie about sausages coming out this summer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 25 April, 2016, 11:13:50 pm
Both have their place.  I once watched Babbette's Feast which won an Oscar for best foreign language film back in the 80s.  As far as I could tell nothing happened at all in it really (well a meal was cooked for two women who were terrible cooks  ;) ) *


But it was really a very excellent film.


I also like X-Men films too thobut.  O:-)




* there was  backdrop to the Napoleonic wars it *might* have had brief reference to early 19th century explosions - can't recall precisely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 April, 2016, 11:29:38 pm
I only watch files with explosions, aliens and car chases in them. Occasionally monsters.

What's the point otherwise? It's about as exciting as a walk down the street. Less so, come to think it, depending on where you live.

I'm quite excited to hear there's a movie about sausages coming out this summer.

That's got to be a French art film, gay sausages.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 26 April, 2016, 08:03:41 am
Samsara

Documentary with no commentary or dialogue. After a few minutes I was thinking it can't just be like this for the next hour and 40 mins? It is, but it's totally enthralling. Blu-ray/4k/surround sound is recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 26 April, 2016, 09:10:08 am
Re exploding alien car chases, I don't have a problem with it or them - singularly or multiply. They work in some films, where they are a part of the production.

What I don't like is a film that relies on them to carry the film. There has to be a semblance of character and story for me to be captivated.  Ok, one can wow at the cgi - and I can acknowledge the technical brilliance - but it's doesn't necessarily make for a good film imho.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 April, 2016, 09:40:51 am
Re exploding alien car chases,

Finally saw Brief Encounter last night! Took N to our local film-club as a birthday pressie (although she'd seen it before on the small screen). It is good, despite the low exploding alien count. Steam train fans are of course compensated.

One quirk is that it features several films-within-the-film, as our star-crossed lovers sneak into the cinema. One trip provides this quote:


The stars can change in their courses, the universe go up in flames,
and the world crash around us, but there'll always be Donald Duck.
 I do love him so... his dreadful energy, his blind frustrated rages.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 28 April, 2016, 09:47:33 am
Re exploding alien car chases,

Finally saw Brief Encounter last night! Took N to our local film-club as a birthday pressie (although she'd seen it before on the small screen). It is good, despite the low exploding alien count. Steam train fans are of course compensated.

One quirk is that it features several films-within-the-film, as our star-crossed lovers sneak into the cinema. One trip provides this quote:


The stars can change in their courses, the universe go up in flames,
and the world crash around us, but there'll always be Donald Duck.
 I do love him so... his dreadful energy, his blind frustrated rages.


It's gorgeous isn't it?

You can do a pilgrimage to the station where they filmed that, y'know.  They're very cycle friendly.

http://www.refreshmentroom.com/

We went there with Simeon Orme.  It was really special  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 28 April, 2016, 02:36:27 pm
Samsara

Documentary with no commentary or dialogue. After a few minutes I was thinking it can't just be like this for the next hour and 40 mins? It is, but it's totally enthralling. Blu-ray/4k/surround sound is recommended.

That sounds like the apotheosis of what is known in the Legs household as wankybollocks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 28 April, 2016, 02:40:04 pm
Samsara

Documentary with no commentary or dialogue. After a few minutes I was thinking it can't just be like this for the next hour and 40 mins? It is, but it's totally enthralling. Blu-ray/4k/surround sound is recommended.

That sounds like the apotheosis of what is known in the Legs household as wankybollocks.

Samsara is the go-to Bluray (and now 4K) demo disc.

It's a sequence of spectacular video sequences, showing just how beautiful the World can be.  Nothing more, nothing less, just beautiful stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tigerrr on 28 April, 2016, 05:10:53 pm
For foodies the classic Blowout' (Grande Boef? in Fr) is unbeatable. 3 typical noir frenchmen eat themselves to death  by gastronomic excess.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: billplumtree on 30 April, 2016, 08:49:43 pm
Finally saw Brief Encounter last night! [...] It is good, despite the low exploding alien count.

*weeps*  Best. Film. Ever. *weeps again, for different reason*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: billplumtree on 30 April, 2016, 08:55:26 pm
Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story

Crazy British shed-fettlers, we salute you!

I failed at Larrington-spotting, but did manage to spot Mr Obree when he came into the cinema for the Q&A afterwards, so it wasn't all bad.

Saw it last night.  Wonderful.  Also failed to spot Mr L, but I did notice that Battle Mountain has a Lemaire store, which will do.  And didn't manage to read all the names in the crowd-funder credits, but I did spot a certain forum member noted for their varying rim diameters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 01 May, 2016, 08:28:08 am
45 Years

Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay in a subtle, exquisite portrayal of people in a long marriage.  It's a marriage that falls into crisis a few days before a landmark anniversary - his past is made present, exposing the fragility of their (and every) seemingly strong relationship. 



There are no splosions or aliens or car chases in this film.

My favourite film, ever (Biutiful),  has none of those things in it.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 01 May, 2016, 10:55:14 am
Wild Tales

A film of six separate films back-to-back, with a common theme. Brilliant, hilarious and thought provoking.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 01 May, 2016, 09:20:13 pm
The Family (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Family_(2013_film))

A film about a New York family who move to France under a witness protection program, to escape the Mafia family that Robert de Niro was once a member of.  Whilst it's quite humorous in a fairly violent way (although not on the same scale as some films), the films ends with a suddenly substantially less funny section, but which still has its lighter aspects.

Overall I think it's a reasonable comedy film, although it does seem to try and be both a bit silly and meaningful, which I'm not entirely sure it manages to do seamlessly.

Still, any film with both Robert de Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer in, is not going to be bad, and I didn't expect a work of great artistic merit but something light and easy to watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 May, 2016, 11:49:40 am
Postman Pat: The Movie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postman_Pat:_The_Movie)

This was on Channel 4 for Bank Holiday Monday morning, while I was cooking.  It's actually surprisingly well made, and quite funny in places.  There are all sort of nods to other films, not least the Terminator bit at the end, with the Cat Bot!

The winner has to be when they're testing out various types of postman robots!

(http://balius.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/stuff/PostmanPatRobots480.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3gG3EPIHzA)
Click for YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3gG3EPIHzA)

(Also, I hadn't realised that Postman Pat had been privatised, although he still drives a Royal Mail van, whilst working for SDS ... wtf?  In the TV series, he seems to have an SDS van now.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 May, 2016, 12:57:56 pm
He got a helicopter licence at some point, too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 02 May, 2016, 07:43:35 pm
Attack the block. Good fun
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 May, 2016, 10:01:23 pm
If....

Such a great film, one of my all-time favourites and I don't think I will ever tire of it. It was listed on Netflix so I told my son he should watch it, so he did, and I watched it with him. He was a bit nonplussed by it, which is interesting. He clearly has some gaps in his cinematic vocabulary that need to be filled in. I shall have to force feed him some Truffaut and Godard, for starters...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 03 May, 2016, 08:54:47 am
Took my (almost) 9 yo to see the Jungle Book yesterday.  Having never liked the cartoon much, even as a child, I went prepared to be unimpressed but I have to say it is very well done. Visually, it's a treat and the human/computer-generated animal interaction is generally excellent. The panther doesn't work too well - it's a little stiff - but most of the others are good enough to allow you to suspend disbelief and be absorbed into the story. 

There's also a neat nod to "Apocalypse Now", which I won't spoil for you.

Our enjoyment was spoiled only by the couple in the row in front of us who thought it was sensible to bring a baby (about 9 months) and a three year-old to a PG film and let them shout. cry, scream and generally make a racket all the way through.  I fail to understand how anyone can be so oblivious to their impact on others.  Or maybe they simply don't give a ****.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 May, 2016, 09:16:59 am
If....

Such a great film, one of my all-time favourites and I don't think I will ever tire of it. It was listed on Netflix so I told my son he should watch it, so he did, and I watched it with him. He was a bit nonplussed by it, which is interesting. He clearly has some gaps in his cinematic vocabulary that need to be filled in. I shall have to force feed him some Truffaut and Godard, for starters...

Damn and bloody blast, pissfarting Netflix shovels us their "international" selection in France, i.e. 90% UScrap with a token selection of French stuff. Lots of gutter sludge about US Marines and retired FBI jocks leveraging each other's bollocks to save the world and heal their father/son relationships on the side, but none of the great old classics of British cinema.  I hope their Vaseline dries up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 May, 2016, 06:00:35 pm
If....

Such a great film, one of my all-time favourites and I don't think I will ever tire of it. It was listed on Netflix so I told my son he should watch it, so he did, and I watched it with him. He was a bit nonplussed by it, which is interesting. He clearly has some gaps in his cinematic vocabulary that need to be filled in. I shall have to force feed him some Truffaut and Godard, for starters...

Yes, I enjoy 'If... '   The theme tune (Missa Luba by Les Troubadours Du Roi Baudouin) is good too.

Maybe you could force feed him with 'O Lucky Man' a sort of sequel.  It makes me think things haven't changed much!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 May, 2016, 06:17:07 pm
The theme tune (Missa Luba by Les Troubadours Du Roi Baudouin) is good too.

My parents had the LP of that and played it a lot when I was growing up. I always get the Sanctus as an earworm for several days every time I watch the film. The rest of the LP is pretty good too, actually - I rather like the Gloria.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 May, 2016, 07:08:09 pm
If....

Such a great film, one of my all-time favourites and I don't think I will ever tire of it. It was listed on Netflix so I told my son he should watch it, so he did, and I watched it with him. He was a bit nonplussed by it, which is interesting. He clearly has some gaps in his cinematic vocabulary that need to be filled in. I shall have to force feed him some Truffaut and Godard, for starters...

Yes, I enjoy 'If... '   The theme tune (Missa Luba by Les Troubadours Du Roi Baudouin) is good too.

Maybe you could force feed him with 'O Lucky Man' a sort of sequel.  It makes me think things haven't changed much!
That jogs my memory. I reckon my parents must have had it too – but it was probably one of the pile of LPs that rarely got played except when I was exploring.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 May, 2016, 02:09:48 pm
Stop at Nothing: the Lance Armstrong Story

Pure documentary, haven't noticed it mentioned in here before.
Even at a couple of years' remove from the scandal, still riveting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 May, 2016, 02:19:56 pm
Incidentally, in the evenings we've been watching this:

Pablo Escobar, El Patrón del Mal (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2187850/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

which is a jolly romp.  He would have made a good running-mate for Donald Trump.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 10 May, 2016, 09:31:47 pm
Dr Terror's House Of Horrors.  Very good (and unusual) cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 13 May, 2016, 06:51:50 am
District 9 - not what I expected at all but I rather enjoyed it.

Not sure if it was meant to have subtitles or not though. Our version didn't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 May, 2016, 09:17:34 am
District 9 - not what I expected at all but I rather enjoyed it.

Not sure if it was meant to have subtitles or not though. Our version didn't.


Yes, there are points in the film where there are subtitles – from memory these were on screen rather than being an option to turn on and off so I’m surprised there weren’t any.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 13 May, 2016, 09:20:07 am
Resident Evil - beginning to end tosh, but what the hell, you can't always do hi-brow.

It did have zombies though so that was definitely a redeeming feature. I do like zombies. They are such a very low tech, basic baddie. I love the way they get around (not literally but also) in so many movies too.  They add something, a guaranteed factor, despite any directorial intention, just by being there. A known quantity; you feel safe with zombies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 13 May, 2016, 09:30:47 am
Started watching R.E. a while back. It was intriguing enough at first, but then it was "oh, fucking zombies again" and I bailed out.

District 9 I'm very fond of. I thought Neill Blomkamp might be an interesting director to follow, but Elysium was Hollywoody crap and I haven't bothered to seek out Chappie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 13 May, 2016, 05:38:57 pm
Possibly a 'dodgy' copy so maybe that's why no subtitles. It worked without so would be interesting to watch again and see how it changes it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 14 May, 2016, 08:04:31 pm
The Danish Girl
I cried buckets at the last set-piece, which was both allegorical and beautiful, as well as following a leitmotif for the whole film. Redmayne is good, though he simpers a bit as Lili, but Anna Vikander is wonderful as Gerda.

I finally got around to watching this. It's a quite superb example of film making, thoroughly recommended.

It's tempting to view Redmayne as the star, and it is an excellent performance particularly sensitive and nuanced at times, but I agree - Vikander is consistently brilliant. Hers is THE performance and, I suspect, Gerda is 'the Danish Girl' of the title.

Actually, reading back, I don't make this seem as good a film as it is. Just watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 14 May, 2016, 11:39:45 pm
Special Correspondents

One of Ricky Gervais's projects.  Surprisingly enjoyable in spite of that, the humour is very sharp and British. 

Two horrible, horrible journalists fake being in a war because they lose their passports.  Of course there's more to it than that, but that's the gist.

6/10 - worth watching once for an undemanding evening of entertainment with pizza and a mate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 16 May, 2016, 04:50:50 pm
The Place Beyond The Pines.

Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eve Mendes, Bruce Greenwood and Ray Liota.

(click to show/hide)

Not exactly crap but I have seen better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 16 May, 2016, 05:03:56 pm
The Place Beyond The Pines.

Coincidentally, I saw this last night (you're not in France are you?).

Coincidentally, I agree with your conclusion.

A long film that seemed longer. Not at all bad and, in fairness, well acted but there is an element of 'so what?' to it.

That said, it held me. Imho a film has to be pretty darned good to sustain me over 100 minutes and this film did that even if I wondered why when the credits rolled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 16 May, 2016, 05:09:12 pm
Captain America Civil War.


As I have probably said upthread, last year the wife and I kind of noticed that we hadn't seen anything at the cinema in recent years that wasn't either a superhero film or Sci-Fi/Fantasy film of some kind.  We decided we'd stop that and get some proper highbrow culture in next time.


Unfortunately we then immediately saw trailers for the aforementioned film and X-men Apocalypse and we looked at each other and said 'Oh just those two more then'  :-D   I think we need methadone to get off these really.




Well it was great fun and - well - an Avengers film with great action and some self-mithering about the morality of dropping buildings on people when 'doing good'


It is what it is - a Marvel superhero film and one of the better ones I think although they all start to merge into one.  It did inspire us to watch Avengers Assemble and Iron Man the first after on Sunday evening. 
Faustus or A La Recherche du Temps Perdu it is not...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 May, 2016, 06:40:05 pm
Our Kind of Traitor.

A bit clunky and simpler than usual but some quite suspenseful moments.  The ending was a bit of wishful thinking IMO.  Worth a viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 May, 2016, 08:31:46 pm
True Story

Wish I'd read the Guardian review (http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jul/16/true-story-review-exasperating-tale-of-a-disgraced-journalist) first. It sums up the whole film perfectly in two words: dramatically inert.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 17 May, 2016, 09:30:50 am
My wife watched that on Sunday - I pretended to but really I was fettling my bike - she enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 May, 2016, 07:30:04 pm
X-Men Apocalypse. I discovered I'd somehow missed one of the series, but who keeps track. One the better lines (and there's quite a few) in Deadpool (which I heartily enjoyed) was about the fiendish difficulty of keeping track of the X-Men timelines. We get another Wolverine origin (seriously, Hollywood, we know, c.f. Batman, Spiderman, etc.). Things go bang. There's a very naughty mutant. There always is. Magneto is conflicted. He always is. McAvoy loses his hair (another origin story, we wondered how he got to Patrick Stewart, all is answered). Actors protest about being blue for an entire movie and get their wish. Quite enjoyed it.

As Jeff Goldblum says in the trailer for the new Independence Day as the aliens partake in their sundry destruction (and yes, I have my tickets and high expectations), "they always go for the landmarks". So true, Jeff, so true. I'm scared to step on Brooklyn Bridge theses day. Temerarious nefarity seems to like stomping Tower Bridge a lot too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 May, 2016, 07:47:28 pm
As Jeff Goldblum says in the trailer for the new Independence Day as the aliens partake in their sundry destruction (and yes, I have my tickets and high expectations)...

If he doesn't save the day with an iPad Pro, I'll want my money back.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 24 May, 2016, 08:05:59 pm
I must have missed the bit where he lost his hair - although I did notice he'd gone bald.


Prof X was always bald in the comics - this is hardly unreasonable of them.  I saw Wolverine's appearance as a 'just another Wolverine cameo' in the newer timeline - not quite as punchy as the one in X-Men First Class of course (that was awesome :D ).  Besides they did lead up to this in Days of Future Past - presumably the one you missed I"m guessing - it's much better than this one...


The comics were forever rehashing the origin stories so I'm not sure that's not Stan Lee rather than Hollywood.  How old is that guy now - he was ancient in the 70s!?


I definitely enjoyed it - but as I said earlier my inner 70s child can't withdraw himself from these.  :-D It must stem from the disappointment of seeing Spiderman Strikes back in 1978 when we missed a showing of Close Encounters and longing for the days when they could do these properly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 24 May, 2016, 08:08:04 pm
One cannot believe they've done an Independence Day sequel.  But then I suppose an industry that did a sequel to Police Academy 5 hasn't yet found its nadir.
I shall *maybe* watch that on TV - I still want my money back for the first one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 24 May, 2016, 08:10:11 pm
(sorry can't resist)


20 years I've waited...


 :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 May, 2016, 08:43:46 pm
Oh, I loved Independence Day. Gigonormous alien fisticuffs. Jeff Goldblum saving the Earth with a Mac. Try that with a PC, hold on – shittens mckittens, it's fucking installing Windows 10, now now!. Or Linux. What do you mean there's no driver in the kernel for alien motherships? We don't have time to recompile the kernel! I did a little happy dance when I heard they were doing a sequel. And when I say little, it wasn't. People left the room. Or ran more like. A complete ninja funk out. You gotta let that shit out.

Stan Lee is quite old, but aging well judging by the cameo (he's up to 25 films now, apparently).

Reminds me, I did see Captain America: Civil War last weekend. Enjoyed that too. These sorts of movies are IMax crack. Highbrow culture is so overrated. My brain likes getting dirty. Wrestling in mud in just its underpants. That's my intellect. I'm also lined up for the new Star Trek and Suicide Squad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 24 May, 2016, 09:45:42 pm
I was trying to watch 'Funny Girl' with Barbra Streisand, but my mate Ian had to leave and mcshroom offered to give him a lift home.

They should've just said!

 ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 25 May, 2016, 07:57:50 am
I really hated 'Funny Girl'. That's all I remember about it. But I was only a kid when I saw it so maybe I oughtn't be trusted.

Premium Rush - light, fun, lots of cycling (not all of it quite believable but what the hell), some cool bike handling skills. Who cares about the plot? Fixed gear, metal frame, no brakes - the way to live.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 May, 2016, 03:56:24 pm
Independence Day 2 :facepalm:  Labor Day, perchance?
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 May, 2016, 09:53:14 pm
Love & Friendship

A bit light on exploding helicopters and/or zombies, but totally and utterly wonderful despite that. Made me LOL a lot more than I was expecting. I've long been a fan of Whit Stillman and I've long been a fan of Jane Austen, but I never imagined what a perfect marriage they would make. Superb. Kate Beckinsale is magnificent. Also, Tom Bennett as the comedy foil very nearly steals the show. Peas have never been so funny.

ETA: just listened to Kermode's review this morning. He reckons it's the best film he's seen this year. Also the notorious curmudgeon Peter Bradshaw gives it 5/5 stars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 May, 2016, 09:32:56 am
¾ of Cockneys vs Zombies, mostly to see how the wonderful Mrs. Gale is holding up these days (well, 4 years ago).  Not bad at all, Mrs. G - John Steed would be proud.

As to the film, it's good wallpaper for practising the banjo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 29 May, 2016, 08:10:54 pm
Whiplash

Mediocre fillum, but I liked the story and the music (especially the final scene) is amazing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 30 May, 2016, 09:38:30 am
Whiplash

Mediocre fillum, but I liked the story and the music (especially the final scene) is amazing.
Really? I loved it. I thought a lot better than mediocre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 May, 2016, 10:17:33 pm
Love & Friendship

Followed that up tonight by watching Damsels in Distress cos it was on Film4 and it's the one Whit Stillman film I haven't got round to seeing before. Loved it. Possibly not as much as Love & Friendship but it did make me laugh a lot. Greta Gerwig is wonderful as the main character Violet - apparently shallow and entirely devoid of all seriousness but with a rather touching undercurrent of sadness.

I can see a lot of people hating this film. Whit Stillman either works for you or he doesn't. I'm am unashamed fan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 31 May, 2016, 12:36:06 pm
Captain America Civil War.
...
Well it was great fun and - well - an Avengers film with great action and some self-mithering about the morality of dropping buildings on people when 'doing good'

It is what it is - a Marvel superhero film and one of the better ones I think although they all start to merge into one. 
... 
Faustus or A La Recherche du Temps Perdu it is not...

We say this yesterday. I really enjoyed it. Though I hardly recognised the comic in the film it didn't matter because

I definitely enjoyed it - but as I said earlier my inner 70s child can't withdraw himself from these.  :-D It must stem from the disappointment of seeing Spiderman Strikes back in 1978 when we missed a showing of Close Encounters and longing for the days when they could do these properly.

And in Civil War they introduce a Peter Parker that looks like the one I've been waiting for. Aunt May, on the other hand...

The airport fight is just wonderful. It's big, it's fast, it's complicated and it's funny. Those 5 or so minutes alone were worth the ticket price. The occasional plot hole is forgiven. As is the need sometimes to forget some of the characters: a Thor or a Hulk or a Vision would make most fights quite short. In fairness, the films are only employing the same device as the comics when they 'park' a character (whether ignoring him/her or finding some way to temporarily check them) to even things up and create tension.

Bonus points to anyone who watches this film without shouting "Splitters" at one or other side.

If you judge a film by the reaction of the target audience, this one was a hit. My 9 year old (who hasn't dressed up in a long time) went straight upstairs when we got home to fetch his little brother's CA helmet and shield to go outside and practice his gymnastics.

Oh, and Suzy enjoyed the Cap/Bucky helicopter scene for her own reasons.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 31 May, 2016, 12:41:46 pm
Ah yes, the new envisioning of Aunt May was rather intriguing was it not  :facepalm: :-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 31 May, 2016, 01:00:01 pm
Captain America Civil War

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 01 June, 2016, 10:37:55 am
Whiplash

Mediocre fillum, but I liked the story and the music (especially the final scene) is amazing.
Really? I loved it. I thought a lot better than mediocre.

I'm probably being too harsh but I found it less engaging than I was expecting. I'd watch it again though (and probably will to give it a second chance).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 01 June, 2016, 10:46:00 am
The Big Short. Very interesting, and quite thought provoking. Even though it's a US story, it did make me question the UK property market and whether or not I really want another mortgage. That being said, compared to the US it really does seem the mortgage brokers in the UK are actually pretty professional.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 June, 2016, 10:52:13 am
Oh, I'm sure the US ones are professional, but at what is a different question.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 01 June, 2016, 11:09:19 am
Alice in Wonderland (the 2010 Tim Burton one) - excellent animation/effects, some great lines and amusing pantomime acting (esp Bonham-Carter and Depp)  but rather surprisingly I found it quite dull. A good watch though.

Trumbo - a straight down the line, no frills movie. Solid in construction, script and performances. It's the factual story (McCarthy era film industry black list) that holds you rather than the movie. I found out afterwards that Bryan Cranston was Oscar nominated for his performance. I can't say that I see why; it didn't suck but neither was it anything startling - like the movie itself, it was simply very proficient.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 01 June, 2016, 11:36:48 am
The Heart of the Sea - Very good and pretty close to the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 June, 2016, 12:18:53 pm
Alice in Wonderland (the 2010 Tim Burton one) - excellent animation/effects, some great lines and amusing pantomime acting (esp Bonham-Carter and Depp) 

Burton / Bonham-Carter / Depp

You only need watch the first minute...

Guess the leading Lady (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV3MQtpYikM)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 02 June, 2016, 01:07:32 pm
The Prestige - magician rivalry, obsession and acts of desperation. This is a Christopher Nolan film and just as he did with his excellent Momento, the film structure somewhat mirrors/reinforces the plot. Here again, he moves around in the timeline and generally messes with your head. The 'magic' theme also being played to with a number of obvious deceptions to distract the eye. The truth is all there though, put out before your eyes to see, if you want to see it. The ending, obvious when you know how.

It's the 2nd time I've seen it and it remained intriguing even when knowing the outcome. There are plot 'conveniences' (best not dwelt on) but it moves steadily towards the final scene. Superbly made, solidly acted, stylish with excellent staging. It get's my recommendation.

In summary, an excellent film that leaves you satisfied at the reveal - just as a magician's trick might. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 June, 2016, 01:31:27 pm
That film annoyed me intensely, because they went to some lengths to establish a steampunk / science fiction setting and then did a fantasy ending.  They had a couple of really obvious scenes where they could have established the genre more solidly, too.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2016, 01:55:18 pm
I like the Prestige but it's a bit of a pale shadow of things like Inception, Batman Begins et al. for me. 


Still it's got Wolverine in it  :thumbsup: :-D ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 02 June, 2016, 01:56:41 pm
The point was that
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 02 June, 2016, 01:58:39 pm
Are you sure we're talking of the same film? Because

Quote
they went to some lengths to establish a steampunk / science fiction setting

doesn't sound like the film I watched!

At a push, I'd say there was a 'Brazil'/Heath Robinson like depiction of some 'tech' elements (e.g. the transporter machine) at times but it seemed to me to be firmly set in Victorian London! And, tbh, I considered that incidental. For me, it was more a film about rivalry and obsession - the lengths some will go to to be the best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 02 June, 2016, 02:01:21 pm
I like the Prestige but it's a bit of a pale shadow of things like Inception, Batman Begins et al. for me. 

I get your drift. I liked it more than BB. Inception, I'm struggling to recall (not a good sign!)* but I'd rate Prestige on a par with Insomnia but trailing Momento.

*edit - not seen it. A search reveals it comes in at near 2.5 hours - that tends to put me off, even for directors I like! But I don't think it was a film that made my radar, for whatever reason.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2016, 04:30:05 pm
Ooh you should watch Inception - very cool.


People liken it to the Matrix but aside from a similar-ish feel it isn't really.  I suppose there is a dream-world element to it but not in the same way at all - I've seen it several times - though I do own in on video.  :-) 


What's wrong with 2.5 hrs?  That's pretty normal these days is it not?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 02 June, 2016, 04:45:15 pm
Alice through the Looking glass, similar in feel to the Tim Burton Alice film , not the most intricate of plots but some real eye candy and an enjoyable film to sit through. We saw it in 2D and thought afterwards that it might have been worth seeing the 3D version. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 June, 2016, 04:46:17 pm
Sicario- a good story but I think the reason Emily Blunt was recruited took too long to be established- I spent a while thinking 'Why the fuck has she been dragged into this by TPTB?'

A kick ass Emily Blunt is a good thing though, Benicio Del Toro is a very believable foil and Josh Brolin does the laid back spook to perfection.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 June, 2016, 04:46:39 pm
It's half term so we went to watch Captain America Civil War. Unusually for a film with a 12A rating the audience included several adults without children (and at midday!). The plot in which a violent rift in a group of superheroes dedicated to fighting crime and saving the world is exploited by an arch villain, allows the exploration of themes around liberty and the rule of law, unity, loyalty and treachery, jealousy, the poisonous effects of anger, forgiveness and revenge, not to mention the cold war and the superiority of Disney over Sony. You also get two 1990s British Telecom vans causing mayhem in a Lagos market, and a lot of laughs in the main superhero vs superhero fight scene, especially from Spider Man.

Jnr gave it 9.8 out of 10.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 02 June, 2016, 04:48:05 pm
I lack an attention span. A film has to be pretty darned good to hold me for over 100 - 110 minutes.

Seriously, one of the things I do look at when deciding on a film is its length.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2016, 04:49:22 pm
The extended versions of LoTR are just up your street then  :-D ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 02 June, 2016, 05:10:00 pm
The extended versions of LoTR are just up your street then  :-D ;)

I watched the first three (unextended) out of obligation (long story) in succession over a couple of days, with several pots of tea, packets of biscuits and pee stops. I found the films tedious. One of them, it felt like they spent the best part of an hour saying farewells. The extended versions must be hell.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 June, 2016, 05:17:18 pm
What's wrong with 2.5 hrs?  That's pretty normal these days is it not?

Normal is not the same as good. Most films are far longer than they need or deserve to be these days.

I'm quite keen to see Money Monster simply because Jodie Foster has a policy of making films that don't outstay their welcome (Money Monster is 98 minutes).

Who'd have thought Jodie Foster would be the spiritual heir to Roger Corman!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 June, 2016, 05:20:55 pm
I agree. Even a superheroes film gets spun out to two or more hours, and it's really just a series of animatronics and explosions punctuated by product placements! I reckon it's the cinema chains rather than directors, studios or writers pushing this; sells more popcorn!  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 02 June, 2016, 05:36:55 pm
X-Men Apocolypse: 144 minutes. Just say no, directors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 June, 2016, 05:43:20 pm
The point was that
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(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 June, 2016, 06:17:39 pm
The extended versions of LoTR are just up your street then  :-D ;)

I watched the first three (unextended) out of obligation (long story) in succession over a couple of days, with several pots of tea, packets of biscuits and pee stops. I found the films tedious. One of them, it felt like they spent the best part of an hour saying farewells. The extended versions must be hell.

I binge-watched all three extended versions back-to-back to welcome in the New Year.  And because I am a glutton for punishment I then watched the first Hobbit film.  That was enough hobbity nonse for one 24 hour period.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2016, 06:21:00 pm
The point was that
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If you're holding out for sensible science from Hollywood, I wish you luck.  I frequently have to hold my nose.  Even Breaking Bad was not really very realistic (and that's held out as a paragon of virtue on that front.  Of course I have no problem with dramatic license to a point so Breaking Bad does get forgiven.  Almost everything else, not so much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2016, 06:21:55 pm
The extended versions of LoTR are just up your street then  :-D ;)

I watched the first three (unextended) out of obligation (long story) in succession over a couple of days, with several pots of tea, packets of biscuits and pee stops. I found the films tedious. One of them, it felt like they spent the best part of an hour saying farewells. The extended versions must be hell.


Ooh no, more Elveses  :-D :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 02 June, 2016, 07:19:34 pm
What's wrong with 2.5 hrs?  That's pretty normal these days is it not?

Normal is not the same as good. Most films are far longer than they need or deserve to be these days.

I'm quite keen to see Money Monster simply because Jodie Foster has a policy of making films that don't outstay their welcome (Money Monster is 98 minutes).


Hear-hear!

(I like to THINK I have a decent attention span - I have enjoyed a few 3hr films - the problem is that most films only have 90mins worth watching.)

RE: Prestige
1) As I recall the book suffered exactly the same odd science/magic/WTF?? issues. I struggled to the finish, but never understood what on earth it was really about :/
WIll not watch the movie.

2) googling "prestige steampunk" suggests that lots of people put the film in that category.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 02 June, 2016, 07:21:32 pm
The extended versions of LoTR are just up your street then  :-D ;)

I watched the first three (unextended) out of obligation (long story) in succession over a couple of days, with several pots of tea, packets of biscuits and pee stops. I found the films tedious. One of them, it felt like they spent the best part of an hour saying farewells. The extended versions must be hell.

I binge-watched all three extended versions back-to-back to welcome in the New Year.  And because I am a glutton for punishment I then watched the first Hobbit film.  That was enough hobbity nonse for one 24 hour period.

I could understand that rendering LOTR unto the silver screen and thence the anbaric distascope would result in flicks of arse-numbing length, but given how compact The Hobbit is in comparison, once it was apparent that Peter Jackson was going to mine the barrels that Christopher Tolkien had made out of his father's background notes*, I decided that I couldn't be arsed.

* ISTR that round the time I first read LOTR, there was Unfinished Tales and the Book of Lost Tales, bits of which filled in the gaps as to what Gandalf was up to while the Hobbitses were on the first part of their epic journey, but last I checked, the extras seemed to be up to a dozen volumes on top of LOTR, The Hobbit and The Really Grimdark One AKA The Silmarillion.

EDITED: for spelling
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 June, 2016, 07:21:58 pm
I agree. Even a superheroes film gets spun out to two or more hours, and it's really just a series of animatronics and explosions punctuated by product placements! I reckon it's the cinema chains rather than directors, studios or writers pushing this; sells more popcorn!  ::-)

Uses the screens less often though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 June, 2016, 07:23:13 pm
The extended versions of LoTR are just up your street then  :-D ;)

I watched the first three (unextended) out of obligation (long story) in succession over a couple of days, with several pots of tea, packets of biscuits and pee stops. I found the films tedious. One of them, it felt like they spent the best part of an hour saying farewells. The extended versions must be hell.

I binge-watched all three extended versions back-to-back to welcome in the New Year.  And because I am a glutton for punishment I then watched the first Hobbit film.  That was enough hobbity nonse for one 24 hour period.

I could understand that rendering LOTR unto the silver screen and thence the anbaric distascope would result in flicks of arse-numbing length, but given how compact The Hobbit is in comparison, once it was apparent that Peter Jackson was going to mine the barrels that Christopher Tolkien had made out of his father's background notes*, I decided that I couldn't be arsed.

* ISTR that round the time I first read LOTR, there was Unfinished Tales and the Book of Lost Tales, bits of which filled in the gaps as to what Gandalf was up to while the Hobbitses were on the first part of their epic journey, but last I checked, the extras seemed to be up to a dozen volumes on top of LOTR, The Hobbit and The Really Grimdark One AKA The Silmarrilion.
Yeah. Plus 1
I've not watched The Hobbitses and hopefully never will.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2016, 08:28:52 pm
Nothing wrong with a 2.5 hr film if it's warranted, I suspect a lot of the time that's down to personal taste.  Personally I just try and enjoy films - sometimes they're overlong, sometimes 90 minutes I want more (that's better admittedly) sometimes I find 2.5 hrs perfectly fine - I don't see that there's any general rule you can put on it personally.


I think it's a very difficult thing for the film makers themselves to predict tbh.  A couple of Costner films spring to mind.  Dances with Wolves and Wyatt Earp - both are about 3 hrs, both essentially are atmosphere pieces - one is brilliant, one is so dull that I had to switch it off or chew my own leg off with the pure boredom of it (you can probably decide which is which for yourselves).  I doubt he did that intentionally -sometimes you have to let the audience decide.


I can watch superheroes smashing the world to bits quite happily  ----->  moi <----- Philistine *shrug*




The Hobbit extensions have nothing whatsoever to do with Lost Tales, Unfinished Tales etc. Tolkien himself sold the film rights to the Hobbit and LoTR in his lifetime to pay a debt.  Christopher Tolkien would not sell the film rights to the rest if his entire remaining family was on fire and despises Peter Jackson in particular I think.  The filler in the Hobbit films is pure made up stuff by Jackson with a *little* bit of stuff from the LoTR appendices.


I can't image - amusing as it was in the final Hobbit film for a moment - that any Tolkien family member envisaged Dain Ironfoot as portrayed by Billy Connolly  ::-) [size=78%] [/size]

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 June, 2016, 09:15:51 pm
Nothing wrong with a 2.5 hr film if it's warranted

The problem is that films of that length are becoming the norm rather than the exception, and it's definitely not because they all warrant being that long - or are you telling me that X-Men:Apocalypse really is up there with Lawrence of Arabia as a masterpiece of epic storytelling?

Quote
I don't see that there's any general rule you can put on it personally.

It's not a general rule but a quantitative assessment that too many films these days suffer from bloat and general flabbiness.

As someone who writes for a living, I know how hard it is to come in under a set word count - perversely, it's much easier to write longer. But good self-editing is an art, and failing that, having a good external editor who can cut your work for you is extremely valuable - your work is nearly always much snappier and more effective when it's tightly edited and brought in as short as possible. It forces you to make sure that every word counts, and that you're not including anything that doesn't absolutely need to be included.

Film-making isn't my area of expertise but my experience as a viewer is that exactly the same rule applies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 June, 2016, 09:32:13 pm
I'm not sure comparing X-men Apocalypse with Laurance of Arabia is a fair comparison.  X-Men Apocalypse isn't even that good an X-Men film really. They're not *really* aimed at the same audience methinks.


I'm generally happy with 2.5 hr films - maybe I have a long attention span :-)


Certainly snappy is a good thing - that's true of science writing too which is my thing.


I've always thought 90 mins was a bit too short for a fillum mind so maybe I'm just weird.  Where is the rule that a film *must* be 90 mins?  It was just a thing that was the norm for a long time so we get accustomed to it.  I used to be very frustrated with films based on books I'd read leaving soooo much out to be of that length.  Not really something to get worked up about for me.  I can't think of many films that have offended me by their length (Wyatt Earp was just offensively bad - 10 minutes was too long there) - I rarely actually pay attention to how long they are or how long I've been in the cinema (or front room).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 June, 2016, 09:53:55 pm
The people who create things are always the worst editors. That includes film directors. Even if it's good and worthwhile, sometimes it deserves to be cut and benefits from the knife.

I can't bring myself to sit through Tolkein in any format.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 June, 2016, 07:46:16 am
..
I can't bring myself to sit through Tolkein in any format.

Aha!  Now ve haz vays of making you talk..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: closetleftie on 03 June, 2016, 09:50:58 am
"Alice: through the looking glass" with the kids, yesterday. OK, actually. Kids enjoyed to too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 June, 2016, 04:09:51 pm
The people who create things are always the worst editors. That includes film directors. Even if it's good and worthwhile, sometimes it deserves to be cut and benefits from the knife.


Tarantino is a prime example of this. Several of his films, the majority actually, suffer from chronic "bloat".

He needs to hand over to an experienced Editor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 June, 2016, 06:50:51 pm
PLEASE don't start theTarantino debate  :facepalm:

 ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 June, 2016, 12:40:19 pm
Going back to Captain America for a minute, surely his costume, with its cute, close-fitting helmet that stretches so tightly over his perfectly American features, is one of the earliest media representations of a gimp suit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 June, 2016, 12:54:09 pm
Election

Even funnier than I remember it. Reese Witherspoon is brilliant. Matthew Broderick is briliant. Alexander Payne is a genius.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 04 June, 2016, 10:46:40 pm
Road to Roubaix, a documentary about Paris Roubaix, centering on he 2007 edition. Quite an atmospheric effort apart from Lance Armstrong waxing lyrical and being sad about how he never played.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 June, 2016, 11:02:25 am
I did attempt to watch The Hateful Eight on the plane. Failed. Partly I findly the entire Tarantino schtick a bit old and indulgent now and, as said, it needs to be edited. In a few more years he'll be making movies that last the entirety of a long haul flight. We'll have to make planes that fly to the moon just to air his movies on the seat back. Plus, I'm getting old and soft and find the level of violence a bit discomforting. I tuned out and watched Take Shelter instead, one of those movies I'd never heard of, but quite enjoyable. The sort of movie that Sixth Sense guy used to make before he hired a biplane and used it to fly over sharks.

Not a movie, but my topic fidelity is traditionally lacking and I can't be bothered starting a things you've watched on planes thread (which would just be the edifying spectacle of me writing for myself), but I finally finished off Fear the Walking Dead and yup, it turned into stupid people soap opera with zombies. I was hoping they'd slow it down and explore the outbreak but it's run headlong into the usual territory. I'll skip season 2. I also watched Crazy Ex-Girlfriend which sounded awful (and I'm still suffering flashbacks from my 37 second exposure to Catherine Tate's Nan) but was actually quite amusing, though I confess I fell in love with lead actress. I'm also worried that I've really started to like musical comedy. I blame my wife for the exposure. I found the words 'shall we book something on Broadway' dripping out of mouth the other week when my wife was holiday planning. I saw her smile, the one that said my work here is done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 June, 2016, 03:22:51 pm
I first saw A Fish called Wanda on a plane in the 80s.  There was something wondrous about a entire 747-ful exploding with laughter when John Cleese said "Fuck off, pigs".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 05 June, 2016, 04:24:27 pm
I'm going to see Woody Allen's Cafe Society tomorrow night.  I expect I've seen it before.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 05 June, 2016, 11:28:04 pm
X-Men Apocolypse: 144 minutes. Just say no, directors.

Just got back from seeing this.

I was so bored.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 June, 2016, 08:17:03 am
Network, 1976. Faye Dunaway, William Holden and Peter Finch. Oh, and Robert Napalm-in-the-Morning Duvall, who was already mostly bald.

Really, really good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 07 June, 2016, 08:01:01 am
I'm going to see Woody Allen's Cafe Society tomorrow night.  I expect I've seen it before.

I was right. I had seen it before. Jesse Eisenberg got to deliver Woody's lines this time and, in fairness, he did a good job. It's a pleasant enough film; stylish, well shot, ably acted and not without a charm- and, of course, some amusing self-deprecating lines. But it falls a long way short of being a great film, or even the best Allen movie.

On the plus side, when I got home Repulsion was on (there's a Roman Polanski season on one of the channels). From Allen's amusing sexual angst to seriously deranged sexual obsession/disgust. Catherine Deneuve is simply brilliant and carries the film, acting with her eyes and past an otherwise blank expression (take note Kristen Stewart; whose 'less is more' style in Cafe Society shows that 'less' is sometimes only that). Deneuve goes from angst to full throttle whack job before your eyes. A very disturbing, and utterly brilliant, movie imho.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 June, 2016, 08:26:58 am
The Accidental Death of a Cyclist.  A film documentary about Marco Pantani whom we all remember as the Pirate.

Disregarding a tendency to exonerate Pantani from his own actions it was a good insight into the murky world (of 1990s pro cycling) he entered and the reasons why doping must be eliminated from the sport.  The death of the cyclist maybe referred to the fact that Pantani would have been a great rider to have around if there had not been doping.  Whilst Armstrong is a villain, Pantani was just another sad fool especially with the example of Tom Simpson to look back on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 June, 2016, 04:03:22 pm
Kill List. Ben Wheatley must have had a lot of fun. Model of clarity beside A Field in England.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 19 June, 2016, 10:03:47 pm
Well seeing as I have a deep cultural connection with and love of the genre of Gangsta Rap (er not.  :-D )  but I had a mate long ago who with great relish told me all about the group N.W.A their criminal records and their song 'Fuck da Police'  I felt I had to watch 'Straight outta Compton' this weekend.


Really really good film as it happens.  Excellent in fact.  I suppose Ice Cube has form with Boyz 'n the Hood as an actor although he was just a producer of this.  Of course I've since found out that they reformed in 2015 so this wouldn't have been a coincidence.  Nevertheless, as I said, really good stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 June, 2016, 08:12:43 am
From Dusk till Dawn. Quite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 June, 2016, 04:16:42 pm
I'm going to see Woody Allen's Cafe Society tomorrow night.  I expect I've seen it before.

I was right. I had seen it before. Jesse Eisenberg got to deliver Woody's lines this time and, in fairness, he did a good job.

Coincidentally I saw Eisenberg on "The Last Leg" at the weekend and commented that he's be perfect to play Woody Allen in a Biopic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 20 June, 2016, 06:49:15 pm
Deadpool (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIM1HydF9UA)

I'm sure there are plenty of people here who will hate it, but I like the utterly irrelevant stupidity of him repeatedly breaking the fourth wall (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_wall).  It's a fairly violent film, and links into both the X-Men and Avenger universes, which is kind of odd since the rights are owned by different film studios (20th Century Fox and Marvel Studios respectively, I think).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 20 June, 2016, 07:40:08 pm
I think that's not quite accurate.  Fox certainly own something but from what I read a while back, Marvel got around this (after nearly going bust as Fox gave them a pittance in the initial contract) by looking at their massive range of characters and realising they could just use their other characters.  Perhaps they have both moved on to a more sensible situation these days...?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 20 June, 2016, 09:08:01 pm
Yes, I also vaguely recall reading something about how they had come to an agreement about using some elements of each others characters, but in a limited fashion.  They only have two lesser known X-Men (well, one is a woman) in this film, and at one point Deadpool does make a sarcastic comment about that, so it may well reflect a limitation of what they can do with Fox's characters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 June, 2016, 08:25:05 am
The Motorcycle Diaries, the story of Ernesto Guevara's trip round South America with his cousin, back before he became Ché. Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 21 June, 2016, 09:10:23 am
Speaking of motorcycle films, I saw the tail end of The World's Fastest Indian yesterday. It sufficiently interested me to flag it as one to watch in the future. I was impressed with Hopkin's accent.

The Southland accent is not your typical (i.e. as most people might know it) Kiwi accent. Most people think of the Kiwi accent as being a bit like the Australian one but it is different - and very different the further south you go. A lot of Scots made their home in Southland and so the accent is influenced by that - notably the rolling R sound - yet it also has some of the distinctive Kiwi vowel sounds. For me, cool to listen to!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 21 June, 2016, 11:25:23 am
Machette 2 - when i woke up in the middle of the night. That was quite odd ....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 22 June, 2016, 02:57:54 pm
The Armstrong Lie.

Very good and convincing picture of our local monster. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 June, 2016, 05:46:15 pm
1911.  Mistake. The Chinese revolution from beginning to end in 2 hours, with history captions on-screen at the same time as subtitles that disappeared almost as soon as they appeared.  And at the end a chunk of potted praise for the enlightened management of the Communist Party. 5/10.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 June, 2016, 02:25:13 pm
R.I.P.D. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790736/)

Ryan Reynolds stars as a murdered cop seconded to the Rest In Peace Department before arrival in the hereafter. He is then teamed up with Jeff Bridges who plays a departed wild west lawman.

They set about saving the world from the undead (Deado's).

A bit like a mix between MIB and Ghostbusters with ordinance.

Very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 June, 2016, 03:26:39 pm
The "El Mariachi" series.  Interesting to observe the pattern across the three films: the first film had unknown stars and a budget of $7000, and was excellent; the second had big names, a budget of $7 million and a crappy bog-standard plot obviously forced on it by Columbia; the third still had the big names and a bigger budget but a much better script.  The first one is by far and away the best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 July, 2016, 04:14:16 pm
Sharknado 2: The Second One (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3062074/)

Far more silly than the first film.  It has a lot of cameos, but I don't think anyone other than a USAian would recognise many of them, since they seem to be mostly from US TV.  As usual, they kill people at a rapid pace, and find original ways to get in trouble, and kill sharks.  Mostly the people seem to get killed by having the sharks fall on them.

Fin Shepard should obviously be avoided at all costs, since like John McClane, he appears to have a strong affinity for death and destruction.  Who else would have to land a jet aircraft because of an engine shark strike?!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 July, 2016, 04:20:37 pm
You've almost persuaded me to watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 02 July, 2016, 06:09:58 pm
Having recently signed up for Netflix, we have been having a bit of a film binge, so over the last 7 days, as a family, we have watched :

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Avengers Assemble
Captain America
Captain America : The Winter Soldier

All enjoyable, the first CA film I had forgotten nearly all of, The Boy...  was very emotional.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: billplumtree on 02 July, 2016, 08:44:47 pm
Sunset Song.  God, that was dire.  Supposedly set in the hills above Aberdeen, at the time of the Great War - but, hey, any old general-purpose vaguely scottish accent will do.  And some of the acting was even less convincing.  I've ordered the book (in fact the trilogy of which this is the first part), in the hope that I'll get more from that, cos I'm sure there's a decent story in there somewhere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 July, 2016, 10:37:06 pm
Enough Said

Apart from Toni Collette, it was a load of crap.  Another middle-aged dating movie, pah.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 02 July, 2016, 11:57:08 pm
On the train up to Bath the day before last I watched Groundhog Day. I love that film. I may just plonk myself down next time it is Groundhog Day and find one of the channels that plays it back to back all day long.

And last night I re-watched, for the first time in years, The Running Man, classic Arnold nonsense. I've got Total Recall with me to watch too  :thumbsup:  ;D :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 July, 2016, 08:10:32 am
Tale of Tales enigmatic and beautiful, at times ugly and cruel. As fairy tales need to be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 July, 2016, 08:12:48 am
On the train up to Bath the day before last I watched Groundhog Day. I love that film

One of my all time favourites. And I don't really know why. It just works for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 July, 2016, 08:34:45 am
Currently watching the rather stereotyped Nardone series.  Lacks the flair of Montalbano but the cars are nice.

On the train up to Bath the day before last I watched Groundhog Day. I love that film

One of my all time favourites. And I don't really know why. It just works for me.

Never seen it.  For some reason I thought it featured Robin Williams and avoided it. He was a great actor, but something about him always made me blench.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 03 July, 2016, 01:22:10 pm
It struck me that Groundhog is dodgy enough as it is, Bill Murray is basically trying to have sex with a woman so he manipulates her emotions to inveigle himself with her. It's a bit like the Richard Curtis time-traveling film where he bends time to get inside someone's knickers. Seems wrong somehow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 July, 2016, 01:23:36 pm
See H.G. Wells, "The Man who could Work Miracles". The Korda version is good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 July, 2016, 03:26:46 pm
It struck me that Groundhog is dodgy enough as it is, Bill Murray is basically trying to have sex with a woman so he manipulates her emotions to inveigle himself with her. It's a bit like the Richard Curtis time-traveling film where he bends time to get inside someone's knickers. Seems wrong somehow.

Indeed. It doesn't bear too close a scrutiny really. Lord knows how many years Murray's character spent practising his chat up lines until he finally bedded McDowell's character... but he finally did it. And that's when he finally gets to wake up to a new day. As you say, it's on well dodgy ground. Added to that, the McDowell character - despite being a strong and intelligent women - goes from loathing this selfish slob, a man she has hated for years, to loving him within the space of a few hours (of her time) There's a decidedly male perspective, a misogyny even, to the film. She's a conquest for him, albeit one that requires him to become a 'better person' in the process.

I acknowledge all of that yet still find myself liking the film immensely. Call it a weakness. I like Depeche Mode too    :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 03 July, 2016, 05:25:17 pm
I thought she was a new producer and hadn't known him that long?

And I read it as more once he stops thinking of her as a conquest and stops acting to only help himself does he get out of the loop.

And the barman's wry grin at both his and the cameraman's antics - is that just a barman's standard I've seen everything grin or does he know something? Echoes of Quantum Leap if so.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 03 July, 2016, 05:37:08 pm
Having recently signed up for Netflix, we have been having a bit of a film binge, so over the last 7 days, as a family, we have watched :

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Avengers Assemble
Captain America
Captain America : The Winter Soldier

All enjoyable, the first CA film I had forgotten nearly all of, The Boy...  was very emotional.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 July, 2016, 05:45:09 pm
Boo hoo. CA's not available on French Netflix. :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 03 July, 2016, 05:48:48 pm
I thought she was a new producer and hadn't known him that long?

Maybe, dunno, don't remember. She didn't like him at all was my over exaggerated meaning. Maybe she knew of him before actually working with him? Again, dunno. I'm grasping!

Quote
And I read it as more once he stops thinking of her as a conquest and stops acting to only help himself does he get out of the loop.

Yes, I can see that reading. My overly earnest, sensitive youth wouldn't have allowed me to go there though. 'All men are bastards etc and women need protecting from us' sort of thing.

I really ought watch it again oughtn't I?  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 July, 2016, 06:44:27 pm
I thought the implication was that they *didn't* have sex and the loop was broken because that didn't matter to him any more.

But never mind that, he's supposed to have spent decades in the time loop (self-evident, because it takes years to really develop a skill).  And for some reason he *doesn't* completely freak out when the loop is finally broken and he doesn't know what's going to happen any more...

TBH, the great thing about Groundhog Day is that any subsequent story featuring a time loop pretty much has to make reference to it, even when played straight. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 July, 2016, 07:08:42 pm
I thought the implication was that they *didn't* have sex and the loop was broken because that didn't matter to him any more.

They don't have sex, the loop is broken because he finally stops trying to stop being a douche and does nice things for other people for no reason other than to be nice.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 03 July, 2016, 08:38:41 pm
I did misremember, he changes the curse by karmic means.

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Headscratchers/GroundhogDay

So Murray did two Scrooge films.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 03 July, 2016, 08:42:19 pm
That's true, I didn't consider the actual sex angle but they DO wake up in pajamas. Then again that's sometimes the case in films anyway along with the L-shaped duvet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 04 July, 2016, 12:30:04 am
Ab Fab

Don't watch it if you didn't care for the TV series.  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 July, 2016, 08:42:39 am
TBH, the great thing about Groundhog Day is that any subsequent story featuring a time loop pretty much has to make reference to it, even when played straight. :)

Bloody hell, you mean that if I watch it I'll have to watch all the others all over again?

If I build a time machine I'll go back and murder Bill Murray's grandfather (some time around the Boer War).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 July, 2016, 01:43:37 pm
Man with a Cinecamera.  (https://youtu.be/axosrbPaWcw) It's like a love song to the future, hope, achievement, happiness and above all of course cinema, against the backdrop of a big city (at least three, actually) in the early days of the Soviet Union.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 July, 2016, 09:56:37 am
What We Do In The Shadows - mockumentary about ancient vampires coping with modern life in NZ.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 July, 2016, 05:56:35 pm
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant. Kid flick but fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 July, 2016, 07:28:13 pm
Now You See Me 2. If fits well with the popular saying that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, in that it has magic which is insufficiently distinguishable from technology. Harry Potter it's not. Michael Caine appears in a white suite (does he ever wear anything else?). The popcorn sustained me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 07 July, 2016, 11:35:46 pm
Now You See Me 2. If fits well with the popular saying that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, in that it has magic which is insufficiently distinguishable from technology. Harry Potter it's not. Michael Caine appears in a white suite (does he ever wear anything else?). The popcorn sustained me.

Leather or velour?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 July, 2016, 09:51:46 am
A mixture of salt and sweet. You were asking about the popcorn?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 July, 2016, 08:52:11 pm
The Homesman.

A good adaptation of the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 July, 2016, 09:25:54 am
After reading the comments above, finally watched Groundhog Day and enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 10 July, 2016, 09:50:09 pm
After reading the comments above, finally watched Groundhog Day and enjoyed it.

Watch it again tomorrow, you'll enjoy it just as much!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 12 July, 2016, 03:00:15 pm
After reading the comments above, finally watched Groundhog Day and enjoyed it.

Watch it again tomorrow, you'll enjoy it just as much!

He probably did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 July, 2016, 05:38:34 pm
Didn't, but will before too long.

Started watching the Netflix "Narcos" series. First ep OK.  Have read, though, that they left out Pablo's bro Roberto, substituting some fictional bloke who eventually ratted to the CIA, and Roberto is suing them for it - that and their acquiring the rights to the "Escobar" trademark.  Shame. Roberto was a pro cycling champion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 12 July, 2016, 08:06:40 pm
Ghostbusters

Much better than I feared.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 July, 2016, 08:09:57 pm
Ghostbusters

Much better than I feared.

That's good to hear.

I had a dream the other night that it wasn't shit, and that the dire trailer was an elaborate ruse.  Almost as disappointing to wake up from as the Freddie Mercury one (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13224.msg2052385#msg2052385).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 13 July, 2016, 02:48:15 pm
We watched a real gem last night -

Me, Earl and the Dying Girl

I was a bit dubious at first as it seemed to be typical teen angst type stuff but it had a 4.5/5 rating and so we thought - meh, why not.  Turned out to be very witty and amusing, oozed charm from every orifice and managed to be a real tear jerker at the same time. Absolutely wonderful movie - I'd thoroughly recommend it, but bring your hankies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 22 July, 2016, 06:18:50 pm
Lara Croft - Tomb Raider.


Bit of an Angelina Jolie theme going on here recently.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 22 July, 2016, 11:41:20 pm
Continuing the theme...

Hackers

Barakta found the DVD in a charity shop a while ago, and it was the first thing to hand while checking that libdvdcss2 was installed correctly[1].  I realised I'd never seen it all the way through, so decided to rectify that.

Oh my god it's dire.  It should be destroyed in case impressionable children find it and think the 1990s were really like that.  Okay, it's maybe not that bad, if you ignore everything pertaining to computers, don't find the main characters obnoxious, can cope with the horrendous sexism, gratuitous product placement and don't question why all the school-age characters are played by adults but most of the adult characters are about 12.

On the plus side, they did do some dumpster-diving (though that's not traditionally a sexual activity that culminates in a firearms offence, but maybe I've just been doing it wrong), and the Wikipedia article about the film contains the following gem:

Quote
The cast spent three long weeks getting to know each other and learning how to type and rollerblade.

Which is so fantastically 90s that it almost makes up for what I just watched.

I think I need a good strong dose of Sneakers[2] to recover...


[1] Which represents about 1000% more h4xx0ring than you'll see in the entire movie.
[2] Proper Hollywood hacking, Robert Redford and River Phoenix.  What's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 July, 2016, 08:26:05 am
Interstellar yet again to see if we could understand that McGonagle chappie without subtitles. Nope.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 23 July, 2016, 10:49:39 pm
London has Fallen


Thankfully, I only stole this film - I didn't actually buy it, so all I had to do was delete it from my drive.

What a hateful piece of Pro-American shite it is. It's like Independence Day - but worse.

TL;DR
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 July, 2016, 11:48:42 pm
Sneakers

I refer to the post above.

Never gets old.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 July, 2016, 11:50:07 am
London has Fallen


Thankfully, I only stole this film - I didn't actually buy it, so all I had to do was delete it from my drive.

What a hateful piece of Pro-American shite it is. It's like Independence Day - but worse.

TL;DR
(click to show/hide)

I loved it. They blow up London and then blow it up some more. What's not to like?

The new Independence Day, on the other hand, was entirely disappointing.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 24 July, 2016, 11:56:33 am
Xmen 3, The Disappointment. So called due to thinking that Jean Grey is dead (see X2) only to find she isn't! The one saving grace, so far, is that Cyclops appears to have "bought the farm".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 24 July, 2016, 12:11:42 pm
Passchendaele. Grim stuff, Slough of Despond etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 July, 2016, 01:10:12 pm
Seabiscuit.  All the way through I was thinking it too sweet to be wholesome and when it ended I thought the story had been mucked about to add a bit of syrup & moral uplift, but on looking the nag up on Wiki the whole thing turns out to have been true. Duh.  Still a bit hyperglycaemic, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 24 July, 2016, 02:21:50 pm
The BFG.  thoroughly enjoyable, worth seeing in 3D too
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 July, 2016, 02:22:57 pm
Ghostbusters

Much better than I feared.

But how is this possible! It has WOMEN in it! Gah! </the internet>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 July, 2016, 07:40:37 pm
Ghostbusters

Much better than I feared.

But how is this possible! It has WOMEN in it! Gah! </the internet>

Did I miss something important about Sigourney Weaver in the original or something?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 July, 2016, 09:46:22 am
What felt like three six hours of Once Upon a Time in Anatolia, wherein we learnt that a) the suspect didn't know where he had seen/done/discovered whatever it was they (three carloads of Turkish bobbies) were looking for at dead of night in the middle of nowhere and b) the prosecutor had trouble piddling.  By the clock only 45 minutes had elapsed.

The thing won a Palme d'Or at Cannes, so we should have known better. Or maybe it's relativity at work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 25 July, 2016, 09:51:14 am
Passchendaele. Grim stuff, Slough of Despond etc.


They've made a film of that? Wow, is it very muddy perchance?  Well it would be grim I guess, that's kind of what it's famous for.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 25 July, 2016, 09:52:40 am
Xmen 3, The Disappointment. So called due to thinking that Jean Grey is dead (see X2) only to find she isn't! The one saving grace, so far, is that Cyclops appears to have "bought the farm".


Blimey, keep up.  Dontcha know that Jean Grey has now morphed into Sansa Stark?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 July, 2016, 10:08:21 am
Xmen 3, The Disappointment. So called due to thinking that Jean Grey is dead (see X2) only to find she isn't! The one saving grace, so far, is that Cyclops appears to have "bought the farm".


Blimey, keep up.  Dontcha know that Jean Grey has now morphed into Sansa Stark?
That's the reboots, following from x-men first class.
I actually enjoyed that, especially the wolverine as utterly uncontrolled animal. "There's something in there" "Is it an animal" "No, I think it is a man, at least it used to be, but they took something away."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 July, 2016, 11:02:36 am
Ghostbusters

Much better than I feared.

But how is this possible! It has WOMEN in it! Gah! </the internet>

Tbh though the trailer failed to whelm, unless Chris Hemsworth* drawing b00bs is big laffs. It can wait for a seatback premiere. I personally like women. I can look at them all day, or at least until the local constabulary move me along.

I got me Star Trek tickets for the weekend.

*who is freaking me out, by poster-stalking me. Wherever I am, I glance around and there he is, in some watch advert pointing right at me in a very stern 'you, yes you' fashion. It's probably because my idea of a classy watch costs £9.99 in Decathlon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 July, 2016, 03:22:26 pm
Who you gonna watch?

Actually you're probably not, seeing as there were only six (yes, I counted) other people in the cinema with us. But it was really good. It could so easily have been a huge disappointment but they avoided that by not doing a plain remake. And it's still got the catchy theme tune.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 28 July, 2016, 07:12:54 pm
A Royal Night Out -  interesting and not in the best way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: muddypete on 28 July, 2016, 09:22:18 pm
Jason Bourne.
Brilliant! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 28 July, 2016, 10:34:20 pm
Passchendaele. Grim stuff, Slough of Despond etc.


They've made a film of that? Wow, is it very muddy perchance?  Well it would be grim I guess, that's kind of what it's famous for.
That the Canadian film?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 July, 2016, 10:41:25 am
Tbh though the trailer failed to whelm, unless Chris Hemsworth* drawing b00bs is big laffs.

I've somehow managed to avoid seeing this famously bad trailer. I feel like I'm missing out.

I have no interest in seeing the film anyway, but that's not for any special reason about the film. I have no interest in seeing Star Trek or Independence Day: Regurgitation either. There's just so little on at the cinema that appeals to me these days, and when there is, it usually comes and goes before I get a chance to see it (or doesn't come at all, in the case of Sing Street).

I would happily go for a repeat viewing of Love & Friendship though. That was great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 July, 2016, 11:04:43 am
A gruesome thing called He Never Died featuring a grim, monosyllabic gent who inter alia digs bullets out of his own skull with a pair of pliers, causing one to obsoletely inkle that all is not cricket on the Rialto; and sure enough it ain't.  He makes a terrible mess of his clothes and sundry goons before telling the golden-haired/hearted female lead who he is (and for once it's neither Dracula nor Ahasuerus) and stumbling orf into the nite.

Kinda relaxing. Not recommended for plot/story/meaning/moral uplift/breakfast viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 July, 2016, 11:06:38 am
You see, Mr Citoyen, you are my antithesis. The anti-me. It's through your virtuous viewing and reading that I am able to wallow in output of Hollywood's finest and write my vampire trash. You're the reason that I can watch those Transformer movies. Because I know you will balance me.

But yeah, that trailer. I'm not sure, tbh, I thought much of the original Ghostbusters. I rewatched it a couple of years ago and it was a bit 'meh'. Who you gonna call? Your mum, that's who.

I don't care, I'm looking forward to Star Trek and the latest Bourne thing. Oh, those CIA. They're always up to something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 July, 2016, 11:10:10 am
A gruesome thing called He Never Died featuring a grim, monosyllabic gent who inter alia digs bullets out of his own skull with a pair of pliers, causing one to obsoletely inkle that all is not cricket on the Rialto; and sure enough it ain't.  He makes a terrible mess of his clothes and sundry goons before telling the golden-haired/hearted female lead who he is (and for once it's neither Dracula nor Ahasuerus) and stumbling orf into the nite.

Kinda relaxing. Not recommended for plot/story/meaning/moral uplift/breakfast viewing.
I've seen that. It's kind of great for some of the utter non-eventfulness. Bingo. He goes to bingo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 July, 2016, 12:58:52 pm
Funnily enough, I think I could watch it again.  Don't think madame would much cotton to it, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 29 July, 2016, 01:41:28 pm
Independence Day: Regurgitation

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 29 July, 2016, 03:20:42 pm
Closer - this film seems to firmly divide. Some love it, I hated it. Strong performances, notably from Clive Owen, and brutal dialogue at times but for me it's all a tad too self aware, thinks it's saying something profound, I'd go so far to say it teeters on pretentious even.

A film of a play and I would imagine that on stage it's very intense. I could even see me perhaps enjoying it. On the plus side, it made me think of the differences between stage and film. Which wasn't its intention  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 July, 2016, 03:28:05 pm
We watched a very odd film last night -  a strange order from Lovefilm by post that neither of us remember ordering - a fillum billed as a 'horror' called the Philadelphia Experiment from 1984 - it was distinguished for me only by me recognising the leading woman in it as being her who was also the leading lady in Robocop.
Robocop was very very high quality compared to this (actually I think Robocop is great but it is what it is).  Utter bilge - and as far as I could tell it was pure Sci-fi and nothing whatsoever to do with horror.  But whatever.  We are currently blaming each other for ordering it - but it was different I suppose  :-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 July, 2016, 03:44:26 pm
Independence Day: Regurgitation

 ;D ;D ;D

Tbh, I just couldn't remember the real name!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 July, 2016, 03:48:09 pm
We watched a very odd film last night -  a strange order from Lovefilm by post that neither of us remember ordering - a fillum billed as a 'horror' called the Philadelphia Experiment from 1984 - it was distinguished for me only by me recognising the leading woman in it as being her who was also the leading lady in Robocop.
Robocop was very very high quality compared to this (actually I think Robocop is great but it is what it is).  Utter bilge - and as far as I could tell it was pure Sci-fi and nothing whatsoever to do with horror.  But whatever.  We are currently blaming each other for ordering it - but it was different I suppose  :-D

Is that the one where the cloaking device on the WW2 warship sends the ship and a couple of the crew into the future?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 July, 2016, 03:49:42 pm
Yep, that was the general plot line  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 July, 2016, 03:50:21 pm
Ah, right- don't know it.


 ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 July, 2016, 03:50:54 pm
Good job, stay away  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 July, 2016, 04:19:09 pm
We watched a very odd film last night -  a strange order from Lovefilm by post that neither of us remember ordering - a fillum billed as a 'horror' called the Philadelphia Experiment from 1984 - it was distinguished for me only by me recognising the leading woman in it as being her who was also the leading lady in Robocop.
Robocop was very very high quality compared to this (actually I think Robocop is great but it is what it is).  Utter bilge - and as far as I could tell it was pure Sci-fi and nothing whatsoever to do with horror.  But whatever.  We are currently blaming each other for ordering it - but it was different I suppose  :-D

It all happened, just like the UFO abductions and the Area 51 event. They just don't want you to know.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 29 July, 2016, 04:46:43 pm
We watched a very odd film last night -  a strange order from Lovefilm by post that neither of us remember ordering - a fillum billed as a 'horror' called the Philadelphia Experiment from 1984 - it was distinguished for me only by me recognising the leading woman in it as being her who was also the leading lady in Robocop.
Robocop was very very high quality compared to this (actually I think Robocop is great but it is what it is).  Utter bilge - and as far as I could tell it was pure Sci-fi and nothing whatsoever to do with horror.  But whatever.  We are currently blaming each other for ordering it - but it was different I suppose  :-D

It all happened, just like the UFO abductions and the Area 51 event. They just don't want you to know.

I remember that film really well!  There's a bit where the ship re-materialises and some of the men have been melted into the ship and bits of them are sticking out of the deck, legs and stuff, still wiggling.  It gave me nightmares that did!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 29 July, 2016, 04:52:46 pm
The other night we watched "Xmen 3, Let's F*** About With Timelines". Carp is not the word for it, but TLD enjoyed it.

Once she had gone to bed, we watched "Deadpool". I laughed, lots!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 30 July, 2016, 09:13:42 pm
GHOSTBUSTERS!

And I loved it. Also, I think they based Holtzmann on Charlotte.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 01 August, 2016, 02:07:19 pm
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI1a1DvZlyI)

... which is exactly what it is called, Pride and Prejudice with Zombies.  If you dislike period drama, or zombie films, you'll probably hate this too, and I can't help wondering if the audience who likes both categories may be a bit small.  Still, in a rather oddly fascinated way, I enjoyed it.  Very BBC quality period filming and acting, with generally utterly deadpan lines concerning zombies, or subjects pertaining to them.

Quote from: Elizabeth Bennet
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 01 August, 2016, 02:45:36 pm
Finding Dory

Animated talking fish. Oh, and a friendly octopus septopus.

Brilliant fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 August, 2016, 03:59:25 pm
GHOSTBUSTERS!

And I loved it. Also, I think they based Holtzmann on Charlotte.
That's exactly what I thought!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 August, 2016, 04:18:26 pm
The missus has developed a thing for Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, so I'm fighting sleep every evening. B-movie grade Agatha Christie knock-offs, only not as believable. Bloody atrocious, in fact.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 August, 2016, 11:25:43 am
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI1a1DvZlyI)

... which is exactly what it is called, Pride and Prejudice with Zombies.  If you dislike period drama, or zombie films, you'll probably hate this too, and I can't help wondering if the audience who likes both categories may be a bit small.  Still, in a rather oddly fascinated way, I enjoyed it.  Very BBC quality period filming and acting, with generally utterly deadpan lines concerning zombies, or subjects pertaining to them.

Quote from: Elizabeth Bennet
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.

It wasn't as bad as I feared, tbh, despite not (a) being a fan of period drama and (b) thinking zombies are about half as scary as baby badgers. Someone gave me the book because because 'it sounded like the kind of crap I'd come up with' (I really should get around to feeling offended more often) and I managed about a chapter before giving up on a joke that had got stale pretty much immediately. The film had a bit more verve and managed a modest B-grade zombie flick without the period drama accoutrement.

In other news – Star Trek: Beyond. Entertaining enough. I'd hate to see the insurance premiums on the Enterprise, must be more than a chavved-up Golf with a 17-year-old driver. Other than that, a pretty standard issue Star Trek formula. Bad guy, festering grudge, yadda yadda yadda. Like Star Wars, I do kind of wish they'd do something a bit different rather than retread what's gone before with a couple of different, younger characters

Suicide Squad next, when I get back from me hols. Sadly, no Jason Bourne on the IMAX for some reason.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 August, 2016, 07:10:19 pm
... I'd hate to see the insurance premiums on the Enterprise, must be more than a chavved-up Golf with a 17-year-old driver. ...

To be fair, the Enterprise is essentially a military vessel, and I don't see Starfleet paying for a policy any more than HMG will be for the HMS Queen Liz.  Self-insuring is somewhat cheaper.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 August, 2016, 07:14:33 pm
... I'd hate to see the insurance premiums on the Enterprise, must be more than a chavved-up Golf with a 17-year-old driver. ...

To be fair, the Enterprise is essentially a military vessel, and I don't see Starfleet paying for a policy any more than HMG will be for the HMS Queen Liz.  Self-insuring is somewhat cheaper.

Plus, in the Trek universe, the insurance companies are clearly going to be operated by Ferengi.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 03 August, 2016, 08:06:37 am
Sneakers

I refer to the post above.

Never gets old.

Thanks for the recommendation, we watched this on Sunday.

I've not heard of it before, and to be honest I would never have picked it from the bizarre casting: Robert Redford and Sidney Poitier as geeks WTF? But it turned out to be very good indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 03 August, 2016, 09:20:28 am
I don't Often get time to arch films but my current situation has given me quite a bit of time, so I've watched a few older films that I haven't seen for years - Mermaids and Mystic Pizza. It I've also recently watched Maleficent.  Originally I didn't want to see it, but as I had nothing else to do I put it on and was pleasantly surprised.  It was a great to spend a few hours while I was a bit brain dead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 August, 2016, 09:57:31 am
I was surprised by that one. Didn't expect much apart from eye candy, but it is a fairly good retelling of a trad fairy tale.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 August, 2016, 11:15:00 am
... I'd hate to see the insurance premiums on the Enterprise, must be more than a chavved-up Golf with a 17-year-old driver. ...

To be fair, the Enterprise is essentially a military vessel, and I don't see Starfleet paying for a policy any more than HMG will be for the HMS Queen Liz.  Self-insuring is somewhat cheaper.

Plus, in the Trek universe, the insurance companies are clearly going to be operated by Ferengi.
Doesn't the Federation ethic of Unity mean no one is a fereng?  :D

Anyways, my verdict on the same film: Rock n roll saves the world!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 August, 2016, 01:01:48 pm
... I'd hate to see the insurance premiums on the Enterprise, must be more than a chavved-up Golf with a 17-year-old driver. ...

To be fair, the Enterprise is essentially a military vessel, and I don't see Starfleet paying for a policy any more than HMG will be for the HMS Queen Liz.  Self-insuring is somewhat cheaper.

Plus, in the Trek universe, the insurance companies are clearly going to be operated by Ferengi.

Our dogs' health insurance used to be with Generali, an Italian company - they're ferenghi, relative to France.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 August, 2016, 03:36:35 pm
The Generals Daughter (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0144214/) Starring John Travolta as a military investigator dealing with the murder of a serving captaion who is also the daughter of a respected general.

Twists and turns and not a bad film.

What I really enjoyed however was the music at the intro and end credits- a number of traditional (Southern U.S. sounding) songs. Very different and engaging.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 08 August, 2016, 04:06:27 pm
Speed. Haven't seen it in ages. It hasn't aged well but I enjoyed though I did spend a good portion of the film yelling at the telly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 August, 2016, 09:32:23 pm
The Generals Daughter (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0144214/) Starring John Travolta as a military investigator dealing with the murder of a serving captaion who is also the daughter of a respected general.

Twists and turns and not a bad film.

What I really enjoyed however was the music at the intro and end credits- a number of traditional (Southern U.S. sounding) songs. Very different and engaging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myhnAZFR1po
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 August, 2016, 07:24:43 pm
Keanu. I loved it. Best. Name. For. A. Kitten. Ever.

LA gangstas and a kitten. It's all you need to know. And my favourite joke of the year so far.

Midnight Special. A bit odd, part road movie, part ET for adults. Tried a little bit too hard for 'cult'. Not quite as good as Take Shelter, with the same lead (Michael Shannon) that I saw on another flight.

The lady in seat 70F really enjoyed 10 Cloverfield Lane it seemed, judging by the the gasps, occasionally oohs, and arms thrown in front of the face.

Oh, and Triple-9, US heist thriller thing. Entertaining enough if highly contrived. Also features Kate Winslet's East European Accent (to be fair to Ms Winslet, I don't recognise her till the end credits).

Probably some others. Plane movies have only a slippy hold on my memory.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 August, 2016, 08:42:09 pm
Jason Bourne.

Followed the Boune formula as expected. An enjoyable film spoilt slightly by the shaky camera perspective which, for me works well for TV but is too much for the big screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 August, 2016, 11:46:38 pm
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

A single-gag film with surprisingly high production values.  Hordes of the unread don't do much to improve Austen's story, though.  Matt Smith's performance steals the show early on, leaving the second half about as compelling as the Sleepy Hollow TV series[1], which is to say, not very much.


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 August, 2016, 07:39:06 am
Top Gun - one of those films I thought I had already seen, but it turned out I had only seen the trailer - which does contain most of the story, and the rest you can get off the back of a cereal packet.

Only mildly nauseating, and the aircraft are nice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 August, 2016, 08:55:38 am
Suicide Squad.

Enough tattoos that I expected to served a flat white at any moment (try any East London coffee shop, it seems de rigueur for anyone working there to have more tats than an LA gangbanger these days).

Another quite entertaining superhero romp where the heroes aren't so super. Will Smith seems to have stopped ageing about twenty years ago. He may be immortal. Like Nic Cage. Good god, that's an horrid thought, Nic Cage could be making movies quite literally forever.

For once, they kept the length modest (note that, X-Men) when it could have been a lot longer (plenty of exposition required, didn't leave much room for more than simple linear plot), but the result was well-paced even if it did feel like the introduction to another super-hero franchise. Could have probably handled a bit more humour in the script, there's something faintly ridiculous to all these movies and they tend to benefit from acknowledging it (come on, a man dressed as bat fighting crime – a bat! – not to mention the tendency to wear pants on the outside).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 August, 2016, 10:56:13 am
Another quite entertaining superhero romp where the heroes aren't so super. Will Smith seems to have stopped ageing about twenty years ago. He may be immortal. Like Nic Cage. Good god, that's an horrid thought, Nic Cage could be making movies quite literally forever.

Ackshually, the Cage isn't a bad actor, he just appears in godawfully-directed godawful films. He escaped for a while and was bloody good in Spike Jones' Adaptation.

Kurt Russel, now, he makes me puke.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 August, 2016, 12:31:20 pm
Top Gun - one of those films I thought I had already seen, but it turned out I had only seen the trailer - which does contain most of the story, and the rest you can get off the back of a cereal packet.

I don't think I've seen it since I was about 10, and too young to appreciate the homoerotic subtext.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 August, 2016, 12:35:24 pm
Maybe the world hadn't been trained to look for it back then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 August, 2016, 12:56:37 pm
Another quite entertaining superhero romp where the heroes aren't so super. Will Smith seems to have stopped ageing about twenty years ago. He may be immortal. Like Nic Cage. Good god, that's an horrid thought, Nic Cage could be making movies quite literally forever.

Ackshually, the Cage isn't a bad actor, he just appears in godawfully-directed godawful films. He escaped for a while and was bloody good in Spike Jones' Adaptation.

Kurt Russel, now, he makes me puke.

What?!?

Call me Snake?!?

Heretic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 August, 2016, 02:25:20 pm
Another quite entertaining superhero romp where the heroes aren't so super. Will Smith seems to have stopped ageing about twenty years ago. He may be immortal. Like Nic Cage. Good god, that's an horrid thought, Nic Cage could be making movies quite literally forever.

Ackshually, the Cage isn't a bad actor, he just appears in godawfully-directed godawful films. He escaped for a while and was bloody good in Spike Jones' Adaptation.

Kurt Russel, now, he makes me puke.

I dunno, he seems to specialise in looking and acting like a constipated hound dog.

You can't say bad things about Snake Plissken. Take it back.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 11 August, 2016, 04:52:06 pm
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

My comments - Ermm
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 August, 2016, 05:48:19 pm
Another quite entertaining superhero romp where the heroes aren't so super. Will Smith seems to have stopped ageing about twenty years ago. He may be immortal. Like Nic Cage. Good god, that's an horrid thought, Nic Cage could be making movies quite literally forever.

Ackshually, the Cage isn't a bad actor, he just appears in godawfully-directed godawful films. He escaped for a while and was bloody good in Spike Jones' Adaptation.

Kurt Russel, now, he makes me puke.

I dunno, he seems to specialise in looking and acting like a constipated hound dog.

You can't say bad things about Snake Plissken. Take it back.

Never seen "Escape...", but it goes to show that it's the director that makes the difference.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 August, 2016, 06:09:34 pm
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

My comments - Ermm

Quite.

As I say, it's a single gag.  Mind you, so was Buffy The Vampire Slayer, originally.

It's a lot better if you go into it expecting a comedy zombie film rather than a period drama, but it's too long for a comedy zombie film, and hardly any of the main characters get eaten.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 11 August, 2016, 08:05:59 pm
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

My comments - Ermm

Quite.

As I say, it's a single gag.  Mind you, so was Buffy The Vampire Slayer, originally.

It's a lot better if you go into it expecting a comedy zombie film rather than a period drama, but it's too long for a comedy zombie film, and hardly any of the main characters get eaten.

I wasn't expecting much and it lived up to that.  I found the kick ass zombie slaying Bennetts quite funny though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 11 August, 2016, 08:13:37 pm
Just about to watch Red Cliff directed by John Woo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 August, 2016, 10:24:31 am
Spider-Man 2. Woody Allen, Burt Bacharach and Ray Harryhausen join Stan Lee to make a motivational poster.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 August, 2016, 01:10:33 pm
Rewatched The Ring.  Wonderful: no gore, no splatter, no zombies,** a good plot.  OK, the wee fella was a bit formulaic but no more so than any two dozen action films.

Must watch Ringu some time.

**unless you count Brian Cox. Not that one, the other one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 12 August, 2016, 02:38:46 pm
Another quite entertaining superhero romp where the heroes aren't so super. Will Smith seems to have stopped ageing about twenty years ago. He may be immortal. Like Nic Cage. Good god, that's an horrid thought, Nic Cage could be making movies quite literally forever.

Ackshually, the Cage isn't a bad actor, he just appears in godawfully-directed godawful films. He escaped for a while and was bloody good in Spike Jones' Adaptation.

Kurt Russel, now, he makes me puke.

I dunno, he seems to specialise in looking and acting like a constipated hound dog.

You can't say bad things about Snake Plissken. Take it back.

Never seen "Escape...", but it goes to show that it's the director that makes the difference.

Kurt starred in several John Carpenter films, all pretty good except for the Escape from New York sequel which was terrible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 14 August, 2016, 05:42:00 pm
La famille Belier on prime. Very good
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 15 August, 2016, 07:09:07 am
Suicide Squad.

Enough tattoos that I expected to served a flat white at any moment (try any East London coffee shop, it seems de rigueur for anyone working there to have more tats than an LA gangbanger these days).

Another quite entertaining superhero romp where the heroes aren't so super. Will Smith seems to have stopped ageing about twenty years ago. He may be immortal. Like Nic Cage. Good god, that's an horrid thought, Nic Cage could be making movies quite literally forever.

For once, they kept the length modest (note that, X-Men) when it could have been a lot longer (plenty of exposition required, didn't leave much room for more than simple linear plot), but the result was well-paced even if it did feel like the introduction to another super-hero franchise. Could have probably handled a bit more humour in the script, there's something faintly ridiculous to all these movies and they tend to benefit from acknowledging it (come on, a man dressed as bat fighting crime – a bat! – not to mention the tendency to wear pants on the outside).

Even in IMAX 3D I found this film dull and unsatisfying.  It's good that it wasn't longer because by the end I just wanted to go home.  The original comics all had this style and humour and morality to them.  This just seemed to be a bunch of in-jokes and a derivative mish-mash of a plot.  The dirty dozen with tank girl, Will Smith, and a Thing substitute, and an alchoholic second rate Australian Wolverine.  Meh.

The psychopath government woman was all right though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 17 August, 2016, 06:35:05 pm
Hail, Caesar! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMqeoW3XRa0)

From the trailer, you may think this is a comedy film about a kidnapping, but it's not.  That is just one, fairly minor, sub-storyline.

It's really a day in the life film, set in Hollywood in the 1950s, with lots of interlinked somewhat humorous stories and characters.

It's not an obvious comedy film, and whilst it's mostly quite light, it does have its somewhat deeper more serious elements.

I liked it, a lot, and it's not really the sort of thing that I generally watch.  There are no martial art fight scenes, car chases, monsters, or spacecraft. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 August, 2016, 06:41:03 pm
How about explosions?  Preferably blokes jumping off exploding things while other things explode in the background.

I assume not.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 17 August, 2016, 11:08:08 pm
How about explosions?  Preferably blokes jumping off exploding things while other things explode in the background. ...

I'm afraid not, and no tastefully explicit scenes or partial nudity either.

(or for that matter, no tasteless explicit scenes or complete nudity!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 18 August, 2016, 10:13:07 am
I've seen Hail Caeser too.  It was rubbish.  Nobody got killed or drownded, in fact nothing to laugh at at all.

Nobody asked anyone to Put. The. Bunny. Back. In. The. Box. either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 August, 2016, 09:43:52 am
Only Lovers Left Alive. First hour slow and pretentious, second hour not so slow but predictable.  Could have been much, much better. Won't be watching it again soon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 21 August, 2016, 10:01:02 am
Men in Black 3. I quite it enjoyed it as a bit of light hearted merriment to pass the evening. I very much enjoyed Emma Thompson as O giving a eulogy for T
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 22 August, 2016, 07:10:50 pm
Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow 2014 -  with Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.

Actually very good I thought.  A sort of Groundhog Day meets Starship troopers. (Apparently based on a novel by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 August, 2016, 06:40:31 pm
Last night I introduced bobb to the timeless classic that is Snakes on a Plane.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 23 August, 2016, 09:07:17 pm
Grand Budapest Hotel.

Not at all what I was expecting- in a damn good way :thumbs:

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 August, 2016, 08:56:26 am
Been watching 11.22.63, 2 episodes to go.  I suppose it's not bad if you haven't read the book.  If you have, you have to make a lot of allowances. We're rather disappointed, particularly since James Franco seems to have based his stock of expressions on early Jerry Lewis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 August, 2016, 09:58:22 am
Been watching 11.22.63, 2 episodes to go.  I suppose it's not bad if you haven't read the book.  If you have, you have to make a lot of allowances. We're rather disappointed, particularly since James Franco seems to have based his stock of expressions on early Jerry Lewis.

It's very watchable if you overlook the premise that's thoroughly established in the first episode...
(click to show/hide)

Bonus points for a refreshingly definite ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 August, 2016, 10:54:03 am
Not an answer but
(click to show/hide)

I prefer "A Sound of Thunder" as a paradigm for time-travel & its effects, although the film of it is rubbish.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 August, 2016, 02:20:44 pm
Spectre

First, the good points: it more than adequately fulfils its exploding helicopter quotient. With style. And the plane/car chase is great fun. I also enjoyed the scrap on the train.

Ralph Fiennes makes an excellent M, plus he has the best line of the film: "Now we know what C stands for..." which made me guffaw. The script generally is much improved on other recent efforts (ie the turgid Skyfall).

Christoph Waltz makes a splendid Blowers too.

Ok, now for the not so good points. Despite the several positives, I found it, on the whole, pretty boring. The action stuff was great but suffocated under the weight of the self-mythologising that slowed the pace of the film down to less than walking speed at key moments. It suffers from the same flaws as Sherlock and the last few series of Doctor Who, where it's more about the people and less about the plot. Really quite tiresome.

Shame, because it's otherwise the best Bond film for years.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 30 August, 2016, 03:11:44 pm
Jungle Book (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jungle_Book_(2016_film))

It reminded me a lot of the much older animated version, to which it obviously and quite deliberately takes quite a few queues.  The character animation is excellent, and aside from the obvious personification, they are all very believable as animals.

The story is obviously very similar to the animated film, so clearly borrows from almost the same set of stories.  That's no big problem, because it worked the first time.  The end is (amazingly) not quite as saccharin as the animated version. :)

The voice artists all did a fantastic job, and it's very easy to not notice who they are, which to my mind is an indication of how good their "acting" was.  Baloo and King Louie were particularly impressive to my ears.

The only actor who you actually see, for any significant time, Neel Sethi as Mowgli, was very good, even more so when you realise that this is only his second ever role, and his previous appearance was in a 3 minute short film!  It was amusing to see one of the "making of" films, where you see how little of the film was actually real, and how he had to act against various puppets, which was at least an improvement against the emotionless ball-on-a-stick, which has been used in other animation and live action mixed films.  That was of course, why they used the puppets, for a much more realistic response from him.

So, if you didn't already guess, I liked it. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 30 August, 2016, 11:04:29 pm
Bridge of Spies. I love a good Cold War film and this was a good Cold War film :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 31 August, 2016, 06:48:38 am
Ghost Busters I seem to remember having thought it fun back in the day. Hmmm... time hasn't been kind to it. Has its moments but I'd not bother again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 31 August, 2016, 07:43:19 am
The David Brent film. Take one joke (made 15 years ago) and repeat it until your 90 minutes are up. Comedy has moved on in the meantime but left Ricky Gervais behind.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 31 August, 2016, 02:22:47 pm
Deception. Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 September, 2016, 10:13:27 am
The Bedford Incident - Moby Dick given a Cold War nuclear terror makeover. 

I’ve inadvertently done a mini-season of Cold War thrillers over the last few weeks, recently watched Fail Safe and Dr Strangelove too.

Might give Parallax ViewManchurian Candidate and Three Days of the Condor a watch soon too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 September, 2016, 10:55:17 am
The Bedford Incident - Moby Dick given a Cold War nuclear terror makeover. 

I’ve inadvertently done a mini-season of Cold War thrillers over the last few weeks, recently watched Fail Safe and Dr Strangelove too.

Might give Parallax ViewManchurian Candidate and Three Days of the Condor a watch soon too.


Saw Failsafe, Dr. Strangelove and Manchurian Candidate in the last 6 months, will look the others up. Ta!

Last night, scraping round Netflix's seamy hollows, came up with The Awakening. Rather liked it, apart from

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 September, 2016, 09:37:51 am
The Terminator.

Escapism, watching a not too old film where no one has mobile phones (remember 'telephones' connected by wires!) or the internet and intelligent machines from the future appear.  Then realising that back then we were going to be the future, but not quite as far in the future as we will be.  Yeah..  escapism, we wouldn't be that stoopid, will we? 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 September, 2016, 10:47:11 am
The Wee Man

The "real life" story of Glasgow gangster Paul Ferris, based on his own memoirs. Except that in real life Ferris is a thoroughly nasty piece of work, and his whining self-justification, recasting himself as a victim of circumstances, as portrayed in the film is morally repugnant. I don't care if he has "gone straight" now, he's still a scumbag.

It's not even a well made film - clunky, hackneyed dialogue (you can predict exactly what the characters are going to say next a lot of the time), lazy direction and most of the actors don't seem to give a shit.

Dreadful waste of everyone's time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 06 September, 2016, 12:25:20 pm
The Terminator.

Escapism, watching a not too old film ......

I beg to differ.  It's an old film.

Roger Moore was still James Bond.

The gap in years between "The Terminator" and today is the same as the gap between "The Terminator" and "High Noon" and "Singin' in the Rain".

It was released in 1984, very nearly a third of a century ago, back when Arnie still had a thick Austrian accent and his acting was wooden.

It could very well be prophetic though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 06 September, 2016, 12:37:24 pm
Armageddon - dross. Little of its big budget was spent on script. I lasted maybe 30 minutes.

Ok, I know. It's supposed to be fun. Its Bruce Willis playing Bruce Willis, so we expect the smug smirks and the smart arse lines. Some people like that. Me, I thought it kak.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 06 September, 2016, 12:48:45 pm
Armageddon - dross. Little of its big budget was spent on script. I lasted maybe 30 minutes.

Ok, I know. It's supposed to be fun. Its Bruce Willis playing Bruce Willis, so we expect the smug smirks and the smart arse lines. Some people like that. Me, I thought it kak.

It's not the end of the World.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 06 September, 2016, 12:57:50 pm
Deep Impact (which came out around the same time) was way better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 September, 2016, 01:19:52 pm
sicario

Lots of v good acting
v depressing film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 06 September, 2016, 02:35:36 pm
Anyway, the book is much, much better, as always - although "Stand by me" came pretty close.
Neither The Body nor Stand By Me have much discernible storyline, but Stand By Me is a great film nonetheless.

In terms of faithfulness to the book, The Shawshank Redemption is pretty much bob-on.  Although Red is white and Irish in the short story ("maybe it's 'cause I'm Irish?" always makes me smile), I couldn't help but have Morgan Freeman's voice in my head as I read much of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 September, 2016, 02:37:53 pm
Deep Impact (which came out around the same time) was way better.

Ostensibly yes, but it was full of hobbits.

Meteor was canonical.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 06 September, 2016, 02:59:30 pm
Deep Impact (which came out around the same time) was way better.

Ostensibly yes, but it was full of hobbits.

Meteor was canonical.

I remember seeing the build up to Meteor on the covers of Starburst in my local newsagent over several months “Meteor: It’s coming etc, etc”.*

Then it came out and the cover was all “Meteor: why was it so rubbish?”


*I only saw the covers of the magazine as my meagre pocket money went on 2000AD, Dr Who monthly and Caramac bars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2016, 09:11:50 pm
My son has just watched Full Metal Jacket for the first time. I was half watching through the kitchen door while making dinner. Haven't seen it for years and had forgotten how grim it is. Damn good film though. Seems to have made quite an impact on the boy - he looks shell-shocked. I've suggested he follows it up with Apocalypse Now...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 September, 2016, 09:19:20 pm
The Terminator.

Escapism, watching a not too old film ......

I beg to differ.  It's an old film.

Roger Moore was still James Bond.

The gap in years between "The Terminator" and today is the same as the gap between "The Terminator" and "High Noon" and "Singin' in the Rain".

It was released in 1984, very nearly a third of a century ago, back when Arnie still had a thick Austrian accent and his acting was wooden.

It could very well be prophetic though.

Agreed it is a long time ago but it doesn't have that look of being a long time ago.  Especially as it came out in time to have a good sound track.  Shops selling surround sound systems used it as a demonstrator movie at the turn of the century.  Mobile phones were available by 1986, earlier if you had a back pack to carry one.

For me a really old film is B&W and the stars are dead but films noirs will never die..

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 06 September, 2016, 10:18:38 pm
...
Meteor was canonical.

Someone has loaded up a version onto YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sgHv0XLlHA).  It seems to be around the correct duration, as given in the Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_(film)) entry.  At least one other uploaded version is far shorter, for no clear reason (possibly it was edited down for TV broadcast).

It's as cheesy as I thought it was. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 September, 2016, 01:58:55 pm
My son has just watched Full Metal Jacket for the first time. I was half watching through the kitchen door while making dinner. Haven't seen it for years and had forgotten how grim it is. Damn good film though. Seems to have made quite an impact on the boy - he looks shell-shocked. I've suggested he follows it up with Apocalypse Now...

Followed by an application of Platoon and a dose of The Boys In Company C to lighten the mood.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 07 September, 2016, 02:23:15 pm
My son has just watched Full Metal Jacket for the first time. I was half watching through the kitchen door while making dinner. Haven't seen it for years and had forgotten how grim it is. Damn good film though. Seems to have made quite an impact on the boy - he looks shell-shocked. I've suggested he follows it up with Apocalypse Now...

Followed by an application of Platoon and a dose of The Boys In Company C to lighten the mood.

Wot no The Odd Angry Shot?  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 September, 2016, 04:54:24 pm
Good point, well made.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 September, 2016, 05:51:41 pm
Followed by an application of Platoon and a dose of The Boys In Company C to lighten the mood.

He asked me if I thought he should watch Platoon, but tbh it's so long since I've seen it that I can't remember if it's any good. That's when I suggested that he should watch Apocalypse Now.

I don't think I've seen The Boys In Company C or The Odd Angry Shot. Both sound interesting.

Of course, he should add Rambo to the list as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 07 September, 2016, 06:03:52 pm
Don't forget Jacob's Ladder.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 September, 2016, 06:14:46 pm
Don't forget Jacob's Ladder.

Oh god. I kind of had forgotten Jacob's Ladder. Made me feel quite ill, that did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 September, 2016, 10:19:55 am
Followed by an application of Platoon and a dose of The Boys In Company C to lighten the mood.

He asked me if I thought he should watch Platoon, but tbh it's so long since I've seen it that I can't remember if it's any good. That's when I suggested that he should watch Apocalypse Now.

I don't think I've seen The Boys In Company C or The Odd Angry Shot. Both sound interesting.

Of course, he should add Rambo to the list as well.
Platoon has v diff vibe to fmj but is also v good
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 08 September, 2016, 10:39:58 am
If you're doing 80s war films with the boy, he'll love the following

Beaches - A gripping account the Normandy landings from the perspective of a band of new recruits.
Steel Magnolias - Follows the ultimately doomed campaign of a mechanised infantry division in WW2 Burma.
Dirty Dancing - Intrigue and double crossing among Churchill's Special Operations Executive as they attempt to infiltrate the German high command in 1940s Berlin.

Best to watch them without looking at the reviews first. Just download from Netflix and enjoy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 September, 2016, 11:04:18 am
 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 September, 2016, 11:06:02 am
If you're doing 80s war films with the boy, he'll love the following

Beaches - A gripping account the Normandy landings from the perspective of a band of new recruits.
Steel Magnolias - Follows the ultimately doomed campaign of a mechanised infantry division in WW2 Burma.
Dirty Dancing - Intrigue and double crossing among Churchill's Special Operations Executive as they attempt to infiltrate the German high command in 1940s Berlin.

Best to watch them with looking at the reviews first. Just download from Netflix and enjoy.
Thanks for that jo - I don't think I've seen Beaches, and you may have inspired me. (Although I think your interpretation of Dirty Dancing is a little different from mine; probably my dodgy memory).

I would add that Platoon is a good film, and perhaps the most mainstream in style of the ones we've discussed.
I have a soft spot for Deerhunter myself, which again is not exactly a by-the-numbers all-action war movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 September, 2016, 11:14:53 am
Followed by an application of Platoon and a dose of The Boys In Company C to lighten the mood.

He asked me if I thought he should watch Platoon, but tbh it's so long since I've seen it that I can't remember if it's any good. That's when I suggested that he should watch Apocalypse Now.

I don't think I've seen The Boys In Company C or The Odd Angry Shot. Both sound interesting.

Of course, he should add Rambo to the list as well.
Platoon has v diff vibe to fmj but is also v good

Hamburger Hill is probably worth a look as is the more recent We Were Soldiers*.

I highly recommend 84 Charlie Mopic, a found footage film about a cameraman accompanying a Long Rang Recon Patrol.  It has some similarity to the excellent WW2 film Sea of Sand about a Long Range Desert Group mission.


*Contains Mel Gibson and scenes of gratuitous Catholicism that some viewers may find disturbing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 September, 2016, 12:26:00 pm
I forgot about We Were Soldiers. A damn good film notwithstanding the Gibsonite content.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 08 September, 2016, 03:10:36 pm
Might be worth mentioning a few to avoid...

My first (anti-)recommendation would be Hurt Locker a complete waste of time, IMHO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 September, 2016, 03:59:49 pm
Yes.  It’s very well shot and very well directed (I’m a fan of Kathryn Bigelow’s films) but the story is just dumb.

I hate the way Hollywood always has to make out people in the army/navy/air force/marines to be mavericks (yes Tom Cruise I’m looking at you) when in most cases reliability and dependability are traits that would probably be welcome (along with the willingness and ability to handle the bangy-killy)..

So maverick bomb disposal guys – I asked my dad (who met a fair number of bomb disposal types over the course of his career) what they were like and he confirmed that were generally careful and methodical, quite intentionally boring people.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 September, 2016, 04:10:46 pm
It wouldn't be a good film if they managed to safely dispose of the bomb...

See also: https://youtu.be/XTopVi1hVVM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTopVi1hVVM
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 08 September, 2016, 04:21:20 pm
The New Politics (https://youtu.be/SB1Zy7nA_Hc)

Short film; great ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 08 September, 2016, 06:15:11 pm
I forgot about We Were Soldiers. A damn good film notwithstanding the Gibsonite content.

Try Kajaki (Kilo Two Bravo in the US). A more up to date view of the British Army at war.

Another of my favourite war films is The Hill. Possibly Sean Connery's finest performance on film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 September, 2016, 10:12:02 pm
It wouldn't be a good film if they managed to safely dispose of the bomb...

See also: https://youtu.be/XTopVi1hVVM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTopVi1hVVM

That's great! Going to post that around work tomorrow.

I thought that link might be to this scene:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I9-Niv2Xh7w
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 September, 2016, 10:14:30 pm
I forgot about We Were Soldiers. A damn good film notwithstanding the Gibsonite content.

Try Kajaki (Kilo Two Bravo in the US). A more up to date view of the British Army at war.

Another of my favourite war films is The Hill. Possibly Sean Connery's finest performance on film.

Ian Bannen is good in that too. If you like that I recommend tracking down The Bofors Gun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 08 September, 2016, 11:42:36 pm
Mel's back in battle:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/hacksaw-ridge-an-american-war-hero-who-refused-to-fight-1473344729
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 September, 2016, 09:33:25 am
The LdC version of The Great Gatsby. Enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 12 September, 2016, 03:49:03 pm
ROck of Ages (2015), I've seen the stage show and it's a slightly different storyline. Both made me laugh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 14 September, 2016, 07:01:11 pm
A Jester's Tale

I can't recommend this highly enough.

OK, it's old, in B/W, the sound sound is mono, most of the scenery and some of the actors are line drawings, the dialogue's in Czech...

It's fantastic, clever, surreal, enthralling and beautiful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 18 September, 2016, 03:44:25 am
The Odd Angry Shot has a few hiccups, such as the gunshot sound effects and the, ahem, black USAnian soldiers' over-the-top-hush-ma-maouth-massa voices, but it is a sound film. as is Kokoda.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 18 September, 2016, 05:39:27 am
Last night we watched The Graduate.

Great soundtrack. Not so much unwatchably dated, more a fascinating view of a bygone era. Mr Smith had his cheerful hat on so pointed out all the now dead people (& animals) in it. As it was released before I was born there were quite a few.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 18 September, 2016, 08:46:51 am
Last night we watched The Graduate.

Great soundtrack. Not so much unwatchably dated, more a fascinating view of a bygone era. Mr Smith had his cheerful hat on so pointed out all the now dead people (& animals) in it. As it was released before I was born there were quite a few.

'Rumour Has It', with Kevin Costner and Shirley Maclaine and Jennifer Aniston, is a fun follow-up to that.  I really liked it!  It's got that lovely bloke in it who was in that other film.

*googles*

Mark Ruffalo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 18 September, 2016, 09:51:10 am
Margin Call. Follows traders and risk managers in the 24 hours before the collapse of a fictional Lehman Brothers type firm triggers the 2008 financial crash. Hierarchy, callousness, buck-passing, testosterone and self-justification abound in what is more of a filmed play than a movie, but gripping and tense throughout and highly recommended. Obviously a complete fiction because the collapse was actually caused by Gordon Brown spending too much money on Sure Start.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: benborp on 18 September, 2016, 03:25:02 pm
I watched The Infiltrator last night, dubbed into French, a bit ambitious as my comprehension diminishes when lips aren't doing what they should in order to make the sounds I'm hearing.

A mix of Spanish, French and a central character called 'Bob' prompted a couple of 'Minions' based daydreams.

Seeing the garage where I get my car serviced in the background broke the 'Miami' spell for a moment as did a few other well known London shooting locations, although I gather that recently the nights have been just as sultry in Crofton Park as south Florida. Seriously though, some of the location work was a touch clunky which let down other well observed recreations of time and place.

Strong performances and a more character based film than I was expecting.



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 September, 2016, 03:33:39 pm
^^^ Yeah.  Full Metal Jacket was never the same again after I found it that it was entirely shot in England.

Speaking of Vietnam, we watch Mad Mel being a US Air Cavalry colonel last night, in We Were Soldiers.  Quite good really - the missus stayed awake all the way through - and based on real people, Joe Galloway in partic.  I've got a Nikon like his, complete with dents.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 18 September, 2016, 07:17:20 pm
Bridget Jones's Baby.  It's one of those marmite type series of films.  I loved the books and have like the films. They a good way to lose a couple of hours and giggle a bit.  I also have an affinity with Bridget; my friends say that there's too many similarity between us.  In this film Bridget is wearing several items of clothing that I also own, including the skirt I was wearing to the cinema.  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 18 September, 2016, 10:43:58 pm
I also went to see Bridget Jones Baby (wife's choice of movie). I enjoyed it, I even laughed at the Thatcher quote. I was the only person in the cinema to do so though. I did question why someone living in Southwark would be assigned a maternity unit in Camden, but had it explained to me how they're not assigned, and how you could pick a unit in Scotland if you so wished, and this was then followed up with a discussion on how Jones' care seemed to consultant rather than midwife led, whether or not she'd gone private, and whether or not this was due to the fact that she would be in a high risk group.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 18 September, 2016, 11:19:40 pm
You'll never catch me bridgetting anywhere.

Watched Room tonight on blureray, superb film if slightly disturbing, the young boy was the star for me. The mother I think intentionally ambiguous and William h Macy's character given no screen room at all. That dimension would have added a lot to the film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 September, 2016, 09:57:31 am
Winter in Wartime. Deutsch occupying Dutch, teenager caught up etc. Predictable, occasionally far-fetched but excellent acting, direction and general atmosphere. Liked it but would not re-watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrew on 19 September, 2016, 10:44:44 am
Elysium - I'll say to you what should have been said to the film makers - just don't.  Jodie Foster and Matt Damon must have had loved ones held to ransom.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 19 September, 2016, 11:14:26 am
I also went to see Bridget Jones Baby (wife's choice of movie). I enjoyed it, I even laughed at the Thatcher quote. I was the only person in the cinema to do so though. I did question why someone living in Southwark would be assigned a maternity unit in Camden, but had it explained to me how they're not assigned, and how you could pick a unit in Scotland if you so wished, and this was then followed up with a discussion on how Jones' care seemed to consultant rather than midwife led, whether or not she'd gone private, and whether or not this was due to the fact that she would be in a high risk group.

These are the very reasons why Mr Boutin happily waves me off for a girls night when ever Bridget films are on.  He's watched them on TV and even smiles that the weird overlaps, but then gets very angry at how Mark Darcy is more James Bond than Barrister.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 19 September, 2016, 11:20:38 am
Mmmm.  Lovely lovely Mark Darcy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 19 September, 2016, 11:24:01 am
Mmmm.  Lovely lovely Mark Darcy.

Yes and he's equally as scrummy in this one too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 19 September, 2016, 03:18:47 pm
You should get your other half to watch the Kingsmen, and use it to explain what Mr Darcy really does when he's overseas.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 September, 2016, 12:34:33 am
When Harry Met Sally...

Haven't seen this for yeeeeears but there was nothing else on and I was in the mood for some light entertainment... Wow. I'd forgotten what a bona fide classic this is. Very funny, razor sharp script and brilliant chemistry between the two leads, who are both first rate comic actors - not sure I've ever truly appreciated before just how good Meg Ryan is (and not just in that scene).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 September, 2016, 11:24:27 am
You should get your other half to watch the Kingsmen, and use it to explain what Mr Darcy really does when he's overseas.

Freudian link between 'other half' and 'Kingsmen'? 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 21 September, 2016, 02:01:19 pm
Welcome to Woop Woop, a surreal movie that contains so many elements of reality about the Outback.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120491/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120491/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UewSBXKjyo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UewSBXKjyo)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 September, 2016, 03:48:07 pm
Don't try dancing with your cleats on yet, Dave.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 25 September, 2016, 09:47:45 pm
Anthropoid.

A decent and reportedly faithful representation of some history that needs to be remembered. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 25 September, 2016, 11:34:59 pm
Mmmm.  Lovely lovely Mark Darcy.

Yes and he's equally as scrummy in this one too.

Oh, isn't he?  He's weathered extremely well and is still lovely lovely.

How come Bridge gets to shag two such beautiful men within a fortnight while I'm reduced to men who kiss ferrets?  Eh?  Eh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 September, 2016, 11:40:37 pm
The Lady in the Van

Not to be sniffed at.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 26 September, 2016, 07:35:55 am
Mmmm.  Lovely lovely Mark Darcy.

Yes and he's equally as scrummy in this one too.

Oh, isn't he?  He's weathered extremely well and is still lovely lovely.

How come Bridge gets to shag two such beautiful men within a fortnight while I'm reduced to men who kiss ferrets?  Eh?  Eh?

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 September, 2016, 12:51:51 pm
Suffragette.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 26 September, 2016, 07:39:57 pm
Suffragette.

I really enjoyed that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 01 October, 2016, 02:49:10 pm
Sharknado 3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP2j5lyKwKM)

This one was even sillier than the first two.  It has a lot less obvious cameos than the second film, which was good since there were a lot of barely recognisable USA faces when they did that.  It does, however, have David Hasselhoff almost playing a sensible character.  Along with sharks in space and a laser "chainsaw", as well as the President of the United States fighting sharks beside Fin, it's as insanely ludicrous as you would expect. ;D

Great stuff. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 01 October, 2016, 02:58:01 pm
Alice Through The Looking Glass (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3IWwnNe5mc)

This disc isn't actually released until Monday, but the Royal Mail delivered it to me unusually efficiently!

Even though the critics didn't seem to think much of it, I thought it was as good as Alice in Wonderland, which I enjoyed.

It doesn't follow Lewis Caroll very closely, but certainly has some zaniness about it.  The Hatter (aka Johnny Depp) wasn't quite as mad as his previous incarnation, almost behaving sensibly on occasion, but was still quite good.  Time, who I failed to realise was played by Sacha Baron Cohen, was original and amusing.  They also filled in some of the back story of the characters, which was a nice tough.

I didn't realise that it was Alan Rickman's very last film, but he did the deadpan Absolem very well, again.

Clearly not a deeply meaningful and thoughtful work, but fun to watch, and obviously some spectacular special effects.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 October, 2016, 11:07:19 pm
A long overdue return visit to Leon. An ace film with Gary Oldman doing the mad mad bad bit really well, Jean Reno at his finest and a damn fine performance from an pickle Natalie Portman.

This film is 22 years old for Dogs sake!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 02 October, 2016, 01:16:03 pm
Sully. Totally false depiction of a hostile NTSB investigation that never happened that way, but a very sympathetic view of the stresses the man went through after the Hudson water landing. A good watch, overall.

ETA: they actually went to some effort to get the inflight sequences accurate, and mostly succeeded.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 October, 2016, 02:01:40 pm
A long overdue return visit to Leon. An ace film with Gary Oldman doing the mad mad bad bit really well, Jean Reno at his finest and a damn fine performance from an pickle Natalie Portman.

This film is 22 years old for Dogs sake!

Haven't seen that for years. We had it on VHS but knew it so well we never bought a DVD of it.

Don't see enough of Jean Reno these days. Last thing I saw him in was that 90s remake of Godzilla .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 04 October, 2016, 10:38:37 am
Deepwater Horizon.

based on events six years ago when the oil rig leased by BP went haywire.  Eleven people died.  Apportionment of blame has kept lawyers busy ever since.

Contains heroes and villains, huge bangs, crashes, flames and dramatic rescuing going on.  BP comes off worst with emphasis on meeting deadlines taking precedence over safety - quite believable but BP can't have been the only ones.

The most dangerous job in the world they say, and if this film is reasonably accurate I wouldn't argue with that. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 04 October, 2016, 11:00:01 am
...
Don't see enough of Jean Reno these days. Last thing I saw him in was that 90s remake of Godzilla .

I wondered where I'd last "seen" him in a film, and it was as the voice of 'Le Frog (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO5xO5Ru32s)' in Flushed Away !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 October, 2016, 11:35:47 am
Deepwater Horizon.

based on events six years ago when the oil rig leased by BP went haywire.  Eleven people died.  Apportionment of blame has kept lawyers busy ever since.

Contains heroes and villains, huge bangs, crashes, flames and dramatic rescuing going on.  BP comes off worst with emphasis on meeting deadlines taking precedence over safety - quite believable but BP can't have been the only ones.

The most dangerous job in the world they say, and if this film is reasonably accurate I wouldn't argue with that.

Let me guess: the film-makers were keen to emphasise the "BRITISH" in "BP", failed to note that the rig was operated by a USAnian outfit to USAnian safety standards (one expert at the time said the incident couldn't have happened if North Sea-stylee safety standards were in place) and glossed over both the rig having brought in a new and very colossal field in the Gulf of Mexico the previous year and the insatiable desire of USAnia for petroleum products that made it necessary in the first place.

At least, that was the impression I got while on the Gulf Coast in 2012.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 04 October, 2016, 08:02:52 pm

Let me guess: the film-makers were keen to emphasise the "BRITISH" in "BP", failed to note that the rig was operated by a USAnian outfit to USAnian safety standards (one expert at the time said the incident couldn't have happened if North Sea-stylee safety standards were in place) and glossed over both the rig having brought in a new and very colossal field in the Gulf of Mexico the previous year and the insatiable desire of USAnia for petroleum products that made it necessary in the first place.

At least, that was the impression I got while on the Gulf Coast in 2012.

To be fair, the BP employees were shown as USAnians but were undoubtedly in the frame as the bad guys.  They threatened to report back to 'London' when they couldn't get their way.  Halliburton were the US company whose cement apparently failed to hold the pressure whereas the Swiss company Transocean ran the rig for BP. 

Piper Alpha (North Sea, 1988, 167 deaths) was a US rig.  Its demise would have made Deepwater Horizon's look like a picnic. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 October, 2016, 12:34:56 am
Bridget Jones

Got coerced into going to this and was not expecting fun but was very pleasantly proved to be wrong. It certainly wasn't like watching your favourite pub burn down.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 October, 2016, 08:50:26 am
Welcome to Woop Woop, a surreal movie that contains so many elements of reality about the Outback.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120491/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120491/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UewSBXKjyo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UewSBXKjyo)

Looks fun, thanks!

We recently watched The Dressmaker, also set in the Outback (I think??), but in 1951. Another film in the slightly odd aussie vein, but definitely in a good way.

Not what I expected. Funny, moving but not  laid on with a trowel. It was one of those stories that verged on being a fantasy/fable, with characters that were almost unreal, but without going all the way. It had a lot in common with Edward Scissorhands in tone, but far more 'real'. If that makes any sense at all ...

(I really need to learn some more film-school jargon before writing this sort of review.)

Hugo Weaving gets a great role - you won't see him the same way again!

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_dressmaker/

The Titanic is now the second-biggest disaster Kate Winslet has ever been associated with.

&

From theGuardian:
Even Kate Winslet carrying her sewing machine like a gunfighter's pistol can't redeem this unbearable patchwork of comedy and tragedy.

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 October, 2016, 11:34:38 am
Triangle. No, I'd never heard of either, random Amazon selection. I'm still recovering from watching all those Nicolas Cage movies some time back (please god, no more) so I start the TV box with some trepidation.

Actually quite enjoyed it (and it seemed to keep the cats captivated). Tricksy little thing. OK, pedants could probably pick holes in the plot, but remember they're doing that to make themselves seem clever while achieving the very opposite.

One thing though, it has Australians in it, it's obviously shot in Queensland, so why pretend it's set in Florida? Have we reached reached the point where every bloody movie must feature Americans doing things in America. Even Brits and Canadians now have to pretend to be Americans.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 October, 2016, 11:48:56 am
Black Mass

Johnny Depp as real-life 70s New York gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger. Evidently a properly nasty piece of work. Unlike the other real-life gangster film we saw recently, The Little Man, there was no sense of glamourising the violence or whining 'I'm a victim of my circumstances' self-justification. Depp does nasty very well. And Joel Edgerton as the corrupt FBI man who facilitates his nastiness is also very good.

Enjoyed it (if enjoyed is the right word) much more than I was expecting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 October, 2016, 01:39:50 pm
Hugo Weaving gets a great role - you won't see him the same way again!

Already had my perceptions of Hugo Weaving drastically altered after seeing him in Waiting For Godot last year. Do I really want them altered again?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 08 October, 2016, 01:54:47 pm
Swiss Army Man
What. The. Fuck.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 October, 2016, 01:59:26 pm
Swiss Army Man
What. The. Fuck.

I read a synopsis of that the other day and had a similar reaction.  Good to see you're committed to the cause of watching these things so we don't have to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 October, 2016, 02:36:09 pm
Hugo Weaving gets a great role - you won't see him the same way again!

Already had my perceptions of Hugo Weaving drastically altered after seeing him in Waiting For Godot last year. Do I really want them altered again?
He can play almost any role. Try watching 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert', 'Little Fish' and then follow them with 'Oranges and Sunshine'. He is a really great actor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 October, 2016, 04:23:33 pm
Hugo Weaving gets a great role - you won't see him the same way again!

Already had my perceptions of Hugo Weaving drastically altered after seeing him in Waiting For Godot last year. Do I really want them altered again?
He can play almost any role. Try watching 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert', 'Little Fish' and then follow them with 'Oranges and Sunshine'. He is a really great actor.
I'm embarassed to say that I've seen none of those  ::-)   Clearly I am amongst cinephiles <need a we're-not-worthy smiley>

But statistically, i think it's safe to say that more people have paid to see him in the Matrix and/or Lord of the Rings.


[Priscilla is one of those films that I've known about forever ... just never got round to watching. A bit like Beatles albums. ]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 October, 2016, 04:44:40 pm
I'm embarassed to say that I've seen none of those  ::-)   Clearly I am amongst cinephiles <need a we're-not-worthy smiley>

I've seen Priscilla - great film, iirc, but it was a long time ago and I don't remember him in it. Presumably he was the one who wasn't General Zod or the one off Neighbours.

When I saw him in Godot, I was hoping he would come out with the line, 'You hear that, Mr Estragon? That is the sound of inevitability.' Alas, he didn't.

He was utterly brilliant as Vladimir though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 October, 2016, 05:03:01 pm
Priscilla's one of those films that doesn't get stale. Dunno how many times we've watched it - must be a dozen since we got the DVD.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 October, 2016, 07:46:57 pm
I'm embarassed to say that I've seen none of those  ::-)   Clearly I am amongst cinephiles <need a we're-not-worthy smiley>

I've seen Priscilla - great film, iirc, but it was a long time ago and I don't remember him in it. Presumably he was the one who wasn't General Zod or the one off Neighbours.
He played the lead role. The character who suddenly finds out he has a child and has to go to Alice Springs to be a dad and do childcare for a bit, which is the whole reason that they make the trip out there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 October, 2016, 08:14:28 pm
When I saw him in Godot, I was hoping he would come out with the line, 'You hear that, Mr Estragon? That is the sound of inevitability.' Alas, he didn't.

And today's internet winner is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 October, 2016, 11:10:07 pm
Trumbo

Rather a good biopic. Sad and funny in equal measures, over the underlying nastiness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 October, 2016, 12:04:12 am
Ghostbusters (2016)

A pale shadow of the original, but less cringeworthy than I expected based on the trailer.  Occasional funny bits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 09 October, 2016, 08:35:25 am
Trumbo

Rather a good biopic. Sad and funny in equal measures, over the underlying nastiness.

A small, prematurely balding elephant is unloved by family and friends, so runs away from home with little hope.

He finds love and respect in a Washington circus; his new girlfriend finds a "solution" to his hair issues; and soon he is flying to the top, casting nasty immigrant elephants aside like chaff!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 October, 2016, 01:25:04 pm
Bridget Jones

Got coerced into going to this and was not expecting fun but was very pleasantly proved to be wrong. It certainly wasn't like watching your favourite pub burn down.
Saw it yesterday, a few good belly laughs, but that's enough now. No more Bridget Jones films please.

We recently watched The Dressmaker, also set in the Outback (I think??), but in 1951. Another film in the slightly odd aussie vein, but definitely in a good way.
I liked the book and enjoyed the film.

Triangle. No, I'd never heard of either, random Amazon selection.
Based on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex9M76bMe8M ?

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 October, 2016, 01:49:36 pm
Triangle. No, I'd never heard of either, random Amazon selection.
Based on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex9M76bMe8M ?

Any relation of this triangle?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1187064/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Rather like that one.

Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 October, 2016, 01:59:33 pm
The Girl On The Train

Much better than I was expecting. I've not read the book, so had no idea whodunit until near the end when it started to become obvious, which helped. It's a clever story with a nice feminist angle (even though the film probably fails the Bechdel test, as well as the 'Why isn't it called The Woman On the Train?' test). Emily Blunt is superb - very convincing performance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 October, 2016, 03:10:51 pm
Yes we were pleasantly surprised having read some scathing reviews.  I doubt any of us checked its Bechdel rating either.

Also watched

Free State of Jones

I enjoyed this film although critics have suggested it was "a dry and cautious history lesson".  It wasn't in the same league as 'Selma', '12 Years a Slave' or 'Mississipi Burning', for example.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 October, 2016, 07:09:47 pm
The Disney Robin Hood is on just now, and it's so obvious how much of the animation from previous films has been reused.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 October, 2016, 09:22:21 pm
Triangle. No, I'd never heard of either, random Amazon selection.
Based on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex9M76bMe8M ?

Any relation of this triangle?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1187064/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Rather like that one.

That's the one.

In other matters, there's lots of girls doing things. Getting trains. Tattoos. Wanting to have fun. You name it they're doing it.

Actually, most of the women I know punch me if I call them them women, seems girl is the thing. None of them are very mature though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 09 October, 2016, 09:36:27 pm
Written and Directed by me, no less. Who knew?  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 October, 2016, 03:36:56 am
Grandma

Superb! Lily Tomlin is absolutely spot on with every last nuance of her performance. And very, very funny.

It's a bit predictable but not totally so, and it's a tad sentimental but without being mawkish. On the whole, it gets the balance between humour and poignancy absolutely perfect.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 16 October, 2016, 08:19:44 am
The Embrace of the Serpent

Colombian film about a shaman who is the last surviving member of his tribe and his relationship with two Western botanists documenting the Amazonian flora forty years apart. The story is compelling, and the film shows the various destruction of the Amazon and its people by rubber tappers, war, missionaries and worse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 October, 2016, 08:36:59 pm
The last of the Hobbit trilogy.  How much did it cost to get something *that* wrong?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 18 October, 2016, 11:14:39 pm
I'm wanting to re-read thr book of The Hobbit, to remind me how much better it must be than the films.

Watched the Deepwater Horizon film last weds, something of an anti BP polemic, also paints the OIM in a less than flattering light.  Working in the industry, and having read parts of the official report, I can only hope that those I need to trust will make better decisions when I'm offshore.

Watched the new Tom Hanks, Inferno on Saturday.  Not sure how that got a 12 cert.  Far too loud, too many flashing images, and thin on plot in place of action.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 October, 2016, 07:58:12 am
Watched the new Tom Hanks, Inferno on Saturday.  Not sure how that got a 12 cert.  Far too loud, too many flashing images, and thin on plot in place of action.

Somehow or other one expects good actors to be more discerning.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 19 October, 2016, 08:12:50 am
I always reckon in these cases the actors can rely on the Krusty the Clown defence, viz. "They drove a dump truck full of money up to my house; I'm not made of stone!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 October, 2016, 08:38:24 am
It's almost the same plot as all the others, too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 October, 2016, 08:47:56 am
The last of the Hobbit trilogy.  How much did it cost to get something *that* wrong?
You just have to re-interpret the very end

"Son, your heart has been broken by a woman, who gave her heart to a dwarf (who is now dead). Forget women, what you need is a man. I know just the sort of man you need. His name is Aragorn. Find him, and you can spend many hours exchanging meaningful, soulful looks, but in the end, he will kiss a horse."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 October, 2016, 09:26:55 pm
If you read the book, Frodo and Sam really need to get a room.  But in the end Sam finds a beard and Frodo goes off in a huff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 19 October, 2016, 10:06:07 pm
Parkland

Jeez! I was in bits after 10 minutes. Nothing like JFK. If you haven't already, watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 October, 2016, 12:50:18 pm
If you read the book, Frodo and Sam really need to get a room.  But in the end Sam finds a beard and Frodo goes off in a huff.
Wrong book

Peter Jackson also seemed to have been confused.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 October, 2016, 08:47:06 pm
I, Daniel Blake

Fucking hell, talk about an emotional rollercoaster... I laughed, I got angry, I left the cinema inconsolable.

Stunning piece of work. Ken Loach at his most Ken Loachiest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 22 October, 2016, 09:19:10 pm
I, Daniel Blake

Fucking hell, talk about an emotional rollercoaster... I laughed, I got angry, I left the cinema inconsolable.

Stunning piece of work. Ken Loach at his most Ken Loachiest.

I saw an article on the local news about that (our local news also covers the Toon, so relevant). I was struck, from the clips I saw, of the similarities with '80's and' 90's films like "My Name is Joe" and "Brassed Off", not in subject, but in how the country is fucked. This makes me not want to see the film, but being a fan of Ken Loach's films makes me want to see it, thus I am conflicted.

 I know, POBI is that way - - - >
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 October, 2016, 09:53:51 pm
I was struck, from the clips I saw, of the similarities with '80's and' 90's films like "My Name is Joe" and "Brassed Off", not in subject, but in how the country is fucked.

I love Brassed Off but it's lightweight froth compared to IDB. There is barely concealed seething rage underpinning every scene, yet it's the warmth and humanity and humour that ultimately make it so potent.

There's a food bank scene you may have heard about. Judged in cinematic terms, it is perfectly shot, perfectly directed, perfectly acted. And it is utterly heartbreaking.

Quote
This makes me not want to see the film, but being a fan of Ken Loach's films makes me want to see it, thus I am conflicted.

I know what you mean, I felt exactly the same. You must see it. *Everyone* must see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: aidan.f on 23 October, 2016, 07:51:48 am
Yes, saw it last night, as up thread emotional rollercoaster. Take tissues! And the film's  has internal conflict:  The art of the film against the plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 23 October, 2016, 04:28:47 pm
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6wP_LKA0DE)

Which is certainly a bit curious.  I'm not entirely sure that the basic premise entirely makes sense or is useful, but the film certainly holds interest, with a character who always seems to be slightly out of place, but is fairly touching anyway.

Overall I think I like it, but it's not an obvious idea, and I think the reason it works here, is simply that the acting, cinematography and makeup are all excellent, for what could otherwise easily be a bit mediocre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 23 October, 2016, 10:54:52 pm
To Kill A Mockingbird

1962.  Starring Gregory Peck.

What a great film.  Starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, Mary Badham as Scout, and a top rate musical score.  A gentle film about ugly things, themes of reason in the face of hatred and ignorance.  Very much for our time. 

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 23 October, 2016, 11:32:55 pm
It's almost the same plot as all the others, too.

I have never been a great deviser of twisted plots, so I have spent my time developing characters. My characters are real to me. I feel for them, I know them intimately. My readers seem to agree that they are people you could meet in real life.

So my books hopefully have real characters, real situations and credible plots that are mainly devised to let the people in the stories be as human as I can make them.

Dan Brown has A Plot. It is like the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, but in his case "One shall be the counting of it".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 October, 2016, 07:46:10 am
"Spamalot" was a great title.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 24 October, 2016, 03:51:50 pm
The Last Picture Show

Reminds me of 'Hotel California' but without the element of hope.

Seriously good film tho'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 October, 2016, 04:49:29 pm
Yeah, that's Larry McMurtry all right.  We used to read his novels, but got sick of him for his penchant for making you like a character in one book then killing him in the sequel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 24 October, 2016, 05:07:55 pm
Carrie. The second remake.

I remember going to see the first film in the cinema in the 70's in Edinburgh. I thought it was a scare movie. This one didn't hack it, in fact I couldn't really see why a remake had been made. I guess I should go and seek out the first film again. The pigs blood was pretty poor as a special effect.

Possibly this is the same as for The Omen. Steer clear of any remakes and probably don't bother with the original either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 October, 2016, 05:20:15 pm
http://notesonblindnessfilm.com/

A clever adaption of a fascinating book.

Makes extensive use of audio effects, so best watched with headphones or proper speakers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 24 October, 2016, 05:33:05 pm
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

The SmallestCub had to hide behind his jumper a few times, but concluded it was even better than Alice in Wonderland.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: HeltorChasca on 24 October, 2016, 06:24:06 pm
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

The SmallestCub had to hide behind his jumper a few times, but concluded it was even better than Alice in Wonderland.

Reading the book. I've done lots of hiding. 42 years old. Ahem.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 26 October, 2016, 10:32:49 pm
Jack Reacher.  Never Go Back.

If you like splozhuns and car chases and hand to hand combat and a thriller mystery type plot you will like this film.

I like these things very much and thought it was marvellous, but not as marvellous as the first one.

Spoiled a wee bit by gratuitous sop.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 October, 2016, 09:54:18 am
Yes we watched that.  Your review is good.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 November, 2016, 09:21:53 am
Let The Right One In

The saddest vampire film I ever saw. They had the US remake on BBC2 but I went for the original on the Horror channel, even though I've seen it before (cf Jaded).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 01 November, 2016, 12:16:24 pm
Monsters vs Aliens : Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01pp3pg/monsters-vs-aliens-mutant-pumpkins-from-outer-space) &
Monsters vs Aliens : Night of the Living Carrots (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b05rcrh8/monsters-vs-aliens-night-of-the-living-carrots)

Halloween themed short follow-ups to the original Monsters vs Aliens.  Not quite as good as the original film, but still relatively humorous. ;D

(on BBC iPlayer for about a week, unless you're not in the UK, or don't have a TV license).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 November, 2016, 10:27:09 am
The Thin Red Line
I read the book some years ago, couldn't remember the plot or characters, just the general sense of it.

The film is visually stunning, but very confusing since two of the main characters have similar voices, faces (when covered in dirt) and both do voiceovers. Having watched all of the film and read the plot summary on wikipedia I'm still confused.

Terrific performance from nick nolte as an utterly revolting character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 03 November, 2016, 10:37:41 am
The Thin Red Line is excellent.

I watched Renoir on catchup last night. Another visually stunning film. Its about August and Jean Renoir in the last year of WWI along with August's last model and Jeans future wife Andrée Heuschling.
Slow paced but haunting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Dibdib on 03 November, 2016, 11:17:10 am
The Little Prince (http://"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Prince_(2015_film)") on Netflix.

I think I went into this with rather high standards, as the novella has been one of my favourite books ever since I was a child. I wasn't sure of the movie at first, and wasn't entirely sold on the "new" bits of the plot straight away, but quickly changed my mind. A really sweet film and well worth a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 November, 2016, 02:07:09 pm
I got a bit of a homo erotic fix by watching Top Gun the other night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 November, 2016, 02:32:41 pm
I hated the Thin Red Line, sorry, one of those tedious exercises in auto-erotic auteurism. I've tried to watch it twice and fallen asleep the first time and given up the second time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 03 November, 2016, 04:49:08 pm
It’s a great and brutal book – the real main character of the story is the company as a whole.

It’s quite a good film if you edit out all of the ‘fall of man from paradise’ stuff that the director shoehorned in.


There's an earlier version with wossisname from 2001 in that I've never seen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 07 November, 2016, 08:37:50 pm
"London has Fallen" The sequel to the masterpiece "The Whitehouse has Fallen", which was actually quite enjoyable trash.
I wouldn't call it good, but for a crappy action movie, it wasn't actually too bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 07 November, 2016, 11:21:04 pm
Arrival.

I think I should report them for mis-selling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 08 November, 2016, 06:20:29 pm
Men & Chicken

I like an odd film, but that was seriously weird.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 08 November, 2016, 10:25:10 pm
Nocturnal Animals

Best film I've seen so far this year. Great script, acting and direction. Can see it winning some awards come the Oscars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 November, 2016, 11:41:22 am
Men & Chicken

I like an odd film, but that was seriously weird.

I'm sure my local cinema doesn't show that sort of film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 09 November, 2016, 11:30:31 pm
The Accountant.

I rather enjoyed that!  The friend I went with guessed the twist at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 11 November, 2016, 05:12:02 pm
Doctor Strange

Marvel does Kung Fu Panda, via Inception and Heroes.  Thankfully it doesn't rely too much on the Avengers bloated universe.  Cumberbatch is surprisingly well cast, even if his accent is the equivalent of an aural uncanny valley.  Well designed but a little FX laden (and some of the FX confuses the action) with decent script that chugged along despite it being slow in places as it set up the premise.  Not essential viewing, but not a bad way to put off doing other things.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 November, 2016, 06:13:13 pm
Doctor Strange was OK if nothing special, relied a bit too much on VFX and the eponymous doctor never stopped being a bit annoying. At least Tony Stark does the ego-thing with panache and gets slapped down often enough.

Finally saw Ghostbusters, wasn't expecting much and it delivered no surprises. But I don't think I was that hot on the original, tbh. Apropos of nothing I managed to walk by Sigourney Weaver the other day without noticing. Apparently.

The Nice Guys which I enjoyed, a nice blend of 1970s LA set pieces and noir. The leads played off each other well, but the kid won out.

The Conjuring 2 which I quite enjoyed and managed to pack in a few shocks, plus some seventies nostalgia (clicking TV remote ftw), and the incongruity of landing gigawatt-toothed American ghosthunters in a late 1970s Enfield. Lights Out, another ghostly shenanigans thing, formulaically OK.

Finally The Shallows another one of the pesky shark versus humans (the sad reality is this (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/shark-attacks-people-versus-people-attacks-sharks-infographic)). I think, to be fair, I like sharks more than surfers. Quite enjoyed it but I wasn't exactly 'nerve-shredded' as the blurb said. I did hide behind a pillow when watching The Conjuring 2 though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 November, 2016, 05:18:15 pm
Arrival - intelligent and moving.  Well worth a look.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 16 November, 2016, 01:54:21 pm
The Secret Life Of Pets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-80SGWfEjM)

This actually did live up to the expectations of the trailer, which is largely just extracted directly from the start of the film.

It's a fun film, with lots of things happening at the side or rear of the image, as well as sounds not directly related to the story.  I keep on spotting things I didn't before, like Chloe sitting in a tiny box, the Super Mario Bros sound effects, the Some Like It Hot reference, and various appearances of Minion related items.

Good for kids and adults. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 16 November, 2016, 01:58:51 pm
Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.

Was good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 17 November, 2016, 01:29:56 pm
Arrival - intelligent and moving.  Well worth a look.

I endorse this message.

(Tip: Don't go in thinking this is like Independence Day with smarts.  It's more like an M. Night Shyamalan film before he turned to shite, in a sci fi setting.  I found it strangely uplifting, if a little bit obvious towards the end.  Although, like M. Night Shyamalan films, whether I say that in retrospect or not is a mystery).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 17 November, 2016, 08:15:32 pm
Seven Psychopaths - a film I've long had recorded on the PVR. I'm glad I finally got round to watch it. It ain't one to watch with kids nor on a first date. Gore & gruesomeness abound, as well as some very choice Anglo-Saxon liberally sprinkled throughout. I had to listen carefully as I heard the opening bars of Trumpton Riots by Half Man Half Biscuit in one scene & sure enough it was there. The icing on the cake.

I now need to watch In Bruges sober.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 17 November, 2016, 08:16:57 pm
Arrival - intelligent and moving.  Well worth a look.

I endorse this message.

(Tip: Don't go in thinking this is like Independence Day with smarts.  It's more like an M. Night Shyamalan film before he turned to shite, in a sci fi setting.  I found it strangely uplifting, if a little bit obvious towards the end.  Although, like M. Night Shyamalan films, whether I say that in retrospect or not is a mystery).

Saw it last night.  Best film I've seen in ages.  Loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 18 November, 2016, 12:12:06 am
Arrival - intelligent and moving.  Well worth a look.

I endorse this message.

(Tip: Don't go in thinking this is like Independence Day with smarts.  It's more like an M. Night Shyamalan film before he turned to shite, in a sci fi setting.  I found it strangely uplifting, if a little bit obvious towards the end.  Although, like M. Night Shyamalan films, whether I say that in retrospect or not is a mystery).

Saw it last night.  Best film I've seen in ages.  Loved it.
We saw it together, with a friend. What struck me was watching Ruthie, whose body language was fixated. Me? I loved the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 November, 2016, 10:35:47 am
City of God again, with the missus this time. She'd been fighting shy of it - favela, violence, etc - but thoroughly enjoyed it in the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 19 November, 2016, 09:53:18 pm
Magical Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Eddie Redmayne doing what he does best - full spectrum autistic genius.

The Potter references are incidental. I started off resenting it for its Potter Pretences, but it grew on me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 19 November, 2016, 09:55:06 pm
From Dusk Till Dawn

Fboab helping me plug a gap in my film watching career with a major Tarantino omission it would seem. Goodness gracious!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 19 November, 2016, 09:59:14 pm
Magical Beasts and Where to Find Them

Eddie Redmayne doing what he does best - full spectrum autistic genius.

The Potter references are incidental. I started off resenting it for its Potter Pretences, but it grew on me.

ITYM "Fantastic Breasts* and Where To Find Them"

* See: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=70466.msg2099112#msg2099112
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 19 November, 2016, 10:05:25 pm
Magical Beasts and Where to Find Them

Eddie Redmayne doing what he does best - full spectrum autistic genius.

The Potter references are incidental. I started off resenting it for its Potter Pretences, but it grew on me.

ITYM "Fantastic Breasts* and Where To Find Them"

* See: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=70466.msg2099112#msg2099112

Aye - I missed the title on account of the two young girls with infeasibly large handbags who kept insisting on exiting/returning to our row, every 20 minutes or so.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 19 November, 2016, 10:06:11 pm
Arrival - intelligent and moving.  Well worth a look.

I endorse this message.

(Tip: Don't go in thinking this is like Independence Day with smarts.  It's more like an M. Night Shyamalan film before he turned to shite, in a sci fi setting.  I found it strangely uplifting, if a little bit obvious towards the end.  Although, like M. Night Shyamalan films, whether I say that in retrospect or not is a mystery).

Saw it last night.  Best film I've seen in ages.  Loved it.
We saw it together, with a friend. What struck me was watching Ruthie, whose body language was fixated. Me? I loved the film.

I thought it was trite.
Clearly I am a minority here- but not in 'Boro, where the stream of exit-ers from our Unlimited showing were all muttering about it not being a UFO movie like we wanted, but a fucking love story. Euch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 19 November, 2016, 11:12:15 pm
From Dusk Till Dawn

Fboab helping me plug a gap in my film watching career with a major Tarantino omission it would seem. Goodness gracious!

That must have been a very short film!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 20 November, 2016, 05:24:28 pm
Approaching The Unknown.

An interesting movie about one man in his space ship on a one way mission to mars.

Plot Spoiler alert!

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2016, 05:25:41 pm
Inside Out. Sort of Pixar does the Numskulls.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 20 November, 2016, 05:29:16 pm
Inside Out. Sort of Pixar does the Numskulls.
By remarkable coincidence, watching that right now....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 20 November, 2016, 05:35:52 pm
Arrival - intelligent and moving.  Well worth a look.

I endorse this message.

(Tip: Don't go in thinking this is like Independence Day with smarts.  It's more like an M. Night Shyamalan film before he turned to shite, in a sci fi setting.  I found it strangely uplifting, if a little bit obvious towards the end.  Although, like M. Night Shyamalan films, whether I say that in retrospect or not is a mystery).

Saw it last night.  Best film I've seen in ages.  Loved it.
We saw it together, with a friend. What struck me was watching Ruthie, whose body language was fixated. Me? I loved the film.

I thought it was trite.
Clearly I am a minority here- but not in 'Boro, where the stream of exit-ers from our Unlimited showing were all muttering about it not being a UFO movie like we wanted, but a fucking love story. Euch.

Being in the North, I imagine that the UFO film the populace of Boro wanted involved the aliens being beaten up and then sent back to where they came from :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 20 November, 2016, 07:35:38 pm
Amadeus, which has passed me by all these years.  It's very good. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2016, 08:11:02 pm
Amadeus, which has passed me by all these years.  It's very good.

Er war Superstar
Er war populär
Er war so exaltiert
Because er hatte Flair
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 20 November, 2016, 08:14:12 pm
Nah, that was the late Falco piggybacking on the success of the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 November, 2016, 11:11:53 am
Amadeus, which has passed me by all these years.  It's very good.

We originally saw that in Stuttgart, dubbed into German.  It worked rather well that way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 November, 2016, 07:30:15 pm
Jason Bourne. Quite a let down, I think. Nowhere near the intensity of the original Matt Damon versions and a tired re-hashed story.
Glad I missed this one in the cinemas.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 22 November, 2016, 04:45:04 pm
Have carefully avoided that, suspecting as much.  I enjoy re-watching the other 3 for a bit of escapism.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 22 November, 2016, 05:03:53 pm
Lucy.

An interesting concept.

Luc Besson is one of my favourite directors.

Scarlett Johannson is one of my favourite arse kicking actors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 24 November, 2016, 11:18:29 am
Suicide Squad; Another one I missed in the cinemas and they did an amazing job ruining that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 November, 2016, 11:28:14 am
Suicide Squad; Another one I missed in the cinemas and they did an amazing job ruining that film.

Agreed
It takes real talent to take such promising material and screw it up so badly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 24 November, 2016, 01:13:54 pm
Open Range.  Kevin Costner showing again that he's often a lot better in a supporting role than a main one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 November, 2016, 10:26:29 pm
Stonewall (2015)

An awkward coming-of-age story set in a bizarre parallel universe.  The music was good, thobut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 24 November, 2016, 10:31:12 pm
 Zombie Pride and Prejudice  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 26 November, 2016, 12:01:46 am
Hunger Games.

Part of my 'Read the book then watch the film' adventure. The book and film have some similarities ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 November, 2016, 12:24:14 am
Inside Out. Sort of Pixar does the Numskulls.

It won a Mind Media Award the other week.  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 November, 2016, 12:25:27 am
Hunger Games.

Part of my 'Read the book then watch the film' adventure. The book and film have some similarities ;)

I only read the first book and mostly enjoyed the movie series, apart from the last one, which was rather poor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 26 November, 2016, 06:42:31 am
Carol.  Very good love story set in the 1950s, with brilliant acting and effortless, stylish direction. Reminded me I'm a softy really, as the end fair warmed my cockles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 26 November, 2016, 07:08:04 am
Carol.  Very good love story set in the 1950s, with brilliant acting and effortless, stylish direction. Reminded me I'm a softy really, as the end fair warmed my cockles.

Porn film?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 26 November, 2016, 07:14:32 am
Carol.  Very good love story set in the 1950s, with brilliant acting and effortless, stylish direction. Reminded me I'm a softy really, as the end fair warmed my cockles.

Porn film?

It did have a happy finish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 26 November, 2016, 05:00:45 pm
Newly released Japanese anime, "Your Name", at the ICA, about a boy and girl who find themselves involuntarily swapping bodies. Amusing, along with some gender issues. Also on limited general release now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 November, 2016, 05:11:07 pm
Empire of the Sun.  We saw this when it came out, but I had forgotten how wonderful an actor Christian Bale was at such an early age. Knocks the Potter crew into a cocked hat.  Superb film, too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 November, 2016, 05:53:33 pm
Jurassic World

We're gonna need a bigger dinosaur.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: thing1 on 28 November, 2016, 07:54:59 am
License to Kill

It has a running gag with numerous drivers doing double takes as Commander Bond clambers upon their truck/vessel/aircraft, but I couldn't help noticing none match up to the double take this pilot  does on discovering a glorious (*) pussy stowed away on his plane

https://youtu.be/J_8mdH20qTQ

* - actually, terrified
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 28 November, 2016, 06:29:55 pm
Arrival - last night.


Jolly good stuff, we tossed it up between three well reviewed films out currently, v. Dr Strange and the Branjelina thing  -the latter was worst reviewed of the three - but we've got a bit fed up with kind of exclusively watching superhero type stuff at the cinema in recent years.  So despite it being Sci-Fi we ended up plumping for Arrival and were rewarded with a nice thought provoking and compelling film.  It's definitely not Independence day - no no no.  Very cerebral and I think I shall watch it again so I can fully understand it - I *think* I've kind of got it, but another watch is definitely worth it to check  :-D


Another recommendation anyway  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 November, 2016, 06:36:16 pm
License to Kill

It has a running gag with numerous drivers doing double takes as Commander Bond clambers upon their truck/vessel/aircraft, but I couldn't help noticing none match up to the double take this pilot  does on discovering a glorious (*) pussy stowed away on his plane

https://youtu.be/J_8mdH20qTQ

* - actually, terrified
Oh wow. I don't know what else to say!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 30 November, 2016, 01:05:06 pm
I, Daniel Blake

Fitting that the lead character's name is an anagram of "bleak denial".

A hard watch, with several really affecting scenes, particularly one in a food bank.  I left the cinema fizzing with indignation at the harsh reality it portrayed (and which some people I know have had similar experiences to).  The misery was laid on with a trowel in places, and it had a rather misty eyed view of the non-working poor running through it, but I can't deny that this is a powerful clarion call against a society that is failing large swathes of its citizens (or subjects, if you prefer). 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 November, 2016, 06:39:05 pm
Professor Larrington reports that when she saw this recently most people in the cinema were more concerned about the cessation of CPR at the end than about, well, the rest of it.  Albeit that she saw it in Perth WA.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 03 December, 2016, 08:44:09 am
Dirty Grandpa

More like a dirty sanchez wiped across my mind. Scorsese pouts and cusses through a cliche manchild comedy, whoring away at his legacy to make cash money.  Next he'll be doing moneysupermarket adverts akin to Keitel. 

Anyway, I'd only recommend this if you needed to switch on the TV to warm up the room.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 04 December, 2016, 11:42:31 am
Felidae (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfdrKgpY1mk)

A murder mystery crime story, where almost every character involved in it, is a cat.  It's an interesting take on the concept, and for its era, a well made film.

In the twenty years, since it was made, animation has become a lot more mainstream, and substantially more polished.  This does look more like the older Disney films, albeit this is not a film suitable for children, since it has gore, violence and feline sex.

Overall I think it's an interesting win, although there are various odd and sods in it, which makes it just that little bit poorer than it could have been.  Whether that's due to the translation, the age of the production, or just a more limited budget than most modern animations, I'm unsure.  I think it's worth watching, but don't expect anything too spectacular.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 December, 2016, 09:11:47 pm
Look Who's Back

A German film (subtitled) in which Hitler awakes on the site of the Fuhrerbunker in 2014, and is assumed to be a method-acting comedian.  It is very funny in parts, very uncomfortable in others (a lot of it was shot on candid camera) and pretty doom-laden at the end.  Highly recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 08 December, 2016, 06:08:39 am
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Set in the Harry Potter universe, this is a peculiar film. The core plot is weak, with a pathetic last 15 mins that lacks menace and feels like "oh, we need to stop having fun and wrap this up somehow" and lame twist, but somehow it captures the attention by the sheer brilliance of the setting.

Whilst there are a lot of filler scenes, they do add to the mood. Ultimately, this would have made a great TV show. 

SFX heavy, with mixed results. Some are great, particularly the particle dynamics of the dark monster, and more generally those familiar from other films (e.g. Moving posters) as they add to the setting. Others are poor (many of the beasts and the fixing scene at the end) which took me out of the movie.

Cast so-so but Eddie Redmayne buzzes with the right energy.

Overall not as good as the reviews suggest, not essential viewing, but good enough to suggest renting at home in six months' time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 08 December, 2016, 06:09:34 am
Actually, as I wrote that I realised I didn't like it.  Spell broken :/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 08 December, 2016, 06:57:19 am
I thought the settings were good but it just went completely overboard on special effects.  Just because they could, I suppose.  The plot was simply drowned out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 December, 2016, 06:32:57 pm


SFX heavy, with mixed results. Some are great, particularly the particle dynamics of the dark monster

:D :D :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 08 December, 2016, 06:58:56 pm
Jakob you did?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 December, 2016, 07:43:32 pm
Well, 'we' did. Probably some 20 people involved with that sequence.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 08 December, 2016, 08:31:37 pm
NaNa that is going down as YOU did on your CV :)

BTW: haven't watched the movie so have no clue what we are talking about :) But you did some SFx on a movie that is in the theatres, is enough for me. Fame at last, I know someone in Hollywood \o/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 08 December, 2016, 09:06:11 pm
Me Before You.

Rubbish script, plot developments you could see a mile off an an extremely dodgy ending that disabled groups were angry about. Just awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Phil W on 08 December, 2016, 09:14:31 pm
One flew over the cuckoo's nest a couple of days ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 December, 2016, 09:08:59 am
A film that was not about that mountain in Wales but sounds as if it might have been.

It was remarkably close to this account  (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/01/edward-snowden-intelligence-leak-nsa-contractor-extract)except for the girl friend.

The worrying thing is that our lot are reportedly worse than theirs..

We were alone in the auditorium except for one other person 8)

Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 December, 2016, 10:48:10 am
Disappointed to learn that there is not a new release called Lord Hereford's Knob - The Movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 10 December, 2016, 11:06:01 pm
Sully

You gotta see it. We all know what happened on the Hudson in January 09, seen the footage of New York's Coast Guard, Fire Dept and others rescuing the passengers from the sinking aeroplane.

Perhaps what we don't know is the story of the crew, the potentially adversarial stance of the investigation board and the vindication of the pilots.

Beautifully crafted and well worth seeing. Watched it twice this evening. Mrs. Torslanda, of the horned helmet and heavy metal breastplate, insists we go and see it again. This time in a cinema . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 December, 2016, 11:13:41 pm
Blue is the Warmest Colour.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 December, 2016, 06:46:43 am
The first Bourne. As good as ever.
Nativity. Weird Pre Sherlock and Hobbit vehicle, seen through a mind altered by a temperature. Odd to see Coventry in a film.
Filth. A cross between Trainspotting and the most recent Bad Lieutenant version. Wouldn't matter whether you were hallucinating from a temperature or not. Enjoyable corruption, violence, drug taking and doggie style asphyxiophilia.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TheLurker on 11 December, 2016, 08:51:23 am
Sully

You gotta see it. We all know what happened on the Hudson in January 09, seen the footage of New York's Coast Guard, Fire Dept and others rescuing the passengers from the sinking aeroplane.

Perhaps what we don't know is the story of the crew, the potentially adversarial stance of the investigation board and the vindication of the pilots.

Beautifully crafted and well worth seeing. Watched it twice this evening. Mrs. Torslanda, of the horned helmet and heavy metal breastplate, insists we go and see it again. This time in a cinema . . .
Another view on this  :  http://www.askthepilot.com/sully-upon-hudson/
A longish piece, but worth reading especially the bit about the film's depiction of the investigation team.
The author is a pilot for a US carrier.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 December, 2016, 10:36:44 am
I'll have the author of that piece know that DJ Random played SLF's "Rough Trade" only yesterday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 11 December, 2016, 10:47:54 am
Sully

You gotta see it. We all know what happened on the Hudson in January 09, seen the footage of New York's Coast Guard, Fire Dept and others rescuing the passengers from the sinking aeroplane.

Perhaps what we don't know is the story of the crew, the potentially adversarial stance of the investigation board and the vindication of the pilots.

Beautifully crafted and well worth seeing. Watched it twice this evening. Mrs. Torslanda, of the horned helmet and heavy metal breastplate, insists we go and see it again. This time in a cinema . . .

The 'adversarial stance of the investigation team' (the NTSB inquiry) was an invention by Clint Eastwood to introduce some dramatic tension in what would otherwise have been a documentary. Looked at as a fairly casual observation of people's reactions post-event, it's quite good, and the flying sequences are actually very accurate for the most part, but I think it lacks some of the detailed content it could have supported with a good enough script. It'll probably win an Oscar for Tom Hanks (who is very good), but it won't be remembered as a great movie, just an adequate shorthand description of the event for those who don't want to get bored looking at the detailed reports.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 11 December, 2016, 03:10:09 pm
The first Bourne. As good as ever.
Nativity. Weird Pre Sherlock and Hobbit vehicle, seen through a mind altered by a temperature. Odd to see Coventry in a film.
Filth. A cross between Trainspotting and the most recent Bad Lieutenant version. Wouldn't matter whether you were hallucinating from a temperature or not. Enjoyable corruption, violence, drug taking and doggie style asphyxiophilia.

Final scene, Greek taverna, recognise the flower holder?

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qxiDCe8v6go/maxresdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 December, 2016, 03:38:58 pm
Ha, that's good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 December, 2016, 07:07:44 pm
Sully

You gotta see it. We all know what happened on the Hudson in January 09, seen the footage of New York's Coast Guard, Fire Dept and others rescuing the passengers from the sinking aeroplane.

Perhaps what we don't know is the story of the crew, the potentially adversarial stance of the investigation board and the vindication of the pilots.

Beautifully crafted and well worth seeing. Watched it twice this evening. Mrs. Torslanda, of the horned helmet and heavy metal breastplate, insists we go and see it again. This time in a cinema . . .

The 'adversarial stance of the investigation team' (the NTSB inquiry) was an invention by Clint Eastwood to introduce some dramatic tension in what would otherwise have been a documentary. Looked at as a fairly casual observation of people's reactions post-event, it's quite good, and the flying sequences are actually very accurate for the most part, but I think it lacks some of the detailed content it could have supported with a good enough script. It'll probably win an Oscar for Tom Hanks (who is very good), but it won't be remembered as a great movie, just an adequate shorthand description of the event for those who don't want to get bored looking at the detailed reports.

Would it not have been entirely reasonable for the investigators to be adversarial in the interests of actually protecting the pilot from less qualified accusers?  e.g. the gutter press?

However experienced the crew, they must have had their own moments of self doubt as to whether it was right to take the extreme measure of landing the plane in near icy water instead of heading for the nearest runway!  It's true some aircraft are designed to land on water but this one was not. 

Investigators who accepted without question the actions of the crew would hardly have been doing their job and it was right that the pilot had to put his case if only to ensure maximum value from his experience for future use.   

Certainly the film made it look accusatory but perhaps that was also how it felt to the crew? 

(I did see the film and thought it was very good)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 December, 2016, 08:18:28 pm
Hardcore Henry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgU6hlu02yI

It's on Netflix (in Canada anyway) and it actually works for the most part, although it does loses the plot completely at the end.
 You may have to have a gaming background to enjoy it..
Sharlto Copley is pretty good in it too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 13 December, 2016, 09:54:53 pm
Final scene, Greek taverna, recognise the flower holder?

Nope.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 13 December, 2016, 09:57:21 pm
The red bag from the bank.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 13 December, 2016, 10:05:56 pm
Ah. I suspect the problem lies somewhere in the fact that - of the 3 films Jaded mentions, I've only seen Nativity which, I think, features neither a Greek taverna nor a bank.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 15 December, 2016, 05:58:20 am
Paterson

Film about a bus driver who writes poems. Talk about elevator pitch.  Anyway:

Film

Jim Jarmush directs a languid film
That through varying repetition
Fills the audience with
Unexpected joy.
Adam Driver,
Who has cut through air with light,
Steers the story with his craft.
Truth told, nothing much happens,
But in that space there is poetry.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 15 December, 2016, 07:51:24 am
Rogue One.
Still not sure what to think. Different than the 'classical' Star Wars, for sure and certainly not bad, but it was a bit messy. Surprised by the ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 15 December, 2016, 07:23:38 pm
Rogue One.
Still not sure what to think. Different than the 'classical' Star Wars, for sure and certainly not bad, but it was a bit messy. Surprised by the ending.

I quite enjoyed it.  Didn't go expecting a Star Wars movie, and kind of didn't get one, so that was good.  Definitely part of the whole, but sufficiently different to feel like a standalone film.  Actually, thinking about it, it felt a bit more like a Marvel origin story than Star Wars.  I think the ending is about right, considering the placement of the film in the sequence -
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 December, 2016, 08:19:02 pm
Also Rogue One.  I have only seen one other Star Wars film and have little idea of who is who or what planet they're on.  Enjoyed the effects including the way the sound shook the auditorium.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 December, 2016, 09:11:26 pm
Rogue One.
Still not sure what to think. Different than the 'classical' Star Wars, for sure and certainly not bad, but it was a bit messy. Surprised by the ending.

I liked it a lot (although the first half is uneven).

It was pretty much the ending I was hoping for and I'm glad they did it that way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 December, 2016, 12:34:56 am
Eye in the Sky
I found this gripping. It is rare that a film grabs my attention so much that I don't wonder how far into it we are, or how long I have to wait for a pee. It's an ethics film that pits dithering politicians worried about the Today programme against soldiers that have spent six years waiting for this moment.

I remember seeing the trailers and reviews in the summer and thinking it wasn't for me. It's a 99p rental on Apple at the moment, and having seen it have been very happy to pay full whack in the cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 December, 2016, 12:36:18 am
Nativity 2
Not as good as Nativity. Mind you I only saw 2/3rds of it and I'm still ill. Should this be in the Christmas Films thread?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 18 December, 2016, 04:59:59 pm
The first Bourne. As good as ever.

No matter how many times I've seen it, whenever I catch it on TV I always end up watching it again, from whatever point in the film it is.

I love the bit in the snow with Clive Owen, at the holiday chalet, that starts with, "The Dog's gone missing".

Jason Bourne is responsible for the Bond franchise raising their game I think (although I much prefer the grittier Bourne films, with a total absence of Casinos).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 18 December, 2016, 06:06:03 pm
I used to have Clive Owen's quotation written out on my desk.

"Look at what they make you give!"

But I don't work for that company any more . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 December, 2016, 11:33:39 am
The Omen.

Maybe a portent or possibly a harbinger.  We seem to be watching a sequel in real life across the Pond :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 19 December, 2016, 01:52:24 pm
Rogue One, I enjoyed it,but I don't think it will stay with me like the other Star Wars films. No instantly quotable lines, and the score seemed forgettable.

It was lot like taking a WW2 movie, and just shoving it the Star Wars universe. A bit like Where Eagles Dare or Guns of Navarone but vs the Empire.  I look forward to when they start releasing films about the Rebels escaping from Empire POW camps.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 December, 2016, 04:01:55 pm
Rogue One, I enjoyed it,but I don't think it will stay with me like the other Star Wars films. No instantly quotable lines, and the score seemed forgettable.

It was lot like taking a WW2 movie, and just shoving it the Star Wars universe. A bit like Where Eagles Dare or Guns of Navarone but vs the Empire.  I look forward to when they start releasing films about the Rebels escaping from Empire POW camps.

Leaping over incinerating force field barriers on low altitude speeder bikes or in the go kart equivalent of pod racers?

Oh yus!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 20 December, 2016, 07:21:26 am
Anomalisa

Purely because it was The Graunaid's film of the year. A stop motion film about a man who sees and hears everyone as the same person until he meets Lisa.  It's a tender film, that touches on some interesting themes about the need to be recognised and human interaction. It's by Charlie Kaufman, who churns out clever scripts and scenarios.

Not my film of the year, probably not top 10, but still a worthy watch.  It's on Netflix atm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 December, 2016, 07:37:04 am
Not here it's not. They're shoving Mad Mel and Thunderdome at us right now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 20 December, 2016, 08:10:02 am
Time Traveller

What an umitigated complete and utter pile of shite.

No time travel.

Crap story.

Mediocre acting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 December, 2016, 08:37:17 am
Keanu again. It has the best joke of 2016 and the kitten Matrix scene is priceless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 December, 2016, 09:01:16 am
The Raid

2011 Indonesian police/martial arts filum and actually quite good. Plot line a bit thin, but camerawork, lighting, and set were superb. If you can overlook its weak points its not bad.

Certainly better than 'Drive', which I watched a few nights previously. Cliché riddled cheese that looked like it would have been at home in the late 80s.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 20 December, 2016, 09:11:17 am
Rogue One.


Now THAT is how to make a prequel.  Great fun - but probably very much for people like me who love SciFi and were seven years old when Star Wars came out the first time.  The 11 yo we went with seemed rather less interested in it than I  :facepalm:
It's a pretty dark plot for the kids in all honesty.


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 December, 2016, 03:26:53 pm
Anomalisa

Purely because it was The Graunaid's film of the year. A stop motion film about a man who sees and hears everyone as the same person until he meets Lisa.  It's a tender film, that touches on some interesting themes about the need to be recognised and human interaction. It's by Charlie Kaufman, who churns out clever scripts and scenarios.

Not my film of the year, probably not top 10, but still a worthy watch.  It's on Netflix atm.
The kaufman films I've seen have been genius. I remember this being reviewed by Kermode-n-Mayo and thought I must see this, warts-n-all.

(is it based loosely on a real psychological condition?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 December, 2016, 04:10:28 pm
Rogue One.


Now THAT is how to make a prequel.  Great fun - but probably very much for people like me who love SciFi and were seven years old when Star Wars came out the first time.  The 11 yo we went with seemed rather less interested in it than I  :facepalm:
It's a pretty dark plot for the kids in all honesty.


(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 December, 2016, 12:32:49 am
Rogue One.

(click to show/hide)


Nope, it's from RTJ, although it's seemingly constantly and wrongly attributed to ANH.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 21 December, 2016, 07:57:17 am
Ah OK, fair enough,  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 21 December, 2016, 08:01:19 am
In rather massive contrast on the old tellythision we watched a Spanish subtitled film entitled 'The Sea Inside'
We were attracted by its 5 star review and the fact that it won the best Forrin Fillum oscar (last year?)


Starred the bloke who played the Assassin in 'No country for old men'


Certainly Oscar Bait material as it was about a quadriplegic persons 'right to die' case and situation. 
Given that, though obviously very sad at times, it was an amazingly uplifting film and an absolute pleasure to watch.  Thoroughly recommended.  I feel a little less juvenile now, having got stuck in watching lots of Sci-Fi and Superhero flicks of late.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 21 December, 2016, 08:28:24 am
Filth.

I had no idea a film had been made of this novel until it popped up on Netflix, recommended for me personally based on previous film choices (  :-\  ). Im quite amazed that anybody has even attempted to make a film of it. Its pretty faithful to the book, apart from the tapeworm morphing into a psychiatrist. Really easy to watch for the first 40 minutes, with sharp witty dialogue and just the right amount of squalor, but the last half became more and more uncomfortable viewing, as the main protagonists world falls apart.

All in all a pretty decent film, driven by a skilful performance from the lead actor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 December, 2016, 09:18:07 am
Filth.

I had no idea a film had been made of this novel until it popped up on Netflix, recommended for me personally based on previous film choices (  :-\  ). Im quite amazed that anybody has even attempted to make a film of it. Its pretty faithful to the book, apart from the tapeworm morphing into a psychiatrist. Really easy to watch for the first 40 minutes, with sharp witty dialogue and just the right amount of squalor, but the last half became more and more uncomfortable viewing, as the main protagonists world falls apart.

All in all a pretty decent film, driven by a skilful performance from the lead actor.

It's a great performance from MacAvoy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 21 December, 2016, 10:05:40 am
Agreed. Its fair to say he carries the filum. He didnt drop the ball once.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 21 December, 2016, 11:06:44 am
In rather massive contrast on the old tellythision we watched a Spanish subtitled film entitled 'The Sea Inside'
We were attracted by its 5 star review and the fact that it won the best Forrin Fillum oscar (last year?)


Starred the bloke who played the Assassin in 'No country for old men'


Certainly Oscar Bait material as it was about a quadriplegic persons 'right to die' case and situation. 
Given that, though obviously very sad at times, it was an amazingly uplifting film and an absolute pleasure to watch.  Thoroughly recommended.  I feel a little less juvenile now, having got stuck in watching lots of Sci-Fi and Superhero flicks of late.

I struggled with this film, not because of the story line, but it seemed disjointed to me.

It is quite an old film, IMDB tells me 2004.

The guy you are thinking of is Javier Bardem, also played the baddy in that James Bond movie.  Oddly enough he also starred in the only film not in English to be nominated for best picture, that being "Biutiful", which I would, and have several times on this thread, recommend.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 December, 2016, 01:26:16 pm
Rogue One last night at the invite of No.2 Son.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. A better film than TFA by quite a long shot.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 22 December, 2016, 01:08:19 am
Can't remember if I put this one up, but the Norwegian (in English) zombie Nazi sequel "Dead Snow 2--Red or Dead"

It is wonderfully and delightfully tongue in cheek, and deliciously inventive. A particular PMSL scene:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 December, 2016, 10:34:38 am
Can't remember if I put this one up, but the Norwegian (in English) zombie Nazi sequel "Dead Snow 2--Red or Dead"

It is wonderfully and delightfully tongue in cheek, and deliciously inventive. A particular PMSL scene:
(click to show/hide)
geek spoiler response
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 22 December, 2016, 04:05:18 pm
Rogue One.

Yeah!  Enjoyed that, it looked great.  Couple next to, had a ~3 and 5yro with them -  pretty sure the parents would have got more out of it.

Surprised just how many Brits were in the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 22 December, 2016, 09:01:49 pm
Also Rogue One.  I have a geek hard on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 23 December, 2016, 12:55:20 am
Can't remember if I put this one up, but the Norwegian (in English) zombie Nazi sequel "Dead Snow 2--Red or Dead"

It is wonderfully and delightfully tongue in cheek, and deliciously inventive. A particular PMSL scene:
(click to show/hide)
geek spoiler response
(click to show/hide)


 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 23 December, 2016, 06:34:23 am
Greasy Strangler

Quite possibly the strangest film I've seen for a while.  But unlike other offbeat films, this one feels like the creative team are following an instruction manual in weird, rather than it just being what they are. Cannibalism - check. Nudity - check. Extreme profanity - check. Copraphilia - erm, no, but I bet it's on the editing floor (the scene, not...)

Anyway, father and son live together. Father essentially tries to stop son making their own life. The greasy Strangler gets involved. He's greasy. He strangles. The plot is thin and it's really a series of set ups.

I did find much of it funny. The bullshit call out scene for one. It just felt very obvious and familiar, something a 15 year old me could have written.  Anyway: you'll either like the first 10 mins and the rest (me) or think it should have been strangled at birth (see what I did there?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jock Stewart on 23 December, 2016, 07:02:24 am
I enjoyed Filth. I'm an Irvine Welsh fan.

Saw Hacksaw Ridge yesterday. Thought it was mawkish and focussed overly on violence to deliver the movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 23 December, 2016, 08:19:29 am
Can't remember if I put this one up, but the Norwegian (in English) zombie Nazi sequel "Dead Snow 2--Red or Dead"

It is wonderfully and delightfully tongue in cheek, and deliciously inventive. A particular PMSL scene:
(click to show/hide)

I can't believe I actually watched this nonsense  ;D

In its own way it really is quite brilliant. Final scene is by far the most disturbing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 23 December, 2016, 05:42:18 pm
Last Night:

Rare Exports - A Christmas Tale. Still weird, but not unamusing.

This arvo:

Arthur Christmas.

Quote from: fboab
Funnier than I was expecting
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 24 December, 2016, 07:29:16 pm
Can't remember if I put this one up, but the Norwegian (in English) zombie Nazi sequel "Dead Snow 2--Red or Dead"

It is wonderfully and delightfully tongue in cheek, and deliciously inventive. A particular PMSL scene:
(click to show/hide)

I can't believe I actually watched this nonsense  ;D

In its own way it really is quite brilliant. Final scene is by far the most disturbing.
Brilliant, isn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 December, 2016, 10:53:05 pm
Die Hard.  It totally holds up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 24 December, 2016, 11:18:57 pm
Groundhog Day. Ditto.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 24 December, 2016, 11:33:47 pm
Love Actually.

The amusing moments are still amusing. They probably always will be; as will the awkward ones. That's how Richard Curtis' movies work, love 'em or loathe 'em.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 24 December, 2016, 11:42:55 pm
The Room, highly unrecommended by a lad at work. I got the gist, and asked if it was like Plan 9 from Outer Space, to which he replied "it makes Plan 9 from Outer Space look like Citizen Kane".

It is really, really bad. Script, acting, plot, for some reason a rooftop scene with a green screen, there's nothing good in it, but it's weirdly compelling.

The IMDB trivia page is awesome: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368226/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 25 December, 2016, 12:01:45 am
Die Hard whilst putting together Marvel Lego and drinking whisky  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jock Stewart on 25 December, 2016, 07:37:01 pm
Love Actually.

The amusing moments are still amusing. They probably always will be; as will the awkward ones. That's how Richard Curtis' movies work, love 'em or loathe 'em.

I find him too White middle class and twee. In an exclusive way. I mean, how can you make a movie called Notting Hill with no Black people. He's selling an invented snobby version of what it means to be UK to the overseas lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 25 December, 2016, 10:00:36 pm
He's not documenting the history of the Roman Empire.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 December, 2016, 10:40:17 pm
Die Hard 2.  Not a patch on the original.  The implausible explosion at the end was quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 26 December, 2016, 08:46:27 am
Die Hard 2.  Not a patch on the original.  The implausible explosion at the end was quite good.


Somehow i've still not managed to ever actually watch Die Hard 2 all the way through despite trying several times and having seen all the others several times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TheLurker on 26 December, 2016, 09:36:09 am
Hobson's Choice.  Some dodgy and a little shaky at that "generic northern English" accents, but still makes me grin.  Keep an eye out for Prunella Scales as one of old man Hobson's daughters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 December, 2016, 10:38:21 am
Parkland, following Torslanda's recommendation, for which thanks.  Bloody good. What a carve-up, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 26 December, 2016, 11:46:27 pm
Die hard With A Vengeance.  A solid third act.  Shame they never made any more films in the trilogy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 26 December, 2016, 11:52:29 pm
I dunno, I thought 4 was good fun. 5 was almost entirely forgettable though
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 26 December, 2016, 11:56:52 pm
The Equalizer.

Denzel's got skilz!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 27 December, 2016, 12:16:03 am
We watched that again the other night. It's lots of fun. The song playing in the background of the big final fight is damn good as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 December, 2016, 12:21:50 am
I dunno, I thought 4 was good fun. 5 was almost entirely forgettable though

I think I have a higher tolerance for ridiculous physics than I do for ridiculous computer hacking.  At least massive explosions and comedy car chases are entertaining.

5 was literally forgettable, in that I watched it a couple of years ago, but had recycled all the neurons and only remembered it existed when I googled for the plot synopsis of 4 to remind me why I thought it was so bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 December, 2016, 08:50:21 am
Saving Mr Banks

Just wonderful. Emma Thompson totally makes it.  Not a classic, as the back-story doesnt work as well as the front(??)-story, and the two halves don't gel perfectly. But just about every scene with Thompson in is just lovely.

If you dont already love Thompson (and have quite a high tolerance for Tom Hanks) this probably isn't for you. Otherwise, it's a must see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 December, 2016, 10:25:48 am
DH5 had ridiculous physics too, notably the time machine that allowed Bruce and Junior to drive from Moscow to the middle of Ukraine in ten minutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 27 December, 2016, 01:06:51 pm
I sat and watched Hellboy. I enjoyed it, as it is supremely silly and over the top. Clockwork nazi cyborg assassins is da biz. We'll ignore the slight discrepancy of a nazi establishment on a Scottish island in the same way as we ignored the one in Egypt in ROTLA.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2016, 01:33:24 pm
Last night, 'cos Boxing Day, Eczemas, etc., we thought Les Misérables might be palatable (Russell Crowe in a musical, zeece vee must see etc.) Dear Lord it was pitiful. Crowe has a range of two notes and they're both horrible. We know the poor bugger has a vast ego but even that must have taken a knock. Hugh Jackman can certainly bellow, though, he had us wincing. So we gave up 20 minutes in and watched some miserable Welsh krimi that herself enjoyed. I couldn't bring myself to give a shit about any of the characters and went to sleep. Hinterland it was called, hinter being derived from the German for backside.  Still, at least we got a look at Aber, whence came my daughter homeward 15 yrs ago with deep depression. My only other memory of the place dates from 1976 and involves a freezing hotel and a leathern steak. Bleh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 27 December, 2016, 01:47:33 pm
I sat and watched Hellboy. I enjoyed it, as it is supremely silly and over the top. Clockwork nazi cyborg assassins is da biz. We'll ignore the slight discrepancy of a nazi establishment on a Scottish island in the same way as we ignored the one in Egypt in ROTLA.
Love that film. The sequel is even better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 27 December, 2016, 02:41:46 pm
The sequel is for my days off after tomorrow. DemiBros included and troll market extras.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 December, 2016, 11:20:16 am
Captain Phillips.

Tom Hanks does Tom Hanks very well doesn't he?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2016, 12:52:56 pm
I sat and watched Hellboy. I enjoyed it, as it is supremely silly and over the top. Clockwork nazi cyborg assassins is da biz. We'll ignore the slight discrepancy of a nazi establishment on a Scottish island in the same way as we ignored the one in Egypt in ROTLA.
Love that film. The sequel is even better.

I shall watch this after I come back from the toothwright this afternoon. Gotta have some compensation for a kyboshed afternoon's cycling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 28 December, 2016, 01:45:14 pm
Last night, 'cos Boxing Day, Eczemas, etc., we thought Les Misérables might be palatable (Russell Crowe in a musical, zeece vee must see etc.) Dear Lord it was pitiful.

I lasted less than five minutes! It was awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 December, 2016, 01:47:23 pm
There's a clue in the name  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 28 December, 2016, 01:54:41 pm
There's a clue in the name  ;D
;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2016, 04:31:23 pm
Yeah, and not exactly good material for a muzakel.  Now awaiting the muzaked version of In Cold Blood with John Hurt as lead soprano, if 2016 doesn't get him first.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 December, 2016, 05:19:27 pm
DH5 had ridiculous physics too, notably the time machine that allowed Bruce and Junior to drive from Moscow to the middle of Ukraine in ten minutes.

DH5 was awful. I was really excited and it snatched that excitement and got completely medieval on its ass. There should be death sentences issued for everyone concerned, I've no idea how you take something with the pedigree of Die Hard – the scripts effectively write themselves for gawd's sake – and completely and utterly fuck it up.

In the pecking order, DH1 through 3 are all equally excellent. DH4 slacked a little from the quality of the previous three, but as action movies go, it was still top notch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 28 December, 2016, 10:33:52 pm
Passengers

8/17 from the Aisle seat.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 December, 2016, 12:44:54 am
The Monuments Men.

Enjoyable hokum. Based on a true story apparently. WW2, from what I could see.

Mechanic Resurrection

Jason Statham plays hard to get with the girl, and reprises his Mechanic role. Killing some people in clever ways and thousands of others in a shooty, grenady, strangly, blowy uppy way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 December, 2016, 12:51:11 pm
The Monuments Men.

Enjoyable hokum. Based on a true story apparently. WW2, from what I could see.



Was it the Nazis that gave it away? ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 December, 2016, 01:18:18 pm
It was the Americans!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 December, 2016, 01:26:22 pm
It was the brief appearance of Herman Goerring that settled it for me :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Veloman on 29 December, 2016, 05:38:13 pm
Rogue One

0900 on Christmas Eve as going to the cinema at 0900 on that day has become a tradition.
Enjoyed the film and good dose of escapism with good links to the original Star Wars film.

Collateral Beauty

This morning and well worth seeing, although check the background before seeing to ensure content (overcoming child bereavement) will not be too upsetting (which is why some friends of mine will not be viewing it). Good to see Mr Smith mastering a 'serious' role.

lots

Caught-up with lots of films I had missed that were on TV which included two good films with that Mr Hanks and I hope to see Sully before it finishes its run on at local cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 29 December, 2016, 06:23:44 pm


(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKxa1aRIRYQ/UjYg8GtNzXI/AAAAAAAAAxs/-07sTvx5bDw/s1600/CD+1.jpg) ??
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Veloman on 29 December, 2016, 06:59:01 pm
Thank you Matt!

Not sure how that typo happened!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 01 January, 2017, 10:48:39 am
Coming soon, Kevin Spacey in "American Damage"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 January, 2017, 05:22:23 pm
Jason Bourne. Does what it says on the tin. Nothing new, but boy does that boy scurry, jump, and dodge and there's few movies of the genre that handle suspense as well. You'd think the nitwits at the CIA would give him a break on the grounds the It Never Works Out Well for Them. Nor am I sure of their logic of clearing up a mess with a trail of dead bodies. These are people who, when finding themselves in a hole with a shovel, promptly order a large digger.

Some movie 'hacking' of the usual variety and I'm still not sure how the CIA manage global geosynchronous satellite coverage of everywhere and from high orbit manage to be able to focus on a gnat's anus and detect its most recent fart.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 January, 2017, 05:39:58 pm
Galaxy Quest for the third time. Alan Rickman at his best and the others ain't bad neither.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 01 January, 2017, 09:04:05 pm
Last night, Alien followed by Aliens, then X-Men. Still wondering where the Senator's phone ends up....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2017, 08:07:03 am
An excellent Brazilian film called 7 Años, about four friends wrangling over which one of them will take the blame for all and go to prison for 7 years so that the other three can stay out.  I'd guess that it started life on the stage. Fascinating.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2017, 10:48:40 am
What We Did On Our Holidays

Second time I've seen this, enjoyed it just as much as the first time. Very funny.

Ethel & Ernest

Lovely. Just lovely. My wife was a blubbering wreck at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 02 January, 2017, 10:57:45 am
What We Did On Our Holidays

Second time I've seen this, enjoyed it just as much as the first time. Very funny.

Ethel & Ernest

Lovely. Just lovely. My wife was a blubbering wreck at the end.

Not watched Ethel and Ernest yet, but I was a blubbering wreck when I watched What We Did on Our Holidays last year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 January, 2017, 11:21:48 am
Saw Batman v Superman and Star Trek Beyond over the last two nights.


B v S - had very low expectations as I was expecting some sort of junk like Alien v. Predator.  It was a LOT better than that.  A LOT- very pleasantly surprised.  Thought it was excellent in fact and it dealt with a lot of the issues I had with Man of Steel (where I was a bit annoyed with Superman basically killing many many people - yeah that was examined quite thoroughly  :thumbsup: )


Star Trek Beyond-  again had low expectations due to having seen poor reviews.  Again, I found it much better - just great fun as a Star Trek film with lots of nods to earlier franchises.  I failed to even spot the infamous Sulu thing at all (only reminded when I looked at reviews again after) and I loved the interplay between Bones and Spok - probably hammed up but so what - it's Star Trek not Shakespear.
Indeed having seen some reviews that talk about Gene Roddenberry spinning in his grave - I wonder if these Trekkers have actually seen Stark Trek 5 (for example).  It's not like the great Gene couldn't vomit out some crap himself.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2017, 11:51:21 am
Not watched Ethel and Ernest yet, but I was a blubbering wreck when I watched What We Did on Our Holidays last year.

Oh god... Ethel & Ernest will have you in pieces.

It's sooo perfectly pitched, with a lovely understated English kind of sentimentality that steers the right side of cloying. At face value it's just the very ordinary story of two very ordinary people living very ordinary lives, but like all the best stories, it's all in the telling.

In many ways, the other Raymond Briggs story it reminds me of most is Fungus the Bogeyman - it's the way he captures the essential details of mundane domesticity, while all the big stuff is almost incidental.

It shows great restraint too. There's a detail about Raymond Briggs's own married life that is only briefly touched upon because it's outside the scope of this story. Including it in more detail might have ramped up the emotional impact but might have unbalanced it too - the narrow focus of the story is part of its strength.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 02 January, 2017, 12:26:35 pm
Ethel and Earnest was delightful.


Seemed a bit like a potted history of about 50 years of the UK in the 20th century wrapped up in a Story about two ordinary folks.  We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 January, 2017, 12:48:18 pm
Ex Machina

Really enjoyed this.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 January, 2017, 02:03:16 pm
Ex Machina

Really enjoyed this.

(click to show/hide)

Really?!  I thought it was awful! 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 02 January, 2017, 03:01:52 pm
After re-reading "Call For The Dead" I've just watched "The Deadly Affair".  James Mason playing Not George Smiley in 60's London with backup from Harry Andrews.   Red buses & phone boxes, signs for Watneys Red Barrel, casual police brutality, two Redgraves.   Well acted & worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 January, 2017, 07:42:25 pm
Rogue One. As others have said a bit darker and less-kiddified than the others of the canon. The robot wasn't even cute enough for merchandising opportunities (though I'm sure they'll try). As a notional adult, I've always been a bit confused by the mix of evil oppressors blow up an entire planet vs. hey look here's a chirpy little droid, kids.

On Netflix, The Equalizer. Which was apparently a brit TV programme that passed me by. But we have Denzel and Denzel, well, do not mess with Denzel. He's probably OK if you spill his pint and you apologize and buy him a new one. But if you don't apologize, and leave his pint soaking into the carpet. That's a very bad decision, my friend. Anyway, this was Denzel vs. the Russian Mob in the power tools section of B&Q (and don't tell me you've not had that dream). No spoilers required.

I don't know who does PR for the Russian Mob, but they're doing a shit job. The number of times I've seen them mowed down like daisies is extraordinary. I swear The Stath alone had wiped out more Russians than the Germans managed in two world wars. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to fear a crime organization that can get taken down by Steven Seagal (Putin really hasn't seen his back-catalogue). You look closely at those tattoos and you'll see they're mostly scenes from My Little Pony.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 02 January, 2017, 08:01:29 pm
London Has Fallen

It was good, the expected helicopter crashes, gun fights and car chases.

Thing is, put Trump in the role of POTUS and you kinda hope ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2017, 08:40:31 pm
The original Liquidiser, er, Equalizer was only a little bit BRITISH inasmuch as it starred Ewar Woowar (and, in one episode, Adam Ant) but it was set in Miami.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 05 January, 2017, 05:26:27 pm
Warsaw 44 last night.


Things that might put off the undiscerning.


1.  It's Polish with  :jurek:  Subtitles  :jurek:  (I had to persuade the wife initially)


2. Erm... well not *much* knowledge of WWII is required to know that this isn't going to be entirely HAPPY in nature.  And one ought to expect some minor violence.


If you can get around that- well it was rather excellent actually - though if you think Private Ryan does realistic WWII violence well - you may need a sick bucket at one point.  Wow - not quite seen what was on display at one point before - but I don't doubt it was realistic.  :'(


Anyway, it was a bit strange at times with odd dance scenes amongst the violence and the central love-triangle is a little clichéd


But it was generally very good and certainly gets my recommendation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 January, 2017, 07:52:37 pm
'Silence'

Not my choice of viewing and indeed it turned out over religious and the scenes of brutality were excruciating.  The film was much too long and I have to say despite their harsh treatment of the Christians, it was easier to be sympathetic to the Japanese rulers POV rather than the radicalising evangelists of whose motives it was easy to be suspicious. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 January, 2017, 08:35:48 am
Having read the book years ago I don't think I'd care to see the film.

FWIW IMDB's relegation of authors to a "1 more credit" link in the "Writers" line always pisses me off, since the film wouldn't be there without them, but in clicking through I found out that there was an original 1971 Japanese film (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067755/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lk2).  If you look for Shûsaku Endô's book on Amazon the first that comes up is the film tie-in.  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 06 January, 2017, 09:09:49 am
Not watched Ethel and Ernest yet, but I was a blubbering wreck when I watched What We Did on Our Holidays last year.

Oh god... Ethel & Ernest will have you in pieces.

It's sooo perfectly pitched, with a lovely understated English kind of sentimentality that steers the right side of cloying. At face value it's just the very ordinary story of two very ordinary people living very ordinary lives, but like all the best stories, it's all in the telling.


Totally agree. The best thing I saw all Christmas.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 06 January, 2017, 10:21:06 am
The Revolting Rhymes animations were rather good as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jock Stewart on 06 January, 2017, 07:21:13 pm
Just rewatched Martyrs. I've concluded it's a work of genius, a landmark French movie. Well acted and emotionally magnetic, well crafted, and delving into the psychosis of France's Nazi collaborators.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 08 January, 2017, 04:58:48 pm
Finished The Man in the High Castle 2 (set in 1960s, where the outcome of WW2 was very different) on Amazon prime.*

Thought provoking, well acted (Rufus Sewell is great), and gripping...  Season 2 probably better than 1, I thought. 

*Prob worth the free month trial for prime, if you have the option...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 January, 2017, 05:18:49 pm
The Cabin in the Woods. It's veryJoss Whedon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 January, 2017, 06:10:15 pm
Deadpool.

It blew its wad in the first sequence.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 January, 2017, 06:24:34 pm
Suicide Squad reprised on the small screen. A bit meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 09 January, 2017, 10:59:49 am
Not watched Ethel and Ernest yet, but I was a blubbering wreck when I watched What We Did on Our Holidays last year.

Oh god... Ethel & Ernest will have you in pieces.

It's sooo perfectly pitched, with a lovely understated English kind of sentimentality that steers the right side of cloying. At face value it's just the very ordinary story of two very ordinary people living very ordinary lives, but like all the best stories, it's all in the telling.


Totally agree. The best thing I saw all Christmas.

Oh yes.  (Caught up with it on iPlayer this weekend.)  Absolutely beautiful animation, really charming and extremely touching.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 09 January, 2017, 04:58:52 pm
Am starting to get full value out of Netflix, which has some interesting films lurking in the depths.  Some short reviews.

Lo and Behold: Reveries of a connected world Rather flat documentary about the impact of the internet on humanity.
The Thirteenth Powerful documentary about the enslavement of black America in prisons. God help them under Trump!
Capote: Phillip Hoffman delivers a great performance about the background to his classic novel "In cold blood".  Recommended.
Dazed and Confused: Teen coming of age story from the 90s, directed by Linklater and starring young versions of some well known names.  No real plot but is carried along by a great vibe (and soundtrack).  Would make a great triple bill with Breakfast Club and American Graffiti.
Blackfish: Documentary about an orca that killed a human at Seaworld.  Uncomfortable viewing that didn't really click with me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jock Stewart on 09 January, 2017, 07:45:06 pm
Revisiting Jim Jarmusch. The guy is a humane genius. Getting a bit camp in his old age, which is no bad thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 09 January, 2017, 09:40:41 pm
Deadpool.

It blew its wad in the first sequence.

Kick-Ass did it much better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 January, 2017, 02:15:58 am
Finished The Man in the High Castle 2 (set in 1960s, where the outcome of WW2 was very different) on Amazon prime.*

Thought provoking, well acted (Rufus Sewell is great), and gripping...  Season 2 probably better than 1, I thought. 

*Prob worth the free month trial for prime, if you have the option...

I agree. Much more engaging than Season1
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 January, 2017, 07:12:46 am
Manchester by the Sea.  Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 10 January, 2017, 07:27:35 am
Youth great film, well acted if a little bizarre in places.  Wife didn't like it at all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 January, 2017, 08:29:31 am
Hunt for the Wilderpeople Absolutely stunning. And hilarious ...and occasionally emotional. Don't really know how to describe this, so just watch it!.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hunt_for_the_wilderpeople/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 10 January, 2017, 08:39:01 am
NightWatch (Nochnoy Dozor) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403358/?ref_=nv_sr_6) - I watched this, first time, back in 2008 or so, and really enjoyed it.  I noticed it on NetFlix, last night, so decided to watch it again.  It stands up to re-watching and makes me want to see DayWatch again (the follow-up, which _isn't_ on NetFlix :( ).

If you like films that don't sugar coat things but have touches of humour (the wagon they use is good for a laugh, an old Ural that can alledgedly go >120Kph!!!) and/or like vampire films, you should watch this.  One warning, though, if you don't like subtitles films, forget it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alexb on 10 January, 2017, 05:57:36 pm
I watched Fury the other night. Hadn't seen it in a while - really liked it. I have no idea how realistic it was, but the duelling tanks scene was amazingly tense.

Last night went to see A Monster Calls. Absolutely incredible. It's beautiful, tragic, magical and brilliantly acted.
Then I got home, spent five minutes talking to my wife about it and realised that I'd missed part of the sub-text which had me welling up all over again.

Really brilliant movie. Sigourney Weaver is excellent, Felicity Jones is great, but the kid (played by Lewis MacDougall) is a stunning piece of acting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 January, 2017, 01:30:37 pm
I watched Fury the other night. Hadn't seen it in a while - really liked it. I have no idea how realistic it was, but the duelling tanks scene was amazingly tense.

Really not very.

Tanks being used to attack anti-tank guns being especially rubbish tactically (the clue is in the name anti-tank gun).

There are other things like why don't the US have any air or artillery support which they had in abundance at that point in time?  Simple dialogue might have explained that away but they didn't bother, preferring to get all rapey and have an immobilized tank wipe out at least an enemy company.  It reminded me of Sven Hassell for realism.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 January, 2017, 11:44:39 pm
Well realistic can be - um - interesting.  See a scene in Warsaw 44 I alluded to above.


Get too realistic and it's going to traumatise people.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 12 January, 2017, 09:41:05 am
Well realistic can be - um - interesting.  See a scene in Warsaw 44 I alluded to above.


Get too realistic and it's going to traumatise people.

Vicarious Traumatic Stress Disorder.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 January, 2017, 11:33:01 pm
Fury is a bit silly, as it's all very choreographed;
- EXT: BOMBED OUT FRENCH VILLAGE
Soldiers are moving cautiously down the street. German Machinegun opens fire and tracers fly every
FOCUS ON SOLDIERS LEGS legs gets chopped in half with blood splattting everywhere
FOCUS ON ANOTHER SOLDIERS HEAD head explodes with brain parts splatting into the lens
FOCUS ON SOLDIERS ARM; arm gets chopped off


Etc, etc. Rather than focusing on the story/battle it's just trying to shock you, focusing on the gore.
The color coded Star Wars tracers were also annoying.
I did like it's attempt at showing how even the US soldiers lost their humanity, but it was rather short lived, as we of course, needed some heroes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 16 January, 2017, 09:47:26 am
Capsule

Quote
A helpless British astronaut suffering Hypoxia is locked in a dysfunctional Cold War space Capsule orbiting earth. With limited contact with his own team, the deeply suspicious Russians and Americans attempt to intervene... One Man, One Mission, One Choice... Who will he Trust?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3108244 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3108244)

While it wasn't an epic space extravaganza along the lines of Gravity or The Martian, it was an enjoyable movie about what would happen if Britain  had been the first to get a Man In Space during the height of the Cold War.



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 16 January, 2017, 01:44:17 pm
Lee Child's Jack Reacher in 'One Shot' (I believe it was) yesterday.

Having started it around 5pm, my wife and I eventually finished watching it just after 9pm.

We have never, ever, been interrupted so much watching a film. First her sister phoned (after 10 minutes in), then someone knocked on the door selling iced buns to raise money for a local school something-or-other, then we had to prepare supper. Started watching again, then a neighbour called round wanting to borrow a batch of CDs. Okay, off we go again! "Knock, knock knock!" Another neighbour called round, explaining he could get back on the roof when it stopped raining, to deal with the leak with the skylight. Yep, okay, good. He's gone. We start again. No, wait — "Time to have a bath before supper" my wife says, so that's all done. We then sit down again, watching the film having us tea. Phew.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 January, 2017, 05:32:00 pm
A 1992 film called Hero about a lowlife fence who inadvertently saves 54 people from a crashed plane. Surprisingly good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 January, 2017, 12:06:39 pm
A 1992 film called Hero about a lowlife fence who inadvertently saves 54 people from a crashed plane. Surprisingly good.

The Hoff? (Dustin version).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 17 January, 2017, 12:26:23 pm
Assassin's Creed. Almost but not quite entirely meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 17 January, 2017, 01:00:02 pm
Assassin's Creed. Almost but not quite entirely meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 17 January, 2017, 03:40:34 pm
meh meh?  :-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 January, 2017, 04:03:26 pm
A 1992 film called Hero about a lowlife fence who inadvertently saves 54 people from a crashed plane. Surprisingly good.

The Hoff? (Dustin version).

Yup, plus Geena Davis and Andy Garcia.  Has a sort-of 1950s feel to it.

Noticed on IMDB that it's Accidental Hero in English.

---o0o---

Last night we watched an Austrian (German? Czech?) film called Sarajevo, about the investigation of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Interesting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 January, 2017, 07:51:23 pm
Flashdance.  Quite amusing really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 17 January, 2017, 09:06:10 pm
Never seen Flashdance or Footloose. Just saw La La Land, really enjoyed it albeit not much substance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 17 January, 2017, 09:06:40 pm
Inclined to watch Weird Science at the weekend and see how it holds up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 17 January, 2017, 09:48:07 pm
Hunt for the Wilderpeople Absolutely stunning. And hilarious ...and occasionally emotional. Don't really know how to describe this, so just watch it!.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hunt_for_the_wilderpeople/

It's on my list
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 17 January, 2017, 11:19:46 pm
Flashdance. Footloose. Flatulence. All equally entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 January, 2017, 09:15:09 am
Never seen Flashdance or Footloose. Just saw La La Land, really enjoyed it albeit not much substance.
"not much substance" ??

I can't wait to hear your reviews of the other two  ;D

I really enjoyed LaLaLand. But N enjoyed it even more, she was high as a kite [in the Mary Poppins way] :)
The issue for me was the songs - I've never enjoyed musicals that don't have killer songs, and only a few do. With the right songs I am as happy watching a musical as anyone.
These songs were perfectly OK, just not great. WITHOUT the songs it would have been a really nice movie anyway!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 18 January, 2017, 11:14:58 am
Hunt for the Wilderpeople Absolutely stunning. And hilarious ...and occasionally emotional. Don't really know how to describe this, so just watch it!.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hunt_for_the_wilderpeople/

It's on my list

Really lovely film.  Reminded me of Pixar's  "Up".

Rogerzilla watching Flashdance and finding it "Quite amusing"  is like when I found out about Freddie Mercury and George Michael.  I honestly didn't know.

The problem I have with musicals is the singing*.  I'm OK with them apart from that one single thing. 
I just can't get my head around the fact that people are singing in a film.  I suppose it's better than musical theatre, when the principles all speak their lines in a sort of monotone, mock-opera, singing voice (See. Les Mis). 
I have a theory that we could all sing like that if we wanted to , but most of us are conscious of appearing a bit daft.

*Clearly The Blues Brothers is brilliant and an exception.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 January, 2017, 11:19:10 am
Flashdance.  Quite amusing really.

She knows fuck-all about welding though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 18 January, 2017, 12:17:04 pm
Bob Geldof was up for the part of the father in Flashdance but he turned it down because the premise was too silly and they don't have giant cisterns at dance auditions.

Watched Warsaw44 based on the review upthread. I liked it, the tram tacking shot of wartime Warsaw was fascinating cgi i guess, brilliantly done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 January, 2017, 12:23:23 pm
Never seen Flashdance or Footloose. Just saw La La Land, really enjoyed it albeit not much substance.
"not much substance" ??

I can't wait to hear your reviews of the other two  ;D

I really enjoyed LaLaLand. But N enjoyed it even more, she was high as a kite [in the Mary Poppins way] :)
The issue for me was the songs - I've never enjoyed musicals that don't have killer songs, and only a few do. With the right songs I am as happy watching a musical as anyone.
These songs were perfectly OK, just not great. WITHOUT the songs it would have been a really nice movie anyway!
You want lack of substance?

We watched 'The 100ft journey'.
Given the general plot and the director, I expected a bit more. 'Chocolat' was pretty good.

'The 100ft journey' was vapid in the extreme. Not even the presence of some really, really good actors and very pretty scenery could rescue it. Perfectly pleasant but I've drunk more exciting glasses of water.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 18 January, 2017, 06:25:10 pm
Think I need to watch it now just to see if I agree . . .

Admitted preconception was a sort of East is East meets Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but with bigger boobs with Helen Thing . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 January, 2017, 02:02:27 pm
Ethel and Ernest.   It reminded me very much of my own parents' story, which began around 10 years later. Slightly different attitudes - my mum started her own business in the late 20s which Ethel would never have done, but my maternal grandmother was a lady's maid before she was married and she passed on the snobbery that goes with the job.  We only ever had ordinary cutlery at home but she always called it "the silver", etc.

Great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 19 January, 2017, 04:09:28 pm
The Grand Budapest Hotel

brilliantly silly
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 19 January, 2017, 05:25:19 pm
Flashdance.  Quite amusing really.

She knows fuck-all about welding though.
Quote
Arh, it's like Bonfire Night! That's too much acetylene, is that! Them joints will hold fuck all

(Hmm, idle thought - is welding done with acetylene? I thought that was used for cutting holes in steel, not gluing it together.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 19 January, 2017, 05:27:52 pm
Burning acetylene is a heat source. Welding is locally heating two (or three) bits of material (metal, plastic, etc.) until they melt and combine. If you locally heat some material until it melts, you might also have a hot axe (i.e. burn through).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 19 January, 2017, 07:39:52 pm
Flashdance.  Quite amusing really.

She knows fuck-all about welding though.
Quote
Arh, it's like Bonfire Night! That's too much acetylene, is that! Them joints will hold fuck all

(Hmm, idle thought - is welding done with acetylene? I thought that was used for cutting holes in steel, not gluing it together.)

it's doubly funny, as she's arc-welding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 20 January, 2017, 06:10:13 am
There is sometimes an excuse for combining torches with arc welding but yes, Flashdance is unfortunately all about the images on the screen and storytelling, rather than the educational documentary that I know everybody would prefer.

http://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/process-faqs/faq-why-is-preheat-used-when-arc-welding-steel-and-how-is-it-applied/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 January, 2017, 09:01:29 am
There is sometimes an excuse for combining torches with arc welding but yes, Flashdance is unfortunately all about the images on the screen and storytelling, rather than the educational documentary that I know everybody would prefer.
;D

(In reality they wouldn't prefer it, because there would be less errors, and thus less chance to impress other geeks on the internet with corrections.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 January, 2017, 09:43:22 am
Er... "fewer errors".  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 January, 2017, 10:59:22 am
10 Cloverfield Lane

Really enjoyed it. Much more interesting and clever than I was expecting. I've still not seen the original Cloverfield but I guess it's only tangentially related anyway.

I can't think of anyone else who could have played that part better than John Goodman. He does creepy very well. Almost too convincing.

One funny thing was that having seen Breaking Bad, I knew what was in the vat the moment I saw it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 20 January, 2017, 12:10:17 pm
Filth

Manages to be funny and depressing at the same time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 20 January, 2017, 12:21:48 pm
Er... "fewer errors".  ;D

Nah, fewer chance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 January, 2017, 12:58:54 pm
10 Cloverfield Lane

Really enjoyed it. Much more interesting and clever than I was expecting. I've still not seen the original Cloverfield but I guess it's only tangentially related anyway.

I can't think of anyone else who could have played that part better than John Goodman. He does creepy very well. Almost too convincing.

One funny thing was that having seen Breaking Bad, I knew what was in the vat the moment I saw it.
I consider Cloverfield to be sherioushly underrated. Perhaps I'm not in the core action/alien/horror demographic, dunno!

"10 ... " sounds very different, but I do mean to watch it sometime ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 January, 2017, 01:10:22 pm
10 Cloverfield Lane

Really enjoyed it. Much more interesting and clever than I was expecting. I've still not seen the original Cloverfield but I guess it's only tangentially related anyway.

I can't think of anyone else who could have played that part better than John Goodman. He does creepy very well. Almost too convincing.

One funny thing was that having seen Breaking Bad, I knew what was in the vat the moment I saw it.

Title's reminiscent of 10 Rillington Place. Could imagine an American Christie played by JG, too.  Original Cloverfield's not bad at all, but closer to Godzilla than acid baths.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 21 January, 2017, 05:54:21 pm
Kubo and the Two Strings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vex0gPFnBvM)

Amazingly well animated, funny, and melancholy.

It is impressively well done stop motion animation, but modernised somewhat to include computer generated imagery where necessary.  It appeals to both the adult and child in me, a blend of a deep, dark, Japanese story, with some rather more Western style silly humour.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 January, 2017, 08:43:46 pm
The Rezort. Zombies vs. Jurassic Park.

Don't bother, it's shitter than you think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 January, 2017, 09:10:38 pm
The Rezort. Zombies vs. Jurassic Park.

Don't bother, it's shitter than you think.

Coming from you, that's low praise indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 21 January, 2017, 09:15:42 pm
Hunt for the Wilderpeople Absolutely stunning. And hilarious ...and occasionally emotional. Don't really know how to describe this, so just watch it!.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hunt_for_the_wilderpeople/

It's on my list
Awesome. Absolutely fantastic, hunt it out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 January, 2017, 09:31:52 am
Public Works on Netflix.  Good film, based on real events, but

(click to show/hide)

Currently watching Beasts of No Nation when I'm on the turbo. Good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 January, 2017, 11:48:34 am
Currently watching Beasts of No Nation when I'm on the turbo. Good.
i thought BoNN was great. Then my son-in-law (who is studying film) utterly ruined it for my by informing me that the great CGI in it was done by unpaid student interns. Great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 January, 2017, 01:19:30 pm
I haven't finished watching it yet.  Only about 40 min in. :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 22 January, 2017, 02:10:13 pm
Free Birds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxslnpqFwOs)

A time travelling animation, about turkeys trying to stop turkeys from being eaten at the first Thanksgiving, and hence saving all turkeys.

Not the most exciting film in the world, but amusing enough, and very easy to watch.  It definitely has its moments, even if it is generally a bit of a Turkey. :)

Some of the better bits, are the soldiers in the secret government establishment, the first daughter, the pizza delivery guy and of course George Takei as the time machine, who definitely wins it as far as I'm concerned! "Oh my". :)

Quote from: Steve
The following film is a work of fiction,  It is loosely based on historical events and is in no way meant to be historically accurate.

Except for the talking turkeys.

That part is totally real.

:D

It got trashed by the critics, which I think was a bit unfair, since it's really not too bad, just not exactly outstanding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 January, 2017, 11:16:42 pm
The Jungle Book

Meh. Far too earnest for a kids' film. Terrible ending.

Dad's Army

Didn't have high expectations but thought it might at least be a mildly amusing way to pass a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon. It wasn't. It's dull and unfunny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 22 January, 2017, 11:49:05 pm
Finding Dory.

Like Finding Nemo but not as good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 January, 2017, 02:36:54 am
A lonely Place to Die

An extraordinary film. Beautiful captures of moody scenery. Silly decisions. A Wicker Basket finish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 January, 2017, 07:42:41 am
The Revenant

Stunningly beautiful cinematography and quite dreamlike but very violent at times. I liked it a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 23 January, 2017, 08:59:46 am
I do hope you saw it on a BIG screen Pollers! It really takes you through a wealth of emotions doesn't it.

Watched The Big Short on Saturday. Very well acted and watchable but, as to understanding how easy(?) or convoluted bankers were able to manipulate mortgages, bonds, insurance in the Sub Prime Mortgage scandal, seemed to be like watching and following  a card trick performed right in front of your eyes.

Apparently, after all the deceit and fraud, only one banker was jailed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 23 January, 2017, 10:18:09 am
I thought The Revenant was dull and self indulgent. Far too much crawling. The only real star was the scenery.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 January, 2017, 10:39:09 am
The Rezort. Zombies vs. Jurassic Park.

Don't bother, it's shitter than you think.

Coming from you, that's low praise indeed.

Heh. Don't I know it. But I have some standards. To be honest, I don't know entirely why I watched it as I don't like zombies, but my tea was going cold and I wanted to watch something.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 January, 2017, 10:40:35 am
I thought The Revenant was dull and self indulgent. Far too much crawling. The only real star was the scenery.

I think someone, it might have been me, described it as thirty minutes of plot squeezed into a mere two and half hours of movie. I stand by that. Oh look a tree.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 23 January, 2017, 10:45:07 am
Rubber - an abandoned car tyre becomes sentient, discover it possesses psionic powers and goes on a murderous rampage. Good fun for the first two thirds but peters out a bit towards the end. Don't think they quite knew how to wrap it up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 January, 2017, 10:45:19 am
I do hope you saw it on a BIG screen Pollers! It really takes you through a wealth of emotions doesn't it.

Watched The Big Short on Saturday. Very well acted and watchable but, as to understanding how easy(?) or convoluted bankers were able to manipulate mortgages, bonds, insurance in the Sub Prime Mortgage scandal, seemed to be like watching and following  a card trick performed right in front of your eyes.

Apparently, after all the deceit and fraud, only one banker was jailed.

Aye well, the Goldman Sachs banker largely behind the 2008 collapse is DT's new Secy. of the Treasury. Name like Munchkin.  Happy days are here again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 January, 2017, 10:47:48 am
I thought The Revenant was dull and self indulgent. Far too much crawling. The only real star was the scenery.

I think someone, it might have been me, described it as thirty minutes of plot squeezed into a mere two and half hours of movie. I stand by that. Oh look a tree.
It's brilliant. I rather enjoyed the "plot", but frankly I'd pay to watch a 2-1/2hour scenery edit; that would be stunning enough on its won.

Watch it on a big screen if you can  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 January, 2017, 10:54:15 am
OT: searching for "Revenant" - with the fantastic YACF Search - finds this:

The latest Star Wars (can't remember its subtitle)

Enjoyed it actually and so won't go through disassembling/cutting it to ribbons, but I did say, as an aside to my wife, "He does a lot of panting doesn't he," with reference to Finn.

… and before going to see it, I just could not get the Raiders of the Lost Ark theme tune out of my head!! "Dah-dah-da, dah-da-darrr! (add more da-darrs)


 ???  ???  ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 23 January, 2017, 11:07:19 am
I thought The Revenant was dull and self indulgent. Far too much crawling. The only real star was the scenery.

I think someone, it might have been me, described it as thirty minutes of plot squeezed into a mere two and half hours of movie. I stand by that. Oh look a tree.
It's brilliant. I rather enjoyed the "plot", but frankly I'd pay to watch a 2-1/2hour scenery edit; that would be stunning enough on its won.

Watch it on a big screen if you can  :thumbsup:

It was a DVD I got for Christmas so no big screen (well a 40inch TV isn't considered big these days).
I was quietly amused by both the accuracy and reliability of the muskets though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 January, 2017, 11:16:44 am
I was quietly amused by both the accuracy and reliability of the muskets though.

In case you missed it, there was a discussion upthread about welding that you might enjoy:

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg2125664#msg2125664
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 January, 2017, 11:25:43 am
I thought The Revenant was dull and self indulgent. Far too much crawling. The only real star was the scenery.

I think someone, it might have been me, described it as thirty minutes of plot squeezed into a mere two and half hours of movie. I stand by that. Oh look a tree.
It's brilliant. I rather enjoyed the "plot", but frankly I'd pay to watch a 2-1/2hour scenery edit; that would be stunning enough on its won.

Watch it on a big screen if you can  :thumbsup:

It was a DVD I got for Christmas so no big screen (well a 40inch TV isn't considered big these days).
I was quietly amused by both the accuracy and reliability of the muskets though.

I've read the book. A large part of the book plot is about the main character owning a fancy, reliable accurate gun and a nasty sh!t wanting to steal it from him. Most of the rest of them have crappy guns that really don't work very well.
When the main character survives, the unique appearance of this gun (it having fancy silverwork) enables the main character to try tracking the nasty sh!t down.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 23 January, 2017, 11:46:31 am
OT: searching for "Revenant" - with the fantastic YACF Search - finds this:

The latest Star Wars (can't remember its subtitle)

Enjoyed it actually and so won't go through disassembling/cutting it to ribbons, but I did say, as an aside to my wife, "He does a lot of panting doesn't he," with reference to Finn.

… and before going to see it, I just could not get the Raiders of the Lost Ark theme tune out of my head!! "Dah-dah-da, dah-da-darrr! (add more da-darrs)


 ???  ???  ???

Rogue One.
Just remembered! Hope that's cleared up any confusion Matt.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 January, 2017, 12:26:55 pm
Rubber - an abandoned car tyre becomes sentient, discover it possesses psionic powers and goes on a murderous rampage. Good fun for the first two thirds but peters out a bit towards the end. Don't think they quite knew how to wrap it up.
I watched this a couple of years ago and enjoyed it very much. I think Ian might like it.



(click to show/hide)
That sounds quite good!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 January, 2017, 01:16:46 pm
...

Rogue One.
Just remembered! Hope that's cleared up any confusion Matt.  :)
Yes, thankyou, BUT;

it's got nothing to do with the Revenant, so I didn't want it in my search results! :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 23 January, 2017, 01:20:07 pm
...

Rogue One.
Just remembered! Hope that's cleared up any confusion Matt.  :)
Yes, thankyou, BUT;

it's got nothing to do with the Revenant, so I didn't want it in my search results! :)


Cock. Yes, I see your predicament. It's a pickle isn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 23 January, 2017, 01:31:12 pm
"Local Hero". Haven't watched in years, but still remembered most of the lines. Was under strict instructions not to say any of them before they were voiced on screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 23 January, 2017, 05:55:18 pm
"Local Hero". Haven't watched in years, but still remembered most of the lines. Was under strict instructions not to say any of them before they were voiced on screen.


That reminds me of trying to watch the Life of Brian in halls when I was a student.  :facepalm:


'No quotes!' had to be ordered within about 3 seconds of it starting.



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 January, 2017, 06:10:46 pm
Rubber - an abandoned car tyre becomes sentient, discover it possesses psionic powers and goes on a murderous rampage. Good fun for the first two thirds but peters out a bit towards the end. Don't think they quite knew how to wrap it up.
I watched this a couple of years ago and enjoyed it very much. I think Ian might like it.



(click to show/hide)
That sounds quite good!

My description does actually make it seem quite a lot better than it was. Anyway, if anyone from Hollywood is reading this, I've got a first draft for Zombie Dinopocalypse [working title]. Unearthed zombie dinosaurs rampage. It's pretty ace. I should maybe email it to Michael Bay and Roland Emmerich.

In other news I finally remembered to watch Spectral (I slept through the first attempt, but was a more due to the fact I'd had a few glasses of magic sleeping potion in the pub earlier). Now that I liked. Ninja-engineer saved the day with some splendidly made-up science, all rendered with some quite reasonable CGI.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 23 January, 2017, 06:11:51 pm
...

Rogue One.
Just remembered! Hope that's cleared up any confusion Matt.  :)
Yes, thankyou, BUT;

it's got nothing to do with the Revenant, so I didn't want it in my search results! :)


Cock. Yes, I see your predicament. It's a pickle isn't it?

No, no, I'm a Pickle.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 23 January, 2017, 10:47:47 pm
You may have been being facetious but can I pedantically point out the there was no character called Finn in Rogue One.


The Force Awakens however...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 24 January, 2017, 10:50:33 am
You may have been being facetious but can I pedantically point out the there was no character called Finn in Rogue One.


The Force Awakens however...


Really? I'm losing it then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 24 January, 2017, 10:57:56 am
Indeed


Rogue One - stealing plans to blow up the Death Star - no major old characters - well except Vader and Tarkin  (C3PO and R2D2 briefly along with CGI'd young Leia)


The Force Awakens, Han Solo, Chewy, Leia, C3PO, R2D2 (I think those last two were in it - been a while now) - and new characters Finn (reformed stormtrooper) and er... wow-  I've forgotten the leading lady's name  :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 24 January, 2017, 12:49:05 pm
Here's what Tom Hardy had to say about The Revenant:

"hrrrmmm...brrgh....mumble...mmmmmbb-bbrrrmmrrdd..hhrum...mumble..mumble.."

Quite different from his summary of his role as Bane in "Dark Knight" where he said:

"woooarrr.....rarrhhhr.....mumble....something about pain...roaaarrr...warrrrrr"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 24 January, 2017, 12:58:08 pm
Eye in the Sky.

Alan Rickman's last film - not bad, thought provoking look at issues involved re. 'collateral damage'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 24 January, 2017, 01:50:15 pm
Here's what Tom Hardy had to say about The Revenant:

"hrrrmmm...brrgh....mumble...mmmmmbb-bbrrrmmrrdd..hhrum...mumble..mumble.."

Quite different from his summary of his role as Bane in "Dark Knight" where he said:

"woooarrr.....rarrhhhr.....mumble....something about pain...roaaarrr...warrrrrr"

That's funny. Pcolbeck Junior's girlfriend and Mrs Pcolbeck made me turn on subtitles as they couldn't understand a thing Tom Hardy said.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 24 January, 2017, 05:58:55 pm
Just saw La La Land, really enjoyed it albeit not much substance.
"not much substance" ??

I can't wait to hear your reviews of the other two  ;D

I really enjoyed LaLaLand. But N enjoyed it even more, she was high as a kite [in the Mary Poppins way] :)
The issue for me was the songs - I've never enjoyed musicals that don't have killer songs, and only a few do. With the right songs I am as happy watching a musical as anyone.
These songs were perfectly OK, just not great. WITHOUT the songs it would have been a really nice movie anyway!


I saw this over the weekend.

Awful.

Just awful.

No really. Just awful.

(and not in a good way).

I wish I could do an eloquently entertaining Ian-style rant but I lack the craft (like the film makers). After the opening scene, which was a hair's breadth away from "Hey! Let's put on a show!" I was thinking, when is the irony going to kick in?  It didn't. And from then onwards it was downhill. I'd file this one in the same folder as "Frozen" - deeply reactionary escapism that would have seemed out of date in the 1950s. Gendered and racial stereotypes abound; American dream tosh.

No doubt it will win a pile of Oscars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 25 January, 2017, 09:23:03 am
Thanks Jo. I'm seeing it tomorrow evening. Starts at 9pm. The cinema seats are very comfy and, seeing as I keep falling asleep on the sofa around this time, I might be in trouble!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 25 January, 2017, 11:09:31 am
Eye in the Sky.

Alan Rickman's last film - not bad, thought provoking look at issues involved re. 'collateral damage'.

Actually, his last film appears to have been "Alice Through the Looking Glass", that was released after "Eye in the Sky".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 25 January, 2017, 11:11:15 am
...
In other news I finally remembered to watch Spectral (I slept through the first attempt, but was a more due to the fact I'd had a few glasses of magic sleeping potion in the pub earlier). Now that I liked. Ninja-engineer saved the day with some splendidly made-up science, all rendered with some quite reasonable CGI.

Rather annoyingly, this only appears to be available on Netflix.  I'm rather loathe to sign up to Netflix, for a single film.

The trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvF1i3BB_zs) does make it appear interesting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 January, 2017, 11:30:19 am
It's a Netflix production – they're turning out TV series and movies of their own and they're often rather good (Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, The OA etc.). Watching something called Travelers at the moment which is keeping me entertained (time travellers from the future zap into the bodies of people about to die and then have to try and save the future by averting asteroid strikes etc. while at the same time trying to assume their new contemporary identities without friends and family noticing).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 25 January, 2017, 11:56:42 am
Sounds like Quantum Leap only less bad
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 25 January, 2017, 06:15:10 pm
It's a Netflix production – ...

Actually, I don't think it is.  It appears to have been made by Legendary Entertainment and Universal Studios, and it was expected to be released by Universal, but Netflix acquired the distribution rights, and so currently that's the only way to see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 January, 2017, 06:56:33 pm
Netflix do have producer credits during the roll in, but indeed it seems just because they have the distribution rights.

You are missing out

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 25 January, 2017, 08:31:05 pm
'Jackie'

About Jacqueline Kennedy/Onassis.  It was based around an interview she gave only a week later with flashbacks to the principal moments.  I felt it captured the horror and desolation of the event whilst giving an honest portrayal of a tough character still very much in control of herself and those she dealt with.

Worth watching if you are going that way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 26 January, 2017, 07:04:56 pm
Actually, his last film appears to have been "Alice Through the Looking Glass", that was released after "Eye in the Sky".
ah yes, missed that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 January, 2017, 07:07:59 pm
'Jackie'

About Jacqueline Kennedy/Onassis.  It was based around an interview she gave only a week later with flashbacks to the principal moments.  I felt it captured the horror and desolation of the event whilst giving an honest portrayal of a tough character still very much in control of herself and those she dealt with.

Worth watching if you are going that way.

Pathetically trivial comment on a serious film:
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 26 January, 2017, 08:25:23 pm
Operation Avalanche

Given the premise, this annoyed me at least two orders of magnitude less than I expected it to.  It's clearly a satirical work of fiction[1], wrapped up in a beautifully executed homage to 16mm, and more layers of meta than you can shake a cine camera at (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/how-operation-avalanche-director-matt-johnson-boldly-infiltrated-nasa/article27974137/).  Some of the acting's a bit iffy, but you're never sure how much of it is actually acting...


[1]
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 26 January, 2017, 09:54:52 pm
Passengers

Bit silly. The premise is great, like a Twilight Zone episode, then it goes a bit generic. No bras is space apparently. You also have to just decide BECAUSE SCIENCE at some strange plot anomalies, like why are there vast recreational facilities that will only be used for 4 months of a 200 year flight?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 27 January, 2017, 08:44:34 am
La La Land last night, and we La La Loved it, actually. It wasn't as song-and-dancey as I imagined, and was very impressed with Ryan Gosling's piano playing. Hadn't expected the ending, er … ending like it did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 January, 2017, 08:45:14 am
Operation Avalanche

Given the premise, this annoyed me at least two orders of magnitude less than I expected it to.  It's clearly a satirical work of fiction[1], wrapped up in a beautifully executed homage to 16mm, and more layers of meta than you can shake a cine camera at (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/how-operation-avalanche-director-matt-johnson-boldly-infiltrated-nasa/article27974137/).  Some of the acting's a bit iffy, but you're never sure how much of it is actually acting...


[1]
(click to show/hide)
I read your link - and another random review on the web - and I still can't work out what the film is trying to say. Hopefully it's just a bit of clever/arty fun - the director sounds quite cool. If they really think the moon landings were faked I might find the film unbearable.
Incidentally:
(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 27 January, 2017, 12:21:10 pm
'Jackie'

About Jacqueline Kennedy/Onassis.  It was based around an interview she gave only a week later with flashbacks to the principal moments.  I felt it captured the horror and desolation of the event whilst giving an honest portrayal of a tough character still very much in control of herself and those she dealt with.

Worth watching if you are going that way.
My review: meh. I found Natalie Portman's voice incredibly irritating and none of the characters were likable. I almost walked out but it was really cold and I wasn't getting a lift till it finished.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 January, 2017, 12:47:36 pm
Operation Avalanche

Given the premise, this annoyed me at least two orders of magnitude less than I expected it to.  It's clearly a satirical work of fiction[1], wrapped up in a beautifully executed homage to 16mm, and more layers of meta than you can shake a cine camera at (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/how-operation-avalanche-director-matt-johnson-boldly-infiltrated-nasa/article27974137/).  Some of the acting's a bit iffy, but you're never sure how much of it is actually acting...


[1]
(click to show/hide)
I read your link - and another random review on the web - and I still can't work out what the film is trying to say. Hopefully it's just a bit of clever/arty fun - the director sounds quite cool. If they really think the moon landings were faked I might find the film unbearable.
Incidentally:
(click to show/hide)

That wasn't my point.  They method they proposed (well, handwaved over) for faking the landing was so ridiculous, and they hung a lampshade on one of the fundamental problems,  that it took the whole film out of the realm of "moon landing conspiracy theory" to "silly fun".  I think they made it to see if they could.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 27 January, 2017, 09:48:20 pm
Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Finally.

I knew the gist of the story and definitely knew the ending, just by general osmosis. But it was fun watching it all unfold. Glad I wasn't disappointed as with The Breakfast Club earlier this year.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 January, 2017, 11:41:30 pm
Eddie The Eagle

Route one stuff but none the less enjoyable for that. I came out of it with a newfound respect for Eddie, and a better understanding of just what an achievement it is to go from complete novice to Olympian in an extremely dangerous event in the space of a year. That bit was never really the focus of news reports at the time - looking back on it, the British press treatment of him was pretty shameful.

(Of course, I understand that a lot of the film is invented - the Hugh Jackman character, for example - but the fundamental fact remains that he chucked himself off a 90m ice ramp strapped to a pair of planks, which is a fucking insane thing to do.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 28 January, 2017, 04:26:05 pm
We liked Eddie The Eagle too.

Utterly bonkers sport though I agree.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 28 January, 2017, 04:29:17 pm
Trainspotting 2
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 28 January, 2017, 04:35:26 pm
I'm interesting in seeing that despite only actually seeing the first one once.

What did ya reckon?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 28 January, 2017, 05:16:17 pm
Its a good film, very good. But dont go expecting another kaleidoscopic epic like T1.

Its a film about middle-age. Some of the characters  have aged well, some not so well. Problem is, I'm just 2 years older than Renton so it felt like the film was about me, not least because the original film music was the soundtrack of my mid 20s, and the score on this film has downtempo remixes of some of the Underworld tunes that featured. Its quite haunting. :-[. Certainly had the intended impact on me. The characters are aware of their mortality, and unlike T1 it doesnt capture the 'mood of the moment', because of course it isnt their moment. They had that 20 years ago. The nightclub scene reinforces this neatly.

Its definitely worth seeing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 29 January, 2017, 12:11:01 am
The Hundred Foot Journey

Delightful, if a bit silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 29 January, 2017, 10:54:47 am
The Hundred Foot Journey

Delightful, if a bit silly.

Surely as it's set in France and at the end of the 20th Century it should be The Thirty Metre Journey (India metricated in the 1950s) /pedant
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 29 January, 2017, 11:22:52 am
Bit of a film fest here:

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Wet-behind-the-ears foreign correspondent in Afghanistan morphs into a young Kate Adie. Enjoyable and interesting, despite the obligatory US slant on the world.

Night Train to Lisbon
After a chance meeting, a boring Bern University lecturer sets off on a quest to find out about the Portuguese revolution. Intensely moving stuff. Not sure why I'd not heard of the film before.

London Road
Documentary about the Ipswich serial killer. Somehow I missed the bit that said it is retold through the medium of song and dance. WTF? Switched it off after ten minutes.

Fast & Furious 7
Obviously not expecting much, but thought it might be a fun bit of escapist nonsense. Switched it off after ten minutes when I found out it was over two hours long - srsly?

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
I can see why this was groundbreaking stuff when it was released, but it has not stood the test of time. Vaguely enjoyable, but mostly consists of a few witty one-liners over a standard story with a non-standard set of characters. Good but unnecessarily long.

I Promise You Anarchy (Te prometo anarquía)
Low-budget Mexican film about two skateboarders who fall in love but get in over their heads when they try to make a few pesos selling (other people's) blood on the black market.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 29 January, 2017, 12:34:20 pm
Do you know what, I might go and see T2 again.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 29 January, 2017, 04:30:58 pm
Blazing Saddles, courtesy of Torslanda.  I could go on about it but my work here is done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 29 January, 2017, 05:04:04 pm
Some Like It Hot
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
How To Marry A Millionaire ←
The Seven Year Itch

Three films into a four film box set of Marilyn Monroe films.

How To Marry A Millionaire is the only one I haven't seen before (although it's been a while since I've watched any of them).  Whilst it was very successful in its own time, after watching the start I wondered about that.

It was one of the first films ever made in Cinemascope (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CinemaScope), and even on my wide screen TV it's letterboxed.  For that reason, it seems to have 6 minutes of a band playing music at the start, before the credits even start, which is a little odd, but seems to give them an excuse for wide views of the entire band.

The film gets better as it progresses, inevitably going from a group of apparently somewhat venal gold-diggers, to marrying for love, before finding out that some of them actually have money too.  A bit predictable, but well made and fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 January, 2017, 05:34:06 pm
Its a good film, very good. But dont go expecting another kaleidoscopic epic like T1.

Its a film about middle-age. Some of the characters  have aged well, some not so well. Problem is, I'm just 2 years older than Renton so it felt like the film was about me, not least because the original film music was the soundtrack of my mid 20s, and the score on this film has downtempo remixes of some of the Underworld tunes that featured. Its quite haunting. :-[. Certainly had the intended impact on me. The characters are aware of their mortality, and unlike T1 it doesnt capture the 'mood of the moment', because of course it isnt their moment. They had that 20 years ago. The nightclub scene reinforces this neatly.

Its definitely worth seeing.

It's a film that fits my age too (though with less heroin and more nightnurse). I'll probably see it but I have some misgivings since T1 had probably one of the best movie endings ever and part of me kind of thinks it should stay like that and lager, lager, lager into the forever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 January, 2017, 05:43:57 pm
Some Like It Hot
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
How To Marry A Millionaire ←
The Seven Year Itch

Yeah, but how was your commute? :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 29 January, 2017, 07:57:06 pm
Bit of a film fest here:

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Wet-behind-the-ears foreign correspondent in Afghanistan morphs into a young Kate Adie. Enjoyable and interesting, despite the obligatory US slant on the world.

Night Train to Lisbon
After a chance meeting, a boring Bern University lecturer sets off on a quest to find out about the Portuguese revolution. Intensely moving stuff. Not sure why I'd not heard of the film before.

London Road
Documentary about the Ipswich serial killer. Somehow I missed the bit that said it is retold through the medium of song and dance. WTF? Switched it off after ten minutes.

Fast & Furious 7
Obviously not expecting much, but thought it might be a fun bit of escapist nonsense. Switched it off after ten minutes when I found out it was over two hours long - srsly?

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
I can see why this was groundbreaking stuff when it was released, but it has not stood the test of time. Vaguely enjoyable, but mostly consists of a few witty one-liners over a standard story with a non-standard set of characters. Good but unnecessarily long.

I Promise You Anarchy (Te prometo anarquía)
Low-budget Mexican film about two skateboarders who fall in love but get in over their heads when they try to make a few pesos selling (other people's) blood on the black market.
That's a pretty full evening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 January, 2017, 08:27:18 am
Its a good film, very good. But dont go expecting another kaleidoscopic epic like T1.

Its a film about middle-age. Some of the characters  have aged well, some not so well. Problem is, I'm just 2 years older than Renton so it felt like the film was about me, not least because the original film music was the soundtrack of my mid 20s, and the score on this film has downtempo remixes of some of the Underworld tunes that featured. Its quite haunting. :-[. Certainly had the intended impact on me. The characters are aware of their mortality, and unlike T1 it doesnt capture the 'mood of the moment', because of course it isnt their moment. They had that 20 years ago. The nightclub scene reinforces this neatly.

Its definitely worth seeing.

It's a film that fits my age too (though with less heroin and more nightnurse). I'll probably see it but I have some misgivings since T1 had probably one of the best movie endings ever and part of me kind of thinks it should stay like that and lager, lager, lager into the forever.

Had to go burrowing up-thread to find out that the T in T1 didn't mean Terminator.

Anyway we'll probably get it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 31 January, 2017, 08:38:37 am
Vidocq. Thought it would be about the life of the real Vidocq (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A8ne_Fran%C3%A7ois_Vidocq), but it was more like Maigret vs Dracula with kung-fu and fairyland physics thrown in.

If you get the chance, avoid it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 February, 2017, 12:03:00 pm
If you get the chance, avoid it.

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 February, 2017, 12:14:15 pm
Captain America: Civil War

What was I thinking? I was in the mood for something not too challenging to the intellect and thought this might be a bit of suitably light entertainment... What an utter pile of steaming shite. A load of tedious navel-gazing interspersed with the occasional overcooked CGI fight scene. Soon lost track of who was on which side, and then gave up trying to follow it because I just didn't care. The airport fight scene was mostly dull rather than exciting. Crash crash bang crash bang crash yawn... When did superhero movies stop being fun? And more to the point, why? And why does it need to be so loooooooong? The only good thing about the whole film was Spider-Man.

Big

Ah, that's more like it! What a great film. Absolute bona fide classic. Still guaranteed to put a broad grin on my face. If Hanks had been up against anyone other than Hoffman, he'd have walked away with the Oscar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 01 February, 2017, 01:58:27 pm
Nah, comedy doesn't win Oscars, specially not back then.  That was the era of true Oscar bait.


Tis a good fillum though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 01 February, 2017, 04:53:07 pm

Big

Ah, that's more like it! What a great film. Absolute bona fide classic. Still guaranteed to put a broad grin on my face. If Hanks had been up against anyone other than Hoffman, he'd have walked away with the Oscar.

I love that movie.

Super 8


Another lovely film with a childhood theme, it bears repeated watching and is full of charm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 04 February, 2017, 12:53:06 am
Escape Plan.

Stallone and Schwarzenegger team up to escape a very high security prison.


 :facepalm:

It was bad, but not even so bad it rolled round to good again. One to avoid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 04 February, 2017, 12:11:28 pm
Old one last night.  Surprised I've not heard of this before (though it does ring a vague bell I suppose)


Antwone Fisher, a story about a US navy sailor with a temper who has to see a psychiatrist (Denzel Washington) due to his violent behaviour arising from anger issues.  Develops into a rather heartrending then heartwarming search to find the family who abandoned him as a child leaving him to a violent and a abusive care system.


Autobiographical as it turned out.  Written by the man himself.


Absolutely wonderful stuff.  I shall watch that again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 04 February, 2017, 01:19:05 pm
No Escape.

Tense stuff - but story somewhat flakey.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 04 February, 2017, 01:21:13 pm
Escape Plan.

Stallone and Schwarzenegger team up to escape a very high security prison.


 :facepalm:

It was bad, but not even so bad it rolled round to good again. One to avoid.

Seen that.  With Arnie movies one does have to manage expectations a tad.   ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 04 February, 2017, 04:44:23 pm
That's the thing, most of the films of his I've seen I enjoyed even if they aren't good.

Running Man, Total Recall, Commando, Predator. All great fun.

Escape Plan, just meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 04 February, 2017, 05:17:22 pm
Its a good film, very good. But dont go expecting another kaleidoscopic epic like T1.

Its a film about middle-age. Some of the characters  have aged well, some not so well. Problem is, I'm just 2 years older than Renton so it felt like the film was about me, not least because the original film music was the soundtrack of my mid 20s, and the score on this film has downtempo remixes of some of the Underworld tunes that featured. Its quite haunting. :-[. Certainly had the intended impact on me. The characters are aware of their mortality, and unlike T1 it doesnt capture the 'mood of the moment', because of course it isnt their moment. They had that 20 years ago. The nightclub scene reinforces this neatly.

Its definitely worth seeing.

It's a film that fits my age too (though with less heroin and more nightnurse). I'll probably see it but I have some misgivings since T1 had probably one of the best movie endings ever and part of me kind of thinks it should stay like that and lager, lager, lager into the forever.

Nah. Go and see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 February, 2017, 06:07:57 pm
That's the thing, most of the films of his I've seen I enjoyed even if they aren't good.

And Terminator, of course.  Arnie's pretty good at playing a killer cyborg from the future.  It's just that he does that in all the other films, too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 04 February, 2017, 07:11:34 pm
Yeah I love the Terminator films on the whole. I haven't seen all of them but T1 and T2 are defnitely great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 04 February, 2017, 08:22:34 pm
The Lady in The Van. I heart Alan Bennett.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 04 February, 2017, 09:25:54 pm
Arnie makes Dolph Lundgren and Steven Seagull look wooden.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 04 February, 2017, 11:17:45 pm
Seagal's alright, my favourite film of his is that one where he punches all them people, and Under Seige 2 which has Katherine Heigl saying the line:

Quote
He's got medals so secret he can never show them to anyone!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 05 February, 2017, 12:15:06 am
We watched Wrong which is by the same guy wot did Rubber.

Equally bonkers but more sedate.

Enjoyable, a good film for a mellow evening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 February, 2017, 01:20:26 pm
Arnie makes Dolph Lundgren and Steven Seagull look wooden.

Careful now!  Being rude about Mr Seagal will make ian go off on one and we wouldn't want that now, would we?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 February, 2017, 11:00:57 pm
A Little Chaos. Not very good, but Alan Rickman is wonderful as Louis XIV.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 06 February, 2017, 12:25:18 am
In The Heat Of The Night

Dated but still a classic. Not bad for something made a half century ago.

Had to stand for the music at the beginning and end -  Peter will understand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 06 February, 2017, 12:50:33 am
He does!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 06 February, 2017, 12:58:03 pm
Arnie makes Dolph Lundgren and Steven Seagull look wooden.

Careful now!  Being rude about Mr Seagal will make ian go off on one and we wouldn't want that now, would we?


Hell Yes!  ;)


Speaking as rather a fan of Arnie (lets ignore Last Action Hero, Jingle all the Way and one or two others) - for me it's still true to say -  isn't 'Arnie making Seagal and Lundgren' look wooden a bit comparing the relative woodiness of Oak, Pine and Walnut? ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 06 February, 2017, 01:30:16 pm
Speaking as rather a fan of Arnie (lets ignore Last Action Hero, Jingle all the Way and one or two others) - for me it's still true to say -  isn't 'Arnie making Seagal and Lundgren' look wooden a bit comparing the relative woodiness of Oak, Pine and Walnut? ;)

That may be, but it's not like we watch an Arnie movie expecting to see a performance on a par with Daniel Day-Lewis or Gary Oldman - well, I certainly don't...

And Arnie, Dolph and the newer generation of action movie stars are quite likely self-aware enough to know that their acting chops aren't on the same level as yer typical film and TV award winner.

But they know it does matter a jot - as P.T. Barnum said, "Nobody ever lost a dollar by underestimating the taste of the American public."  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 06 February, 2017, 04:31:30 pm
But they know it does matter a jot - as P.T. Barnum said, "Nobody ever lost a dollar by underestimating the taste of the American public."  :demon:

<--------   P&OBI is over there   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 06 February, 2017, 04:47:08 pm
Its a good film, very good. But dont go expecting another kaleidoscopic epic like T1.

Its a film about middle-age. Some of the characters  have aged well, some not so well. Problem is, I'm just 2 years older than Renton so it felt like the film was about me, not least because the original film music was the soundtrack of my mid 20s, and the score on this film has downtempo remixes of some of the Underworld tunes that featured. Its quite haunting. :-[. Certainly had the intended impact on me. The characters are aware of their mortality, and unlike T1 it doesnt capture the 'mood of the moment', because of course it isnt their moment. They had that 20 years ago. The nightclub scene reinforces this neatly.

Its definitely worth seeing.

It's a film that fits my age too (though with less heroin and more nightnurse). I'll probably see it but I have some misgivings since T1 had probably one of the best movie endings ever and part of me kind of thinks it should stay like that and lager, lager, lager into the forever.

Nah. Go and see it.

I saw this over the weekend. Truly excellent. If you thought Begbie was a seething mass of poorly controlled violence liable to explode at any moment twenty years ago...

I like the depth they've added to the main characters, one in particular. And the protestant sing-along scene and the ATM is a comic masterpiece.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 February, 2017, 09:14:08 pm
I'll be honest, Seagal has let himself go. You can't not rate Under Siege I and II, they're classics and if the Oscars weren't so phoney, they would have won them all. Even some Oscars don't actually exist. Lately, well, I can bear to see a man who has scaled such heights wallow in the valleys where the only thing he's fighting is his gut and it's a fight he's losing.

And remember, I sat back a while ago and watched all the Nicolas Cage movies which qualifies me both as an expert on awful movies and self-inflicted trauma. Left Behind should be entombed in a lead and concrete sarcophagus and dumped in the Mariana Trench. After we've sent a submarine down there to dig a deeper basement. I didn't, to be honest, think they could make a movie worse than Prometheus, but then I learned that Nic Cage has starred in all of them. So Prometheus would have worse if Nic has been in it. There's an entire new calibration required. Ridley, I think he's still available for the sequel, you hear. You can almost hear the splash that lavatorial depth charge would make as it's released.

Arnie is a good action staple. You'd almost liked to be punched by him. Even if he was a T100. They should have stopped the Terminator franchise at II though (and the same for Alien). It's a rule that if the sequel is on a par or better than the original: STOP!

Dolph was forgettable. Now JCvD, he's in a league of his own. He sent me an email once, which I treasure even more than the sincere apology letter I received from the deputy PM of Canada.

But there's really only one action movie moment that is beyond all others. That's the bit in Hellbound where Chuck Norris beats 666 shades of crap out of a demon. If you've not seen this movie, see it. Honest, put aside all the Chuck 'Right Wing Loon' Norris, and witness a man fight a demon. With his fists. You can't do that in real life. I mean, me and you, we wouldn't. No way. But Chuck, he's no you and me. Oh and Chuck's character name: Frank Shatter. What a fucking awesome name.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 06 February, 2017, 10:08:42 pm
<snip>Now JCvD, he's in a league of his own. <snip>

And unlike the others, has starred in an actually-quite-watchable film in which he parodies himself mercilessly.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Do seek it out if you haven't watched it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 February, 2017, 07:40:21 am
<snip>Now JCvD, he's in a league of his own. <snip>

And unlike the others, has starred in an actually-quite-watchable film in which he parodies himself mercilessly.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Do seek it out if you haven't watched it.


Isn't that the Volvic advert or summat?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 February, 2017, 07:46:23 am
As far as action heroes are concerned you simply can't beat Die Hard.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kXMaToMQTE


(If you haven't seen any of the honest movie trailers, they're well worth a look - the Star Wars franchise ones are a delight in particular, especially the ones for episodes 1-3)


Of course, he couldn't maintain the standard sadly.


No honourable mentions for Stallone so far???  :-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 February, 2017, 09:29:05 am
<snip>Now JCvD, he's in a league of his own. <snip>

And unlike the others, has starred in an actually-quite-watchable film in which he parodies himself mercilessly.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Do seek it out if you haven't watched it.

Isn't that the Volvic advert or summat?

John-Claude van Johnson  – it's an Amazon pilot but I think they picked it up for a full series later this year. Basically the JCvD plays a fading action movie star who decides to do it for real. I hope they pick it up because it was hilarious.

And no, you can't beat Bruce. Though he sullied himself with the execrable DH5.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 07 February, 2017, 10:11:02 am
<snip>Now JCvD, he's in a league of his own. <snip>

And unlike the others, has starred in an actually-quite-watchable film in which he parodies himself mercilessly.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Do seek it out if you haven't watched it.

Isn't that the Volvic advert or summat?

John-Claude van Johnson  – it's an Amazon pilot but I think they picked it up for a full series later this year. Basically the JCvD plays a fading action movie star who decides to do it for real. I hope they pick it up because it was hilarious.

And no, you can't beat Bruce. Though he sullied himself with the execrable DH5.

I was actually referring to JCVD (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1130988/), but the TV series sounds like it might be similar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 February, 2017, 01:27:04 pm
I think I'm now entering the realms of *confused as heck*


Is Jean-Claude van Johnson a TV pilot film starring John Claude van Dam or do I just need to go an lie down.



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 February, 2017, 01:32:45 pm
Oh good, I'm not the only one who's puzzled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 February, 2017, 01:43:15 pm
Jean Claude van Johnson, it occurs to me, would be an excellent pornstar name also  O:-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 February, 2017, 01:44:20 pm
"I need your clothes, your boots and your Boris bicycle."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 February, 2017, 01:48:22 pm
I think I'm now entering the realms of *confused as heck*


Is Jean-Claude van Johnson a TV pilot film starring John Claude van Dam or do I just need to go an lie down.
It is a spoof piss-take of Jean-Claude van Dam starring Jean-Claude van Dam taking the mickey out of himself getting old and past it.

I've seen the trailer and it does look funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 07 February, 2017, 03:48:17 pm
I think I'm now entering the realms of *confused as heck*


Is Jean-Claude van Johnson a TV pilot film starring John Claude van Dam or do I just need to go an lie down.
It is a spoof piss-take of Jean-Claude van Dam starring Jean-Claude van Dam taking the mickey out of himself getting old and past it.

I've seen the trailer and it does look funny.

Whereas JCVD is a film of him playing himself getting old and past it (and caught up in a hostage situation / bank heist which goes wrong), and is also quite funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 February, 2017, 04:15:45 pm
Why do I keep thinking of Variant Kreuzfeld-Jacob  Disease?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 February, 2017, 09:54:27 pm
I think I'm now entering the realms of *confused as heck*


Is Jean-Claude van Johnson a TV pilot film starring John Claude van Dam or do I just need to go an lie down.

Jean-Claude van Damme plays John-Claude van Damme, an ageing and fading action movie star. He decides to make it real under the alias Jean-Claude van Johnson.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 February, 2017, 10:54:22 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 February, 2017, 10:55:56 pm
Arrival

Like Contact (film version), without the anticlimax.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 February, 2017, 11:23:18 pm
Arrival

Like Contact (film version), without the anticlimax.   :thumbsup:


Snubbed by the Oskars too, which has sparked much faux outrage amongst those who should care about actual important stuff.  I think Amy Adams can console herself with her fat bank account.


It is rather a good film :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 07 February, 2017, 11:51:12 pm
The Rezort. Zombies vs. Jurassic Park.

Don't bother, it's shitter than you think.

I'm waiting for Sharknado 5.


for me

Dead Pool - meh, violence, lowest common denomination humour, attempted anti-hero-hero.  Didn't work

The Eichmann Show - very compelling, hard not to draw parallels with current events or their potential, no real concept of the events endured and sacrifices of that interwar/post war generation but it was a very good file even if uncomfortable at times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 February, 2017, 12:09:00 am
Dead Pool rates for me twice.

The most anticipated movie of the year.
The worst.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 February, 2017, 12:22:18 am
Dead Pool - meh, violence, lowest common denomination humour, attempted anti-hero-hero.  Didn't work

Dead Pool rates for me twice.

The most anticipated movie of the year.
The worst.

Deadpool had its moments, but mostly through satirising its own genre (eg. his use of traditional female superhero poses).

Less disappointing than Suicide Squad, thobut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 February, 2017, 12:23:54 am
After trailers I decided I didn't want to see that one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 February, 2017, 12:30:55 am
The portrayal of Harley Quinn was particularly 1-dimensional.  Avoid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 February, 2017, 09:39:30 am
Money Monster

Very odd. Can't decide if it's supposed to be a comedy or a straight thriller. But it was late and I fell asleep about half an hour before the end so I don't know how it panned out. Not sure if I'll bother to find out. I suspect most people's reaction will largely depend on their tolerance of George Clooney.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 08 February, 2017, 10:36:43 am
Actually it's Julia Roberts presence in that that put me off. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 08 February, 2017, 10:55:59 am
I saw T2 last night and really enjoyed it. Very well made.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 February, 2017, 11:25:48 am
Actually it's Julia Roberts presence in that that put me off.

I didn't know anyone felt that strongly about her!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 08 February, 2017, 11:54:44 am
Well I don't particularly, it's well  - if she's in it - I'm not anticipating it to be any good.


Clooney does occasionally manage a pretty decent film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 08 February, 2017, 07:34:21 pm
I am going to go against the grain here and say that I really liked both Deadpool and Suicide Squad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 08 February, 2017, 09:51:36 pm
Dead Pool - meh, violence, lowest common denomination humour, attempted anti-hero-hero.  Didn't work

Dead Pool rates for me twice.

The most anticipated movie of the year.
The worst.

Deadpool had its moments, but mostly through satirising its own genre (eg. his use of traditional female superhero poses).

Less disappointing than Suicide Squad, thobut.

perhaps one whole moment, maybe just a half moment.

It really was dire
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 08 February, 2017, 09:56:02 pm
I am going to go against the grain here and say that I really liked both Deadpool and Suicide Squad.

I've not seen Suicide Squad but I agree with you wrt Deadpool.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 February, 2017, 11:27:40 pm
Sing Street

A joyful experience from start to finish. I even liked the songs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 February, 2017, 01:17:12 am
Contact

Ah, the 1990s.   :)

Ellie's obnoxious atheism reminds me of me when I was about 12.  And not in a good way.

Arrival was much better.  So was the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 09 February, 2017, 09:38:09 am
Guardians of the Galaxy

"I am Groot"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 09 February, 2017, 10:08:12 am
Arrival was much better.  So was the book.

I'm still trying to work out what it's actually about - aliens? linguistics? time-travel? psychosis?

Quote from: fboab
It's a love story  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Vince on 09 February, 2017, 10:24:19 am
Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story[/b found on iPlayer.

I distinctly heard the name 'Larrington' mentioned in relation to one of the chase cares!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 February, 2017, 07:09:19 pm
I aten't watched the edited version yet but I popped up in the cinema one two or three times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 February, 2017, 07:22:12 pm
I quite enjoyed Deadpool, and it was quite subversive with the usual tropes. I mean, come on, superhero movies, and we're viewing them seriously. Save that for the comic – graphic novel – purists.

Suicide Squad just about managed a meh. The production design was nice, I suppose. And if you're rating a film on that, that's definitely meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 09 February, 2017, 10:57:23 pm
Arrival was much better.  So was the book.

I'm still trying to work out what it's actually about - aliens? linguistics? time-travel? psychosis?




Is that a bad thing? I like it when a film makes me think about it some.


Well as long as it doesn't make me think ' why the fuck did I pay good money for that' at least ;)
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 February, 2017, 07:40:06 am
I mean, come on, superhero movies, and we're viewing them seriously.

This is my big gripe with modern superhero movies - they're just so fucking earnest. I haven't seen Deadpool yet but it does sound a bit more fun than Captain America: Civil Yawn or Batman vs Temazepam.

I saw the trailer for Suicide Squad. Don't think I'll be bothering with that one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 February, 2017, 08:50:37 am
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 February, 2017, 10:06:47 am
You're not supposed to say 'comics.' It's graphic novels.

I blame Batman (for loads of things actually), that uber-earnest fighter of Gotham crime. Come on people, he's dressed as a bat. You know happens if you wander around an estate in Peckham dressed as a bondage pipistrelle? The local criminals don't hide, they put it on Youtube or FB Live for laughs. Then an ambulance comes and takes you to the Maudsley for 'assessment'. After the locals have nicked your phone.

And the Joker, surely the most annoying villain ever. It's America, why doesn't someone just shoot him (lndiana Jones had this right). He has no special skills other than being annoying. Look at me, I'm crazyeeeeeee! The character is walking talking version of the 'you don't have to mad to work here' poster. That's not a good thing.

Deadpool took the mick of a genre that increasingly likes to look up its own fundament. With a serious frown. What's my motivation? Erm, I dunno, but that costume doesn't look comfy. Must ride awfully.

Suicide Squad was always going to come aground on trying to take a bunch of by definition unlikeable people and make them appeal to a popcorn munching audience. They seemed to do with tattooes. I dunno, I seem more tattoos these days at the swimming pool, so I'm not sure they're as edgy as Hollywood thinks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 10 February, 2017, 10:17:47 am
Arrival was much better.  So was the book.

I'm still trying to work out what it's actually about - aliens? linguistics? time-travel? psychosis?




Is that a bad thing? I like it when a film makes me think about it some.

Not a bad thing at all! Having now watched it a second time, it makes much more sense. Rather like a Tarantino movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 10 February, 2017, 10:40:26 am
Dune

First time I've re-watched it in ages.  I forgot how spectacularly bad it is.  :(   It's a shame Jodorowsky's vision (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodorowsky's_Dune) was never realised.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 February, 2017, 11:11:13 am
Dune

First time I've re-watched it in ages.  I forgot how spectacularly bad it is.  :(   It's a shame Jodorowsky's vision (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodorowsky's_Dune) was never realised.


I never worked out who they were aiming that film at.


If you hadn't read the book you'd just be thinking WTF is going on.
If you have read the book-  :sick: :facepalm:


Lose-lose either way.  And it's got Sting in it - stick to singing mate.


There was a miniseries I saw a few years back that did the first three books I think - that was OK-ish though it was a TV series before the HBO style quality of more modern sci-fi TV serials came in.  Certainly it was at least faithful to the books.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 February, 2017, 11:28:34 am
Dune

First time I've re-watched it in ages.  I forgot how spectacularly bad it is.  :(   It's a shame Jodorowsky's vision (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodorowsky's_Dune) was never realised.
I went to see that in the cinema and left feeling slightly sick and wanting to shout at people. I'd watched a film that had sandworms and beautiful style (the lead playing paul atreides is well cast, to be fair). Then the director and script writer had taken a fairly simple story, torn it up and written a pile of utter confusing shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 February, 2017, 11:34:47 am
I'm not sure I concur that Dune is 'fairly simple' - it's a pretty deep book - one issue I think personally is that if anything is close to unfilmable, it's Dune as so much of it is in the heads of the characters.  Hence they decided to invent a 'weirding module' to replace the weirding way which is largely in the mind.  So instead of a 'psychological metaphysical way of thinking and behaving' (if I have that right) - we had a gun FFS  ::-)
That for me was the biggest insult in there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 February, 2017, 11:39:42 am
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look.

I liked Watchmen and Dark Knight. They were good stories. At least, I thought so when I read them, back when I was about 15.

My favourite superhero comic story ever was Zenith from 2000AD, which was both exciting and funny. Shame they never made a film of that. (Or maybe it's not such a shame, given the likely mess they would have made of it.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 February, 2017, 11:47:18 am
Dune

First time I've re-watched it in ages.  I forgot how spectacularly bad it is.  :(   It's a shame Jodorowsky's vision (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodorowsky's_Dune) was never realised.
I went to see that in the cinema and left feeling slightly sick and wanting to shout at people. I'd watched a film that had sandworms and beautiful style (the lead playing paul atreides is well cast, to be fair). Then the director and script writer had taken a fairly simple story, torn it up and written a pile of utter confusing shite.

Ha! Now, Dune is a film that I really enjoyed. I never thought it mattered too much that it made absolutely no sense whatsoever. Nor did I mind the terrible acting and script. I just liked the people riding round the desert on giant space worms and killing people just by shouting at them.

Story-wise, Dune is essentially about a small planet rebelling against the schemings of a pan-galactic trade empire under the leadership of a young cult hero with powers he never knew he had, which is pretty much the same story as The Phantom Menace. And I know which of those two films I'd rather watch again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 February, 2017, 11:49:31 am
So instead of a 'psychological metaphysical way of thinking and behaving' (if I have that right) - we had a gun FFS  ::-)
That for me was the biggest insult in there.

Stuff 'in the mind' doesn't generally work so well on screen though.

It's best not to be too precious about book to film conversions - you're always going to be disappointed. I read the first few books of the Dune series and enjoyed them for what they were. The film is its own thing and best enjoyed for its own silliness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 10 February, 2017, 12:00:06 pm
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look.

I liked Watchmen and Dark Knight. They were good stories. At least, I thought so when I read them, back when I was about 15.

My favourite superhero comic story ever was Zenith from 2000AD, which was both exciting and funny. Shame they never made a film of that. (Or maybe it's not such a shame, given the likely mess they would have made of it.)
(don't remember Zenith ... 2000AD had a lot of interesting things in it, even looking back)

Yes, the Watchmen and Dark Knights were good. (I'd say the same about some "proper" books that I read as a teenager.)

Folks forget that these things are more like fable than modern drama/crime/adventure stories. It's crazy to compare the Batman stories with Morse, or with Val McDermid books.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 February, 2017, 12:54:37 pm
So instead of a 'psychological metaphysical way of thinking and behaving' (if I have that right) - we had a gun FFS  ::-)
That for me was the biggest insult in there.

Stuff 'in the mind' doesn't generally work so well on screen though.

It's best not to be too precious about book to film conversions - you're always going to be disappointed. I read the first few books of the Dune series and enjoyed them for what they were. The film is its own thing and best enjoyed for its own silliness.


Well yeah I said that didn't I?  'close to unfilmable'


I'm not precious about Dune - I enjoyed the miniseries of the first three books quite a lot (I said 'ish' because it wasn't first class - just enjoyable tosh really :-) )

I just thin David Lynch's film is a steaming pile of poo  :P

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 10 February, 2017, 01:08:22 pm
Neither the Lynch nor the Sy-Fy channel's adaptions are perfect, but I can enjoy both on their respective merits.

It's rare that a cinematic rendition of a book actually matches the vision of the director in our imaginations anyway.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 February, 2017, 01:10:38 pm
The Lynch Dune is best regarded as one of a series of strange films starring 1980s pop stars (see also: Labyrinth), rather than anything to do with the books.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 February, 2017, 01:44:19 pm
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look.

I liked Watchmen and Dark Knight. They were good stories. At least, I thought so when I read them, back when I was about 15.

My favourite superhero comic story ever was Zenith from 2000AD, which was both exciting and funny. Shame they never made a film of that. (Or maybe it's not such a shame, given the likely mess they would have made of it.)
(don't remember Zenith ... 2000AD had a lot of interesting things in it, even looking back)

Yes, the Watchmen and Dark Knights were good. (I'd say the same about some "proper" books that I read as a teenager.)

Folks forget that these things are more like fable than modern drama/crime/adventure stories. It's crazy to compare the Batman stories with Morse, or with Val McDermid books.


If any superhero film is 'earnest' then it's Watchmen - though I have to say I loved it.  :thumbsup:   It annoys me however as it's so damn earnest that I can't get the wife to watch it with me as she can't be doing with it, so I have to watch it alone in bed when I'm ill and such  >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 February, 2017, 01:56:29 pm

Story-wise, Dune is essentially about a small planet rebelling against the schemings of a pan-galactic trade empire under the leadership of a young cult hero with powers he never knew he had, which is pretty much the same story as The Phantom Menace. And I know which of those two films I'd rather watch again.


A young cult hero is a member of one of those great families but also the premature culmination of a breeding programme that's being going on for centuries by a secretive group of super-nuns who have perfected a 'weirding way' of mind craft along with other forms of mind-technology elsewhere which is all needed because computers were banned many years ago by a 'Butlerian jihad' - hence they have trained 'computer guys' (mentats) and other weird organisations that do shit loads of weird stuff.  Including interstellar space pilots who are mutated beyond normal form because they need that 'Old spice melange' that is needed to trip out on to get the mind to do those incredible calculations needed for space travel.
Don't forget that the 'old spice' is only found on the desert plate Dune and it's mixed up with those sandwort thingies and that the natives are hard as nails because they live in that harsh environment which trumps the special fighting abilities of the Emperor's Sardaukar - whose harsh planet of origin is like paradise compared to the Desert of Dune.  Then there's the other major power-elites who've come along to fight for the only source of spice, plus CHOAM, Tleilaxu, Bene-Gesserit... my head is beginning to hurt now.

Yeah simples :P


You can boil any story down to Boy-meets-girl or whatever if you try hard enough - I struggle to think of a more complex series of books then Dune - though (as I've said elsewhere on here) - it does disappear somewhere up the copious backside of a giant half-human half Sandworm around book four and this person here, although he did struggle through the final ones - thought they got so complex they were almost incomprehensible by the end.


Anyway, sorry I'll STFU about Dune now  :-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 February, 2017, 03:17:09 pm
Dune is pretty simple.

There are 4 parties. Paul (and family), the Harkonnens, the emperor (and supporters) and the navigators. Everyone depends on the navigators. The navigators are dependent on the spice but nobody else knows that.

There are no double-crosses
(click to show/hide)
, no side-switching, so very few plot twists.

It is a very linear plot. Paul develops his powers, gathers his forces and knowledge. Some interesting stuff happens. It's a rollocking good yarn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 10 February, 2017, 03:19:31 pm
I struggle to think of a more complex series of books than Dune

Maybe Stephen King's Dark Tower series? (I've never read Dune, though, so I'm only basing this suggestion on what you've written!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 February, 2017, 04:15:19 pm
I struggle to think of a more complex series of books than Dune

Maybe Stephen King's Dark Tower series? (I've never read Dune, though, so I'm only basing this suggestion on what you've written!)


We'll have to swap our book collections to answer this :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 10 February, 2017, 04:21:04 pm
Hacksaw Ridge

Much better than the trailer. Trailer's stupid and dreadfully edited, the film's pretty good, Garfield's fantastic, Vince Vaughn's miscast a bit, Hugo Speer's brilliant and the coda is a punch to the guts. The W Virginia accent is extraordinary, those vowels!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 February, 2017, 04:28:50 pm
Dune is pretty simple.

There are 4 parties. Paul (and family), the Harkonnens, the emperor (and supporters) and the navigators. Everyone depends on the navigators. The navigators are dependent on the spice but nobody else knows that.

There are no double-crosses
(click to show/hide)
, no side-switching, so very few plot twists.

It is a very linear plot. Paul develops his powers, gathers his forces and knowledge. Some interesting stuff happens. It's a rollocking good yarn.


I suppose I can acknowledge that if you look at it like that, the first book is so - which is probably why it is by far the best one.
Although I think the Bene Gesserit cannot be discounted as a fifth party - assuming you are not counting them as Emperor's supporters - they are entirely independent I think and are very much playing their own game.  I guess the Tleilaxu et al. don't *really* come into it until later.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 11 February, 2017, 11:02:34 pm
Last night we watched Chef which was light fluffy fun, exactly what I needed after a very stressful week.

And tonight we watched Her which we really enjoyed, I went in knowing more about it than I wanted but it still wasn't quite what I expected. Had an Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind feel to it which is no bad thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 12 February, 2017, 01:11:43 am
The Dune TV series was far more faithful to the books, but didn't have the scale required.   There may be a remake in the offing http://screenrant.com/dune-movie-denis-villeneuve-director/ (http://screenrant.com/dune-movie-denis-villeneuve-director/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 February, 2017, 09:57:03 am
As I recall the FX in the TV version were somewhat hokey. Both versions threw away the important parts of the novel by turning an 8-year-old into an adolescent and eliminating the introspection, which is where at least half of the story takes place.

I hope they don't film more than the first book: after that, the sequels were little more than industrial cashing-in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 February, 2017, 06:24:12 pm
Ms Peregrine's home for peculiar children
I had hopes for this. It had a stellar cast. The book is quite good.
It was a pile of trash with stupid massive inconsistencies. Props disappeared then reappeared. Lead boots that made a character sink one minute didn't stop them swimming like they were wearing flippers the next. What a load of stupid bilge.

iBoy
A stupid premise, set in a London inner city sink estate. Really good acting, plot ok, if predicable. Good characters. Maisie Williams is entertaining, she can act, not just in game of thrones.
 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 February, 2017, 06:46:32 pm
I confess that despite several valiant attempts, I've never got to the end of Dune.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 12 February, 2017, 07:00:46 pm
I confess that despite several valiant attempts, I've never got to the end of Dune.


The film or the book?  Getting to the end of the book *series* now that DEFINITELY requires a major effort.  Particularly if you include the newer extended series - even I haven't managed the latter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 February, 2017, 07:03:19 pm
I might have gotten through the book back in my teens. I have a limited tolerance for multi-volume sci-fi tomes. The movie though, I always drift off (to sleep, to the kitchen, the pub).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 12 February, 2017, 10:58:07 pm
Lion

It was great.  And I was in bits through most of it.  Snot all over my best coat.

My God, I'm so lucky to have been born here.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 February, 2017, 01:16:37 am
(don't remember Zenith ... 2000AD had a lot of interesting things in it, even looking back)

Zenith was an 80s brat-pack superhero-cum-popstar, the offspring of two hippy superheroes from the 1960s who were killed by the CIA. His superpowers were linked to his biorhythms, so only intermittently active.

In this alternative universe, the original superheroes were the creation of the WWII arms race, so you had the Brit superhero Maximan fighting the Nazi Masterman, both destroyed when Berlin is nuked. Ultimately it turns out the whole superpowers thing is linked to supernatural beings from another dimension and shit gets proper weird.

I remember it being very funny. It was pretty much written as a reaction/antidote to all the angsty stuff like Dark Knight and Watchmen and even in its most Lovecraftian moments, never took itself too seriously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 13 February, 2017, 10:39:57 am
Toni Erdmann, on Friday, and it was great.

Tenderly funny and laugh-out-loud on several occasions. Sub-titled, so you have to concentrate, specially at my age and in a nice warm cozy cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 13 February, 2017, 12:20:24 pm
I might have gotten through the book back in my teens. I have a limited tolerance for multi-volume sci-fi tomes. The movie though, I always drift off (to sleep, to the kitchen, the pub).


Ah, just read the first, far and away the best - one of the best Sci-Fi books ever written imho
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 13 February, 2017, 05:34:15 pm
Toni Erdmann, on Friday, and it was great.

Tenderly funny and laugh-out-loud on several occasions. Sub-titled, so you have to concentrate, specially at my age and in a nice warm cozy cinema.

Saw that on Saturday and enjoyed it a great deal. As you say, some laugh-out-loud scenes and also some that were almost excruciatingly close to home (my wife kept muttering: 'he's just like my dad').  The staff party was hysterical - heaven knows how Sandra Huller played that in such a matter-of-fact way - and her attempt to get out of the dress was a wonderful bit of physical humour.  I was a little less enamoured of the scene with the cakes - what was that all about?- but overall a lot of boxes ticked.

I've read that there is a planned US version with jack Nicholson taking the lead role.  That's a fairly dreadful prospect  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 February, 2017, 08:36:23 pm
Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story[/b found on iPlayer.

I distinctly heard the name 'Larrington' mentioned in relation to one of the chase cares!

Now watched the TV version and can confirm that the part of Long-Haired Oik Bending Over Table Filling In Form about 2 minutes in is played by meeeeeeee!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 14 February, 2017, 01:22:01 am
Saw the TV version but no stream available on Kodi for the cinema edit chiz.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 14 February, 2017, 09:03:17 am
Toni Erdmann, on Friday, and it was great.

Tenderly funny and laugh-out-loud on several occasions. Sub-titled, so you have to concentrate, specially at my age and in a nice warm cozy cinema.

Saw that on Saturday and enjoyed it a great deal. As you say, some laugh-out-loud scenes and also some that were almost excruciatingly close to home (my wife kept muttering: 'he's just like my dad').  The staff party was hysterical - heaven knows how Sandra Huller played that in such a matter-of-fact way - and her attempt to get out of the dress was a wonderful bit of physical humour.  I was a little less enamoured of the scene with the cakes - what was that all about?- but overall a lot of boxes ticked.

Yes, the 'cake' episode was very uncomfortable but, I say: if you imagine (naturally as a sweeping statement) that's just how Germans are, then perhaps it's understandable. Actually, it's just weird.

I too heard Jack Nicholson's name mentioned, about an American version, which will be all about him, as an actor, rather than being able to lose oneself in the 'character'. I hadn't heard of Peter Simonischek before (been in 60 films) so had no preconceived acting opinions to label him with, and welcome that. It's a pity the Americans can't distribute the film over there. Not sure the reasons it can't be shown as is.

I've read that there is a planned US version with jack Nicholson taking the lead role.  That's a fairly dreadful prospect  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 15 February, 2017, 08:05:41 am

Story-wise, Dune is essentially about a small planet rebelling against the schemings of a pan-galactic trade empire under the leadership of a young cult hero with powers he never knew he had, which is pretty much the same story as The Phantom Menace. And I know which of those two films I'd rather watch again.


A young cult hero is a member of one of those great families but also the premature culmination of a breeding programme that's being going on for centuries by a secretive group of super-nuns who have perfected a 'weirding way' of mind craft along with other forms of mind-technology elsewhere which is all needed because computers were banned many years ago by a 'Butlerian jihad' - hence they have trained 'computer guys' (mentats) and other weird organisations that do shit loads of weird stuff.  Including interstellar space pilots who are mutated beyond normal form because they need that 'Old spice melange' that is needed to trip out on to get the mind to do those incredible calculations needed for space travel.
Don't forget that the 'old spice' is only found on the desert plate Dune and it's mixed up with those sandwort thingies and that the natives are hard as nails because they live in that harsh environment which trumps the special fighting abilities of the Emperor's Sardaukar - whose harsh planet of origin is like paradise compared to the Desert of Dune.  Then there's the other major power-elites who've come along to fight for the only source of spice, plus CHOAM, Tleilaxu, Bene-Gesserit... my head is beginning to hurt now.

Yeah simples :P


You can boil any story down to Boy-meets-girl or whatever if you try hard enough - I struggle to think of a more complex series of books then Dune - though (as I've said elsewhere on here) - it does disappear somewhere up the copious backside of a giant half-human half Sandworm around book four and this person here, although he did struggle through the final ones - thought they got so complex they were almost incomprehensible by the end.


Anyway, sorry I'll STFU about Dune now  :-)

Having flogged my way through the entire series that's a pretty decent summary.

The first book was written about the impending ecological crises and in parallel with other more factual accounts like Silent Spring and had a pretty earnest message in there essentially "don't fuck with your eco system as you don't know what might happen", but after that it just got weird, and the final few books almost stood on their own and could have been read with no knowledge of the first.

I also had the first book as an audio book which was very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 15 February, 2017, 10:51:58 pm
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look.

I liked Watchmen and Dark Knight. They were good stories. At least, I thought so when I read them, back when I was about 15.

My favourite superhero comic story ever was Zenith from 2000AD, which was both exciting and funny. Shame they never made a film of that. (Or maybe it's not such a shame, given the likely mess they would have made of it.)

If anyone out there in comic/ graphic novel land (recent or cough old) deserves a film then it is Harry Harrison's 2000AD utilised anti hero 'Slippery' Jim DeGriz AKA The Stainless Steel Rat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 16 February, 2017, 03:44:56 pm
I thought they were actually doing that....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 February, 2017, 04:21:54 pm
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look.

I liked Watchmen and Dark Knight. They were good stories. At least, I thought so when I read them, back when I was about 15.

My favourite superhero comic story ever was Zenith from 2000AD, which was both exciting and funny. Shame they never made a film of that. (Or maybe it's not such a shame, given the likely mess they would have made of it.)

If anyone out there in comic/ graphic novel land (recent or cough old) deserves a film then it is Harry Harrison's 2000AD utilised anti hero 'Slippery' Jim DeGriz AKA The Stainless Steel Rat.
He's already getting a little old for it, but Colin Farrell would have been good for that. Looks shifty and sly without even trying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 16 February, 2017, 05:19:10 pm
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look.

I liked Watchmen and Dark Knight. They were good stories. At least, I thought so when I read them, back when I was about 15.

My favourite superhero comic story ever was Zenith from 2000AD, which was both exciting and funny. Shame they never made a film of that. (Or maybe it's not such a shame, given the likely mess they would have made of it.)

If anyone out there in comic/ graphic novel land (recent or cough old) deserves a film then it is Harry Harrison's 2000AD utilised anti hero 'Slippery' Jim DeGriz AKA The Stainless Steel Rat.

The 2000AD adaptations were a bit odd, as Carlos Ezquerra had obviously based his depiction of Slippery Jim on James Coburn. I've always preferred the Jim Burns paintings for the UK paperback editions of the books. For example:

The Stainless Steel Rat Gets Drafted (http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0553173510.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg)

The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge (http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/stainlesssteelrat/images/2/2f/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat's_Revenge.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120313131019)

A Stainless Steel Rat Is Born (http://www.isfdb.org/wiki/images/4/48/STNLSSSTLR0000.jpg)

He's already getting a little old for it, but Colin Farrell would have been good for that. Looks shifty and sly without even trying.

I can see where you're coming from - he'd be fine for adaptations of "The Stainless Steel Rat For President", or "The Stainless Steel Rat Wants You", where his twins sons join in the mayhem. Otherwise, Ryan Reynolds or Chris Pratt might work.

EDITED TO ADD

It's just struck me - Andrew Garfield would be perfect to play Slippery Jim in the earlier stories.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 February, 2017, 08:30:49 am
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look.

I liked Watchmen and Dark Knight. They were good stories. At least, I thought so when I read them, back when I was about 15.

My favourite superhero comic story ever was Zenith from 2000AD, which was both exciting and funny. Shame they never made a film of that. (Or maybe it's not such a shame, given the likely mess they would have made of it.)

If anyone out there in comic/ graphic novel land (recent or cough old) deserves a film then it is Harry Harrison's 2000AD utilised anti hero 'Slippery' Jim DeGriz AKA The Stainless Steel Rat.
He's already getting a little old for it, but Colin Farrell would have been good for that. Looks shifty and sly without even trying.

I always think he just looks worried.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 February, 2017, 11:21:04 am
The Beatles - Eight Days a Week

Fabulous watch (and listen, via the Hi-Fi).  There are no surprises here, we've seen and heard the documentaries and the music, but it has great sound and some unseen footage.

It's a great reminder of how special they were.  It's worth remembering that they were kids when they first shook the World. 
Will anyone produce a volume of work like that again I wonder?  Will anyone evolve musically like that again?

All done and dusted in just 10 years, from teenagers to twenty-somethings, from Please Please Me to Let it Be.

To put it in perspective, One-Direction have been going 7 years.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 February, 2017, 01:40:52 pm
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look.

I liked Watchmen and Dark Knight. They were good stories. At least, I thought so when I read them, back when I was about 15.

My favourite superhero comic story ever was Zenith from 2000AD, which was both exciting and funny. Shame they never made a film of that. (Or maybe it's not such a shame, given the likely mess they would have made of it.)

If anyone out there in comic/ graphic novel land (recent or cough old) deserves a film then it is Harry Harrison's 2000AD utilised anti hero 'Slippery' Jim DeGriz AKA The Stainless Steel Rat.

The 2000AD adaptations were a bit odd, as Carlos Ezquerra had obviously based his depiction of Slippery Jim on James Coburn. I've always preferred the Jim Burns paintings for the UK paperback editions of the books. For example:

The Stainless Steel Rat Gets Drafted (http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0553173510.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg)

The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge (http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/stainlesssteelrat/images/2/2f/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat's_Revenge.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120313131019)

A Stainless Steel Rat Is Born (http://www.isfdb.org/wiki/images/4/48/STNLSSSTLR0000.jpg)

He's already getting a little old for it, but Colin Farrell would have been good for that. Looks shifty and sly without even trying.

I can see where you're coming from - he'd be fine for adaptations of "The Stainless Steel Rat For President", or "The Stainless Steel Rat Wants You", where his twins sons join in the mayhem. Otherwise, Ryan Reynolds or Chris Pratt might work.

EDITED TO ADD

It's just struck me - Andrew Garfield would be perfect to play Slippery Jim in the earlier stories.

I had that very cover on my copy of 'drafted'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 17 February, 2017, 03:30:06 pm
The Beatles - Eight Days a Week

Fabulous watch (and listen, via the Hi-Fi).  There are no surprises here, we've seen and heard the documentaries and the music, but it has great sound and some unseen footage.

It's a great reminder of how special they were.  It's worth remembering that they were kids when they first shook the World. 
Will anyone produce a volume of work like that again I wonder?  Will anyone evolve musically like that again?

All done and dusted in just 10 years, from teenagers to twenty-somethings, from Please Please Me to Let it Be.

To put it in perspective, One-Direction have been going 7 years.

I really detest the Beatles, a few decent songs written by those who never got the credit they deserved, fronted by that mediocrity Lennon.  McCartney did his best stuff post Beatles in my opinion.

I would say there are many bodies of work both better and longer lasting
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 February, 2017, 03:50:11 pm
I really detest the Beatles, a few decent songs written by those who never got the credit they deserved, fronted by that mediocrity Lennon.  McCartney did his best stuff post Beatles in my opinion.

"Wings? They're only the band the Beatles could have been."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 17 February, 2017, 09:28:57 pm
in particular I wish I could scrub my mind clean of the schoolboy pap that is "Imagine" and then the rest of everything written by Lennon, unfortunately short of opening my head and using a scrubbing brush plus bleach I think I'll have to live with it.

Live and Let Die was a classic
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 17 February, 2017, 10:42:02 pm
That's a piss take, right . . . ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Basil on 17 February, 2017, 10:56:29 pm
Have I entered some strange parallel universe?   ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 17 February, 2017, 10:56:46 pm
I detest John Lennon

As the son of someone from Wallasey, that might be an unorthodox view, but I will defend it to the end.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 February, 2017, 12:33:41 pm
I detest John Lennon

As the son of someone from Wallasey, that might be an unorthodox view, but I will defend it to the end.

So you don't actually like 'The Beatles' is what you are saying?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 February, 2017, 03:15:41 pm
He's probably a Ruttles guy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 February, 2017, 04:05:48 pm
It's an interesting point of view. Could be taken for posturing.

However, I partly agree with ElyDave. I have said before that Imagine is an incredibly overrated song - trite sixth-form idealism set to a dreary tune. For that matter, Come Together is pretty much a load of old rubbish, and I Am The Walrus is one of those songs that probably sounds better if you've taken whatever he was on when he wrote it.

On the other hand: Norwegian Wood, Help, Strawberry Fields...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 20 February, 2017, 04:58:24 pm
Not liking a band is not the same as them being crap.


Calling them crap is a bit ummm .... well ... given their rampant and very much standing the test of time - success, and their influence on others,  I think it's a bit of a stretch to say they're crap even if you do hate them.


Though as soon as I type that I think of Cliff Richard  :facepalm:




Weren't we supposed to be talking about fillums?  I have no tolerance for topic drift  :demon: ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 20 February, 2017, 05:00:01 pm
To be fair, you do just say you detest them, so that's fine :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 February, 2017, 05:09:16 pm
Not liking a band is not the same as them being crap.

Crapness in anything artistic is largely subjective, so ultimately it amounts to pretty much the same thing.

To get back on topic, the same applies to films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 20 February, 2017, 05:31:07 pm
Disagree.  I may not like the Beatles (actually I do to be fair) but if they stand astride the world as absolute legends of popular beat combo music and have a multitude of bands who followed who cite them as major inspirations, pioneer many things that now seem normal in music etc etc then I think then there gets to be a stage where you should really acknowledge that despite your own personal tastes that they must have had something that I just don't necessarily get or like.


I dislike whole genres of music mostly but that just makes those who produce that stuff like and produce different stuff to my tastes.


I can't say the Rolling Stones have ever done *very* much for me but they clearly must have *something* that I can't fathom.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 20 February, 2017, 06:18:27 pm
Hidden Figures.

Remarkable. 

May not go down too well in Trumpland.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 20 February, 2017, 06:28:27 pm
Hidden Figures.

Remarkable. 

May not go down too well in Trumpland.


Sorry, but I couldn't but help read that in a Spitting Image - David Coleman puppet way  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 February, 2017, 07:32:06 pm
Disagree.

QED
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 February, 2017, 10:40:32 pm
I really detest the Beatles

This begs the response...

So fucking what?

Quote
McCartney did his best stuff post Beatles in my opinion.

This proves you cannot be taken seriously on matters music.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 20 February, 2017, 10:44:57 pm
I really detest the Beatles

This begs the response...

So fucking what?

Quote
McCartney did his best stuff post Beatles in my opinion.

This proves you are nothing but an internet Troll.


Yeah that too :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 20 February, 2017, 10:49:27 pm
Sorry, I edited my post while you were agreeing with me...

But I stand by my original "Troll" comment for anyone who posts that Paul McCartney was better post Beatles*

* I'm not anti-McCartney either.  I've posted links to his amazing and progressive Bass-playing genius on this very forum.

The Beatles were as clear and example of a band being better than just the sum of their parts as you will ever find.

Anyway, Films.

David brent - A Life on the Road

Well, it's The Office - The Movie isn't it?  I was a HUGE fan of The Office.  It started a genre and was spectacularly well-observed.
This isn't.
It's too tragic, relentlessly so.  There are attempts to replicate Gareth and Dawn characters but this is 95% Brent and 99% tragedy, it's too much.
Some funny moments but a 5/10 spin-off from a 10/10 series.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 20 February, 2017, 11:46:57 pm
Denial

Fabulous.

Patriot's Day

Had something of a documentary feel to it, with some excellent acting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 21 February, 2017, 12:04:56 am
Sorry, I edited my post while you were agreeing with me...

But I stand by my original "Troll" comment for anyone who posts that Paul McCartney was better post Beatles*

* I'm not anti-McCartney either.  I've posted links to his amazing and progressive Bass-playing genius on this very forum.

The Beatles were as clear and example of a band being better than just the sum of their parts as you will ever find.

Anyway, Films.

David brent - A Life on the Road

Well, it's The Office - The Movie isn't it?  I was a HUGE fan of The Office.  It started a genre and was spectacularly well-observed.
This isn't.
It's too tragic, relentlessly so.  There are attempts to replicate Gareth and Dawn characters but this is 95% Brent and 99% tragedy, it's too much.
Some funny moments but a 5/10 spin-off from a 10/10 series.

The mistake wasn't this film, the mistake was to be "a HUGE fan of The Office".
The Office was a turd. A cringeworthy vehicle for a third rate comedian, held together by Gareth, Dawn, the other one and the large bloke. It didn't start a genre, it merely polished its own dolphin.

The film is not surprisingly a much bigger turd. I've seen bits of it. I'm guessing these are the pieces of sweetcorn.

PS.
"Venus and Mars
Are alright tonight"

so there all you post Beatles haters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 February, 2017, 07:04:01 am
Quote
The Office was a turd. A cringeworthy vehicle for a third rate comedian, held together by Gareth, Dawn, the other one and the large bloke.

To be fair, many real life offices are like that.

Quote
Paul McCartney was better post Beatles

Mull of Kintyre*.  QED


* I may have that played at my funeral in case people look too cheerful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 February, 2017, 07:41:07 am
Could never be much bothered with the Beatles. The only stuff of theirs I ever much liked was on Sgt. Pepper, what they did before & after was sort-of OK as wallpaper at parties.  John Lennon I disliked, too much fuss was made of McCartney. Nowadays I wouldn't listen to them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 February, 2017, 07:58:55 am
Hidden Figures.

Remarkable. 

May not go down too well in Trumpland.


Sorry, but I couldn't but help read that in a Spitting Image - David Coleman puppet way  :D

You can read my post in whatever way amuses you most, but I can recommend the film.  It contains a certain amount of rubber but no more than you'd expect in the early 60s.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 February, 2017, 08:30:02 am
The Beatles/ Lennon/ McCartney/ Harrison/ Starr post Beatles and ALL music is a bit like a low grade Marmite argument. Marmite you either love or hate. Music you either love, hate or meh. Some love The Beatles some hate, I can take them or leave them. Post Beatles- who cares really?

If someone hates Lennon music and thinks he is overrated? They are right. In their opinion. Who is to say your opinion is more valid?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 21 February, 2017, 11:10:35 am
Hidden Figures.

Remarkable. 

May not go down too well in Trumpland.


Sorry, but I couldn't but help read that in a Spitting Image - David Coleman puppet way  :D

You can read my post in whatever way amuses you most, but I can recommend the film.  It contains a certain amount of rubber but no more than you'd expect in the early 60s.


Sorry, didn't mean to disrespect your review.  I will keep a look out for it :-)


Your post just took me back to an earlier time is all
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 21 February, 2017, 10:06:45 pm
I really detest the Beatles

This begs the response...

So fucking what?

Quote
McCartney did his best stuff post Beatles in my opinion.

This proves you are nothing but an internet Troll.


Yeah that too :thumbsup:

Hardly.

Elanor Rigby, that one was alright

For McCartney I mainly thinking Live and Let Die, and Band on the Run.  Mull of Kintyre, fair cop.

The Stones never really did it for me either apart from a few songs.  I'm a Moody Blues fan personally along with early Elton John
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 21 February, 2017, 10:16:44 pm
Yesterday, Lego Batman with 2 Cubs and a couple of spare chiddlers (one for each of 'em).

This morning, Asterix and the Mansions of the Gods in a different cinema with just the SmallestCub.

This evening, Sing! in yet another cinema with the SmallestCub and an extra.

We are considering Trolls in the morning, if we wake up in time....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 21 February, 2017, 10:55:10 pm

This morning, Asterix and the Mansions of the Gods in a different cinema with just the SmallestCub.



Now HERE is a flashback to an earlier life.  Mansions of the gods was my second favourite Asterix book (the Roman Agent being first).  I hope it lived up to the book  :D   LOVED them.  :thumbsup:


Makes me want to read them again, so what if I'm all grown up now  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 February, 2017, 11:39:56 pm
April and the Extraordinary World

Steampunk and cats, what's not to like?  I didn't have the French language audio, so it suffered from the usual anime problem of dubious translation to make the English dub work.  Not a big fan of the animation style.  Contains lizards and testicles or traces of testicles.


Doctor Strange

It was pretty, and the fight scenes were much less boring than the usual Marvel offerings.  I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to, in a Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality sort of way.  Contains Cumberbatch or traces of Cumberbatch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 22 February, 2017, 09:39:08 pm
The American with that George Clooney.

What was that all about then?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 February, 2017, 08:35:11 am
April and the Extraordinary World

Steampunk and cats, what's not to like?  I didn't have the French language audio, so it suffered from the usual anime problem of dubious translation to make the English dub work.  Not a big fan of the animation style.  Contains lizards and testicles or traces of testicles.


Also contains Jean Rochefort, whom I thought dead.  And watching the trailer, I'm sure I recognized one of the Dupondt twins out of Tintin.

Might get that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 February, 2017, 08:44:29 am
The Great Wall. A documentary about the Great Wall of China. I didn't realise that was why they built it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 23 February, 2017, 09:17:16 am
Not liking a band is not the same as them being crap.

Calling them crap is a bit ummm .... well ... given their rampant and very much standing the test of time - success, and their influence on others,  I think it's a bit of a stretch to say they're crap even if you do hate them.

Though as soon as I type that I think of Cliff Richard  :facepalm:

Weren't we supposed to be talking about fillums?  I have no tolerance for topic drift  :demon: ;)
If you insist….

A Hard Day's Night
was great and was instrumental in creating The Beatles Myth (e.g. the four "characters").
Help! was pretty awful, borderline racist in a Britain in the 60s kind of way
Yellow Submarine looks very dated now but at the time was probably quite innovative
Let It Be is fascinating and disheartening in equal measure. It's interesting to see the band attempting to work together but sad to see them falling apart at the same time. And, of course, the rooftop gig is a lot of fun.

I haven't seen Eight Days a Week yet - hopefully it;ll be up on Netflix soon  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 February, 2017, 09:18:32 am
The Great Wall. A documentary about the Great Wall of China. I didn't realise that was why they built it.

The Mexicans were coming?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 February, 2017, 09:39:00 am
I suspect having DHS border agents bungeeing off the wall to discourage those Mexicans with spears is ill advised considering the average waistline of an American. All that dessert will just make holes in the desert.

I briefly entertained myself (oh stop it) the other day by imagining mariachi bands trampolining over the wall, twirling through the air, valiantly strumming.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 23 February, 2017, 10:42:59 pm
Oil City Confidential.

I haven't watched it for a while.  By heck, Wilko is so full of energy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 February, 2017, 05:02:00 pm
The Place Beyond the Pines on Netflix. Not really what it says on the tin, but not bad. I gave it 3/5.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 25 February, 2017, 06:13:52 pm
We watched The American last night. Dull and not very good. Shame.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 25 February, 2017, 07:53:09 pm
Captain America : World Police (I think that is what it is called)

Disappointed, not once did they do the secret signal, nor did they go to Durkastan!!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 25 February, 2017, 08:45:02 pm
Patriots Day

Not so much entertainment as a tribute or reminder of what happened in Boston.  As such it was well performed (with patchy moments) and gave an all too realistic view of events.  It didn't attempt an insight into what led to the atrocity or drove the perpetrators to any degree, apart from some brief dialogue in a hi-jacked car.  It didn't have that objective.

Worth seeing.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 25 February, 2017, 09:47:05 pm
The mistake wasn't this film, the mistake was to be "a HUGE fan of The Office".
The Office was a turd. A cringeworthy vehicle for a third rate comedian, held together by Gareth, Dawn, the other one and the large bloke. It didn't start a genre, it merely polished its own dolphin.


You clearly didn't get it.  That's OK.  Many people didn't get it.  It was supposed to be cringeworthy, Brent is cringeworthy.
The BAFTAS and Golden Globe people got it though.. in spades.



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 February, 2017, 09:35:30 am
Nah. I got it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 February, 2017, 01:25:45 pm
We were going to watch John Wick 2 but it turned out that we'd not seen the first, so we watched that instead. Good fun in a murderous way, harks back the high death-count action movies of the 80s and 90s. Keanu should get some better fighting movies on though.

Again, the Russian mob shown up to little wussycats with tattoos. These people couldn't extort dinner money from a playgroup. Let's get some proper villains.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 26 February, 2017, 01:29:32 pm
Youth without youth - well that was strange. Lovely sound track though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 February, 2017, 02:41:39 pm
Behind the Candelabra

I've never been that interested in Liberace and I'm not that interested in Michael Douglas doing a bad Liberace impression while being buggered by Matt Damon. My wife wanted to watch it though. It was ok, if you like that kind of thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 27 February, 2017, 08:37:47 am
The Monuments Men

Curiously disjointed and slight, it was inoffensive enough. My wife enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 27 February, 2017, 09:20:13 am
Captain America : World Police (I think that is what it is called)

Disappointed, not once did they do the secret signal, nor did they go to Durkastan!!!


Team America:  World Police.


I discovered once that it annoys Americans if you like this film.  :-)


There are three types people in this world...   :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 February, 2017, 10:32:38 am
Missus has us rewatching Trapped. Can't get used to seeing Theis Birk Larsen captaining a ship: they must have great prison rehab services in Denmark.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 28 February, 2017, 12:36:20 am
A Matter of Life and Death

David Niven is, well, David Niven. Marius Goring is a superb doctor. Everyone else is all stiff upper lip and RP. All very 'Charles & Fiona'

F: I know!
C: I know you know!
F: I know you know I know . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 February, 2017, 10:09:56 am
A Matter of Life and Death

David Niven is, well, David Niven. Marius Goring is a superb doctor. Everyone else is all stiff upper lip and RP. All very 'Charles & Fiona'

Did Powell and Pressburger ever make a duff film? I particularly like "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" and "Black Narcissus".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 March, 2017, 08:23:02 am
Well the comics are very earnest if you have a look.

I liked Watchmen and Dark Knight. They were good stories. At least, I thought so when I read them, back when I was about 15.

My favourite superhero comic story ever was Zenith from 2000AD, which was both exciting and funny. Shame they never made a film of that. (Or maybe it's not such a shame, given the likely mess they would have made of it.)

If anyone out there in comic/ graphic novel land (recent or cough old) deserves a film then it is Harry Harrison's 2000AD utilised anti hero 'Slippery' Jim DeGriz AKA The Stainless Steel Rat.

resurrecting an old theme, having just finished Pterry's Interesting TimesI have just realised that the movie moguls are missing a franchise. The Silver Horde (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=the+silver+horde&safe=strict&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=894&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiS76XG87nSAhUmM8AKHQjIAZ0Q_AUIBigB&dpr=1#imgrc=tjk7uD4jz3R91M:) would be an ace film.

"Whut?"

"HE SAID THE SILVER HORDE WOULD BE AN ACE FILM!"

"Lovemaking A!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 March, 2017, 08:40:14 am
Crawled out the end of Trapped with the impression that everyone in Iceland must be stoned to the eyeballs on caffeine. Didn't keep count, but it seemed that every time anyone called on anyone else coffee was offered. Roughly 10 times / episode, making 100 for the whole serial and averaging once every 5 minutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 03 March, 2017, 06:14:09 pm
Junglebook. I held off on this one as I loved the Disney original (and will frequently put the soundtrack on), but the new one is actually really good!. I might even watch it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 03 March, 2017, 07:56:02 pm
Crawled out the end of Trapped with the impression that everyone in Iceland must be stoned to the eyeballs on caffeine. Didn't keep count, but it seemed that every time anyone called on anyone else coffee was offered. Roughly 10 times / episode, making 100 for the whole serial and averaging once every 5 minutes.

Was that the one with the ferry and the blizzard? I missed the last episode.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 March, 2017, 08:14:08 am
That's the one.  It's on Netflix.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 04 March, 2017, 06:51:12 pm
We watched The American last night. Dull and not very good. Shame.

I liked that film, quite slow-paced but it draws you in, unlike the Le Carre adaptation Corbin did which was a snooze-fest.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is very childish, puerile and crude. I loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 04 March, 2017, 07:26:24 pm
Logan.


Excellent, possibly even outstanding .  There is a reason why this seems to be getting rave reviews both from critics and fans alike.


Not the usual X-Men film -  very much from the Dark Knight stylee - or maybe even more dark than that.


Highly recommended from me anyway, though with the caveat that I could watch X-men films all day  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 March, 2017, 07:29:49 pm
Logan.

I kept seeing posters for that on the side of buses with the strapline "His time has come" and assuming it was a reboot of Logan's Run.  Took over a week before I spotted the claws.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 04 March, 2017, 07:58:54 pm
That's weird, only after I saw it did it occur to me that I might have confused it for Logan's run once  :-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 March, 2017, 08:02:06 pm
Double bill yesterday evening of films named after the main character:
Florence Foster Jenkins
John Wick


Tbh, they didn't have much in common apart from that. FFJ was moderately amusing, and somewhat poignant, but ultimately, having never even heard of her before the film came out, I struggled to care. Hugh and Meryl both give excellent performances though.

Didn't really know what to expect from John Wick but I enjoyed it immensely. As someone who has recently become a dog owner, I can understand why Keanu was so pissed. Alfie Allen is impossible to take seriously as a villain though.

I understand there's now a John Wick 2. I'm surprised. Is there anyone left for him to kill?

After taking the aforementioned dog out for a walk this afternoon, we watched Summertime together. It's not really suitable for puppies though - lots of gratuitous nudity and softcore lezzing. Refreshingly 70s attitude to pubic hair though. It's about a country girl, Delphine, who moves to Paris in 1973 where she meets a group of women's lib activists and falls for one of them, Carole. Delphine's dad has a stroke so she has to go back home to help out on the farm, and persuades Carole to come and stay with her. Much of the film is about Delphine teaching Carole the ways of Sappho, much to Carole's boyfriend's chagrin, and the pair of them trying to keep it a secret from Delphine's unenlightened mum. Good if you like that kind of thing. The dog slept through it.

This evening I have watched I Saw The Light. Tom H does a passable impression of Hank Williams but otherwise it's a bit dull. Dog was more interested in his dinner.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 04 March, 2017, 10:41:23 pm
Stargate the fillim. Which I've not seen in donkeys years but have watched loads of the tv series in the interim. I thought it held up rather well on the whole.

It got me looking at the tv series on Amazon, found a boxset of all ten seasons and two feature length episodes/films (of the main series rather than the spinoffs) for £64 which I thought was rather bargainous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 March, 2017, 11:11:55 pm
Make sure you keep a tally of Daniel's deaths...   :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 04 March, 2017, 11:19:15 pm
Yeah he's good at that isn't he?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 March, 2017, 08:43:41 pm
Butbutbut, it's got Kurt Russell in it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 March, 2017, 09:51:14 am
Ah Stargate. Didn't Daniel 'Daniel' Jackson just zip around the universe having sex with the people he found? All of them. My wife has a thing for Jack, so I've hid the box sets. He's old enough to be her father.

Re Logan's Run, ironically, if we topped people at age 30, no one would remember Logan's Run. Didn't they remake it as an utterly forgettable movie a few years back?

Saw Logan yesterday on the big box. As mentioned, it's not cheery, but it's an interestingly adult take on the theme. Even superheroes get old and the violence is very much. My only gripe was that dragged a bit, the conclusion was already written in the first fifteen minutes so it was just a case of getting there. Oddly prescient view of the US's decline too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 March, 2017, 12:07:55 pm
Moonlight

With the disclaimer that it's one of those somebody-wants-an-Oscar films, it's not bad.  Something about the audio made it non-specifically hard work.


A Street Cat Named Bob

I had fairly low expectations for this one, and was pleasantly surprised.  The fundamental flaw is that cats have no acting skills whatsoever, and Bob's body language breaks the fourth wall in most of the 'action' scenes.  Since it seems the only way to get on-screen cats right is for them to be animated by Studio Ghibli, we'll let them off.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 March, 2017, 12:10:08 pm
Watched Sing Street again last night. It stands up well to repeat viewings - it's just a charming and very well made film. And the songs are great too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 06 March, 2017, 12:56:58 pm
Unstoppable (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unstoppable_(2010_film))

Unspeakable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 06 March, 2017, 01:22:07 pm

Re Logan's Run, ironically, if we topped people at age 30, no one would remember Logan's Run. Didn't they remake it as an utterly forgettable movie a few years back?




I'd heard there was a remake in the offing - didn't realise they'd actually done it.


Logan's Run is a weird one in that it's one where I actually preferred the TV Series over the movie.  It was a bit like Star Trek for me as a kid, a must watch.  What I think I won't do is subject myself to trying to track it down and rewatch it.  A bit like Blake's Seven, it should maybe live in the memory rather get ruined by trying to watch it again. 
Yeah I did that with Blake's 7.  Noooooo!  I remember it being GOOD  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 March, 2017, 01:34:50 pm

Re Logan's Run, ironically, if we topped people at age 30, no one would remember Logan's Run. Didn't they remake it as an utterly forgettable movie a few years back?




I'd heard there was a remake in the offing - didn't realise they'd actually done it.


Logan's Run is a weird one in that it's one where I actually preferred the TV Series over the movie.  It was a bit like Star Trek for me as a kid, a must watch.  What I think I won't do is subject myself to trying to track it down and rewatch it.  A bit like Blake's Seven, it should maybe live in the memory rather get ruined by trying to watch it again. 
Yeah I did that with Blake's 7.  Noooooo!  I remember it being GOOD  :'(

IMDB has it as in development.  Seems a bit closer to the original:

"A young man at odds with his society's mandatory death sentence for all those turning 21 plots a daring escape on the eve of his fateful birthday."

Quite a few other films have milked the same sort of theme - utopian existence maintained by sudden death - in the interim, though. I doubt if it'll fly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 March, 2017, 04:48:47 pm
Stargate the fillim. Which I've not seen in donkeys years but have watched loads of the tv series in the interim. I thought it held up rather well on the whole.

Watched that years ago and thought it was crap.  Just had another look at it and confirmed first opinion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 March, 2017, 05:01:52 pm
Stargate the fillim. Which I've not seen in donkeys years but have watched loads of the tv series in the interim. I thought it held up rather well on the whole.

Watched that years ago and thought it was crap.  Just had another look at it and confirmed first opinion.

It suffers from a lack of Richard Dean Anderson.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 06 March, 2017, 11:58:13 pm
A streetcat named Bob.

Weepiness is me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 07 March, 2017, 08:57:30 am
Stargate the fillim.
Went to see this at the flicks (not my choice of movie).  Absolutely god-awful.  Fell asleep halfway through and got better value for the second half - at least the seats were comfy IIRC.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 March, 2017, 09:07:01 am
Stargate the fillim. Which I've not seen in donkeys years but have watched loads of the tv series in the interim. I thought it held up rather well on the whole.

Watched that years ago and thought it was crap.  Just had another look at it and confirmed first opinion.

It suffers from a lack of Richard Dean Anderson.

And the presence of Kurt Russel. But generally it's the basic assumptions that piss me off:

(click to show/hide)

That's where I pulled the plug yesterday.

In other words, it's crap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 March, 2017, 09:21:26 am
Given that I saw Stargate at the magic moving picture house back in the 1990s.  I'm not sure we *really* need spoiler hides when discussing it.


So sorry... :P

Quote
But generally it's the basic assumptions that piss me off:

a. that any sufficiently interesting artefact unearthed in the 3rd world will automatically end up in the USofA


Well indeed.  Any artefact of note will of course be in the hands of rogue archeologists closely pursued by deranged Nazis.


It's the LAW

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 March, 2017, 09:55:33 am
Stargate, the movie, was pretty tiresome. It was set up as a great idea (well, for a boy who read all the Eric von Daniken in the local library it was) but then it was a case of really, another hour and half to fill? Which they did with Kurt Russell gurning. But the series was a lot better. Because it had Jack, mosty. But the others were OK, other than Daniel who was professionally useless. And the baddies who were consistently the poorest shots in the entire universe. And every planet looking a exactly like British Columbia. There was Chevron Guy too, we like him in our house. I wouldn't trust anyone else to open a stargate for me. That man could lock a chevron.

Other values of Stargate were not as good, of course, though I watched them all out of religious obligation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 March, 2017, 11:38:15 am
Yet another shoot-em-up by the sound of it, all terse military jabber, people being "tasked", and interstellar Injuns rolling over dead in the nick.

I would like to see a faithfully-made film of Perdido Street Station.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 March, 2017, 12:35:23 pm
a. that any sufficiently interesting artefact unearthed in the 3rd world will automatically end up in the USofA

Fixed in the series.  The Stargate ended up in the USofA.  The device for controlling it didn't.  Which is why they had to spend so much time MacGyvering their own.


Quote
b. that the first team sent through an alien interstellar transport device will consist of ignorant jocks armed to the teeth and led by a blockhead who despises the only scientist (of sorts) they drag along.

Also fixed in the series, where routine stargate operations are portrayed as scientific as much as military.  The opening scene of half the episodes must involve a couple of our favourite jocks standing around boredly while the boffins catalogue some ancient artifact (before, inevitably, either  a) aliens attack  b) someone presses the wrong button, with hilarious consequences  or c) they bring some object back to earth inna Trojan horse style).


Anyway, Von Daniken's writing is as good a basis for a popcorn scifi series as any.  I thought SG-1 (for which the film is best  regarded as a pilot) did it rather well, not least because it never took itself too seriously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 March, 2017, 12:42:29 pm
Passengers

A poorly-written story in which our hero selflessly chooses to devote her existence to fulfilling her stalker's whim in order to ensure the safety of a spaceship with over 5000 hibernating people on board.  As a metaphor for abusive relationships it falls short.  As a sci-fi romance it's just creepy.

Pretty graphics, dodgy physics, enough design flaws to keep the RISKS Digest going for weeks and a conspicuous absence of a plot twist.

I inspected an off-site backup of this one so you don't have to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 March, 2017, 12:43:46 pm
Hmm, that's a shame, I thought the trailers for that made it look intriguing.  Never mind.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 March, 2017, 02:28:33 pm
Anyway, Von Daniken's writing is as good a basis for a popcorn scifi series as any.  I thought SG-1 (for which the film is best  regarded as a pilot) did it rather well, not least because it never took itself too seriously.

Was Stargate really based on that charlatan's maunderings? Jesus wept.  Give me Edgar Rice Bourroughs any day: my string-theory-PhD nephew alternately screamed and wept when I described how the Martians stored the Ninth Ray in on-board tanks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 07 March, 2017, 02:41:01 pm
Passengers

A poorly-written story in which our hero selflessly chooses to devote her existence to fulfilling her stalker's whim in order to ensure the safety of a spaceship with over 5000 hibernating people on board.  As a metaphor for abusive relationships it falls short.  As a sci-fi romance it's just creepy.

Pretty graphics, dodgy physics, enough design flaws to keep the RISKS Digest going for weeks and a conspicuous absence of a plot twist.

I inspected an off-site backup of this one so you don't have to.

I too have tested an off-site backup, and my views haven't changed from when we saw it at the cinema: (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg2117238#msg2117238).

On the small-screen, not even the CGI can save it. I think I may delete it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 March, 2017, 03:14:47 pm
I would like to see a faithfully-made film of Perdido Street Station.

ha!

Hahaha

Hahahahahahaha-hahahaha.

Ha!

Sorry. Good luck with that ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 March, 2017, 03:51:49 pm
I would like to see a faithfully-made film of Perdido Street Station.

ha!

Hahaha

Hahahahahahaha-hahahaha.

Ha!

Sorry. Good luck with that ...

The BBC announced in August 2015 that it had commissioned an adaptation of The City & The City. The fact that it hasn't yet made it to our screens speaks volumes.

I'm looking forward to it though. Eventually.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 March, 2017, 04:00:02 pm
Anyway, Von Daniken's writing is as good a basis for a popcorn scifi series as any.  I thought SG-1 (for which the film is best  regarded as a pilot) did it rather well, not least because it never took itself too seriously.

Was Stargate really based on that charlatan's maunderings? Jesus wept.  Give me Edgar Rice Bourroughs any day: my string-theory-PhD nephew alternately screamed and wept when I described how the Martians stored the Ninth Ray in on-board tanks.

Yes, but there's bad and there's Prometheus. I'm banned from talking about that on here. But hey, Alien: Covenant is coming.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 March, 2017, 04:56:05 pm
Saw the trailer for that. Sheesh, again? Skidely Rott getting senile?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 March, 2017, 05:14:19 pm
It does seem somewhat pointless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 March, 2017, 05:18:59 pm
If the trailer is anything to go by, Ridley has responded to the fact that everyone thinks Prometheus is a pile of shit by remaking Alien.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 07 March, 2017, 09:10:34 pm
Indeed- although they could at least admit it.


It's not like quite a few more recent films than Alien have had remakes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 07 March, 2017, 09:49:29 pm
I would like to see a faithfully-made film of Perdido Street Station.

ha!

Hahaha

Hahahahahahaha-hahahaha.

Ha!

Sorry. Good luck with that ...

The BBC announced in August 2015 that it had commissioned an adaptation of The City & The City. The fact that it hasn't yet made it to our screens speaks volumes.

I'm looking forward to it though. Eventually.


Perdido Street would probably be easier to adapt, I'd have thought.  Can't see the beeb having the budget for the required effects.  One of the American channels perhaps, as long as they don't change the ending.  But I suspect China's politics would put them off.

He's got a new book out as well.http://www.spectator.co.uk/2017/02/china-mievilles-counterfactual-novel-is-a-chilling-surreal-caprice/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 March, 2017, 08:12:30 am
He's got a new book out as well.http://www.spectator.co.uk/2017/02/china-mievilles-counterfactual-novel-is-a-chilling-surreal-caprice/

Aha. Well maybe.  Some of his later stuff has been somewhat iffy: Kraken was bullshit but Embassytown was OK.  I get the impression, though, that he's getting a bit cynical wrt his readers: churn out anything and the punters will buy it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 08 March, 2017, 11:20:02 am
Kingsman, last night. On Netflix, so I could skip bits. My wife was out enjoying Danza Contemporánea de Cuba (I think it was that) and which she enjoyed very much with a friend. "Would I have liked it?" she asked me about Kingsman. "No" I said, "It wasn't."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 08 March, 2017, 11:28:24 am
Aww come on, we thoroughly enjoyed Kingsman, jolly good light hearted nonsense that didn't take itself at all seriously.
What's wrong with that?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 08 March, 2017, 12:29:14 pm
Aww come on, we thoroughly enjoyed Kingsman, jolly good light hearted nonsense that didn't take itself at all seriously.
What's wrong with that?


Nothing at all wrong with that. I love a bit of tosh, tongue-in-cheekery. But my wife would have started picking up book, most likely, after watching for a while. I thoroughly enjoy escapist films – ones where your incredulity has been well and truly suspended! I enjoyed it.

Glad Michael Caine was able to lapse into Cockerney for his final speech.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 March, 2017, 12:34:49 pm
Aww come on, we thoroughly enjoyed Kingsman, jolly good light hearted nonsense that didn't take itself at all seriously.
What's wrong with that?

I enjoyed Kingsman very much. Considerably more than I was expecting to, in fact.

But as Mark Kermode put it, it ended on a bum note.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 08 March, 2017, 01:43:28 pm
Aww come on, we thoroughly enjoyed Kingsman, jolly good light hearted nonsense that didn't take itself at all seriously.
What's wrong with that?

I enjoyed Kingsman very much. Considerably more than I was expecting to, in fact.

But as Mark Kermode put it, it ended on a bum note.


Yes, not sure why they inserted the bummery bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 08 March, 2017, 01:49:40 pm
Don't remember it that well that I remember that slant on the ending I have to say.


Still I see what you were saying now  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 March, 2017, 04:21:48 pm
I get that it was supposed to be a parody of the end of James Bond films where he ends up in bed with the girl as a reward for saving the world, and I'm not so prudish that I'm offended by anal sex jokes, but the way it was executed jarred with the tone of the rest of the film. I felt it was boorish verging on misogynistic.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 March, 2017, 07:15:56 pm
<archivist>
We have actually been over this before. Just FYI, and might save some typing :P

Kingsman- was very good. Much fun but not for those of a sensitive disposition, the violence is quite comically graphic (if that even makes sense).

There was a throw away joke about anal sex in the Kingsman that left a very bad taste in the mouth. Bond or the Bond girls would never do such a thing

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/02/13/kingsman-director-matthew-vaughn-reveals-secrets-behind-church-scene-sex-joke-and

I'm not why that was especially bad?  Can you explain or am I beyond the pale for simply asking? 

IIRC the last Bond film I watched showed someone having their eyes gouged out, involuntarily.  Someone agreeing to anal sex is worse than that?

It jarred with me I must admit.  I don't know why but it seemed to cross a line. 
I'm old though. 
Maybe it went from unbelievable cartoon violence into the world of all-too-sleazy porn, and in an all-too-casual way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 March, 2017, 07:46:56 pm
Funnily enough, even while I was typing my earlier comment, I was getting a sense of déjà-vu.

For me, it came across as an act of submission rather than genuine consent. But mainly it was just a bit odd in a film that had no other sexual content (that I recall).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 08 March, 2017, 11:26:37 pm
S.O.B.

Blake Edwards' cynical look at Hollywood with Julie Andrews acting very much against type. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 March, 2017, 07:05:48 am
Funnily enough, even while I was typing my earlier comment, I was getting a sense of déjà-vu.

For me, it came across as an act of submission rather than genuine consent. But mainly it was just a bit odd in a film that had no other sexual content (that I recall).

It was an end-to-end writhing mass of subliminal Freudian innuendo up to that point.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 March, 2017, 07:15:57 am
Funnily enough, even while I was typing my earlier comment, I was getting a sense of déjà-vu.

For me, it came across as an act of submission rather than genuine consent. But mainly it was just a bit odd in a film that had no other sexual content (that I recall).

It was an end-to-end writhing mass of subliminal Freudian innuendo up to that point.

Maybe I didn't notice that because I was distracted by the excessive graphic violence...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 March, 2017, 07:27:25 am
Viceroy's House.

Very good treatment of a literally and disastrously divisive event.

Gandhi:

“Division doesn’t create peace, it creates havoc.”
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 March, 2017, 12:54:18 am
The Accountant

I really enjoyed this. An intriguing mix of bodies and numbers, right up there on the scale.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 March, 2017, 03:50:28 pm
Funnily enough, even while I was typing my earlier comment, I was getting a sense of déjà-vu.

For me, it came across as an act of submission rather than genuine consent. But mainly it was just a bit odd in a film that had no other sexual content (that I recall).

It was an end-to-end writhing mass of subliminal Freudian innuendo up to that point.

Maybe I didn't notice that because I was distracted by the excessive graphic violence...

No, it was subliminal.  You don't know it but has affected your entire mind set, as evidenced by this:

Wonderful find.

Must admit that at sight of thread title I though it was about Trump and a swimming-pool. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=102134.0)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 March, 2017, 07:43:57 pm
Kong: Skull Island.

Samuel Jackson starred as Samuel L. Jackson. John Goodman as John Goodman. You get the idea. There was a big monkey. Stupid people try to kill the big monkey because that's what stupid people do when they see a big monkey. There's a monster fight because, let's face it, if you're going to have a tower-block-sized simian, you may as well have all the monsters. Liberal riffing on Apocalypse Now for the 1970s Vietnam-era stylings.

Enjoyably pointless, I suppose.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 13 March, 2017, 08:36:47 pm
Monkey?  Now you just know that it's a Lemur now come on keep up.


I don't suppose they took the opportunity for it to throw flaming barrels at people now?


Or would that be a spoiler?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 March, 2017, 10:43:10 am
No flaming barrels alas, but he's got a good swing with a Huey.

They should have run with the Apocalypse Now theme.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 March, 2017, 11:47:25 pm
Michael Collins (1996)

Somehow I'd manage to miss this one.  Historical inaccuracies overshadowed by Alan Rickman doing the most conspicuously half-arsed attempt at an accent since Sean Connery's masterpiece in Hunt For Red October.  Otherwise a respectably decent film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 March, 2017, 12:07:55 am
True Grit

The latest version.

I'd been meaning to see this for a while and I've no idea if I wasn't disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 March, 2017, 07:41:54 am
Michael Collins (1996)

Somehow I'd manage to miss this one.  Historical inaccuracies overshadowed by Alan Rickman doing the most conspicuously half-arsed attempt at an accent since Sean Connery's masterpiece in Hunt For Red October.  Otherwise a respectably decent film.

He made an even more half-arsed attempt at looking like him. But his accent wasn't all that bad compared with the original:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZWoYF6kRqQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZWoYF6kRqQ)

After ~3:30 he's speaking English.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 16 March, 2017, 08:50:49 am
Michael Collins (1996)

Somehow I'd manage to miss this one.  Historical inaccuracies overshadowed by Alan Rickman doing the most conspicuously half-arsed attempt at an accent since Sean Connery's masterpiece in Hunt For Red October.  Otherwise a respectably decent film.

"Two Pingsh"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 16 March, 2017, 09:55:53 am
I'm trying to recall who Rickman was in it.  De Valera?  (yes I could look it up)


I recall that being a pretty decent fillum (see what I did there ;) )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 16 March, 2017, 11:09:25 am
Michael Collins (1996)

Somehow I'd manage to miss this one.  Historical inaccuracies overshadowed by Alan Rickman doing the most conspicuously half-arsed attempt at an accent since Sean Connery's masterpiece in Hunt For Red October.  Otherwise a respectably decent film.
Rickman was a fine actor - but surely a little chunky to play an astronaut?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 16 March, 2017, 02:33:37 pm
Passengers

A poorly-written story in which our hero selflessly chooses to devote her existence to fulfilling her stalker's whim in order to ensure the safety of a spaceship with over 5000 hibernating people on board.  As a metaphor for abusive relationships it falls short.  As a sci-fi romance it's just creepy.

Pretty graphics, dodgy physics, enough design flaws to keep the RISKS Digest going for weeks and a conspicuous absence of a plot twist.

I inspected an off-site backup of this one so you don't have to.

I too have tested an off-site backup, and my views haven't changed from when we saw it at the cinema: (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg2117238#msg2117238).

On the small-screen, not even the CGI can save it. I think I may delete it.
You better not delete it. I objectify Chris Pratt AND JLaw.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 March, 2017, 08:17:27 pm
Gnomeo and Juliet.  It's pretty brilliant, really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 18 March, 2017, 08:57:39 pm
Masterminds (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2461150/)
I'd never heard of this, it's a generic Zach G / Jason S / Owen W / Kristen Wig number. Mr Smith obtained an offsite backup for us to check.

We were howling with laughter. Apparently it's based on a true story.  :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 18 March, 2017, 11:25:23 pm
Get out:
A mildly scary very uncomfortable film which managed to fit the horror genre without being a gore fest or going for the tired shock scare. I enjoyed it.

Moana:
Disney at its best - fantastic, loved it. I am a sucker for the Disney / Pixar animations, but this is amongst the best they have done. Beautiful imagery and wonderful feel good  (If predictable as disney) story.

Jackie:
Interesting but not excessively engaging. Natalie Portman though is brilliant, a well deserved Oscar nomination.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 March, 2017, 09:21:50 am
Logan, at the cinematic projection location all by meself (MrsC being away and it not being her sort of fillum)

If you are into these sort of films, best one ever. Considerable nods in the direction of classic westerns.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 19 March, 2017, 09:34:13 am
Watched Lucy last night, mildly entertaining in a Matrix style "take the blue drugs" kind of way, as long as you suspended all connection with reality, which was kinda the point.

Also watched a Coli Firth 20's set rom-com thingy where he's a magician set up to expose a con-artist, but the setter-upperer is also trying to set him up, with the inevitable romantic entanglement at the end. You could see it coming, but still entertaining enough.

Logan is on my list.

Why not a remake of Logan's Run - Logan's Run 2 - The Gentle Shuffle Into Retirement
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 19 March, 2017, 10:13:33 am
The Magnificent Seven.

Not a waste of two hours, but not something to rush back to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Feanor on 19 March, 2017, 07:37:29 pm
Zapping around on the Idiot Box,and I come across:

Blues Brothers 2000.

Is that even a thing? Yes, it seems it is..
Why did they do that?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 19 March, 2017, 07:48:49 pm
Filthy lucre ... but didn't payoff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 19 March, 2017, 08:13:49 pm
Ignore the plot - although there are some good laughs - but save your admiration for the music at the end.

I'd queue to see that lineup.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Feanor on 19 March, 2017, 08:15:42 pm
I've left it playing and am ignoring the plot.
They have just rocked up at a creepy house with gators in the grounds.

The music is certainly worth having on.
Wow. You are right, it's a hell of a lineup.
BB King just put in an appearance.
And James Brown is wrapping it up in the credits.

OK that was so worth it for the music.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 March, 2017, 08:59:45 pm
'Apocalypse Now'.  Bizarrely reassuring for all the wrong reasons.

next on the list is 'Gangs of New York'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 19 March, 2017, 09:04:44 pm
Well I know Nicholas Cage has a reputation for guff films but really...


We just flicked over to channel 5 as we were a bit bored with Come Dine With Me to watch an hour or so of 'Left Behind' (2014).


Well it was certainly a lesson in just how bad a film can get. Just wow. :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 March, 2017, 09:48:37 pm
Upthread. I put myself through the Nic Cage catalogue so the rest of you didn't have to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 20 March, 2017, 12:12:02 am
A Few Good Men

I'd forgotten the plot twist at the end, never actually seen it from the beginning before. Tom Cruise acts as in any other TC film. Demi Moore. Hubba hubba... <dribbles>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 27 March, 2017, 04:39:00 pm
Anthropoid

True story about an assassination plot in WW2 Czechoslovakia. Good film, but oh boy was it harrowing and violent in places. I found it very uncomfortable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 27 March, 2017, 05:49:05 pm
Is that the one that's about the assassination of Heydrich?  I want to see that.  Upthread I commented about watching a Polish film called Warsaw which was all about the Warsaw Uprising towards the end of WWII.  Gutwrenching at times but worth it overall.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 27 March, 2017, 05:59:42 pm
Yes caerau, that's the one. Its on Amazon prime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 27 March, 2017, 06:00:52 pm
I shall wait for it to be available elsewhere then - I don't have Amazon Prime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 28 March, 2017, 03:43:16 pm
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4ftxko
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 March, 2017, 09:10:59 pm
Ghost in the shell. Passable hokum with copious plot holes but Binoche. Blade Runner meets Lucy and a few Yakuzi gangster movies. Struggled with the Portuguese subtitling of the Japanese, but who wouldn't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 31 March, 2017, 08:40:57 am
A Simple Plan on iplayer.

Billy Bob Thornton and the late Bill Paxton weaving a very tangled web.  Enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 31 March, 2017, 09:32:21 am
Deepwater Horizon. Basically chubby Texans played by Hollywood stars. I think we should all bail from real life and get stars to play us. The Accountant. It might have been alright but I snoozed through a lot of it so one moment Ben was doing some sums and the next he was covered in blood and stabbing people in the head. I too found filling out my annual 1040 stressful. The Magnificent Seven. A bit of a pointless remake but I can watch anything with Denzel Washington in. Considering his reputation, I don't know why people keep picking fights with him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 31 March, 2017, 02:29:00 pm
I think we should all bail from real life and get stars to play us.

Didn't we have a casting thread somewhere?  Or was it another place?

(Victoria Lambert, obviously, though she's no longer in the business after one series of perfection.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 31 March, 2017, 04:31:37 pm
..I think we should all bail from real life and get stars to play us. ..



They could never do it. ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 31 March, 2017, 06:48:09 pm
GET OUT   Nothing special in the acting, directing, or sound departments but an interesting enough plot and concept to keep you thoroughly engaged throughout.  Strange hybrid of comedy/horror/sci-fi/social commentary.  Shows what can be done on a small budget with a strong idea.  Recommended!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 01 April, 2017, 05:30:03 am
Hacksaw Ridge. I think, mostly bad. However, the story is mostly true, which was pretty amazing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Doss

However, the usual movie exagerations, which were completely unnecessary.
A good example is the cliff that he lowered people down from. Here's how it looked in the movie vs real life:
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/04/6d/4c/046d4c5c037443f36a99ce87b8171476.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 April, 2017, 01:00:53 pm
Ghost in the Shell. Somewhat ruined by my wife whispering 'how come she doesn't have nipples?' at the beginning. That's because she's a cyborg, of course. How come she has breasts then? This conversation rolled for hours without resolution.

As said, enjoyable sci-fi hokum and looked glorious on the Imax (other than one CGI scene that looked a bit c1996).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 April, 2017, 01:54:13 pm
Ghost in the shell. Passable hokum with copious plot holes but Binoche. Blade Runner meets Lucy and a few Yakuzi gangster movies. Struggled with the Portuguese subtitling of the Japanese, but who wouldn't.

Portuguese people.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 April, 2017, 02:04:15 pm
John dies at the end.  Started to watch it months ago, gave up after ~45 mins thinking "huh, bloody druggies", picked it up again yesterday and quite enjoyed the rest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 03 April, 2017, 02:44:08 pm
We watched a very silly comedy yesterday, The CIA with 'The Rock' and someone else.


It was actually really rather funny, which is what you want in a comedy in the end.  Next year's best picture?  Not really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 09 April, 2017, 09:43:37 am
Anthropoid

True story about an assassination plot in WW2 Czechoslovakia. Good film, but oh boy was it harrowing and violent in places. I found it very uncomfortable.

That is a good film, though the mock Czech accents were a bit grating at first. The bridge near the beginning is, I believe, this one, now a cycle path and approximately the distance from Prague shown on the sign in the film:

(http://handsonit.co.uk/2017/bridge.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 10 April, 2017, 02:56:37 pm
The Book of Love

Very good. Recommended. Life affirming story of coping after the bereavement of a partner, with lots of added quirkiness and fun thrown in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 14 April, 2017, 05:24:26 pm
A Bobcat named Street.

Loved it, just loved it.

It's got a kitteh in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 14 April, 2017, 05:52:55 pm
Dog Soldiers, again. Great fun!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 April, 2017, 09:16:22 am
Purple Rain

He died nearly a year ago....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 April, 2017, 11:13:51 am
Gangs of New York.

Plus ça change.. except there doesn't seem to be a Vallon in sight.

I suddenly realised Daniel Day Lewis is not unlike Fred Trump..

(http://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/15251861_1031876816957967_4418142817700806656_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTQyMTg5ODcxNjAxMjUxNTg2Nw%3D%3D.2)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cd/Fred_Trump.png/220px-Fred_Trump.png)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 18 April, 2017, 01:33:33 pm
Mrs Q sat me down to watch the 2002 nasty alien invasion work of anti-semite Ken Livingstone Mel Gibson last night.  I then had to man up and go and check the sheep and put the bins out in the dark.

Whilst keeping an eye out for scary green men.

Also saw Ghost in the shell the other night.  Mostly good, albeit not so far removed from the original plot of Robocop.  All a bit emotionless, though Juliette Binoche acts her socks off.  Best of a bad lot at the flicks at the moment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 23 April, 2017, 11:00:42 am
Watched High Rise last night, almost switched it off in the first fifteen mins, but persevered and quite liked it by the end.

Will have a look and see if I can find the book anywhere
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 April, 2017, 04:52:07 pm
First ep of Sherlock series 4. Crap.  Martin Freeman & Amanda Abbington look decidedly raddled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 April, 2017, 05:02:12 pm
Ghostbusters (2016)

Given that I'd been led to set the bar of expectations very low, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It's a bit clunky in places but also very funny in others.

Like any remake, it didn't need to be made, but it's a long way from being the worst example.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 April, 2017, 08:15:46 pm
My wife just booked me tickets to the new Alien film.

In space no one can hear you scream. In the Waterloo IMAX, I guess we'll find out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 28 April, 2017, 09:32:52 pm
A Walk In The Woods. It was funny. Gentle and undemanding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 April, 2017, 12:12:00 am
Boy Wonder

Well, that was good. I loved the cinematography and the blips, and the denouement. Also the acting, (although I know not  much about acting) and the plot and everything else.

I watched it because it was 99p, although after reading reviews I paid £2.99 so I can watch it again which is just as well, because I'll want to watch it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 April, 2017, 09:29:47 am
Boy Wonder

Well, that was good. I loved the cinematography and the blips, and the denouement. Also the acting, (although I know not  much about acting) and the plot and everything else.

I watched it because it was 99p, although after reading reviews I paid £2.99 so I can watch it again which is just as well, because I'll want to watch it again.

Wonder Boys is pretty good too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 30 April, 2017, 09:46:55 pm
Pantani - The Accidental Death of a Cyclist

(again)

It doesn't get any less emotional with repeated watching.  So, so good, but so sad.

Oh Marco  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 May, 2017, 06:35:48 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. If you liked the first one you'll love it, if you didn't, well, buying tickets to see it would be dumb.

Light on plot but the characters riff and it's a movie of set pieces, the CGI Kurt Russell chin is the scariest thing you'll see on a cinema screen this year, and the cheesy music flows into the mix perfectly. Loved it. It's what the Avenger movies should be had they not descended into po-faced comic-book seriousness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 May, 2017, 10:26:46 pm
The Raid

This is an Indonesian martial arts action movie. I don't think I can ever watch a hollywood 'martial arts' movie again. Hard boiled and insane doesn't come close.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 02 May, 2017, 01:54:40 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. If you liked the first one you'll love it, if you didn't, well, buying tickets to see it would be dumb.

Light on plot but the characters riff and it's a movie of set pieces, the CGI Kurt Russell chin is the scariest thing you'll see on a cinema screen this year, and the cheesy music flows into the mix perfectly. Loved it. It's what the Avenger movies should be had they not descended into po-faced comic-book seriousness.

Quite fantastic.   A lot of it played for laughs but I know get to add ELO and Fleetwood Mac to Junior's music knowledge.

The soundtrack to the first GoG lived in the car for a good year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 02 May, 2017, 06:50:12 pm
Swiss Army Man
What. The. Fuck.

I read a synopsis of that the other day and had a similar reaction.  Good to see you're committed to the cause of watching these things so we don't have to.

Saw this yesterday. It went from puerile nonsense through to deep and thought-provoking, via What. The. Fuck. And back again.

Still not convinced I enjoyed it. Or didn't enjoy it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 05 May, 2017, 01:54:05 pm
Me? I can't wait to see . . . MINDHORN!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5njebTiZY
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 May, 2017, 03:32:12 pm
An Americano with hot milk? Man needs a suppository.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 05 May, 2017, 08:07:14 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Fantastic, just fantastic.

I wanna go see it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 06 May, 2017, 10:56:46 am
Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Fantastic, just fantastic.

I wanna go see it again.
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 May, 2017, 12:19:36 pm
Yes, and it's a notable rarity in a sea of recent movie 'mehs' to come out from a movie and want to see it again.

I suspect I'll be containing this burst of cinematic optimism with Alien: Covenant next weekend.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 May, 2017, 12:34:14 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. If you liked the first one you'll love it, if you didn't, well, buying tickets to see it would be dumb.

Light on plot but the characters riff and it's a movie of set pieces, the CGI Kurt Russell chin is the scariest thing you'll see on a cinema screen this year, and the cheesy music flows into the mix perfectly. Loved it. It's what the Avenger movies should be had they not descended into po-faced comic-book seriousness.

Quite fantastic.   A lot of it played for laughs but I know get to add ELO and Fleetwood Mac to Junior's music knowledge.

The soundtrack to the first GoG lived in the car for a good year.
We're attending* a showing of the first one tonight. I'm quite excited.


*Or rather ; we're hosting one. With dinner. In our living room.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 May, 2017, 02:46:59 pm
I suspect I'll be containing this burst of cinematic optimism with Alien: Covenant next weekend.

I'm a bit concerned by the fact that the professional critics have been embargoed and they're using public tweets to promote the film. That never bodes well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 May, 2017, 08:43:06 pm
I suspect I'll be containing this burst of cinematic optimism with Alien: Covenant next weekend.

I'm a bit concerned by the fact that the professional critics have been embargoed and they're using public tweets to promote the film. That never bodes well.


Yeah, I noticed that. Some bloke from Braintree reckons 'it was better than Prometheus.' Well, it couldn't be worse. That'd be like doing a more poo-ier poo. Browner and even more aromatic.

The trailers make it look like a scene-for-scene remake of Alien.

Oh it might be good, they did two good Alien films and the rest were mostly forgettable dross. Prometheus looked pretty on the big screen but you had to balance that with the fact that it was entirely filled with stupid.

I walked past Sigourney Weaver last year and failed to notice until my wife kicked me, by which time Sigourney had gone around the corner. I think that if I had a kid I'd call it Sigourney. Or Muffintop. I'm undecided.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 May, 2017, 11:02:25 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. If you liked the first one you'll love it, if you didn't, well, buying tickets to see it would be dumb.

Light on plot but the characters riff and it's a movie of set pieces, the CGI Kurt Russell chin is the scariest thing you'll see on a cinema screen this year, and the cheesy music flows into the mix perfectly. Loved it. It's what the Avenger movies should be had they not descended into po-faced comic-book seriousness.

Quite fantastic.   A lot of it played for laughs but I know get to add ELO and Fleetwood Mac to Junior's music knowledge.

The soundtrack to the first GoG lived in the car for a good year.

We're attending* a showing of the first one tonight. I'm quite excited.


*Or rather ; we're hosting one. With dinner. In our living room.

OMG

What a total waste. Not sure I have ever been this disappointed in a movie. 1h47 of life burned. Plus the time I've taken to fire up the tablet and rant about it here.

The joke about thesaureses and the guy that takes everything literally - that was quite funny. So that leaves 1h46m30s.
I just dont understand how people found this funny - and I'm a big fan of Chris Pratt in Parks&Rec (the total budgt for all umpteen episodes of P&R is probably about the same as 5mins of this nonsense.)

And i just could not give a toss about any of the action scenes. I generally had no idea why they were happening.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 06 May, 2017, 11:17:39 pm
Logan's Run.

I hadn't realised the future would be so 70s-looking.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 06 May, 2017, 11:45:31 pm
I.T.

We took one for the team. We watched it so you don't have to.

I wrote a review but it fell through the plot holes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 07 May, 2017, 10:54:52 am
The Young Offenders

Features a 160 km ride on mildly inappropriate bikes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 07 May, 2017, 11:14:30 am
Me? I can't wait to see . . . MINDHORN!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5njebTiZY


We're going to see that this afternoon....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 May, 2017, 12:09:07 pm
Quote
...

We're attending* a showing of the first one tonight. I'm quite excited.


*Or rather ; we're hosting one. With dinner. In our living room.

OMG

What a total waste. Not sure I have ever been this disappointed in a movie. 1h47 of life burned. Plus the time I've taken to fire up the tablet and rant about it here.

The joke about thesaureses and the guy that takes everything literally - that was quite funny. So that leaves 1h46m30s.
I just dont understand how people found this funny - and I'm a big fan of Chris Pratt in Parks&Rec (the total budgt for all umpteen episodes of P&R is probably about the same as 5mins of this nonsense.)

And i just could not give a toss about any of the action scenes. I generally had no idea why they were happening.

Fear not, Mrs Brown's Boys is available on DVD.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 May, 2017, 02:41:06 pm
<shudders>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 07 May, 2017, 04:47:45 pm
Me? I can't wait to see . . . MINDHORN!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5njebTiZY


We're going to see that this afternoon....

Well, that was stupid....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 10 May, 2017, 10:29:04 am
Me? I can't wait to see . . . MINDHORN!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA5njebTiZY


We're going to see that this afternoon....

Well, that was stupid....

Stupid, as in "Don't bother going" 'stupid'? I haven't seen it yet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 May, 2017, 01:49:03 pm
Not a film but the trailer for the new Blade Runner.

I might go to see it.......
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 13 May, 2017, 10:48:14 am
I saw Alien Covenant.

One for fans of Prometheus I think (which it is very much a sequel to).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 May, 2017, 11:59:35 am
I saw Alien Covenant.

One for fans of Prometheus I think (which it is very much a sequel to).
That bad, huh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 13 May, 2017, 12:36:24 pm
Hmm I enjoyed it, yes a bit slow, not as action packed as Aliens, a bit like Alien as in slow build up. Brilliant escapism for an afternoon/evening. No massive shocks but some great efx's and fight/battle scenes. That monster is just the best thing ever, thanks Hans, you have inspired millions and scared shit less too, you are missed. And I do like the way Mr Scott tells a story with moving pictures.

Yes no patch on Alien and Aliens for sure, but you can't redo brilliance. I do think Alien series suffers from the same thing as the Space Soap Opera. When we saw it the first time about <cough>30+<cough - yes we are that old> years ago it blew our cotton socks off big time. And I'm sure that the wee nippers who saw the new ones for the first time without having see the originals would think that it was/is awesomesauce! Where 30 years of rose tinted glasses made us go a bit meh!

Yes I agree with you WW, that plot twist if you could call it a plot twist could be seen a few million light years away.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 13 May, 2017, 02:49:53 pm
You'd think they'd learn to stop making Alien films by now, seeing as it worked so well the last few times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 13 May, 2017, 02:57:54 pm
You'd think they'd learn to stop making Alien films by now, seeing as it worked so well the last few times.
http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchise/Alien#tab=summary

Well that is why they keep making it, a nice little earner.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 14 May, 2017, 10:03:54 am
Turbo Kid

A post-apocolyptic world in a future 1997 where the primary mode of transport is bicycles.

Brilliant, if a bit silly, and rather gory.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 14 May, 2017, 04:38:23 pm
Repo Man.

A post-apocalyptic pile of old twaddle with that Jude Law.  Decent soundtrack.  Would not watch again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 14 May, 2017, 05:09:07 pm
Not a patch on the classic Alex Cox 1984 film of the same name. Has one of my all-time favourite opening title sequences:

http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/repo-man

The first scene's not bad either:

https://youtu.be/HZjZbJuhPAo
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 May, 2017, 09:57:05 pm
Not a patch on the classic Alex Cox 1984 film of the same name. Has one of my all-time favourite opening title sequences:

http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/repo-man

The first scene's not bad either:

https://youtu.be/HZjZbJuhPAo


AND it has Harry Dean Stanton in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 14 May, 2017, 10:15:56 pm
Just watched that first scene.  It's like, 'When CHiPs goes bad!'   ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 14 May, 2017, 11:49:09 pm
Their Finest.

Bill Nighy giving it the full Bill Nighy.

I liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 May, 2017, 09:54:09 am
Alien: Covenant.

I did and survived. It wasn't nearly as bad Prometheus. To be honest, it was OK as a bog-standard space schlocker. As said, it wasn't Alien/Aliens and maybe there is a hint of nostalgia there, but those are still brilliant movies. The less said about the other two Alien movies the better.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 May, 2017, 11:10:11 am
Alien: Covenant.

I did and survived. It wasn't nearly as bad Prometheus. To be honest, it was OK as a bog-standard space schlocker. As said, it wasn't Alien/Aliens and maybe there is a hint of nostalgia there, but those are still brilliant movies. The less said about the other two Alien movies the better.

(click to show/hide)

I suppose there's some interesting commentary on Ridley's thought processes going own - ideas around the creator and search for truth but it's a bit indulgent (mainly because I don't think it works that well).

Motherhood as a concept ran through the first films whereas his own thoughts on religion and as a creator run through the more recent ones.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 May, 2017, 07:57:23 pm
It's all a bit clumsy and delivered with a somewhat laborious exposition. I the whole creation thing but tbh, it was better as a subplot. I want monsters, mazes of corridors, flashing lights, steam, and voice telling me that I have very little time to reach a minimum safe distance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 May, 2017, 08:42:30 pm
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 15 May, 2017, 09:06:20 pm
Repo Man.

A post-apocalyptic pile of old twaddle with that Jude Law.  Decent soundtrack.  Would not watch again.

You mean they remade it? Nooooo! The original (as other have mentioned) is cool. It is so bad it is good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 May, 2017, 09:23:29 pm
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 May, 2017, 09:23:43 pm
Office Space (again).

"I told those fudge-packers I liked Michael Bolton's music!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 15 May, 2017, 10:20:34 pm
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http://www.vulture.com/2017/05/william-gibsons-never-filmed-alien-iii-script-a-history.html


Interesting musings on William Gibson's script for an Alien sequel.  I'd rather he stick to writing novels though, & see he's got a new one coming out in January. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/25/books/sci-fi-writer-william-gibson-reimagines-the-world-after-the-2016-election.html?_r=0
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: red marley on 15 May, 2017, 10:54:22 pm
Repo Man.

A post-apocalyptic pile of old twaddle with that Jude Law.  Decent soundtrack.  Would not watch again.

You mean they remade it? Nooooo! The original (as other have mentioned) is cool. It is so bad it is good.

The Jude Law film isn't a remake of the Alex Cox one. It just happens to share the same a similar title (men vs man)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 May, 2017, 09:44:19 am
Missus went and bought GoT Series N5 so we watched first 2 eps last night. Yawn.  I know prop swords shouldn't be able to perform impromptu amputations when they're pretending to fight, but it's depressing to see edges a centimetre thick when they're just waving them slowly.  If you can see the edge, it's not sharp.

Yawn. Yawn. Yawn. Yawn. Yawn. Yawn. Yawn. Yawn. Yawn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 16 May, 2017, 09:59:21 pm
Due to incipient pneumonia* I am missing tonight's pub quiz but an ability to remain upright, combined with no longer shivering like a polar bear that's just met a Kiwi sheep shearer, has led me to discover that 'The Hunt For Red October' is being shown on TCM+1.

I haz drugz and Jagermeister, my evening is complete . . .




*That's not the doctor's diagnosis but it sounds better than 'chest infection'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 16 May, 2017, 10:09:34 pm
By the by, were all 80s Yank submarine officers owls? Or were the huge glasses they wore useful as some kind of impromptu signalling equipment. Marj Proops eat your heart out!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 May, 2017, 12:26:02 pm
In Bruges

Not for the first time, I should add. It's a work of total genius that just gets better with age - a bona fide classic, in fact. Something reminded me of it recently and I realised I haven't seen it for a while. It's not available to watch on Netflix or Sky Movies so I bought the Blu-ray for a few quid from Music Magpie - worth every penny and then some. Still by far the best thing Colin Farrell has ever done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 May, 2017, 12:45:35 pm
+1. Delightful film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 19 May, 2017, 01:33:02 pm
In Bruges

Not for the first time, I should add. It's a work of total genius that just gets better with age - a bona fide classic, in fact. Something reminded me of it recently and I realised I haven't seen it for a while. It's not available to watch on Netflix or Sky Movies so I bought the Blu-ray for a few quid from Music Magpie - worth every penny and then some. Still by far the best thing Colin Farrell has ever done.

He's pretty good in Seven Psychopaths too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 01 June, 2017, 12:30:10 am
War Machine. Entertaining enough, but a but pointless?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 June, 2017, 09:13:09 am
Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Lovely, lovely film, but the pacing was all over the place - one minute it was their first day in the bush, the next moment they'd been there six weeks (but of course they still looked as fresh and fit as the first day). As a result, I felt the 'bonding' between Ricky and Hec wasn't all that convincing. Good performances from both lead actors though. I suspect there's a lot more story in the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 June, 2017, 10:05:54 am
Pirates of the Caribbean 82 or whatever they're on. Not really my thing, I don't think I've managed to stay awake through an entire movie in the series, and I continued the theme with a little nap. Well, it was very warm in the cinema and I'd had a half pint or two of a splendid double IPA in the Waterloo Tap beforehand.

I don't, as a result, remember much. Same plot as the others, they probably spent the entire GDP of Africa on visuals and $17 on the script, and Johnny Depp is getting on under all that make-up and fancy dress. It took me quite a while to realise Keira Knightley wasn't Keira Knightley. Well, I thought she looked younger, but hey, it's Hollywood and they can airbrush that shit out. Anyway, some other actress who admittedly was the best thing in it, though I suspect her appeal had less to the do with the movie (good god, I just Googled and she was born in 1992, so now I feel a bit creepy for even entertaining those thoughts).

Anyway, it was a nice nap. Though don't tell my wife, because I told her that I was awake.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 June, 2017, 11:09:54 am
Jean de Florrette and then the 2nd part, Manon des Source.

It's probably the 4th time I've "done the double".  I just love them.  The pace of the films is perfect and they are beautiful to look at.

A simple story of petty local disputes and family ties..and  greed of course.....but it's much better than that sounds.

It's worth pointing out that the two films are part 1 and 2 of the one story, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 01 June, 2017, 01:41:47 pm
I've done the double once, a long time ago. I can't remember the details of the film, but I'm getting a fuzzy feeling thinking about them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 June, 2017, 01:46:20 pm
I'm getting a fuzzy feeling thinking about them.

Yes, ISTR there's a particular scene that had that effect on me when watching those films as a teenage boy...

That aside, I think I actually preferred the other Pagnol double - La Gloire de mon Père and Le Château de ma Mère
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 June, 2017, 02:28:06 pm
You  took up goat herding?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 01 June, 2017, 09:24:46 pm
Jean de Florrette and then the 2nd part, Manon des Source.

It's probably the 4th time I've "done the double".  I just love them.  The pace of the films is perfect and they are beautiful to look at.

A simple story of petty local disputes and family ties..and  greed of course.....but it's much better than that sounds.

It's worth pointing out that the two films are part 1 and 2 of the one story, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Gorgeous.  I do believe the last time I did the double, it was on VHS!  That's simply not good enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 June, 2017, 09:08:26 pm
Transformers something or other. Not the latest one, the one before. Well, I said I would and it was on Netflix so I did.

Oh fuck, it was awful. I confess I gave up after 45 minutes. I could probably do one and half hours of bad, but it was almost three hours long. Three fucking hours of robots pointlessly smashing each up (I don't know why, it wasn't explained) interconnected with possibly some of the worst dialogue and script I've now had the misfortune to hear, and every scene was product placement. Not subtle, I mean full-on adverts. I've no idea what they did in final two hours of the movie other than beat the will-to-live out of anyone stupid enough to still be watching it.

Yeah, yeah, I know, what did I expect? I had low expectations, and this tunnelled under them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 06 June, 2017, 10:59:08 pm
Last week - Pirates of the Caribbean whatever-it-was at the Gate in Newcastle.  Overpriced ice cream, failed aircon on that day that it was actually summer, and an extra quid each for the 3d specs.  It entertained me and the Cubs for a couple of hours in a "fairly mindless toss" kind of way.

Then The Red Turtle at the Tyneside, in the Electra screen.  Infinitely superior venue, over priced popcorn, lovely cafe for our tea after and I'm almost certain that Kathryn Williams was sitting in the row in front of us.  We all liked.

Then tonight, My Life as a Courgette (english dubbed version) at the City Screen in York with just the SmallestCub since the Eldest couldn't be bothered to go out in the rain after school.  Blooming lovely, it is.  And the description of sex, from the perspective of a rather poorly informed 9ish year old, made the whole audience (all dozen or so of us) snort unattractively with laughter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 08 June, 2017, 06:19:06 pm
Arrival

Some Octopus creatures show up around Earth (not a Vogon constructor fleet) and talk to humans for about 90 minutes, using signwriting.

This continues happening for 90 minutes until ...finally...nothing happens.

It's just awful.

It's like a very shit "Contact" (Jodie Foster).
1/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 08 June, 2017, 06:28:19 pm
Remember - A 90 year old dementia suffering Auschwitz survivor (Christopher Plummer) sets out, with the aid of letters and phonecalls from a friend, to kill the guard that killed their families. Intense and quite moving. Enjoyable isn't the right word but glad to have watched it. Is on Amazon Prime if anyone wants to watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 08 June, 2017, 06:33:52 pm
Remember - A 90 year old dementia suffering Auschwitz survivor (Christopher Plummer) sets out, with the aid of letters and phonecalls from a friend, to kill the guard that killed their families.

I thought he and his family all got away during the singing concert.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 08 June, 2017, 07:21:03 pm
I've not actually ever seen The Sound of Music but that's exactly the joke my better half made when she got in.

;D  ::-)  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 08 June, 2017, 09:33:08 pm
Not exactly in keeping with the thread, but breaking news is that Terry Gilliam has actually finished filming The Man Who Killed Don Quixote and barring further jinxes will come out next year.

http://www.avclub.com/article/terry-gilliam-completes-17-year-quest-shoot-man-wh-256309 (http://www.avclub.com/article/terry-gilliam-completes-17-year-quest-shoot-man-wh-256309)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 June, 2017, 10:20:21 pm
The Last Starfighter.

Despite all my geek/sci-fi credentials, I have actually never seen this until now. I was entertained!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 11 June, 2017, 02:01:38 pm
RED 2

That was very silly and quite funny. Helen Mirren offering relationship advice over the phone whilst dissolving a body with acid in a bath was inspired. A great cast hamming it up for all they were worth, David Thewlis as The Frog was particularly good. I wouldn't pay to see it but if its on TV again worth a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 June, 2017, 07:33:26 pm
Fiddler on the Roof, starring Dr Hans Zarkov (formerly of NASA).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 11 June, 2017, 11:24:15 pm
John Wick, with Keanu showcasing his set of skilz.  "They know you're coming. Of course... But it won't matter. "  Not bad really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 11 June, 2017, 11:49:30 pm
Now I didn't like John Wick when I first watched it having just seen The Equalizer a couple weeks prior.

But, I kinda want to watch it again.

The opposite to Superman Returns which I enjoyed the first time around and found as dull as ditchwater the second.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 12 June, 2017, 10:34:13 pm
Wonder Woman.

Really enjoyed it, although I wasn't keen on how CGI her stunts looked.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 13 June, 2017, 12:33:36 am
John Wick 2; I really like the first one. Even watched it again. Tight, over-the-top action trash, with some neat choreography.
Number 2, however, is nowhere near as good. It has it moments, for sure, but I got somewhat bored.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 June, 2017, 09:54:19 pm
The Mummy. The Tom Cruise one. Not his actual mummy, obvs. He plays gittish rogue Tom, which seems to be his favourite Tom at the moment (other Toms may be available, please check with his agent). There are some other people in it. And a Mummy. None of them are especially memorable. There's some CGI. The plot you know and every previous version has been better and it didn't have Rachel Weisz in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 June, 2017, 10:25:18 am
The Mummy. The Tom Cruise one. Not his actual mummy, obvs. He plays gittish rogue Tom, which seems to be his favourite Tom at the moment (other Toms may be available, please check with his agent). There are some other people in it. And a Mummy. None of them are especially memorable. There's some CGI. The plot you know and every previous version has been better and it didn't have Rachel Weisz in it.

The Rich Hall Tom Cruise Plot Generator says:

"He's an Egyptologist.  Pretty good Egyptologist but then he has a crisis of confidence but everything is made better with the love of a good woman"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 June, 2017, 11:25:40 am
Nah, as he's roguish Tom, he's a looter of ancient artefacts, hence the gittishness. The woman is the Egyptologist. She's terribly serious and has no time for Tom's antics. Alas, the leads shared as much chemistry as xenon. The last round of Mummy movies were a lot more fun (leastways till they ran out of steam and Rachel).

It doesn't really get around to be awful, it's just there. Which a decent script and screenplay, it could have been OK. It's also apparently the first in a series so there's lots of laboured exposition.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 15 June, 2017, 06:11:14 pm
Hidden Figures (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4846340/).

An very good moving picture about a group of extremely clever (a.k.a. Genius) black women in the early days of NASA. A true story. Watched on one of those painful small screens on the back of an airline seat that has a habit of getting closer to you and giving you (well, me at least) a stinking headache.

Glad I stuck with it though. I suspect I shall buy it on a shiny disc to add to my growing NASA collection which currently stands at 'The Right Stuff', 'Apollo 13' 'Apollo 18' and 'Red Planet' (well, someone had to buy it!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 15 June, 2017, 07:42:25 pm
I think I own the other copy of Red Planet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 June, 2017, 08:11:58 am
Revolver. Shouldn't have bothered. This, from the guy who directed LockStock? Sheesh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 19 June, 2017, 04:29:05 pm
Guy Ritchie. Public school wannabe gangster. His Arthur bombed, poor old Gemma Arterton's wartime drama bombed, that means every film she's been in has bombed, Cruise's Mummy has bombed and spells trouble for Universal's monster franchise. Wonder Woman is kicking box office arse.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 June, 2017, 12:53:05 am
X-Men

With Huge Jackman and Anna Packhorse.

I fell asleep and confused it with A1: Britain's Longest Road*, which was on when I woke up.

I shall have to watch it again.

*Part 1
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 25 June, 2017, 07:02:43 am
JAson Bourne

The one with matt Damon coming back for no reason really. Tommy-Lee Jones did not improve it. Action sequences added a pointless hour to it and I was never quire sure of the plot premise.

Bears absolutely no resemblance to the books, which I'm rereading right now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 June, 2017, 07:34:19 am
Edge of Tomorrow, starring yesterday's action hero. He's a bloody good actor, I wish he would make decent films. In Magnolia & Rain Man he was excellent. EoT earns a half-closed eye, mostly for CGI.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 25 June, 2017, 07:35:43 pm
Transformers in 3D.  I have no idea what was going on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: robgul on 27 June, 2017, 06:53:25 pm
The Graduate (re-released)  - 50 years on and still brilliant - and I got in at the OAP rate!

Rob
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 June, 2017, 12:31:29 pm
Bad Education - The Movie.  Puerile humour, and offensive to the Cornish.  I loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 July, 2017, 11:13:52 pm
The Monuments men.

Bit muddled, nowhere near as good as The Train, which dealt with the same subject. It's a bit unfocused and directionless with a useless sub-plot romance between Damon and Blanchett. In the film it's seven men, in reality there were 350. Also, when the lady sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" she says "'Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.'' That line wasn't added to the song until '57.  Ruined it for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jack Standish on 04 July, 2017, 06:57:54 am
Rock of Ages

What is it about Tom Cruise as a hair metal star in the '80s that makes this movie way more watcheable than it deserves to be?
Oh, yeah, the songs of that era.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 July, 2017, 10:11:48 am
Café Society

The latest "return to form" for Woody Allen. It's OK. A bit pointless. Jesse Eisenberg does a good impersonation of a younger, better looking Woody Allen. Very missable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 July, 2017, 10:33:27 am
About a third of the latest Godzilla avatar that I'm aware of.  It doesn't even have the CGI to recommend it - the monsters look like something made on Blue Peter. Seeing an actor of David Strathearn's calibre in such tripe is depressing.  Roland Emmerich's version is far, far better, and funny with it.

For some reason, the title of Café Society reminded me of After Hours (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088680/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2).  Haven't seen that for years but it was great, like recovering from a bout of indigestion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 July, 2017, 01:17:01 pm
Kong: Skull Island

Somebody was *seriously* disappointed that all the Vietnam war films had already been made, so set out to make one anyway.  Bizarrely, this makes it a much more watchable piece of dross than I was expecting.


Logan

Not a reboot of Logan's Run.  Bizarrely, this makes it a much less watchable piece of dross than I was expecting.  Even Patrick Stewart can't save it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 July, 2017, 11:30:35 am
American Sniper

Hmm. It's a sad film - the main character has a very simplistic view of the world, when he's pushed to doing things that breach his sense of morality, he doesn't cope well.
From general resources, the real Chris Kyle wasn't as nice a person as made out in the film (not surprising, given the director).

On balance, I think it is a pretty decent film. Saved from being mawkish by using real veterans with nasty injuries at the end, when Chris is back in the USA.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 July, 2017, 12:11:10 pm
For some reason, the title of Café Society reminded me of After Hours (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088680/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2).  Haven't seen that for years but it was great, like recovering from a bout of indigestion.

THANK YOU! For years, I have been trying to remember the name of that film, which I caught by chance on BBC2 one evening - one of those films you only start watching because you can't be bothered to go to bed, then get totally engrossed in it. Didn't realise it was Scorsese. Very strange but very funny. ISTR the protagonist ends up being taken away in the back of a van in a full body plaster cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Vince on 08 July, 2017, 12:41:03 am
Baby Driver

Great sound track with car chases.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 July, 2017, 09:07:33 am
For some reason, the title of Café Society reminded me of After Hours (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088680/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2).  Haven't seen that for years but it was great, like recovering from a bout of indigestion.

THANK YOU! For years, I have been trying to remember the name of that film, which I caught by chance on BBC2 one evening - one of those films you only start watching because you can't be bothered to go to bed, then get totally engrossed in it. Didn't realise it was Scorsese. Very strange but very funny. ISTR the protagonist ends up being taken away in the back of a van in a full body plaster cast.

I didn't realize it was Scorcese either.  We had it on VHS rental away back - early '90s, probably.  Unfortunately nowadays DVDs of it are "rare", "vintage" or US imports, and there's a TV series that looks eminently avoidable. Maybe Netflix'll get it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 16 July, 2017, 12:31:08 am
The Shawshank Redemption.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 16 July, 2017, 10:12:19 am
The most recent Spiderman film. Quite enjoyable. Very pleased they didn't rehash his origin story yet again. Probably the weakest of the Marvel films though but only by a bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Monty on 16 July, 2017, 11:06:15 am
The Beguiled (Clint Eastwood)

Apparently there's a new one in the pipeline...not, of course, that the fillum industry is running out of ideas you understand...

Anyway. Worth a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 July, 2017, 10:10:18 am
Tim Burton's delightful Big Fish. A lovely touch of the whimsy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 19 July, 2017, 03:21:30 pm
Baby Driver

Great sound track with car chases.
Oh good. The trailers make it look a load of old sh1te.

But then I heard some interviews, and it sounds intriguing - a totally different film! (I hadn't even twigged it was made by the director of Spaced etc)

Random google hit:
http://pitchfork.com/thepitch/behind-the-music-of-baby-driver-with-director-edgar-wright/


Obviously you're playing a lot of songs on set. During filming, did anybody ever complain about having to work to the same songs over and over again?

There was one song that I eventually ditched from the movie ’cause it started to get on my tits. The scene that now has “Smokey Joe’s La-La” by Googie Rene originally used to be “Nut Rocker” by Bee Bumble and the Stingers. It was in there for a couple of test screenings, and then I thought, “You know what, I'm gonna redo this part of the scene in a little reshoot, and I'm gonna change the song.”


 :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 July, 2017, 08:26:44 am
Dunkirk. in 70mm. I'm a Nolan-sceptic.  He's got a huge talent and ego to match, that will often ruin things. I mostly went to see if for the 70mm experience.
I thought the trailers were a complete mess*, but this was easily one of the best movies I've seen in years, with jaw-dropping cinematography. (And a Hans Zimmer score that actually worked, rather than ruining things).

Absolutely awesome cinema experience that I doubt will carry through on the small screen.


*In context of the movie, the messiness of the trailers makes sense.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 July, 2017, 10:35:15 am
L'Ecume des Jours (retitled Mood Indigo in translation, which is curious because, despite lots of Ellington, of Mood Indidgo there is never a warble).  It was... nice. Black of course but that's Vian; he killed himself at 39.  Faithful to the original. FX were deliberately a bit hokey; it fitted the mood and saved cash.  Could have been a bit shorter, dialogue could have been a bit less gabbled, but I suspect that's me lugs.  Don't think I'd watch it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 July, 2017, 02:21:26 pm
The Girl With All The Gifts

Meh. I'd expected something a lot more interesting from the reviews but it's a fairly by-the-numbers modern zombie thing. Too much Basil Exposition stuff about why everyone has turned into zombies - not interested, just get on with blasting their heads off, please.

Sennia Nanua is very good though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 21 July, 2017, 09:03:47 pm
Whedon's Serenity - enjoyed it, almost Guardians-esque -without the aliens.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 July, 2017, 08:48:37 am
Allende.  Waste of time: 10 minutes of content blown up into 90 minutes of rushing about and not-very-illuminating yakkity along the lines of "leave me!/I'll never leave you!/FFS get on with it".

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 July, 2017, 10:18:23 am
Hidden Figures

I'm sure this was given a bit more fluff than needed - we didn't need the romantic side-story for example.
However the extremity of the truly ridiculous endemic racism imposed on these women was just ridiculous, offensive and makes you want to scream.

They overcame incredible obstacles to become truly amazing significant figures in the space race. Well worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 July, 2017, 12:47:13 pm
Hidden Figures

I'm sure this was given a bit more fluff than needed - we didn't need the romantic side-story for example.
However the extremity of the truly ridiculous endemic racism imposed on these women was just ridiculous, offensive and makes you want to scream.

I didn't really like the caricature of 1960s racist NASA, which was by all accounts heavily embellished[1] to make up for the lack of wider cultural context.  But that's because it was a story about the amazing women involved, not a documentary about 1960s NASA.

File with "The Right Stuff" for awesomeness and historical inaccuracy.


[1] http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/hidden-figures/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 July, 2017, 12:33:14 pm
Dr. Strangelove. Needs watching every 10 years.

The B52 sequences were excellent for the time, but lack of wing flex gives them away.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 24 July, 2017, 01:29:10 pm
Hidden Figures

I'm sure this was given a bit more fluff than needed - we didn't need the romantic side-story for example.
However the extremity of the truly ridiculous endemic racism imposed on these women was just ridiculous, offensive and makes you want to scream.

I didn't really like the caricature of 1960s racist NASA, which was by all accounts heavily embellished[1] to make up for the lack of wider cultural context.  But that's because it was a story about the amazing women involved, not a documentary about 1960s NASA.

File with "The Right Stuff" for awesomeness and historical inaccuracy.


[1] http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/hidden-figures/

Having read the book "The Right Stuff" and Yeager's (ghostwritten) autobiography, it's kind of amusing how the film effectively recreates the very issues that Wolfe writes about in his book, namely the way the press oversells the daring of the original Mercury astronauts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 July, 2017, 03:11:54 am

Having read the book "The Right Stuff" and Yeager's (ghostwritten) autobiography, it's kind of amusing how the film effectively recreates the very issues that Wolfe writes about in his book, namely the way the press oversells the daring of the original Mercury astronauts.

Wolfe took the most amazing material and turned it into a boring pile of crap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 July, 2017, 08:30:38 am
Grimsby

I can see why Americans didn't like it.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 26 July, 2017, 11:44:58 pm
The Last Starfighter A revisit of more awesome 80's cheese :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 July, 2017, 09:26:04 am
The Last Starfighter A revisit of more awesome 80's cheese :D
Excellent

I recommend you now sample 'Flight of the Navigator' and 'Short Circuit'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 July, 2017, 01:47:02 pm
'Short Circuit'.

Much as I loved it as a child, that one (and particularly the sequel) hasn't dated well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 27 July, 2017, 11:19:43 pm
'Short Circuit'.

"No dissasemble!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: robgul on 28 July, 2017, 09:15:42 pm
Dunkirk. in 70mm. I'm a Nolan-sceptic.  He's got a huge talent and ego to match, that will often ruin things. I mostly went to see if for the 70mm experience.
I thought the trailers were a complete mess*, but this was easily one of the best movies I've seen in years, with jaw-dropping cinematography. (And a Hans Zimmer score that actually worked, rather than ruining things).

Absolutely awesome cinema experience that I doubt will carry through on the small screen.


*In context of the movie, the messiness of the trailers makes sense.

Hmm, I've just come home from the cinema having seen this film - I was tempted to ask for a refund it was so bad. 

Perhaps I'm old fashioned but some sort of story and/or structure would have been useful .... it was loads of dramatic film sequences linked together with Kenny Branagh standing on a pier that seemed to miraculously repair itself having been bombed to bits several times.

It would have been useful to have had some stuff about the why, the strategies that the operational command had in place and their implementation and co-ordination - think of the Battle of Britain film with the command people, Uxbridge bunker and the action stuff (and Susannah York's suspenders!)

The Mark Rylance sequences in his little boat worked - but even that wasn't an obvious fit.

It's worth watching the original Dunkirk film from 1958 which did illustrate the actual story in a realistic way.

To me it was an ego-trip for the film makers - some of the aero scenes verged on the ridiculous - the gliding Spitfire at the end looked line an Airfix kit superimposed on a picture of the sea (although you couldn't see the strings!)

Rob
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 July, 2017, 09:14:09 am
Couple of nights back, La Belle Histoire, being a 204-minute Claude Lelouche assemblage covering bees, reincarnation, petty crime, Christ, funfairs, bees, institutionalized cruelty, gypsies, corruption, coincidence,  bees, destiny, fate and bees; with lots of music. Starts with a great timelapse of pl. de la Concorde, with Brel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 30 July, 2017, 05:22:49 pm
Ant-man. Very enjoyable nonsense; far less po-faced than many recent superhero flicks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 30 July, 2017, 06:14:10 pm
Chinatown

A rather good film, with a rather young Jack Nicholson.

Not sure about the ethics of watching a film made by a convicted fugitive paedophile.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: epa611 on 30 July, 2017, 09:47:31 pm
I, Daniel Blake.   Should be compulsory viewing for all.

Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 31 July, 2017, 02:06:14 pm
Ant-man. Very enjoyable nonsense; far less po-faced than many recent superhero flicks.

I l liked it.  It's basically a heist film, probably why I liked it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 August, 2017, 01:19:41 pm
Dunkirk

It does what it says on the tin.

It's about Dunkirk.  it's not about character development, you won't learn about anyone's family back home or any troubled upbringing.

It starts as you follow a soldier legging it onto the beach and it ends as he leaves the beach.  In between there is much gunfire and bombing.  It's relentless.

Tom Hardy plays a supporting role to a Spitfire in some stunning dog-fight scenes.

I fail to see how you could do it any better than Christopher Nolan has.

It's a 12cert so there are no dismembered limbs flying about but, in my opinion, adding Harry Styles and making it a 12cert, will introduce the story to millions of people who otherwise would have gone to see a "popcorn" movie instead.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 August, 2017, 01:31:35 pm
I saw it at the cinema.

My grumbles with it are:

It doesn't show the 'little ships' making repeat trips. Not at all.

The soldiers disappear. 300 000 of them. There are crowds shown at the start then suddenly the beach is almost deserted. Where did they go? Supposedly the vast bulk were awaiting evac, but suddenly the beach looked deserted?

The little ships mostly ferried soldiers out to waiting RN ships. NONE of that is shown in the film

At one point in the film a character explicitly says "They've sent one destroyer"
What bollocks. There were 39 Royal Navy destroyers ships just off the shore. That's a libel on the royal navy, Christopher Nolan better not walk near any RN sailors in the near future.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 01 August, 2017, 02:28:30 pm
I saw it at the cinema.

My grumbles with it are:

It doesn't show the 'little ships' making repeat trips. Not at all.

The soldiers disappear. 300 000 of them. There are crowds shown at the start then suddenly the beach is almost deserted. Where did they go? Supposedly the vast bulk were awaiting evac, but suddenly the beach looked deserted?

The little ships mostly ferried soldiers out to waiting RN ships. NONE of that is shown in the film

At one point in the film a character explicitly says "They've sent one destroyer"
What bollocks. There were 39 Royal Navy destroyers ships just off the shore. That's a libel on the royal navy, Christopher Nolan better not walk near any RN sailors in the near future.

So it was a film of complete negatives for you?
The film actually centres around the sinking of the Hospital ship.  The 3 timelines converge on it.
At some point Nolan needed to decide whether it was a documentary or based-on-real-events entertainment.  Documentaries are available.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 August, 2017, 03:11:55 pm
I saw it at the cinema.

My grumbles with it are:

It doesn't show the 'little ships' making repeat trips. Not at all.

The soldiers disappear. 300 000 of them. There are crowds shown at the start then suddenly the beach is almost deserted. Where did they go? Supposedly the vast bulk were awaiting evac, but suddenly the beach looked deserted?

The little ships mostly ferried soldiers out to waiting RN ships. NONE of that is shown in the film

At one point in the film a character explicitly says "They've sent one destroyer"
What bollocks. There were 39 Royal Navy destroyers ships just off the shore. That's a libel on the royal navy, Christopher Nolan better not walk near any RN sailors in the near future.

So it was a film of complete negatives for you?
The film actually centres around the sinking of the Hospital ship.  The 3 timelines converge on it.
At some point Nolan needed to decide whether it was a documentary or based-on-real-events entertainment.  Documentaries are available.
Not complete negatives, but implying that there was only one flight of spitfires and explicitly stating that there was only one destroyer was taking too far, IMO

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 01 August, 2017, 03:34:30 pm
I saw it at the cinema.

My grumbles with it are:

It doesn't show the 'little ships' making repeat trips. Not at all.

The soldiers disappear. 300 000 of them. There are crowds shown at the start then suddenly the beach is almost deserted. Where did they go? Supposedly the vast bulk were awaiting evac, but suddenly the beach looked deserted?

The little ships mostly ferried soldiers out to waiting RN ships. NONE of that is shown in the film

At one point in the film a character explicitly says "They've sent one destroyer"
What bollocks. There were 39 Royal Navy destroyers ships just off the shore. That's a libel on the royal navy, Christopher Nolan better not walk near any RN sailors in the near future.

So it was a film of complete negatives for you?
The film actually centres around the sinking of the Hospital ship.  The 3 timelines converge on it.
At some point Nolan needed to decide whether it was a documentary or based-on-real-events entertainment.  Documentaries are available.
Not complete negatives, but implying that there was only one flight of spitfires and explicitly stating that there was only one destroyer was taking too far, IMO

The "Miracle" of the little ships is fine for wartime propaganda but repeating it in present day is unhelpful.  The vast majority of people evacuated were done so from ships on the Mole.

French involvement is virtually non-existent, in fact their navy played a big part.  French troops were initially not evacuated because their government did not give orders agreeing they should be evacuated until part way through the operation - from that point on equal numbers of French and Commonwealth soldiers were evacuated

I think my main complaint is that it repeats the national myth of Dunkirk being victory from the jaws of defeat and that the troops saved were brought back to prepare for invasion defence.

In actual fact Britain sent a further expeditionary force to France after Dunkirk in an attempt to keep France in the war.

I very much enjoyed it as a piece of film making and think it got across the individual experiences that people would have gone through quite well but there were too many things wrong with it.  We shan't go in to the unlimited ammo hack that Tom Hardy seemed to have patched into his Spitfire...

I think my main complaint was that Nolan's antipathy for CGI worked against the film on this occasion - it just wasn't 'busy' enough, not with men, planes, ships or smoke.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 August, 2017, 03:48:38 pm
I think my main complaint was that Nolan's antipathy for CGI worked against the film on this occasion - it just wasn't 'busy' enough, not with men, planes, ships or smoke.
Yes, I agree

I would have rather seen the moles crowded with ships, and the 'little ships' amidst chaos, ferrying a few soldiers off the beaches.
The vast bulk of soldiers embarked on double-moored ships from the moles. The little ships took off many hundreds but were ferrying them off the beach to waiting ships, not all the way back to England.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 01 August, 2017, 10:27:30 pm
Both Marigold Hotel films, back to back. What film should be. Lots and lots of tears mixed with out-loud laughter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jack Standish on 07 August, 2017, 07:17:38 am
Rewatched Heat after so many years.
How can a crime movie get better every time i see it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 August, 2017, 12:54:32 pm
Funny, that: I go to sleep every time I see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 08 August, 2017, 05:59:40 pm
Not since I endured The Expendables, have I wasted so much time on one film as I did recently on The Sweeney. Every cliche in the book, plus Ray Winstone as a sex god, FFS.

Just don't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 August, 2017, 06:16:55 pm
Moana

I know I'm way too old for this stuff but I still love a good Disney film and had high expectations for Moana after the rave reviews but it was awful. Crap story, crap songs, crap racial stereotypes.

Doctor Strange

This, on the other hand, was somewhat better than I was expecting - reminded me of The Matrix in many ways, which is a good thing, and the first Iron Man movie. Most modern superhero films are way too earnest and dull for my liking but this was quite fun. Largely thanks to Benny C.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 August, 2017, 09:03:43 pm
Rogue One (again).

I wasn't overly impressed the first time around, partly as I thought it departed too much from the first concept*, where Jyn was much more rebel/reluctant hero like and the movie being messy in general...but everyone around me thought it was one of the better SW movies, so I watched it again to figure out what I missed.
The space battle scenes are still the best in any of the movies, but the rest still only ranks above Ep1-3. Force Awakens held up better, I think...at least the story/character development flows a lot nicer.
The droid, however, is hilarious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 August, 2017, 04:04:02 am
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.

It's not sad, honest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 09 August, 2017, 03:54:17 pm
Get Out.

Fantastic horror film. Reminded me of the Wickerman
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Quisling on 09 August, 2017, 03:59:40 pm
Captain Underpants.

Peurile, toilet humour based summer holiday trash.  Not up there with Shrek 2 but the kids enjoyed it and there was no need to claw my eyes out like I might had I been dragged to see that awful Alvin and the Chipmonks grade rubbish which abounds our picture houses these days.

I quite enjoyed it.  Worth seeing if there's nothing better on.  Catchy theme tune by Weird Al.

6/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 August, 2017, 05:29:19 pm
The recent Bonnie and Clyde with Emile Hirsch and Holliday Grainger. It might not have been such a hit as the 1967 version but it was good enough to keep me awake for all of its 174 minutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 12 August, 2017, 12:58:14 pm
This Is The End (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yma-g4gTwlE)

I watched this, because it was compared to The World's End, as being a sort of USA equivalent.  I can see why the comparison is made, but I find the characters in This Is The End a whole lot more irritating.  Maybe that's because they're mostly USA actors playing caricatures (I hope!) of themselves.  I don't really know many of them, and the ones I do know aren't terribly well known, at least not outside of the USA.

The World's End is a sort of Apocalyptic film, where it isn't actually the Apocalypse, whereas This Is The End does portray the Apocalypse.  In both films, the characters manage to spend a lot of time complaining about things, which only complete idiots would do if the world was collapsing around them, which I suppose is part of the point of the films.  I just found the USA characters to be way more annoying and petty than Simon Pegg et al in The World's End.  Maybe that's just because both sets of characters are also somewhat cliched USA and English portrayals, and I relate to the Englishmen more.

On the other hand, I didn't pay much for the film, so I think I more or less got my money's worth out of it!  Worth watching, it has its good points, but don't expect too much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 August, 2017, 07:48:47 pm
The Infiltrator

Bryan Cranston plays a nice guy doing an awful job that means he has to consort with criminals (undercover customs officer who infiltrates Colombian drug cartel). Wonder why they gave him the part? It was OK but nothing special - mostly felt like I'd seen it all before. Also the fact that it was based on the autobiography of the main protagonist probably explains why he was portrayed as a sympathetic character. I suspect that he's much less likeable in real life.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 13 August, 2017, 07:50:32 pm
This is the End
I found the yank film to be irritating shite, full of 'characters' (i.e. famous people I was largely unaware of) pretending to play themselves in a profoundly unengaging and irritating way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 14 August, 2017, 09:43:10 am
Nightcrawler.  Jake Gyllenhall playing a ruthless, amoral conman.  You just know how bad it's gonna get when he starts his career stealing a bicycle.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 August, 2017, 10:18:10 am
The World's End.  Peggy delivers as usual: the Apocalypse and How I Learned to Love It. Fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 14 August, 2017, 12:30:08 pm
The World's End.  Peggy delivers as usual: the Apocalypse and How I Learned to Love It. Fun.

Without going into spoiler territory, there are a few moments in that film that work really well on a deeply serious level rather than comedy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 August, 2017, 01:25:40 pm
Yup - though if it hadn't been Pegg & MF in it I wouldn't have let it run past the first 10 minutes.  Glad I did now, might even watch it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 August, 2017, 01:33:50 pm
I was massively disappointed with it the first time around, saw it again about a year later and was still disappointed.  Pity, I really wanted to like it - enjoyed Shaun of the Dead, loved Hot Fuzz but that one didn't work for me.

Preferred Paul to TWE (even though it was weak in places and not part of the Cornetto Trilogy).

I think Scott Pilgrim demonstrated just what Edgar Wright could do outside of the confines of the Spaced fraternity, would have been really interested in his version of Ant Man, but was not to be.  Looking forward to Baby Driver when I get a chance to see it (missed it in the cinema).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 August, 2017, 11:35:36 am
Dogma, for maybe the fourth time.  I need a refresher every so often.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 15 August, 2017, 09:10:47 pm
Maybe this should be in another thread, but I've just had an email from Amazon that they're closing Lovefilm. Apparently streaming should suffice. Well if any of the streaming services offered a decent selection without the price randomly changing from free to £££ every time the wind changes it might.

I watch four films a week, and pay roughly what the BBC would charge if I had the slightest interest in watching broadcast telly. Is it too much to ask for a decent selection of films? It looks like Cinema Paradiso are the last service standing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 15 August, 2017, 09:30:21 pm
And this week's selection was...

The Rover

Australian post-apoc drama. Strangely compelling despite lack of story, lack of character development, full of plot holes and a budget of about 5p.

Neon Demon

Complete dross. I'm quite a fan of Nicholas Winding Refn, but this was shit. Don't bother.

Hugo

Family entertainment with a *very* eclectic cast. I didn't know half those actors were still alive.

Still Life

Eddie Marson, brilliant as usual, plays a conscientious council employee who is made redundant and makes sure his last cases are fully closed before he leaves. The cinematography is a bit odd in that it's made to look like it's in some unknown past time even though it's actually 2013, but overall it works well and has a perfect pace and balance. Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 15 August, 2017, 09:46:42 pm
Atomic Blonde.

Very enjoyable. Worth a watch. I expect we'll get it on DVD for a re watch when it comes out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 August, 2017, 04:26:54 am
The Intouchables

Laughed a lot at this enjoyable French film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 16 August, 2017, 06:29:30 pm
Valerian

Unwatchable tosh. We walked out after fifteen minutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 August, 2017, 06:55:31 pm
Valerian

Unwatchable tosh. We walked out after fifteen minutes.

Oh dear!  Mrs A has gone to see that..  She won't walk out unless the others do, just go to sleep.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 August, 2017, 12:39:50 pm
Life. If you've seen Alien you've seen it done better, but quiet entertaining as a formulaic space horror alien schlocker where the crew are the menu. Top tip, humans, when encountering an alien life-form, it's probably best not to try and motivate it with big sparks of electricity. What next, waterboarding? Main downside, as ever, no real character engagement, so it was a case of ticking them off the menu.

Dunkirk. I generally don't like war films, factual or otherwise. That said, I enjoyed this. We saw a big (actual!) print at the Imax and it looked stunning and the sound was awesome, normally you have to insert a lot of quarters in a cheap motel bed to be vibrated for so long. I'd agree with the previous criticisms about the lack of actual people and materiel on the beaches, it did in some scenes look like off-season Cleethorpes, and yes, the Spitfire with the endless ammo power-ups, but what it lost in accuracy it made up for it with overall drama. Very much enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 August, 2017, 10:25:20 am
We've started rewatching the Montalbano canon for the nth time.  The stories don't really matter; the episodes are delightfully sunny and just watching the characters develop is engaging.

Livia needs a suppository, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 August, 2017, 08:39:20 am
Confetti(2006) - Olivia Coleman*, Mark Heap, Stephen Mangan, Julia Davis, Jason Watkins, Martin Freeman etc etc ...

How did I miss this first time around?? I think the answer is lots of very luke-warm reviews.

But it was excellent. Despite Jimmy Carr (who wasn't too bad, TBF). And I found Rob Webb very funny for once too  :thumbsup:


*nekkid  :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 August, 2017, 10:29:27 am
Detroit

Violent depiction of real life violence.  Characterisation a bit overwhelmed by it all but generally a good attempt to show what it might have been like.  Sadly things might not have changed as much as they should have in 50 years.  Step forward Sheriff Joe and potus#45.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 30 August, 2017, 02:14:56 am
Home with a cold/flu thing, so:
Alien Covenant; Unmitigated trash. I did nod off in the middle, but I doubt it made any difference.
Kong: Skull Island Much better than I expected!. Very good VFX. Great design and a not totally terrible story for a monster movie.  Not saying that it's good, but it isn't terrible :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 07 September, 2017, 09:34:44 pm
I was massively disappointed with it the first time around, saw it again about a year later and was still disappointed.  Pity, I really wanted to like it - enjoyed Shaun of the Dead, loved Hot Fuzz but that one didn't work for me.

Preferred Paul to TWE (even though it was weak in places and not part of the Cornetto Trilogy). ...

Out of all the Pegg films, Hot Fuzz definitely seems to have been the best, for me.

After that, in decreasing order, Paul, Shaun of the Dead and The World's End.

I haven't seen Run Fatboy Run, what's the juries opinion on that?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 07 September, 2017, 09:50:23 pm
I was massively disappointed with it the first time around, saw it again about a year later and was still disappointed.  Pity, I really wanted to like it - enjoyed Shaun of the Dead, loved Hot Fuzz but that one didn't work for me.

Preferred Paul to TWE (even though it was weak in places and not part of the Cornetto Trilogy). ...

Out of all the Pegg films, Hot Fuzz definitely seems to have been the best, for me.

After that, in decreasing order, Paul, Shaun of the Dead and The World's End.

I haven't seen Run Fatboy Run, what's the juries opinion on that?

Enjoyable. Not a classic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 08 September, 2017, 12:36:39 am
Detroit

Violent depiction of real life violence.  Characterisation a bit overwhelmed by it all but generally a good attempt to show what it might have been like.  Sadly things might not have changed as much as they should have in 50 years.  Step forward Sheriff Joe and potus#45.
I found it a very difficult film to watch, but in a good way. The only criticism we had was that it was a little long in a couple of places.

It pisses me off that it is considered a box office flop because it failed to make enough money in its first week, or whatever, and that this will reduce its visibility: it deserves to be judged by standards other than the reductionist measure of bums on seats.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 September, 2017, 11:07:03 am
Tokyo Trial on Netflix. Missus didn't want to "see all those atrocities" so I watched it on my own and was quite engrossed: it's about the trial judges, the legal issues and the political pressures.  A largely Dutch production crew with actors from the Allied countries, but it's actually a Japanese TV production, which explains a lot of the content. Interesting anyway.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 08 September, 2017, 11:07:56 pm
Seven Years in Tibet.

It's such a good film. Does anyone make such gently paced films any more?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 13 September, 2017, 11:00:53 am
Detroit

Violent depiction of real life violence.  Characterisation a bit overwhelmed by it all but generally a good attempt to show what it might have been like.  Sadly things might not have changed as much as they should have in 50 years.  Step forward Sheriff Joe and potus#45.
I found it a very difficult film to watch, but in a good way. The only criticism we had was that it was a little long in a couple of places.

It pisses me off that it is considered a box office flop because it failed to make enough money in its first week, or whatever, and that this will reduce its visibility: it deserves to be judged by standards other than the reductionist measure of bums on seats.

I concur. Watched it last Friday. Depiction of the time was accurately filmed, and it is uncomfortable to watch, not only because it's a film dealing with racism and the police, but our thoughts afterwards led us to ponder what it's like now. Racism still exists I'd say, within police forces, and evidence is clear isn't it, with Trump recently pardoning Sheriff Arpaio, with an Executive Order.

I enjoyed the film, and glad that it has been made, but seeing the all-white jury, you're already concluding "Hmm, this is not going to go well for the prosecution."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 September, 2017, 11:11:08 pm
What a porpoise for a dog

A heartening love story about a dog that falls in love with a porpoise.

Or something like that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 September, 2017, 10:39:34 am
Arrival. Liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 17 September, 2017, 06:37:29 pm
The Lady in the Van.

It was nice, and quirky, and so very Alan Bennett.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 September, 2017, 06:39:34 pm
Belleville Rendezvous. It was also the last-but-one film I watched. Last night's was from a DCD that I bought a few years ago.

I didn't notice until last night that grandma plays the Bach C minor prelude on the spokes of a bicycle wheel. I must try that...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 September, 2017, 10:00:15 am
There are a lot of little details in Belleville Rendezvous.  I need another viewing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 18 September, 2017, 01:13:24 pm
Fences:  Dull. About an hour too long IMHO. I don't think it made the transition from play to film at all well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 September, 2017, 08:29:20 pm
I watched another Nicolas Cage film. This boy doesn't learn. Fire hot. Ouch. Fire hot. Ouch. Fire hot. Ouch.

Hell Driver (which seems to be confused as it's called Drive Angry on the credits). It could have actually been worse, which isn't always something you can say about the Cage oeuvre. Had a certain cheesy joie de vivre, if it's going to be awful you may as well roll in it. Is it just me, but does Nicolas Cage always have a look on his face that suggests he'd been interrupted mid-poo by the postman ringing the doorbell. And having staggered downstairs to open the door found out it's a parcel for the neighbour. Who he doesn't even like. And now he knows that's not nutella sandwiched between his cheeks. That look. It's his signature. Or possibly he just realises he's in a lot of shit movies.

Other than Con Air, of course, which is fucking awesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 18 September, 2017, 08:38:47 pm
Seven Years in Tibet.

It's such a good film. Does anyone make such gently paced films any more?

Then you MUST read the book, it is MUCH  MUCH MUCH better than the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 September, 2017, 10:33:50 pm
Alien: Covenant

In space nobody can hear you make bad decisions.

I found this much more watchable than Prometheus, for no apparent reason.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 September, 2017, 12:34:59 pm
Manchester by the Sea

Best film I've watched in ages.

Cinematography was freaking awesome. There were several shots in that film that I'd very happily have framed on my wall.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 19 September, 2017, 01:18:33 pm
Alien: Covenant

In space nobody can hear you make bad decisions.

I found this much more watchable than Prometheus, for no apparent reason.

I watched that last night too (probably because it was released on optical media, yesterday).

Not unlike Prometheus, the cinematography is impressive, as is the CGI.

The colonists seemed to suffer somewhat, with the same "happy go lucky" attitude to extremely dangerous monsters, as the crew of the Prometheus had.

They also have the same half-assed technology, that can decode alien signals, track monsters, but apparently can't do enough error correction (or even a fall back to an ultra-low bandwidth messaging mode) to deal with interference from a storm.

"Awooga awooga, we're being attacked by alien monsters, please save us".

"I'm sorry, did you say 'Send three and fourpence' ... ?"

:-\

It did help link between Prometheus and Alien, but I can't help thinking that they could have come up with something a little less obvious, and more original.  There did seem to be an attempt to replicate elements from the original films.

As you say, it was imminently watchable, and suffers the same issue as almost every horror film, ie don't walk through the dark, scary, mysterious cemetery, it's probably not going to turn out well. ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 September, 2017, 01:20:28 pm
Alien: Covenant

In space nobody can hear you make bad decisions.

I found this much more watchable than Prometheus, for no apparent reason.

Prometheus was special bad. Like they took bad and distilled it into its purest form. Unalloyed, max strength, 24 carat baddidium.

Alien: Covenant was just mediocre in comparison. Everything is relative, of course.

Given the source material, it took a special talent to make them so awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 19 September, 2017, 01:26:20 pm
... Given the source material, it took a special talent to make them so awful.

They are very pretty films though (if you can consider bleak alien landscapes, and Giger beasties, to be pretty!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 19 September, 2017, 01:34:56 pm
The colonists seemed to suffer somewhat, with the same "happy go lucky" attitude to extremely dangerous monsters, as the crew of the Prometheus had.

That was to be expected.  It's their complete disregard for infectious agents that irked me.


Quote
They also have the same half-assed technology, that can decode alien signals, track monsters, but apparently can't do enough error correction (or even a fall back to an ultra-low bandwidth messaging mode) to deal with interference from a storm.

Also, they were on a mission to colonise another planet, and yet only had one spacecraft capable of landing?  (Presumably the Covenant itself was designed to land at the end of the journey.)  That seems like poor preparation.


Quote
It did help link between Prometheus and Alien, but I can't help thinking that they could have come up with something a little less obvious, and more original.  There did seem to be an attempt to replicate elements from the original films.

It did feel like a completely unnecessary reboot of Alien at times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 September, 2017, 01:50:13 pm
Except in Alien you cared about the characters and wanted them to pull through and grimaced every time they became a snack. In Covenant, you wanted them to get eaten as quickly and as messily as possible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 September, 2017, 03:06:29 pm
Could well have been that that a reviewer on France Info called an industrial accident.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 September, 2017, 03:52:40 pm
I think the worst thing about those two movies is that the characters keep doing stupid. Over and over. There were moments of mass cinema-going facepalming that were almost seismic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 19 September, 2017, 08:17:30 pm
I, OTOH, watched the extended cut of _Aliens_ on the big screen this morning - my local cinema does random 'for one day only' showings of old films most weeks - and it was even more awesome than my teenage memories of it; my best mate had the VHS, so we watched it a fair bit, but I'd not seen it in years.

I also saw the trailer for _Blade Runner 2049_, which has made me want to re-watch the original before I go see the sequel and ruin it all; the director's cut is the version to go for, right?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 19 September, 2017, 10:26:02 pm
I, OTOH, watched the extended cut of _Aliens_ on the big screen this morning - my local cinema does random 'for one day only' showings of old films most weeks - and it was even more awesome than my teenage memories of it; my best mate had the VHS, so we watched it a fair bit, but I'd not seen it in years.

I also saw the trailer for _Blade Runner 2049_, which has made me want to re-watch the original before I go see the sequel and ruin it all; the director's cut is the version to go for, right?

Interestingly, these were (other than Bollywood demo discs) the first films I saw on DVD.  The extended cut of Aliens[1] (including the gun turret scenes), which was excellent if MPEGy in places, and some version or other of Blade Runner which was undeniably pretty but still overrated.


[1] Being raised on James Cameron action movies, my childhood role models were Ellen Ripley, Lindsey Brigman and Sarah Connor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 19 September, 2017, 11:35:16 pm
I also saw the trailer for _Blade Runner 2049_, which has made me want to re-watch the original before I go see the sequel and ruin it all; the director's cut is the version to go for, right?
Final Cut (2007 version), IMHO. Director's Cut (1992) wasn't supervised by Ridley Scott though they followed extensive notes from him & he approved it. He wasn't entirely happy with the result though, hence the Final Cut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 19 September, 2017, 11:36:55 pm
Given the source material, it took a special talent to make them so awful.

Yep. Even the bad Alien sequels and Aliens vs Predator derivatives are better than Prometheus and Covenant...I mean, at least they try to entertain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 September, 2017, 11:15:50 am
Moonlight

Very slow paced, story-telling type film.

Couldn't hold a candle to 'manchester by the sea' for cinematography, but good storytelling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 September, 2017, 11:03:33 am
I also saw the trailer for _Blade Runner 2049_, which has made me want to re-watch the original before I go see the sequel and ruin it all; the director's cut is the version to go for, right?
Final Cut (2007 version), IMHO. Director's Cut (1992) wasn't supervised by Ridley Scott though they followed extensive notes from him & he approved it. He wasn't entirely happy with the result though, hence the Final Cut.

Which is the One True Version is a matter of much debate among serious fans/obsessives¹.  There’s a DVD boxset of the film you can get which has five different versions of the film.

1. Workprint
2. US Theatrical Cut
3. The International Cut
4. The Director’s Cut
5. The Final Cut

Number 1, the workprint, as it implies is not a final version but is of interest if you’re a SF/O.  2 & 3 are the original releases, 3 is the version we had in the UK and is a little less censored for violence than the US version – both of these versions have the voiceover² and that is generally the main point of debate

Number 4 is the 1992 re-edit that has been rightfully pointed out  is not truly the Director’s Cut because it wasn’t Ridley doing the new edit.  It’s probably my favourite though. 

Number 5, actually is the one that Ridley edited.  I prefer 4 to this one because although 5 does a great job in correcting some of the errors in the original (including some reshoots with Joanna Cassidy literally decades after the original shoot), it has some dialogue changes that were really unnecessary in my view – most specially changing “I want more life, fucker!” to “I want more life, father!” The father was implied in the earlier version.  It’s also a bit bloodier and shows Roy Batty killing a character which was previously only implied - again I didn't think that change was necessary but that's a personal opinion.



1. Delete according to point of view (or overexposure to raging fanboys).

2.  Some people really hate the original release versions now, most especially because of the voiceover but they still have their fans and were the versions that originally gave the film its cult status (if that version was as terrible as some now state, there would never have been an interest in revisiting it).  I’ve stated my own preference above but I think the film works with and without the voiceover – they are just very different films.

Crucially I think the question about if Deckard a replicant or not has a different answer depending on which version of the film you’re watching (in my view at least).  I think in 2 & 3 Deckard is human.  In 4 & 5, he’s a replicant. Again a personal view.

This does matter though and not just for fan reasons and unfortunately has unpleasant facts associated with it – the ‘love’ scene between Rachel and Deckard can be seen as a violent sexual assault if he’s human, if he is a replicant it could be seen as a similar clumsiness to the way we see Priss & Batty kissing later in the film.

I’m being charitable there though and I think it’s a problematic scene that Sean Young was very uncomfortable with and was also unhappy with how Harrison Ford treated her in that scene and generally throughout the shoot.  Young later gained a reputation for being “difficult” which appears to be Hollywoodese for “Will not sleep with Director/Producer/Leading Actor” – now that we know from Carrie Fisher’s biography that Ford had previous for sleeping with young female co-stars, perhaps this was what was going on. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 September, 2017, 11:19:02 am
The best version of Blade Runner is your favourite. What other peoples think is the best is as much use as a lot of professional critics views on any film- opinion.

Love your favourite. Enjoy or dislike directors cuts etc. as you choose.

I know which is my favourite though I like them all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 21 September, 2017, 04:14:10 pm
Thanks, WW; very helpful. Looks like there's a couple of places showing the film round here in the run-up to the new release; I could choose between the Director's Cut and the Final Cut. Think I'll probably go for the director's cut, as that's more local to me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 21 September, 2017, 11:57:11 pm

Which is the One True Version is a matter of much debate among serious fans/obsessives¹.  There’s a DVD boxset of the film you can get which has five different versions of the film.
As a serious fan/obsessive, I naturally own the 5 disc DVD set. And the 30th anniversary Blu-ray version which has all the same content (all the versions, plus the fantastic Dangerous Days doc.).
4K version is out Monday (only the Final Cut in 4K)…
Excellent summation of the various versions, WW, thanks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 September, 2017, 11:19:43 am
Given the source material, it took a special talent to make them so awful.

Yep. Even the bad Alien sequels and Aliens vs Predator derivatives are better than Prometheus and Covenant...I mean, at least they try to entertain.

The thing about Aliens vs. Predators was that you didn't exactly set your expectations to high. And yet were still left disappointed, but hey.

For all the furore and the millions spent, both Prometheus and Covenant were big steaming movie turds. And not little turds, these were squeezed out of an orifice the width of the Blackwall tunnel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: David Martin on 23 September, 2017, 10:11:26 pm
Hidden Figures. Excellent film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 September, 2017, 04:56:03 pm
Kingsman: the Golden Circle. It won't score on the surprise-o-meter. I sort of didn't want to like it as it was more than a little juvenile (if you liked the anal sex joke in the original, you'll ho-ho-ho yourself into an early grave), yet it was curiously entertaining. Obviously, I can look at Julianne Moore for a long time without my eyes getting tired. The plot, of which we don't exactly ask much of in a movie like this, was incoherent.

Like I say, I'm not sure why it was entertaining, but it was. Possibly the 10% imperial dessert stout I had beforehand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 25 September, 2017, 08:58:28 pm
Given the source material, it took a special talent to make them so awful.

Yep. Even the bad Alien sequels and Aliens vs Predator derivatives are better than Prometheus and Covenant...I mean, at least they try to entertain.

The thing about Aliens vs. Predators was that you didn't exactly set your expectations to high. And yet were still left disappointed, but hey.

For all the furore and the millions spent, both Prometheus and Covenant were big steaming movie turds. And not little turds, these were squeezed out of an orifice the width of the Blackwall tunnel.

I am reminded of Muriel's comment about the USA in the second 'Marigold': "I went with low expectations, and came away disappointed"


The last two Alien films have indeed left me with my standard American horror response in overdrive: "Why are you being so STUPID?"

And as for shit Nick Cage films, just leave it at "Left Behind". No more to say on that one.


Now, I have just watched a true turkey, bought cheap at Tecso. The mini-series of 'The Stand', featuring a true cast of thespian failures, including the profoundly irritating Molly Ringwald, who spent the entire post-apocalyptic dross in a series of pretty frocks. Oh, and her performance was shite as well. As was almost everyone else's. And the script. And the direction. And, well, everything involved.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 September, 2017, 08:20:45 am
Heh, Left Behind. It's quite positively the worst movie ever. It's so bad they've not yet invented an adequate way to describe it. There's just nothing in the English language that can sum it up. Even the French can't circumlocute its badness, nor the Germans arrange a multiple word pile-up to adequately describe the on-screen carnage. Humans just don't have the words. Probably the Xxarg'o of Quant'ac VI can, but their language is multidimensional, based on colour, and the product of a billion years of intergalactic evolution.

I did watch the Alien quadrilogy before Covenant. While three and four were rather forgettable, the awesomeness of Alien survives the test of time. That's how to write and film a horror movie. And then Aliens, which on paper could have been a disaster, turned out to be one of the best action movies ever. Impeccably cast, scripted perfectly, and quotable to this day. Someone should ask Ridley if IQs dropped sharply before the latest crop of Aliens movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 September, 2017, 09:43:15 am
El Bar, a somewhat farcical Spanish melodrama about a bunch of folk trapped in a bar after seeing someone murdered just outside. Liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 September, 2017, 11:22:16 am
the profoundly irritating Molly Ringwald

I will not hear a bad word said against Molly Ringwald. Whatever else she may have done in her career, her performance in Breakfast Club had a deeply moving effect on the 14yo me. (I know the cool kids preferred Ally Sheedy but I was never one of the cool kids.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 September, 2017, 11:25:38 am
From Dusk Till Dawn

How have I never seen this before? I suspect I've avoided it because of the sort of film I thought it was. Turns out it's something completely different. And it's hugely entertaining and utterly hilarious. Its overall lack of polish really works in its favour.

The vampire slaughter-fest at the end is brilliantly inventive.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 September, 2017, 11:45:06 am
I confess, I'm on team Molly. Though she seemed to disappear. Matthew Broderick resurfaced in panto at Bromley the other year. I was holding out for the same for Molly. My fantasies are so weird that not even the internet covers them.

I watched From Dusk to Dawn the other week. Boy does it look old (or rather, doesn't everyone look young). Good fun for top vamp slaughtering and I still like the mid-point genre flip, but I was somewhat discomforted by the casual misogyny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 September, 2017, 01:38:04 am
Office Space (for the umpteenth time). Still on point and so very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 September, 2017, 04:31:46 am
La Ringwald did turn up as Fran in the otherwise surprisingly unshit "miniseries" of The Stand, which was a terrible piece of casting if ever I saw one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 September, 2017, 08:28:58 am
From Dusk Till Dawn

How have I never seen this before? I suspect I've avoided it because of the sort of film I thought it was. Turns out it's something completely different. And it's hugely entertaining and utterly hilarious. Its overall lack of polish really works in its favour.

The vampire slaughter-fest at the end is brilliantly inventive.

It was made into a TV series with less expensive people. The first season was OK (and had a rather grand closing scene) but the second series just went on turning the handle and I baled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 September, 2017, 12:18:15 pm
American Assassin. Crude thriller with lots of violence but no wit or subtlety to speak of.  Third rate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 30 September, 2017, 10:03:09 am
La Ringwald did turn up as Fran in the otherwise surprisingly unshit "miniseries" of The Stand, which was a terrible piece of casting if ever I saw one.

My mention of the Stand seven posts before yours is what started the Mollython...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 01 October, 2017, 07:56:53 pm
IT.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 01 October, 2017, 09:55:14 pm
IT.

The original Tim Curry version is a fave. Is this one up to the mark?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 October, 2017, 02:21:30 am
Well, it's the first of two. Rather than jumping backwards and forwards, it just does the children's part, and they'll do the adult part as a sequel. Some changes from the book, only one of which pissed me off
(
(click to show/hide)
), good performances from the child actors, excellent scary Pennywise, and lots of jump-scares but nothing to keep me awake.




We all float down here.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 October, 2017, 08:43:49 am
Just finished watching a Spanish serial called Apaches. Rather good if predictable in parts. Nice long episodes, usually ~75 minutes - much more satisfying than the usual 45 mins that are left from a US hour of TV once you cut the ads out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 October, 2017, 09:54:53 am
La Ringwald did turn up as Fran in the otherwise surprisingly unshit "miniseries" of The Stand, which was a terrible piece of casting if ever I saw one.

My mention of the Stand seven posts before yours is what started the Mollython...

Every time you say Molly you simply press my reset button. Stop it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 October, 2017, 10:24:07 am
Every time I see Ringwald I think Larry Niven.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 October, 2017, 10:41:25 am
That'd be possibly the weirdest sexual fantasy ever. I certainly wouldn't publicise it on the internet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 October, 2017, 12:54:11 pm
Maybe a few judicious quotation marks would help.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 October, 2017, 01:06:09 pm
To be honest, I muddled up David Niven. But I don't think that's any better. Marginally worse, I suppose, as he's dead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 October, 2017, 01:22:42 pm
Whisky Galore (II)

It was a quiet unassuming film, for a windy night round the fire. Didn't develop fast, had not much of a middle and ended quietly.

It reminded me of the Dad's Army film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 02 October, 2017, 03:20:53 pm
Alien Covenant

Probably the 3rd best in the series* but feck knows what's going on.  It was just one good script-writer away from being very good.

Ridley has got himself in above his head with this whole "who created who?" theme.  It was better when it was just "a bug hunt".

*Obviously there's a huge gap between 2nd place and 3rd place whichever way you look at it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 02 October, 2017, 11:30:40 pm
I will just say that the conversation above regarding Molly, Niven, Ringworld etc had me crying with laughter. Thank you all for examples of why I love this site.

Now, I have just finished a real serendipitous find, "Free State of Jones". Beautifully shot, intelligently written, well acted and emotionally eviscerating. As a counterpoise to the alt.right 'some really fine people' it is  a must see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 October, 2017, 09:19:23 am
Alien Covenant

Probably the 3rd best in the series* but feck knows what's going on.  It was just one good script-writer away from being very good.

Ridley has got himself in above his head with this whole "who created who?" theme.  It was better when it was just "a bug hunt".

*Obviously there's a huge gap between 2nd place and 3rd place whichever way you look at it.

Yes, but 'huge gap' is like saying Andromeda is a long bus ride away. There should be a law, one sequel only. Is there a movie franchise that hasn't plummeted off a cinematic cliff after the sequel* (if they get that far, plenty enough sequels are awful)? I did watch the first four before Covenant and Aliens3 was mostly a bland, contrived re-run of Aliens that unforgivably immediately killed off Hicks and stacked the cast with characters that no one cared about (a theme that came back in the most recent reprises). Whatever the fourth was called, it was a eminently forgettable mess.

What I can't get my head around in the most recent is the characters: they're dumb, then they're dumber, then they get dumber still, and – worse – they do their dumb stuff for no apparent reason. I'm going to take my helmet off now.

In other news: Dan Brown has a new book out! Oh, the awesomes.

*OK, honorary mention to Die Hard, I did like the first four, the fifth on the other hand, good god.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 October, 2017, 09:39:15 am
I hesitate to admit it, but last night Mrs. T42 & yrs. trly. scraped the barrel of the bottom and watched a couple of episodes of "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries", which is like tales from The People's Friend with an Ozzie accent. Apart from the daft crap we expected, they had the usual tired Tiger Moths flitting about in 1929 when the first flight of same was in 1931, but even better (i.e. worse) was a grandfather clock with the appropriate tick...tock foleyed in but "QUARZ" emblazoned on the dial.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 03 October, 2017, 10:21:26 am
On Sunday we went to see the UK premier of a new Japanese anime, "The night is short, walk on girl" at the ICA. It's about a young girl in Kyoto who drinks her way through one night encountering all kinds of wierdos. Beyond surreal, it was utterly bonkers, but an alternative form of entertainment. At least I could recognise many of the locations, the only shred of reality about it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 03 October, 2017, 05:04:58 pm
Ian, that is my unfortunate shout at so many films these days: "Why are you being so STUPID???"

Famously, Planet of the Apes (original) was such a success that the producers asked for a sequel, but with the rider "One that can't possibly have a third part". They understood the process that produces films like "Brothers of the cousins of the sons of the friends of the Magnificent Seven ride again, III", and the scriptwriter promptly gave them the utterly terminal 'Beneath  the PotA".

It made a lot of money, and the producers reconsidered their plans for a third film. Result? Exactly as predicted.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 October, 2017, 07:13:03 pm
Ian, that is my unfortunate shout at so many films these days: "Why are you being so STUPID???"

It's a well known fact that nobody in a horror film has never seen a horror film.

Surely Astronauts venturing into deep space would have watched Alien and Aliens, they were made in the 70s and 80s.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 October, 2017, 07:54:52 pm
That's true. I am well prepared for most things. But then I have a trapdoor to Hell in my hallway, several friends in literally low places down there, and I know where all the vampires live (Purley, if you've been to the Wetherspoons you'll know where they got the idea for the Titty Twister bar in From Dusk till Dawn, well, if the vampires were more suburban which they mostly are).

But yes, it's not just the stupid, it's the doing things for no good reason. I'm taking my helmet off because the plot says I should. There's no reason for it, there's no motivation. There's lots of reasons why you shouldn't. I mean, seriously, Prince could come back from the dead and do a free concert in the Hollywood Bowl, and there's more reasons for not taking your fucking helmet off on an alien world than their would be audience queuing. I mean seriously at least think of an excuse. Maybe have your character trip up and smash his helmet, have an air supply fault, have the spores eat through the suit seals, some contrivance that isn't just stupid. It's full of shit like that. It's a bit like Dan Brown to be honest, were the characters run around for no other reason than the plot tells them too. They have no agency of their own. It's just sloppy and it annoys me because they're taking the piss. If a character ever escapes from a Dan Brown book the first thing they'd do would do would be murder Dan Brown with a copy of one of his own books. Sophia Langoustine, the athletically blonde art dealer, loomed silhouetted over Brown, the writer of over ten books including the bestselling Da Vinci Code. She grinned a wicked smile on her face as she forced a copy of the oversized tome down his choking throat.

"That's for making run around Europe with some halfwit as nothing other than a dumb plot cypher in your stupid books,"
she said coldly with her blue eyes.


Same in Prometheus. The crew are supposed to be scientists. Having travelled across the galaxy, two of them immediately want to go back to the ship because they're scared of the dark. Then they get lost for no reason at all. And then they're tickling a weird penis alien because that's not scary at all. I run away from giant penises. Even if they're not alien. Then they turned into monsters. All just because.

It's probably a good thing I didn't notice James Cameron and Sigourney Weaver walk past me the other month. We'd still be having this conversation. Or as they'd likely call it, a 'hostage situation.'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 03 October, 2017, 08:16:49 pm
Well I definitely never look right into giant pulsing eggs any more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 October, 2017, 08:19:44 pm
I was briefly hoping that the success of The Martian had raised the bar for Hollywood (and particularly Ridley Scott) scifi making sense, but if you consider the film version in isolation, an awful lot of it doesn't.  To the point where some of the dialogue flat out contradicts what's happening on screen.


There's predictably little horror in TVTropes list for Genre Savvy (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GenreSavvy), presumably because once you remove the tropes from a horror movie, there isn't much left.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 October, 2017, 08:27:08 pm
Oh don't get me going on The Martian.

I think I'd like to read a book that features Sophia Langoustine. What does she do next after escaping from the dungeons of Dan Brown prose? I think she's going to be busy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 03 October, 2017, 08:46:05 pm
She'll feel like she's prawn again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 03 October, 2017, 08:55:51 pm
Going on a krilling spree?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 October, 2017, 07:57:23 am
Same in Prometheus. The crew are supposed to be scientists. Having travelled across the galaxy, two of them immediately want to go back to the ship because they're scared of the dark. Then they get lost for no reason at all. And then they're tickling a weird penis alien because that's not scary at all. I run away from giant penises. Even if they're not alien. Then they turned into monsters. All just because.

They watched the training video

https://youtu.be/yFYmv6t_Xyg

(Olden goldie but still, well, pinchbeck at least.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 06 October, 2017, 12:36:47 pm
Blade Runner 2049 last night.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film but with some riders-

(click to show/hide)

Otherwise-  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 06 October, 2017, 06:52:30 pm
Goodbye Christopher Robin. Quite sentimental, but that was implicit. I only discovered Winnie The Pooh when I was 18, but I rate the stories very highly. There was a bit too much of the And-that's-where-that-came-from stuff. And I do wonder whether mum got a bit scapegoated (but ICBA to read a biography to check). Also, the actor playing little Christopher Robin sometimes looked a bit older than I felt he should, but it's pretty hard to get little kids to act. Not impossible, but hard.

However, I thought the story was well told and the parts really well acted. If you like the stories, and don't mind a bit of a cry, it's a good way to spend 90 mins.

Oh, and I saw it at the Electric Cinema in Brum - the oldest working cinema in the country, they say. It was lovely. Old, a bit shabby, but clean and comfortable and nicely non-corporate. The ads, including trailers, were less than 15 mins. Also recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 October, 2017, 05:55:36 pm
Blade Runner 2049 last night.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film but with some riders-

(click to show/hide)

Otherwise-  :thumbsup:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 07 October, 2017, 08:48:11 pm
Robin Hood: Men in Tights
I had forgotten how wonderfully silly that film is.   Not the best Mel Brooks film, but still enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 07 October, 2017, 11:18:16 pm
Good Will Hunting

Well, I've seen it now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 08 October, 2017, 11:16:28 am
We watched all the Back to the Future films back to back last night.

They really are great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 October, 2017, 12:47:17 pm
Blade Runner 2049. I quite enjoyed it. I did try to the watch the original the night before (the 'final cut', it claimed) but I fell asleep in the middle and thus created my own unofficial edit. My wife ensured she still hasn't seen it by sleeping through the entire movie. But then she sleeps through every movie, so that shouldn't necessarily be taken as criticism. We shouldn't try to watch movies when we get home from the pub.

Criticisms, while beautifully shot and colored (especially in IMax), it's a bit slow and long. I'm not sure how long I need to stare and at a vista of petrochemical smog (and why does it only rain in LA?) but I suspect it's fewer than three hours. I'm not really sure on the whole replicants thing tbh, there's plenty enough tech for humans to be building robots. But anyway, if you liked the original you're unlikely to be disappointed, though it really doesn't move forwards, just re-iterates the same story and theme.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 October, 2017, 03:54:29 am
T2

Supremely slick and pacy, great music, cracking visuals, pretty much everything you want it to be, and yet... it lacks that indefinable edge that the original Trainspotting had, and there's nothing to make you physically recoil from the screen, not even when it gets to the big showdown between Begbie and Renton. Good though. Very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 October, 2017, 08:40:58 am
Since T1 I've never been able to see Robert Carlyle as anyone but Begbie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Monty on 10 October, 2017, 09:23:59 am
Since T1 I've never been able to see Robert Carlyle as anyone but Begbie.

This.

And I really found T2 disappointing. I probably ought to give it another go...but don;t want to disappoint myself again! :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 October, 2017, 09:40:03 am
The fact that the flashback to the flying pint glass scene from T1 is easily the most shocking thing in T2 pretty much tells you everything you need to know about how edgy it is, but I enjoyed it for what it is, and I think Danny Boyle is self-aware enough to get away with it. There's enough style and panache to overcome the lack of substance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 10 October, 2017, 10:22:26 am
Blade Runner. Last night and, as my son described it, it's overly long and could have done with editing. Apart form the scenes of violence, the speed/pace is held fairly constant (which might be described as 'ploddy') but, still enjoyable nonetheless. It's certainly LOUD!

I liked Deckard's dog!

During the quiet periods of the film, the fully-packed cinema, also enjoyed the loud snores of some chap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 10 October, 2017, 12:44:22 pm
Went to a preview of Loving Vincent at the ICA last night. A bit hard to follow the story at first (not being familiar with the details of Van Gogh's death) but otherwise very enjoyable, and the overlaid animation in Van Gogh's painting style is fantastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 October, 2017, 12:22:28 pm
Blade Runner 2049 last night.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film but with some riders-

(click to show/hide)

Otherwise-  :thumbsup:

(click to show/hide)

Thanks :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 13 October, 2017, 10:22:46 pm
Bladerunner 2049.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 October, 2017, 10:18:05 am
Philadelphia - hadn't seen it for years. Still an excellent film, esp. since back then Denzel Washington was still playing characters instead of just Denzel Washington.  Apart from the central theme, it was striking how times have changed in 25 years - simple mobile phones, compact cameras you had to put film into, libraries devoted to just books and not the "hundreds of creative activities" I saw touted for one large municipal library recently.

Great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: harvey on 14 October, 2017, 05:11:32 pm
'Explain it to me like I'm a 2yr old', Denzel is brilliant - one of my all time favs
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 October, 2017, 11:35:34 am
There are actors who change to fit the role, and actors who don't. DW doesn't.  Another one who didn't was Robin Williams. Then there's Charles Bronson, Bruised Willy, etc.  Actually, in Bruce Willis's first couple of films, when he still had combable hair, he did vary and was excellent.  Once he became everybody's last action hero he seemed to set.  DW has too.  Maybe it's the directors' fault.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 20 October, 2017, 12:29:24 pm
  Maybe it's the directors' fault.

Or the studios giving the audience what they know will sell.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 20 October, 2017, 12:40:25 pm
Blade Runner 2049.

Very enjoyable - I'd happily see it at the cinema again rather than merely wait for the DVD release.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 October, 2017, 01:35:56 pm
  Maybe it's the directors' fault.

Or the studios giving the audience what they know will sell.

Yes.  Michael Gambon in "Open Range" was one of the nastiest cases I've seen.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 October, 2017, 09:14:06 pm
The Death Of Stalin

Like The Thick Of It but with people who actually stab each other in the back, not just metaphorically. Or a Shakespearean history play with proper jokes. Very funny, as in laughing so hard I can’t breathe, but also depressingly dark and nasty. Simon Russell Beale is chillingly brilliant. As is Steve Buscemi. And Michael Palin is sheer genius.

ETA: I was thinking while watching it that there was something vaguely familiar about Michael Palin's performance. Then I remembered later what it was he reminded me of: it was his own performance in Brazil. There's a particularly brilliant scene halfway through the film where he gives a long monologue at a committee meeting that is more Orwellian than Orwell. I listened to Mark Kermode's review on R5 this morning and was pleased to note that he also made the Brazil connection. He also made the same observation as me about Jason Isaacs channelling Sean Bean's Sharpe to great comic effect.

Dammit, I want to see this again, there's so much in it to enjoy. So many great lines, so many great performances, such perfect satire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 21 October, 2017, 01:07:10 pm
Burke and Hare (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE7KvAyVnbw)

It's not spectacularly funny, but it's a mildly amusing comedy, that definitely has its moment about a fairly gory subject.  It does play fast and loose with the real story, so is definitely only an approximation of the actual events, but for a comedy we don't exactly want reality!

There are quite a number of very well known actors and actresses in the film.  Aside from Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis playing the lead roles with their normal panache, there are a few unexpected appearances.  Jenny Agutter appears in a fairly minor role, as one of a group of actresses, Ronnie Corbett as a fairly dimwitted Captain of Militia, and even more surprisingly, Ray Harryhausen appears as an otherwise unnamed distinguished Doctor. ;D

I paid £4 for the Bluray disc, and I think I got value for that, but I wouldn't have wanted to pay much more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 21 October, 2017, 01:26:59 pm
T2

Supremely slick and pacy, great music, cracking visuals, pretty much everything you want it to be, and yet... it lacks that indefinable edge that the original Trainspotting had, and there's nothing to make you physically recoil from the screen, not even when it gets to the big showdown between Begbie and Renton. Good though. Very good.
When I started reading this, I assumed you meant Arnie...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 21 October, 2017, 01:42:52 pm
The fact that the flashback to the flying pint glass scene from T1 is easily the most shocking thing in T2 pretty much tells you everything you need to know about how edgy it is, but I enjoyed it for what it is, and I think Danny Boyle is self-aware enough to get away with it. There's enough style and panache to overcome the lack of substance.

I think the whole point of the film is that it should lack action. It's about aging, disillusion, and disappointment.

T1, on the other hand, was about youth, energy and optimism.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 October, 2017, 12:28:51 pm
Batman vs Superman, or as a friend called it, Unrestrained Male Egos and their Enablers.

What a turgid pile of shite. The only good bit was Wonder Woman.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 October, 2017, 01:18:07 pm
Unrestrained Male Egos and their Enablers

I thought 'Toxic Masculinity' was the phrase du jour. It would certainly seem apposite for BvS:DOJ
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 October, 2017, 03:55:31 pm
Unrestrained Male Egos and their Enablers

I thought 'Toxic Masculinity' was the phrase du jour. It would certainly seem apposite for BvS:DOJ

Not quite the same thing, though toxic masculinity certainly has an underlying role to play (both in-universe and without).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 October, 2017, 04:08:34 pm
Batman vs Superman, or as a friend called it, Unrestrained Male Egos and their Enablers.

What a turgid pile of shite. The only good bit was Wonder Woman.

It was pretty awful. Portent, weigh down upon me! I speak in grandiose statements. Look. At. Me.

Plus it was obvious they'd end up on a platonic manly loveboat and the problem with Superman is that he's so super there's always got to be kryptonite tedium. Well, it's not like you can beat him otherwise. I suspect they used the the best line from the forthcoming Justice Leaguer in the trailer (sundry super-oik asks Batman what this super power is, 'I'm rich' he deadpans).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 October, 2017, 11:11:35 pm
Baby Driver

That kind of movie should be right up my alley, but I didn't like it much. Just didn't find the protagonist very likeable.
10 points for using Jon Spencers Blues Explosion for the title track, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 October, 2017, 08:17:01 am
Batman vs Superman, or as a friend called it, Unrestrained Male Egos and their Enablers.

What a turgid pile of shite. The only good bit was Wonder Woman.

It was pretty awful. Portent, weigh down upon me! I speak in grandiose statements. Look. At. Me.

Plus it was obvious they'd end up on a platonic manly loveboat and the problem with Superman is that he's so super there's always got to be kryptonite tedium. Well, it's not like you can beat him otherwise. I suspect they used the the best line from the forthcoming Justice Leaguer in the trailer (sundry super-oik asks Batman what this super power is, 'I'm rich' he deadpans).
Our regular Friday afternoon chat at work is an argument about whether or not Batman is a super hero. I say not, cos he has no super powers, just gadgets and an outfit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 24 October, 2017, 11:42:58 am
Batman vs Superman, or as a friend called it, Unrestrained Male Egos and their Enablers.

What a turgid pile of shite. The only good bit was Wonder Woman.

It was pretty awful. Portent, weigh down upon me! I speak in grandiose statements. Look. At. Me.

Plus it was obvious they'd end up on a platonic manly loveboat and the problem with Superman is that he's so super there's always got to be kryptonite tedium. Well, it's not like you can beat him otherwise. I suspect they used the the best line from the forthcoming Justice Leaguer in the trailer (sundry super-oik asks Batman what this super power is, 'I'm rich' he deadpans).
Our regular Friday afternoon chat at work is an argument about whether or not Batman is a super hero. I say not, cos he has no super powers, just gadgets and an outfit.

See also Iron Man under that argument - lots of money, smarts and a cool suit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 October, 2017, 12:38:18 pm
I'm fine with non-superhero superheros. The problem is with the god-like superheros who, of course, have to have the flaw. Superman has kryptonite etc. Otherwise they'd be indestructible. Or they're just not very good superheros with superpowers like extreme origami.

Actually, that would be quite cool. One sheet of paper and a few seconds later I'd have folded a supersonic high-tech jet fighter. If this power doesn't exist, I'm claiming Origami-Man. I'd pitch it in Hollywood, as a boon I could fold an impenetrable barrier against lecherous movie producers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 October, 2017, 01:29:24 pm
I'm liking my superpower even more now I think about it. My alter-ego is Origamo! I can kill with a paper cut, make a crane and fly, or a boat and take to the water. I can fold anything, I just pull out my magic sheet of paper. Possibly even time and space, if I wanted.

Of course, my kryptonite is scissors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 October, 2017, 01:32:02 pm
Our regular Friday afternoon chat at work is an argument about whether or not Batman is a super hero. I say not, cos he has no super powers, just gadgets and an outfit.

See also Iron Man under that argument - lots of money, smarts and a cool suit.

"Genius billionaire playboy philanthropist" was his witty retort to Thor.

By that logic, Bruce Wayne would be "genius billionaire playboy psychopath".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 October, 2017, 01:34:17 pm
[...]Or they're just not very good superheros with superpowers like extreme origami.

Actually, that would be quite cool. One sheet of paper and a few seconds later I'd have folded a supersonic high-tech jet fighter. If this power doesn't exist, I'm claiming Origami-Man. I'd pitch it in Hollywood, as a boon I could fold an impenetrable barrier against lecherous movie producers.

You've not encountered Read Or Die (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Read_or_Die)?  You're in for a treat...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 October, 2017, 07:33:34 pm
Conclusive proof, if it were needed, that there's splendidly bonkers and then there's Japan.

Origamo! salutes them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 October, 2017, 08:05:57 pm
A boy with super-origami powers also features in Kubo And The Two Strings (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubo_and_the_Two_Strings)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 October, 2017, 08:39:36 am
Lots of superheroes share special powers (I mean, come on, how many of them have special flying suits these days or can shoot lasers out of their eyes). It's a good job you can't copyright superpowers. There'd be lawyers everywhere. 'Controlling the weather, miss? We'll see you in court.' Superhero movies would turn into those dull courtroom dramas. Though Morgan Freeman could become a superlawyer. Like everyone, I believe anything that comes out of his mouth.

I do need an origin story, though. How does one become imbued with origami powers? I hanled a lot of radiation in my youth, so that might have done it, though I don't remember anything untoward. I just woke up one day with the power to fold everything but clothes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 25 October, 2017, 09:14:07 am
A foolish teenage dare to climb into a rubbish compacter?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 October, 2017, 10:12:06 am
How does one become imbued with origami powers? I hanled a lot of radiation in my youth, so that might have done it, though I don't remember anything untoward. I just woke up one day with the power to fold everything but clothes.
An hour in a school toilet cubicle trying to roll the IZAL paper back onto the spool.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 25 October, 2017, 11:15:26 am
Spool? SPOOL? Ours was in a box!

Anyway, Morgan Freeman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch5MEJk5ZCQ
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 October, 2017, 12:12:04 pm
TЯumpling: Name a superhero who can beat Captain America!
Omnes: Captain Vietnam!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 25 October, 2017, 06:02:35 pm
'Paul'
Bought on disc a while ago, watched once and then dug out a couple of nights ago. Rather enjoyable. Pegg, Frost, Weaver, Wieg and Rogan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 26 October, 2017, 01:14:25 am
'Paul'
Bought on disc a while ago, watched once and then dug out a couple of nights ago. Rather enjoyable. Pegg, Frost, Weaver, Wieg and Rogan.

'Put. The. Phone. Down.'  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 October, 2017, 09:21:57 am
Came home from a club meeting in time to catch the last half-hour of Hamlet. Had no idea how old it was but some of the actors looked very familiar, though I couldn't put a name to any of them until I recognized Laertes' smirk as belonging to one Skimpole out of Bleak House. Then "bloody hell, is that Mad Mel?" 'Twas, and he was excellent.  Zeferelli, 1990.  Good duelling, but I'd have had Laertes twice in the first minute back in my hack'n'poke days. Maybe not with those cleavers, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 27 October, 2017, 04:05:52 pm
Wednesday: Mulholland Drive. I'm still processing that.

Thursday: Wonder Woman. Les processing required. Looks good in 4K HDR.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 October, 2017, 06:00:02 pm
Wednesday: Mulholland Drive. I'm still processing that.

Such a great film. Possibly my all-time favourite. Certainly top three.

Just don't try to pretend you understand it, eh? ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Monty on 27 October, 2017, 11:10:06 pm
Alien: Covenant.

Arrived on DVD this morning. I'd forgotten about this after it was released earlier in the year and had been anticipating its arrival at home. I rather wish I'd forgotten all about it in the first place!
Overall a very similar story line to the original '79 film, except with some added stuff to confuse the hell out of me!
Disappointed and left with the feeling (as I often am with sci fi films) that the original Alien is the measure by which all others are judged. This fell a long way short, and only really served me with the wish to watch the original again for the umpteenth time! I may know what happens, but I'm still on edge watching it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 28 October, 2017, 09:27:14 am
I found it hard going because of all teh stupid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: harvey on 28 October, 2017, 09:52:27 am
Wednesday: Mulholland Drive. I'm still processing that.

Such a great film. Possibly my all-time favourite. Certainly top three.

Just don't try to pretend you understand it, eh? ;)

My first time to see it. Wow! A lot to take in, very visually stimulating and loved the soundtrack esp the 1950s style singing audition. Still, plot confusing to me but I'll have another go - or just don't try to understand it, eh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 October, 2017, 01:05:53 pm
It's there but it's as convoluted as a bucket of tripe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 28 October, 2017, 01:18:54 pm
I'm liking my superpower even more now I think about it. My alter-ego is Origamo!

I was a superhero once.  I was "The Occupier".  Somehow, a bunch of catalogue companies traced me to my secret hideout and I had to give it up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 29 October, 2017, 09:45:46 am
The 6th Sense.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 29 October, 2017, 10:30:15 am
"A Murder of Quality", with Denholm Elliot making a very good stab at George Smiley.  Snobbery & skulduggery at a posh boarding school.


A wonderful leering performance from Joss Ackland as we as support from Glenda Jackson.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 October, 2017, 12:53:48 pm
"A Murder of Quality", with Denholm Elliot making a very good stab at George Smiley.  Snobbery & skulduggery at a posh boarding school.


A wonderful leering performance from Joss Ackland as we as support from Glenda Jackson.

Joss Ackland and Ronnie Pickup too. I'll maybe have a sniff at Amazon for that one.

Hah! IMDB on Joss Ackland - "the distinguished English actor... known for Lethal Weapon 2".  Shows you what Hollywood does with distinguished English actors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 October, 2017, 09:58:49 pm
Thor: Ragnarok . The anti-Justice League – doesn't take itself in the teensiest bit seriously – and very awesomely funny. And lots of shit gets blown up, there's a giant dog, and more Hulk fights than you shake a big stick at (before the dog grabs it, anyway).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 31 October, 2017, 08:42:01 am
A rather good Ozzie thing called Otherlife - a bit like a long Black Mirror episode crossed with PKD*.

* pharmacokinetic dementia or Philip K. Dick, your choice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 31 October, 2017, 10:37:48 am
Had a 'why not?" moment last night and watched Priscilla again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: itsbruce on 01 November, 2017, 12:48:25 pm
Una (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2315582/), which was showing in a tiny independent cinema in a railway arch (I know, peak hipster, but it's 3 minutes walk from my home).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 02 November, 2017, 08:52:54 am
The Death of Stalin.  Hilarious, really good.

The highlight for me was Jason Isaacs playing Zhukov like a northern Lord Flashheart.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 02 November, 2017, 09:26:25 am
The Death of Stalin.  Hilarious, really good.

The highlight for me was Jason Isaacs playing Zhukov like a northern Lord Flashheart.

I saw Armando Iannucci talking about that on the One Show last week and thought it looked pretty good.  Shame that the ankle-biters pretty much rule out any chance of going to the flicks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Little Jim on 02 November, 2017, 09:57:16 am
We saw Death of Stalin on Saturday and really enjoyed it, and I agree with Wascally - Jason Isaacs was brilliant! You do have to remind yourself that it is only based on historical events rather than depicting the event - I am sure that the rest of the Politburo (or whatever they were collectively called in 1953) could not have been that inept.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 02 November, 2017, 10:29:21 am
We saw Death of Stalin on Saturday and really enjoyed it, and I agree with Wascally - Jason Isaacs was brilliant! You do have to remind yourself that it is only based on historical events rather than depicting the event - I am sure that the rest of the Politburo (or whatever they were collectively called in 1953) could not have been that inept.

Yes, very much based on events rather than any claim to absolute historical accuracy.  I think it gets across the ideas well though.

There's a 1980s TV film on the same subject called the Red Monarch - not currently generally available on dvd (going for £30 on Amazon which is way too expensive) but I suspect that the rights holder will be getting it on the market sharpish with the success of this film.

A British comedy film on its third week of release and the performance I saw was still packed out. That's rare - it was a very un-popcorn crowd too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 November, 2017, 11:11:09 am
I am sure that the rest of the Politburo (or whatever they were collectively called in 1953) could not have been that inept.

Why not? Being an idiot didn't stop Trump becoming the most powerful man in the world. The film brilliantly depicts how it is possible for people like that to rise to the top when the whole system is so utterly corrupt, and politicians are all driven by rampant personal ambition and a total lack of scruples. I'm not sure they are all that inept anyway - Beria, for example, is shown to be extremely effective at disposing of large numbers of political opponents.

The slapstick bits like when they're transferring Stalin's body from his office floor to his bed may be playing it for laughs a bit, but from what I understand, the film is actually very faithful to events as they happened. Anyway, even if it isn't a perfect documentary, it's absolutely spot on as a satire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 02 November, 2017, 12:32:50 pm
The Man from Uncle (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1638355/).

Absolute fecking shite. Gave up after 30 minutes before I needed to poke my eyes out with a white hot blunted rusty spoon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 02 November, 2017, 01:34:31 pm
The Man from Uncle (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1638355/).

Absolute fecking shite. Gave up after 30 minutes before I needed to poke my eyes out with a white hot blunted rusty spoon.

It's a Guy Ritchie film. Best avoided.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 November, 2017, 04:04:41 pm
Our dog looks more like Mr. Waverly than Hugh Grant does:

(http://www.pbase.com/johnewing/image/134625533.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 02 November, 2017, 04:09:21 pm
Captain Phillips.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 November, 2017, 10:40:50 pm
Baby Driver

That kind of movie should be right up my alley, but I didn't like it much. Just didn't find the protagonist very likeable.
10 points for using Jon Spencers Blues Explosion for the title track, though.

Watched it this evening. Actually enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting to. And that opening sequence is breathtaking - the music definitely helps.

Perhaps the rest of the film doesn’t quite live up to it though, and my wife thought the violence got a bit excessive towards the end but I reckon it got away with it because it was all done with great flair and style, plus a touch of humour - possibly would have liked it to be more overtly comedic like Hot Fuzz, in fact (the gag with the masks made me laugh out loud).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 November, 2017, 09:00:58 am
Fury.  Fascinating tanks, acceptable story.  I'd watch it again for the former, Mrs. T42 wouldn't, for the latter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 04 November, 2017, 12:57:58 pm
... There's a 1980s TV film on the same subject called the Red Monarch - not currently generally available on dvd (going for £30 on Amazon which is way too expensive) ...

It's £6-69, here (https://www.base.com/buy/product/red-monarch/dgc-gfl3161.htm).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrinklyLion on 05 November, 2017, 06:58:34 pm
A year or two back I made a Ferris Bueller reference in the office and not a single one of my colleagues got it.  I accidentally spotted this week that it was showing at one of our local cinemas, and determined that my children should not grow up in the same woeful ignorance as my colleagues so took the Cubs, the SmallestSuperheroNextDoor and his mam (who, like me, had never seen ot on the big screen but apparently watched it so frequently as a teen that our local video shop used to chuck it in for free with her Saturday night rental if she didn't take it out!) to see it this afternoon.  12A for sweariness, so I forewarned the SmallestCub although I did say that, from memory, it would be nowhere near as sweary as the Curious Incident which we went to see in the theatre in Newcastle a while back.

T'was very splendid.  And the chap sitting next to us in the cinema almost managed to not recite the entire script :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 06 November, 2017, 09:55:49 am
... There's a 1980s TV film on the same subject called the Red Monarch - not currently generally available on dvd (going for £30 on Amazon which is way too expensive) ...

It's £6-69, here (https://www.base.com/buy/product/red-monarch/dgc-gfl3161.htm).

Cheers Tim, duly ordered!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 06 November, 2017, 12:28:04 pm
Thor - Ragnarok.  Follows the basic Marvel formula. 

If you like Avengers (not Jane Peel...), Iron Man, Ant Man, GotG... then you'll probably like this.  It's knowing, laugh out loud funny, fast paced and a good bit of entertainment.  But entirely inconsequential. 

If you haven't seen these then I'd wait until home release (or simply watch Avengers Assemble which remains the best example of the Marvel universe).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: menthel on 06 November, 2017, 12:39:37 pm
The new Kong. It was fine, good enough story and action pace. And lots of people being squashed by a massive monkey.

It was certainly aided by the new home cinema setup and the 4k HDR image left my eyeballs needing a holiday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 November, 2017, 12:40:17 pm
Thor - Ragnarok.  Follows the basic Marvel formula. 

I'm intrigued by the fact they got Taika Waititi in to direct it. I enjoyed Hunt For The Wilderpeople and What We Do In The Shadows so I'd be interested to see how his style transposes to the Marvel formula.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 November, 2017, 01:31:58 pm
Thor - Ragnarok.  Follows the basic Marvel formula. 

I'm intrigued by the fact they got Taika Waititi in to direct it. I enjoyed Hunt For The Wilderpeople and What We Do In The Shadows so I'd be interested to see how his style transposes to the Marvel formula.
I saw it on Sat.

Completely abandons any attempt at being serious. Pulls in a few maori actors/actresses and makes the most of the gags, not all handed to the big names.

Nice to hear a mix of accents, and he makes use of incongruous voices and accents. Cate Blanchett is great, as is Goldblum and Tessa Thompson.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 November, 2017, 01:41:02 pm
Completely abandons any attempt at being serious.

TFFT.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 06 November, 2017, 02:08:22 pm
Thor - Ragnarok.  Follows the basic Marvel formula. 

I'm intrigued by the fact they got Taika Waititi in to direct it. I enjoyed Hunt For The Wilderpeople and What We Do In The Shadows so I'd be interested to see how his style transposes to the Marvel formula.

He's a good fit.  Largely because of the irreverent comedy.  I could get all artsy and suggest it's also because Thor is fundamentally an outsider with outsider friends, and note that it involves an ensemble (being part of the MCU).  But it basically boils down to how the gags are handled.

He also appears (well, covered in CGI).  I spent some of the film figuring out which of the Flight of the Conchords' accents it was, and the credits suggested it was him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 06 November, 2017, 04:57:01 pm
_The_Death_of_Stalin_, which was every bit as good - if black - as everyone said, with Jason Isaacs even more brilliantly scene-steal-y than I'd expected from the trailers. Next up is going to be seeing if there's a decent bio of Zhukov in English.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 November, 2017, 07:07:12 pm
The World's End.  Very funny although the ending is meh.  I worry that I am actually Gary King.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 November, 2017, 08:40:40 pm
Thor - Ragnarok.  Follows the basic Marvel formula. 

I'm intrigued by the fact they got Taika Waititi in to direct it. I enjoyed Hunt For The Wilderpeople and What We Do In The Shadows so I'd be interested to see how his style transposes to the Marvel formula.

He's good value as the voice of Korg, some of kind of rock-creature. One of the funnier parts in a very funny movie. As others have said, it's completely played for laughs which is no bad thing. I can't be bothered with the next Justice League because I know everyone will be so serious. I hate Batman. How am I supposed to take someone who dresses up as a bat seriously?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 November, 2017, 08:47:03 pm
I hate Batman. How am I supposed to take someone who dresses up as a bat seriously?

You're not.  Adam West is the one true batman.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 07 November, 2017, 06:44:34 pm
The new Kong. It was fine, good enough story and action pace. And lots of people being squashed by a massive monkey.

That movie really surprised me. Was expecting it to be terrible, but it was very entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 November, 2017, 08:50:13 am
Get Shorty. Had avoided it because although Gene Hackman is a good actor, he's been in a few terrible films in later years; but it was mentioned in a Graun article about Blood Simple and was on Netflix so we gave it a go. Not bad at all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 November, 2017, 11:07:38 am
Anyone seen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paperboy_(2012_film) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paperboy_(2012_film)) ?

I watched approx. 5min-20min last night, between channel-hopping. Crikey*.

Decided it was far too intense a thing to watch in parts - especially after missing 5mins of possibly critical setup - so went to bed. But it's definitely on my list to watch some day.

Matthew McConaughey is really winning me over as a classy actor - I had him down as a rom-com pretty boy until quite recently. I just expect Kidman to be pretty amazing, given a decent script.

*(and that applies to the bits that weren't the first prison visit scene  :o )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 November, 2017, 11:11:43 am
Get Shorty. Had avoided it because although Gene Hackman is a good actor, he's been in a few terrible films in later years; but it was mentioned in a Graun article about Blood Simple and was on Netflix so we gave it a go. Not bad at all.

It's based on an Elmore Leonard novel which usually means it's going to be fun.  Was definitely true of Get Shorty but the follow up book (and film) 'Be Cool' isn't very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 November, 2017, 01:33:56 pm
Get Shorty. Had avoided it because although Gene Hackman is a good actor, he's been in a few terrible films in later years; but it was mentioned in a Graun article about Blood Simple and was on Netflix so we gave it a go. Not bad at all.

It's based on an Elmore Leonard novel which usually means it's going to be fun.  Was definitely true of Get Shorty but the follow up book (and film) 'Be Cool' isn't very good.

Yes - it considerably brightened my outlook when I saw his name in the titles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 November, 2017, 02:21:22 pm
Joe, a Nicholas Cage film about a neglected teenager and his relationship with an ex con.

Surprisingly good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 10 November, 2017, 11:34:11 am
Predator – at the 'flicks' last night, celebrating it's 30th anniversary. Only ever seen it on TV. It's one of those 'films' (like so many others) that you happen-chance upon, late at night flicking the channels, when you know you really should be off to bed. You've see it so many times before, but you get drawn in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 November, 2017, 01:41:55 pm
French TV used to have a programme that reconstructed an evening at the flicks in the 50s or 60s, complete with an audience in 50s kit, a B feature, news, adverts of the time, maybe a short live act and then an A feature. That was fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 November, 2017, 01:02:33 am
Murder On The Orient Express

Pretty much exactly what you'd expect. Slick production, beautiful sets and costumes, tight direction, awesome camera work, polished script, tidy performances all round from an A-list cast. Kenneth Branagh is a great Poirot and Michelle Pfeiffer is just wonderful. I did find it slightly confusing to follow at times, but that may be because I kept being distracted by Kenneth Branagh's astonishing moustache.

It also helps that I have a memory like a sieve so had no idea whodunnit, even though I'm sure I've seen the Albert Finney version several times in the past. (Though I understand they've changed the ending anyway, but I couldn't tell you how.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 November, 2017, 10:51:12 am
Abortive Netflix evening last night. Mrs T's running group were all enthusing about Outlander so we watched half an episode before deciding it was a derivative gobbet of shite. Then she noticed that The Paradise is based on a Zola novel she's reading so we had a go at that.  The shop in Zola's opus, though, has 3000 employees and a private 24-man fire brigade, and is situated on one of Paris's fashionable new boulevards at the time of Baron Haussmann, rather than a back street somewhere in Bucketville.  The story, too, was more like 1950s Woman's Day than the fist of the Jacuzzi Man. Duly declared vomitus and banished to the Abode of Nausea.

Better luck tonight. Maybe.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 11 November, 2017, 02:59:13 pm
Then she noticed that The Paradise is based on a Zola novel she's reading so we had a go at that.  The shop in Zola's opus, though, has 3000 employees and
...blah blah.

If you wanted the book, read the book. Or did you want Jackanory - someone filmed reading the book, so that you can stay on the sofa in front of the gogglebox??
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 November, 2017, 04:24:19 pm
Fuck off.  She was interested in seeing what they made of it, so why not have a look?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 November, 2017, 06:20:14 pm
Or did you want Jackanory - someone filmed reading the book, so that you can stay on the sofa in front of the gogglebox??

I know that's meant in jest, but I have wondered - in this age of cheap programmes and abundant bandwidth to fill with them - why nobody's thought to do a Jackanory-for-adults type series.  It's the sort of thing my mum would have watched while doing the ironing.  Throw in an audibly-pleasing celebrity or two and it might attract a decent number of viewers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 November, 2017, 06:24:14 pm
Or did you want Jackanory - someone filmed reading the book, so that you can stay on the sofa in front of the gogglebox??

I know that's meant in jest, but I have wondered - in this age of cheap programmes and abundant bandwidth to fill with them - why nobody's thought to do a Jackanory-for-adults type series.  It's the sort of thing my mum would have watched while doing the ironing.  Throw in an audibly-pleasing celebrity or two and it might attract a decent number of viewers.

Something like Crackanory (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crackanory) only not on Dave, you mean?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 November, 2017, 06:28:37 pm
Something like Crackanory (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crackanory) only not on Dave, you mean?

Apparently so.   :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 11 November, 2017, 06:56:03 pm
The Human Centipede 3
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 11 November, 2017, 07:38:15 pm
The Human Centipede 3

I look forward to the in-depth review!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 11 November, 2017, 08:12:05 pm
Blade runner 2049.

Okay but the wrong side of ponderous
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 November, 2017, 12:06:05 am
War for the Planet of the Apes

Because if they could use a King Kong[1] reboot as an excuse to do a Vietnam war film, then why not this one?

Actually, I minded this a lot less than the previous two.  You know exactly what to expect, and it delivers well.


There should be a law against hearing directors making films with sign language[2] in them without adult supervision, thobut.  They really haven't got a clue about how to frame the shots, and it's extremely jarring to watch, even with subtitles.  You wouldn't not bother providing sound when actors speak in FOREIGN, would you?  Fucksake.


[1] It took me about half the film to get the 'donkey' joke.   :-[
[2] I recognised exactly one ASL sign and some reasonable proforms, so I'll defer to someone with knowledge of USAnian to say whether it was utter bollocks, ASL or a credible derived pidgin.  Not that it matters, the sign space should still be in frame by default.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 November, 2017, 07:52:55 am
There should be a law against hearing directors making films with sign language[2] in them without adult supervision, thobut.  They really haven't got a clue about how to frame the shots, and it's extremely jarring to watch, even with subtitles.  You wouldn't not bother providing sound when actors speak in FOREIGN, would you?  Fucksake.

Do they manage to get the sign language right, or is it like the silent films where the actors told each other dirty jokes and scandalized lip-readers in the audience?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 November, 2017, 08:19:50 am
Or did you want Jackanory - someone filmed reading the book, so that you can stay on the sofa in front of the gogglebox??

I know that's meant in jest, but I have wondered - in this age of cheap programmes and abundant bandwidth to fill with them - why nobody's thought to do a Jackanory-for-adults type series.  It's the sort of thing my mum would have watched while doing the ironing.  Throw in an audibly-pleasing celebrity or two and it might attract a decent number of viewers.
Yes, it probably would! Radio4 does this superbly - and IMO radio is by far the better medium for it - but they only have so much airtime (what with all that "News" getting in the way. And people do like watching telly, so there is probably a market for this (and it's probably cheaper than another quiz show / reality show /  etc )

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 November, 2017, 01:19:10 pm
There should be a law against hearing directors making films with sign language[2] in them without adult supervision, thobut.  They really haven't got a clue about how to frame the shots, and it's extremely jarring to watch, even with subtitles.  You wouldn't not bother providing sound when actors speak in FOREIGN, would you?  Fucksake.

Do they manage to get the sign language right, or is it like the silent films where the actors told each other dirty jokes and scandalized lip-readers in the audience?

The Apes don't use a BSL-family language, so I couldn't tell.  Need an American for that.  It did seem lacking in grammar and facial expression[1].

Films made by Deaf people with signing characters have proper[2] signed dialogue and frame the shots so you can actually follow it.  Even when it's a language you don't understand, you have a much better connection to the tone of their expression.


[1] In science fiction terms, this is probably realistic.  All the teaching-primates-sign-language experiments I've heard about have suffered from the fundamental flaw of the subjects not being exposed to the real language of native users.   Deaf children of well-intentioned hearing parents don't develop language properly without external input, why would we expect a primate to?
[2] In much the same way that characters' spoken dialogue is more witty and profound than real life, signing characters spend a lot less time handshaking to the lowest common denominator and repeating things.  Standard suspension of disbelief stuff that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 13 November, 2017, 09:14:14 am
Wonder Woman. Was looking forward to this, but instead got a WW1-action movie?
The visuals of the fight between Zeus and Ares were amazing, though. Loved those.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 November, 2017, 01:08:35 pm
Fair Game (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0977855/)

Fact based film about a CIA operative married to a former diplomat.

Diplomat calls foul on the George W administration about some of the 'intelligence' they cited to go to war in Iraq. Administration takes it a bit personal and the shit hits the fan landing the CIA operative right in it.

A very good film.

I particularly liked the way they ended the film with real newsreel footage.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 19 November, 2017, 10:08:25 am
Used Kodi last night to watch The Gumball Rally.

OK it was crap but it's the only film I know that features a 427 Cobra, a Daytona Spyder and a 911, flat out through downtown Manhattan. We may never see the like again...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 19 November, 2017, 10:52:07 am
From Russia With Love

Goodness films were slow in those days!
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 November, 2017, 02:08:47 pm
The Meyerowitz Stories

I wouldn’t go so far as to say I hated it but I found all the characters deeply unsympathetic and didn’t care one jot for their middle class narcissistic self-loathing.

It wasn’t all bad though - Emma Thompson was excellent. (I admit I’m predisposed to liking Emma Thompson in anything but I didn’t even realise it was her until well into the film when she finally took her sunglasses off.)

My wife seemed to enjoy it a lot more than me, judging by how much she was laughing. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood for it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 19 November, 2017, 03:02:22 pm
Red 2

The only thing that I could describe as quite similar - but not quite as good - is an earlier film (with similar cast and writers) called: Red

They are both reeeeally good. I mean, Helen Mirren with sniper rifles, and bodies in acid baths? And Malkovich as a deranged - but kindly - homicidal ex-spook? What's not to like?

[Warning: contains Bruce Willis. He's quieter than the old days, but still smirks a lot. ]

It's like Mr & Mrs Smith crossed with Fargo, with added laughs. Even N snorted with laughter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 November, 2017, 10:52:24 am
The Killer (O Matador) on NF.

Now to to do with bulls, it's a sort of western set in the 1910-1940s period in Pernambuco, which seems to have been as lawless as Kansas before it became a state. Generally fascinating and almost burlesque in parts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 November, 2017, 11:24:23 am
There should be a law against hearing directors making films with sign language[2] in them without adult supervision, thobut.  They really haven't got a clue about how to frame the shots, and it's extremely jarring to watch, even with subtitles.  You wouldn't not bother providing sound when actors speak in FOREIGN, would you?  Fucksake.

Do they manage to get the sign language right, or is it like the silent films where the actors told each other dirty jokes and scandalized lip-readers in the audience?

The Apes don't use a BSL-family language, so I couldn't tell.  Need an American for that.  It did seem lacking in grammar and facial expression[1].

Films made by Deaf people with signing characters have proper[2] signed dialogue and frame the shots so you can actually follow it.  Even when it's a language you don't understand, you have a much better connection to the tone of their expression.


[1] In science fiction terms, this is probably realistic.  All the teaching-primates-sign-language experiments I've heard about have suffered from the fundamental flaw of the subjects not being exposed to the real language of native users.   Deaf children of well-intentioned hearing parents don't develop language properly without external input, why would we expect a primate to?
[2] In much the same way that characters' spoken dialogue is more witty and profound than real life, signing characters spend a lot less time handshaking to the lowest common denominator and repeating things.  Standard suspension of disbelief stuff that.


Baby Driver has some scenes with what purports to be ASL.  I have no idea if this is shown well (in terms of signing) but it does seem to be framed in most shots clearly to allow viewers to see.

http://www.pearlanddean.com/news/ansel-elgort-wanted-do-sign-language-justice-baby-driver
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 November, 2017, 01:04:35 pm
I think he gets kudos for saying this:
Quote
It was my first time ever acting a scene in a different language.

The character (his stepfather) is played by an actor who is deaf. I didn't know that. The scenes between them are great, CJ Jones is terrific as his foster father.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 November, 2017, 01:12:03 pm
The scenes between them are great, CJ Jones is terrific as his foster father.

Agreed, although there's a hint of the Magical Negro about the Joe character that I'm not so keen on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 November, 2017, 10:09:45 am
The Guard (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1540133/) on Filum 4.

Father Ted meets NCIS or similar.

Brendan Gleeson plays an Garda Síochána sargeant in rural Ireland where a bit of drug traffiking is occuring. Mark Strong and Liam Cunningham are amongst the bad guys. The FBI (repersented by agent Don Cheadle) are involved as they have been tracking the cocaine shipments and have an operation to deal with it. Cue the clash of cultures as auld school Gleeson meets and deals with by the book Cheadle

"the FBI lad, probably hadn't had this much fun since they burned all those kids up in Waco"

A bit of a fecking laugh :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 November, 2017, 10:11:14 am
Prior to the above, I finally caught up with Kingsman.

I know I shouldn't appreciate it but the OTT gratuitous violence and the camp lisp of Samuel L were absolutley brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 November, 2017, 03:11:30 pm
Prior to the above, I finally caught up with Kingsman.

I know I shouldn't appreciate it but the OTT gratuitous violence and the camp lisp of Samuel L were absolutley brilliant.

The sequel is less good although it has its moments.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 November, 2017, 04:53:37 pm
Prior to the above, I finally caught up with Kingsman.

I know I shouldn't appreciate it but the OTT gratuitous violence and the camp lisp of Samuel L were absolutley brilliant.

I generally can't stand excessive gratuitous violence in films these days but the church scene is sheer genius.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 23 November, 2017, 01:36:44 pm
I eventually summoned up the will to watch La La Land.  Glad I did as it turned out to be a good film; entertaining and not the syrup sandwich I'd worried it would be. 

Essentially a cross between LA Story and One Hundred Days of Summer, in that it is a (apologies for the cliche) modern love story between the director and Los Angeles, and the two protagonists.  Music numbers are half decent and the dance routines not overly intrusive (other than the one at the start of the film which had previously put me off watching it). 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 November, 2017, 11:19:17 pm
Baby Driver has some scenes with what purports to be ASL.  I have no idea if this is shown well (in terms of signing) but it does seem to be framed in most shots clearly to allow viewers to see.

http://www.pearlanddean.com/news/ansel-elgort-wanted-do-sign-language-justice-baby-driver

Just watched this.  That's proper ASL, that is[1].  And it's framed so you can follow it.

Ansel Elgort signs like a hearing person (all hands and no facial expression), which fits with the character.


I really enjoyed it, in a something I wouldn't normally have watched kind of way.  That opening scene...  :thumbsup:


[1] I recognised at least three signs, not counting the ubiquitous <OK>, there was clear evidence of grammar and the fingerspell[2] made sense.
[2] My ASL fingerspell is almost as rusty as Bart Mancuso's Morse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 November, 2017, 01:22:09 am
[Baby Driver] That opening scene...  :thumbsup:

Oh yes. Leaves a lot for the rest of the film to live up to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 November, 2017, 01:30:54 pm
[Baby Driver] That opening scene...  :thumbsup:

Oh yes. Leaves a lot for the rest of the film to live up to.

I'm going to make barakta watch that opening scene, for SCIENCE.

It's the sort of thing that I think she'd appreciate, if and only if she has enough I/O bandwidth to follow it.  Her general problem with film is that it's Hard Work, she tends to miss visual detail, and background music is mostly just noise.  I expect Baby Driver will be lost on her in much the same way that Ferris Bueller's Day Off was lost on a Deaf friend, due to piss-poor subtitling - take away the music (or the wit and comic timing), and they just become films where stuff happens.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 25 November, 2017, 05:40:21 pm
Paddington 2 (one of the benefits of having a 10 year-old).

A plot that makes the average Jeffrey Archer short story plausible but loads of fun. And Hugh Grant steals it, of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 November, 2017, 08:35:57 pm
[Baby Driver] That opening scene...  :thumbsup:

Oh yes. Leaves a lot for the rest of the film to live up to.

Unfortunately, it completely fails to do so. Seems to be a fair amount of 'cool movies' about, who solely rely on pop culture nostalgia without any real content. Just watched 'Atomic Blonde' and it's the same issue.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 27 November, 2017, 12:32:24 pm
Darkman (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099365/)

WTaF was Liam thinking?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 27 November, 2017, 01:19:28 pm
[Baby Driver] That opening scene...  :thumbsup:

Oh yes. Leaves a lot for the rest of the film to live up to.

Unfortunately, it completely fails to do so. Seems to be a fair amount of 'cool movies' about, who solely rely on pop culture nostalgia without any real content. Just watched 'Atomic Blonde' and it's the same issue.

It worked well enough for me - I had a few niggles with it, including one of the casting choices but I thought it was pretty good overall.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 November, 2017, 01:48:21 pm
Ex Machina

Enjoyable enough. A moderately interesting take on the AI theme, even if there's nothing startlingly original about it.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 28 November, 2017, 04:07:21 am
Last night's BBC4 documentary called (I think) Last Man In Aleppo.  Very, very moving and unspeakably sad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 28 November, 2017, 09:14:18 am
Quote
My ASL fingerspell is almost as rusty as Bart Mancuso's Morse.

Looking forward to you signing something suitably obscene* at Long Itch. ;D






*Not that I'll be able to understand but if it's accompanied by the correct style of adolescent sniggering...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 November, 2017, 11:50:57 am
Quote
My ASL fingerspell is almost as rusty as Bart Mancuso's Morse.

Looking forward to you signing something suitably obscene* at Long Itch. ;D

Oh, if you want that I'll get barakta to bring Signs of A Sexual Nature (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Signs-Sexual-Nature-Introduction-Language/dp/B001A4I6UQ).  It's an equal mix of unambiguous dictionary definitions, interesting linguistic factoids (eg. that <fuck> is an expletive with no sexual implication), and lovingly drawn illustrations of people with extremely 80s hair acting out various explicit signs, inna X-rated Cath Smith book stylee.  A rudimentary understanding of classifiers should be all you need to appreciate the good ones.   :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 28 November, 2017, 01:44:16 pm
SKILLSHARE!!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: cycleman on 28 November, 2017, 08:48:57 pm
 :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 29 November, 2017, 11:57:32 am
Film review by proxy - courtesy of my colleague describing it to another colleague
"The Guardian gave it one star... to be fair, it deserved it...  the special effects were good, but the plot, the acting... terrible"
(The film was called John something - a remake of a 1950s film about Mars? if I'd understood him correctly. You'll gather he doesn't recommend it.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 November, 2017, 12:06:05 pm
Film review by proxy - courtesy of my colleague describing it to another colleague
"The Guardian gave it one star... to be fair, it deserved it...  the special effects were good, but the plot, the acting... terrible"
(The film was called John something - a remake of a 1950s film about Mars? if I'd understood him correctly. You'll gather he doesn't recommend it.)

John Carter. It is indeed pretty terrible. What you might call a 'high concept' piece, but then confuses the matter with a garbled attempt at a low concept plot. I think it's based on an Edgar Rice Burroughs book.

Not to be confused with John Wick, which is excellent. As long as you like the idea of Keanu Reeves shooting up a load of bad guys. Hardly any more substantial than John Carter in terms of plot, but a lot more fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 November, 2017, 01:51:23 pm
John Wick is such fun  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 November, 2017, 01:55:05 pm
Film review by proxy - courtesy of my colleague describing it to another colleague
"The Guardian gave it one star... to be fair, it deserved it...  the special effects were good, but the plot, the acting... terrible"
(The film was called John something - a remake of a 1950s film about Mars? if I'd understood him correctly. You'll gather he doesn't recommend it.)

John Carter. It is indeed pretty terrible. What you might call a 'high concept' piece, but then confuses the matter with a garbled attempt at a low concept plot. I think it's based on an Edgar Rice Burroughs book.

Not to be confused with John Wick, which is excellent. As long as you like the idea of Keanu Reeves shooting up a load of bad guys. Hardly any more substantial than John Carter in terms of plot, but a lot more fun.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 November, 2017, 02:54:50 pm
Robocop

The second one. I seem to remember that the first one was funny. I don't think this was. However it was enjoyable hokum with plot holes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 01 December, 2017, 10:11:04 pm
Grand Budapest Hotel  :thumbsup: Fun, great cast, nice camera work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: harvey on 02 December, 2017, 04:53:45 pm
Taken
Liam infiltrates the Paris police w/o speaking a word of French... he did say 'merci' once
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 04 December, 2017, 11:58:55 am
Cloud Atlas- took me a while to get my head around the seemingly vastly disparate story arcs but, once I started to understand where it was going, a film thoroughly enjoyed.

Playing the game of guessing whether a character was a particular actor was fun also.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 December, 2017, 02:00:07 pm
Godless

Enjoyable.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 04 December, 2017, 02:29:06 pm
Wonder Woman.

She defeated my ability to remain awake. I think DC stands for Dull and Clumsy. Basically it's war movie in which a woman in a silly costume runs around doing things for impossible to conceive reasons. It could and should have been the antidote to the usual superhero man-fest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 04 December, 2017, 11:53:14 pm
Wonder Woman.

She defeated my ability to remain awake. I think DC stands for Dull and Clumsy. Basically it's war movie in which a woman in a silly costume runs around doing things for impossible to conceive reasons. It could and should have been the antidote to the usual superhero man-fest.

Yeah. My wife was really looking forward to this and that was more or less her comment.  I don't understand why this reviewed so well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 December, 2017, 12:15:14 am
Wonder Woman.

She defeated my ability to remain awake. I think DC stands for Dull and Clumsy. Basically it's war movie in which a woman in a silly costume runs around doing things for impossible to conceive reasons. It could and should have been the antidote to the usual superhero man-fest.

Yeah. My wife was really looking forward to this and that was more or less her comment.  I don't understand why this reviewed so well.

Like most superhero films, it would have benefited from a large chunk being left on the cutting room floor.  But you just know that if they did that it would be the wrong chunk.

It managed to avoid being cringeworthily awful in lots of obvious ways that you expect a Wonder Woman film might.  But that alone didn't add up to a good movie.  I blame low expectations.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 05 December, 2017, 01:27:42 am
I did like the visuals of the god battles (Zeus, Ares, etc). That was really well done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 December, 2017, 08:59:44 am
Half of a thing called Un Illustre Inconnu (Nobody from Nowhere). Matthieu Kassovitz is always good but the story was

(click to show/hide)

We bailed after an hour during which each of us was thinking that the other was enjoying it, and watched Cloud Atlas instead.  I spent half an hour trying to remember Halle Berry's name and coming up with Haile Selassie instead.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 December, 2017, 09:11:00 am
Wonder Woman.

She defeated my ability to remain awake. I think DC stands for Dull and Clumsy. Basically it's war movie in which a woman in a silly costume runs around doing things for impossible to conceive reasons. It could and should have been the antidote to the usual superhero man-fest.

Yeah. My wife was really looking forward to this and that was more or less her comment.  I don't understand why this reviewed so well.

Hmm, I just read several reviews. I think they saw a different movie. I think a case of missed potential, they could have messed with the usual masculine superhero tropes and the old cheesy WW heritage but they seemed unwilling to poke a tongue out at the rest of the franchise. I enjoyed Deadpool for that reason, but with a female lead they could have done a lot more, without diluting the kickassery. Instead, she might as well have been another generic super-bloke going through the motions. Obligatory DC backstory (I'm surprised they missed the opportunity to tell us why Batman is so grumpy, they killed his parents you know, they should put that in every movie in case we forget), stodgy script and termited plot. Wlll people stop doing things in movies for no better reason than the script told them to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 05 December, 2017, 04:04:57 pm
I thought Wonder Woman was solid, other than the last 15 minutes which were hokey.  The backstory is perhaps forgivable since she was effectively being introduced for the DC extended universe films (in particular Justice League).  It followed a similar pattern to Captain America, but was less tedious.

It was a definite step up from other recent DC films like Batgran v Supergran and Suicide Squad (or Shitty Shit Shite as my friend put it).  And at least on a par with Thor: Ragnarok and GotG2.

Maybe I just had low expectations.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jack Standish on 06 December, 2017, 07:30:10 am
Rewatched Unbreakable after watching Split.
Shyamalan can be good. he really can.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 December, 2017, 07:56:33 am
L'Affaire Danton, a 1983 film about the downfall of one of the leaders of the French Revolution. Depardieu before he waxed globular. Directed by Andrej Wajda.  Wonderfully clear diction, in contrast with current films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 December, 2017, 10:27:17 am
I thought Wonder Woman was solid, other than the last 15 minutes which were hokey.  The backstory is perhaps forgivable since she was effectively being introduced for the DC extended universe films (in particular Justice League).  It followed a similar pattern to Captain America, but was less tedious.

It was a definite step up from other recent DC films like Batgran v Supergran and Suicide Squad (or Shitty Shit Shite as my friend put it).  And at least on a par with Thor: Ragnarok and GotG2.

Maybe I just had low expectations.

Nah. I loved the latest Thor (GotG2 was good, not so as the original, but enjoyable nevertheless). I just find the DC ones a bit laboured and tedious. OK, I can understand they don't want the same tone, but like I've said, there's something faintly ludicrous about dressing up in silly costumes and fighting crime/saving the world/going shopping, and it's best to acknowledge it, even if faintly. I don't mind the backstory, but rather than just tell it, they could so a slow reveal. Otherwise it's just clumsy exposition.

Suicide Squad was shit though.

WW wasn't awful, I just thought they could have done better with what they had.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 December, 2017, 10:03:43 am
Cloud Atlas- took me a while to get my head around the seemingly vastly disparate story arcs but, once I started to understand where it was going, a film thoroughly enjoyed.

Playing the game of guessing whether a character was a particular actor was fun also.

(click to show/hide)

Just remembered re Cloud Atlas.

Mrs F made a very accurate remark- Neo Seoul is where the location manager should have set Blade Runner 2049.

She's very good my Mrs :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 07 December, 2017, 11:41:18 am
I thought Wonder Woman was solid, other than the last 15 minutes which were hokey.  The backstory is perhaps forgivable since she was effectively being introduced for the DC extended universe films (in particular Justice League).  It followed a similar pattern to Captain America, but was less tedious.

It was a definite step up from other recent DC films like Batgran v Supergran and Suicide Squad (or Shitty Shit Shite as my friend put it).  And at least on a par with Thor: Ragnarok and GotG2.

Maybe I just had low expectations.

The DC stuff is just all too pointedly Grimdark and tedious at the moment.  Suicide Squad was terrible.  One of the rare films I've resold as I never want to watch it again.

Nah. I loved the latest Thor (GotG2 was good, not so as the original, but enjoyable nevertheless). I just find the DC ones a bit laboured and tedious. OK, I can understand they don't want the same tone, but like I've said, there's something faintly ludicrous about dressing up in silly costumes and fighting crime/saving the world/going shopping, and it's best to acknowledge it, even if faintly. I don't mind the backstory, but rather than just tell it, they could so a slow reveal. Otherwise it's just clumsy exposition.

Suicide Squad was shit though.

WW wasn't awful, I just thought they could have done better with what they had.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 08 December, 2017, 01:19:31 pm
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Sorry, I do apologise. This of course, should be in "Wot I'm reading at the moment."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 December, 2017, 10:13:37 pm
I thought Wonder Woman was solid, other than the last 15 minutes which were hokey.  The backstory is perhaps forgivable since she was effectively being introduced for the DC extended universe films (in particular Justice League).  It followed a similar pattern to Captain America, but was less tedious.

It was a definite step up from other recent DC films like Batgran v Supergran and Suicide Squad (or Shitty Shit Shite as my friend put it).  And at least on a par with Thor: Ragnarok and GotG2.

Maybe I just had low expectations.

Nah. I loved the latest Thor (GotG2 was good, not so as the original, but enjoyable nevertheless). I just find the DC ones a bit laboured and tedious. OK, I can understand they don't want the same tone, but like I've said, there's something faintly ludicrous about dressing up in silly costumes and fighting crime/saving the world/going shopping, and it's best to acknowledge it, even if faintly. I don't mind the backstory, but rather than just tell it, they could so a slow reveal. Otherwise it's just clumsy exposition.

Suicide Squad was shit though.

WW wasn't awful, I just thought they could have done better with what they had.

Unfortunately, I think a large part of DC's problem has been Zack Snyder. He makes good visuals, but simply cannot develop a story. I assume that he's now largely gone, so maybe DC will be able to turn it around?.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 December, 2017, 10:16:11 pm
Ah, that explains the endless slow motion sword swinging and arrow flinging.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 09 December, 2017, 08:39:41 am
John Wick is such fun  :thumbsup:

I thought it was stupid  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 December, 2017, 10:44:15 am
20 minutes of Hellboy II. Yawn.  Sad comment on world that making such predictable shit is profitable.

Same goes for 90% of films that have a pic of a bloke[,ss] with a gun on the poster, films where idiots rent a remote house, films that mention the word apocalypse - ah, finish the list yourself. And apart from the CGI, Neil DeGreaser Tyson's "Cosmos" is primary-school compared to the Butt-Headed Astronomer's original.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 09 December, 2017, 11:08:25 am
20 minutes of Hellboy II. Yawn.  Sad comment on world that making such predictable shit is profitable.

I enjoyed both Hellboy films in spite of myself.  Maybe it helped to take small boys to the pictures with you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 December, 2017, 11:56:39 am
John Wick is such fun  :thumbsup:

I thought it was stupid  :-\

It wasn't. They killed his puppy. So he made things right.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 December, 2017, 01:16:09 pm
20 minutes of Hellboy II. Yawn.  Sad comment on world that making such predictable shit is profitable.

I enjoyed both Hellboy films in spite of myself.  Maybe it helped to take small boys to the pictures with you.

I saw The Empire Strikes Back in such circumstances. Most memorable bit was when my son had too much chocolate mousse and Pepsi afterwards and I had to tip the waiter 50 fr after he cleaned up the puke.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 December, 2017, 04:28:21 pm
John Wick is such fun  :thumbsup:

I thought it was stupid  :-\

It was stupid. It was also fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 December, 2017, 04:30:30 pm
12 Monkeys

I've been hankering after seeing Brazil again recently but I don't have a copy of it and it's not on any streaming service. But I noticed 12 Monkeys was on telly and that's the next best thing. It has aged surprisingly well. Most enjoyable. Brad Pitt is still as annoying as ever though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 December, 2017, 05:06:16 pm
12 Monkeys
 Brad Pitt is still as annoying as ever though.
He plays a moronic conspiracy-theory psychopath incredibly well. Makes you wonder.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 09 December, 2017, 06:59:57 pm
John Wick is such fun  :thumbsup:

I thought it was stupid  :-\

It was stupid. It was also fun.

Just watched it.

It should be a lot worse than it was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 10 December, 2017, 12:54:19 am
The Big Sick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 December, 2017, 10:35:29 am
... There's a 1980s TV film on the same subject called the Red Monarch - not currently generally available on dvd (going for £30 on Amazon which is way too expensive) ...
It's £6-69, here (https://www.base.com/buy/product/red-monarch/dgc-gfl3161.htm).
Cheers Tim, duly ordered!

I suspect that you probably had the same level of success that I did?

Quote from: base.com
Title: Red Monarch - £6.69
Status: Cancelled
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 10 December, 2017, 10:45:27 am
20 minutes of Hellboy II. Yawn.  Sad comment on world that making such predictable shit is profitable.
I enjoyed both Hellboy films in spite of myself.  Maybe it helped to take small boys to the pictures with you.

... or if you are basically a small boy?  I enjoyed both films too. ;D

For some reason they've decided to 'reboot' the series.  After all, it's almost 10 years since the last film. :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 11 December, 2017, 09:18:56 am
... There's a 1980s TV film on the same subject called the Red Monarch - not currently generally available on dvd (going for £30 on Amazon which is way too expensive) ...
It's £6-69, here (https://www.base.com/buy/product/red-monarch/dgc-gfl3161.htm).
Cheers Tim, duly ordered!

I suspect that you probably had the same level of success that I did?

Quote from: base.com
Title: Red Monarch - £6.69
Status: Cancelled

Yeah.  I guess the three or so copies they had sitting on the shelf for the last ten years sold out pretty quickly after Death of Stalin came out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 December, 2017, 09:56:54 am
Dr No

The first ever Bond, James Bond. set the tone for all the others, I guess.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 11 December, 2017, 09:58:27 am
12 Monkeys

I've been hankering after seeing Brazil again recently but I don't have a copy of it and it's not on any streaming service. But I noticed 12 Monkeys was on telly and that's the next best thing. It has aged surprisingly well. Most enjoyable. Brad Pitt is still as annoying as ever though.

Wonderful film.

Ever since I saw 'Tom's Midnight Garden' when I was a teenager I think I've been drawn to love stories across time. 

'12 Monkeys' is such a film, with a similar revelation.   'Terminator' is another (Yes, it's a love story at heart).  'Eternal Sunshine....' and so on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 11 December, 2017, 09:59:43 am
Dr No

The first ever Bond, James Bond. set the tone for all the others, I guess.

Waits for the pedants to flex their trivia knowledge.  Yes..yes we all know.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 December, 2017, 03:51:32 pm
Finished watching Hellboy II on the turbo. Just the right level of brainlessness for pedalling. Need a few more like that now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 12 December, 2017, 09:13:35 am
12 Monkeys

I've been hankering after seeing Brazil again recently but I don't have a copy of it and it's not on any streaming service. But I noticed 12 Monkeys was on telly and that's the next best thing. It has aged surprisingly well. Most enjoyable. Brad Pitt is still as annoying as ever though.

Wonderful film.

Ever since I saw 'Tom's Midnight Garden' when I was a teenager I think I've been drawn to love stories across time. 

'12 Monkeys' is such a film, with a similar revelation.   'Terminator' is another (Yes, it's a love story at heart).  'Eternal Sunshine....' and so on.

I've never seen "La Jetee" which was apparently the inspiration for 12 Monkeys but would be curious to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 December, 2017, 01:18:29 pm
I've never seen "La Jetee" which was apparently the inspiration for 12 Monkeys but would be curious to.

https://vimeo.com/138951063
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 12 December, 2017, 07:00:27 pm

Ever since I saw 'Tom's Midnight Garden' when I was a teenager I think I've been drawn to love stories across time. 


May I recommend avoiding "The Time Traveller's Wife" then.  Stunning book; dire film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 12 December, 2017, 09:31:36 pm
Started watching Rams, then found we had no subtitles.  :facepalm:

So watched Free Fire. Maybe not to everyone's taste, but Ben Wheatley rarely is. Also Gifted much better than it sounds, and About Time yet another posh young people with a sense of humour fall in love in London film, but without any of the humanity or cleverness of the other ones. Dire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 16 December, 2017, 11:21:14 pm
Billion Dollar Brain

Harry Palmer nd GBFO computers. Reel to reel tape and punch cards :o

Happy days :D

Thanks to Honywell for the loan of their facilties whilst making this filum.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 17 December, 2017, 10:41:20 am
A film starts. The action hero star is on a happy day out with his attractive, laughing daughter. Predictably, something bad happens and the grieving father with a mysterious past (Jackie Chan) decides that to sort it out he must take the fight to the top Irish terrorist politician (Pierce Brosnan).

Straight to Netflix:

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/pierce-brosnan-as-gerry-adams-the-movie-you-need-to-see-now-1.3327490

(https://www.maxim.com/.image/t_share/MTQ4MTI1MzkyNTk5Nzg3MDMw/pierce-brosnan-jackie-chan-foreigner-promo.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 December, 2017, 11:18:16 am
The Adjustment Bureau on NF. Not bad. Retains the 1950s P.K.Dickish flavour.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 17 December, 2017, 07:43:50 pm
Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Not bad, but not great either. Too busy and too many stories going on. Carrie Fisher is really struggling in it.
(click to show/hide)

One of the better things, is Kathleen Kennedy living up to her word and putting in more a more diverse group of characters, without turning them into gender/racial stereotypes. It was noticeable in a good way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: meddyg on 17 December, 2017, 08:55:09 pm
Happy End dir Michael Haneke

Apparently you can see any film in Bristol this weekend (as long as it's 'The Last Jedi' !)

trailer....
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5304464/videoplayer/vi3467753497?ref_=tt_ov_vi (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5304464/videoplayer/vi3467753497?ref_=tt_ov_vi)

Observational cinema, hey ?

Sometimes it felt like prying - am I supposed  to be seeing this, reading these Emails
( a bit of footage on iPhone and sexting on a laptop).

And then there's the plot - you need to fill in the gaps 'cos the director sure anti;t gonna spell it out for you.
Well it's  French film, innit nest-ce pas ?

No on screen sex but more than a hint of the alpha male star siring children here and there (he is a surgeon).

And the poor emotional waif of a grand-daughter growing up in this mixed up family.
Towards the end , oddly, in comes British actor Toby Jones to sort it all out.
Except he doesn't.                                                                    Great fun ! 7/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 December, 2017, 11:41:27 pm
A film starts. The action hero star is on a happy day out with his attractive, laughing daughter. Predictably, something bad happens and the grieving father with a mysterious past (Jackie Chan) decides that to sort it out he must take the fight to the top Irish terrorist politician (Pierce Brosnan).

Straight to Netflix:

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/pierce-brosnan-as-gerry-adams-the-movie-you-need-to-see-now-1.3327490

(https://www.maxim.com/.image/t_share/MTQ4MTI1MzkyNTk5Nzg3MDMw/pierce-brosnan-jackie-chan-foreigner-promo.jpg)

What did I just watch?  It's a work of insane genius that this wasn't set in the early 1990s.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 18 December, 2017, 08:53:03 am
Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Not bad, but not great either.

I took my 10 year-old to see it. It's the first time I've been to see one of them in the cinema. All the others I've seen for the first time on DVD over the past couple of years as he's been watching them with parental supervision. 

What can I say?  The script has more holes than Blackburn, Lancashire - the one Jakob describes beneath his spoiler is huge, but they are everywhere.  The underlying story seems to be kind of jamboree bag of cod mysticism, half-baked ideas from Tolkein's and JK Rowling's discarded notebooks, and lots of REALLY LOUD explosions.  I've seen more engaging characters, and acting, on In The Night Garden, particularly poor Carrie Fisher, whose character seems to spend most of the film wandering around wearing the expression of someone who has just realised that she has put a red sock in with the white bedding. And every major character is clearly half-human, half-cat, using up their nine lives every half hour or so, yet having still more available. 

Can you guess that I really didn't like it? 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 18 December, 2017, 11:33:10 am
Saw Star Wars: the Last Jedi on the Imax screen in London (first time there, it was most impressive).

Unlike Force Awakens I won't be going to see it a second time at the cinema, but will watch it again when it comes out on telly. 

Basically it's an above average film but it left me feeling less excited and engaged at the end than at the start.  I suspect because whilst the character and story development is there, with some great sequences and solid acting, the film ends with a lack of menace and a vague feeling of inevitability.  A bit of a missed opportunity.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 December, 2017, 06:01:21 pm
..and parts were a bit overlong. 

I came late to Starwars and once I understood the not inconsiderable mental adjustments required, quite enjoy them.   The ending of course was not the end but the new beginning.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 December, 2017, 02:24:52 pm
It's basically The Empire Strikes Back but a bit more complicated.  I completely missed Adrian Edmondson as a First Order general.  Yes, there is a total lack of logic in the action (Carrie Fisher has probably the weirdest trick) but that's not really the point.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 19 December, 2017, 03:42:10 pm
Carrie Fisher's weirdest trick is shit, also lame.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 19 December, 2017, 09:37:05 pm
Finally got around to watch Valerian.
I grew up with the comic, although haven't read/seen it for what, 30+ years?.
I really wanted to like it and parts of it *is* good...but the timing is always just a bit odd.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 December, 2017, 11:09:13 pm
Tonight was Coogans Bluff- old but Clint rools, followed by Anchorman- The Legend of Ron Burgundy which was so bad it was brilliant ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 December, 2017, 11:30:48 pm
Tonight I was exposed to an unexpected British delight.

I give you May I Kill You? (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2081311/)

(click to show/hide)

Made me laugh and also cinematised some dark fantasies for me and many other current and ex cops I suspect ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 December, 2017, 09:37:26 am
Tonight I was exposed to an unexpected British delight.

I give you May I Kill You? (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2081311/)

(click to show/hide)

Made me laugh and also cinematised some dark fantasies for me and many other current and ex cops I suspect ;)

That looks like my sort of terrible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 21 December, 2017, 11:19:21 am
... There's a 1980s TV film on the same subject called the Red Monarch - not currently generally available on dvd (going for £30 on Amazon which is way too expensive) ...

It is on YouTube, in its entirety (I think), but with Polish over-dubbing !  A cursory play suggests you can mostly hear the English, but the Polish is obviously somewhat distracting, especially if you don't don't understand it.  I had a search for the English subtitles, but the best I can find is Russian.  I could run that through machine translation, to generate an English subtitles file (I've done this before!) but that's starting to verge on being a bit ridiculous, and would probably be seriously mangled English, at best.

     CZERWONY MONARCHA cały film / lektor pl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwW1Z0VAyyA)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 21 December, 2017, 11:42:53 am
I'll wait for the rerelease.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 22 December, 2017, 05:33:27 pm

Ever since I saw 'Tom's Midnight Garden' when I was a teenager I think I've been drawn to love stories across time. 


May I recommend avoiding "The Time Traveller's Wife" then.  Stunning book; dire film.

Seen the film.  I'll download the book.  Cheers
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 22 December, 2017, 05:35:28 pm
GET OUT

An excellent modern suspense/horror film with plenty of dark humour.

A black guy is invited to his white girlfriend's ever so liberal parents' for the weekend.

The tense build-up is better than the finale (the scariest images are always in your imagination) but it's a good watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 December, 2017, 09:39:51 pm
Dunkirk

Not as Epic as I had surmised though might have lost something in translation to DVD.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 December, 2017, 01:39:28 am
UP

Quite a few plot holes in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 December, 2017, 08:15:07 am
UP

Quite a few plot holes in it.
;D

If we're playing utterly charming, a few plot holes, haven't-you-seen-that-yet?, I give you Paddington. Almost a perfect christmas movie. Can't believe the sequel is better!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 December, 2017, 08:17:43 am
Yes, Paddington was under consideration.  :thumbsup:  ;D
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 December, 2017, 10:09:34 am
John Wick 2

Just as much fun and just as stupid as the first one. With added Lovejoy and Morpheus. And Peter Serafinowicz.

I appreciate the fact that although there are a ridiculous number of deaths, it’s only people within their world who die - they’re admirably scrupulous about not shooting innocent bystanders.

The fighting does get a bit repetitive after a while though - John has some impressive moves but not an unlimited repertoire. Might have helped if it had been 20 minutes shorter.

I’m looking forward to chapter 3 but hope it has a proper ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 December, 2017, 07:50:35 pm
The Greatest Showman.  I enjoyed it although it has no great revelations or depths.  Very competent performances all round. 

Paddington comes first, however.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 December, 2017, 11:16:17 pm
Oceans Eleven

A slow starter that wasn’t as good as it was first time round.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 December, 2017, 12:14:51 am
Forrest Gump

In which astronaut Jim Lovell does all sorts of things, but doesn't go into space.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 30 December, 2017, 10:19:40 pm
Patriot's Day

First 'proper' viewing. Despite Mark Wahlberg in the lead and a lot of gunfire, it's not the bang-shoot-em-up number you might be expecting. The characters are extremely well drawn and the actors' resemblance to the real life characters is uncanny. Telling the story of the Boston Marathon bombings in a reportage style and following the investigation, flight of the perps and subsequent capture, it's easy to get caught up in the whole plot.

Well worth a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 31 December, 2017, 09:26:13 am
Rams

Icelandic film about two old men with big beards and their sheep, set in a remote valley in Iceland. Far better than it sounds.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 31 December, 2017, 02:48:40 pm
The Maze Runner (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwwbhhjQ9Xk) and Maze Runner : The Scorch Trials (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-44_igsZtgU)

Films which is obviously targeted at a teen audience, but actually not bad for adults too.  I think they're in a similar vein to the Hunger Games Series and the Divergent Series of films, as well as not being entirely dissimilar to the Resident Evil Series either.

All of these films are set in dystopian futures, and this pair are the first two parts of a three part story, with the final "Maze Runner: The Death Cure" coming out in a few weeks time.

Aside from being a bit coming-of-age, and to be fair, they mostly don't overdo the "Lord of the Flies" aspect, they're good dystopian saving-the-world films, with zombie elements, and a few twists and double-crosses.  The end-of-the-world background is fairly standard, but there are some nice original bits in it too.

Even though a lot of the cast (at least in the first film) are relatively young, by and large they're good actors.

I'm not claiming they are wonderful works, full of artistic subtleties.  They are clearly science-fiction action thrillers, so are full of escapism (and escapes!) and some ludicrous plot lines, but they're generally enjoyable films, which is often what you want to watch.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 31 December, 2017, 03:28:31 pm
Beauty and the Beast

The latest film version.   I'll say up front its not my kind of film , but dear God it was awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Aidan on 31 December, 2017, 03:42:11 pm
Blade Runner 2049

Now this I really enjoyed.  long and nicely slow in places, and a real visual feast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 31 December, 2017, 05:51:06 pm
Whatever the latest Star Wars episode is (The Last Jedi, cheers Google). A good deal better than the first one, which was little more than a retread, if not especially awesome.

Spoilered, though frankly there's no surprises if you've seen the previous movies.

(click to show/hide)

Last night, Atomic Blonde. Disappointingly, she didn't contain a nuclear reactor, something I didn't establish until quite far into the movie. Splendid soundtrack and some classy late 80s duds but other than that, well, if you want to watch a spy movie no one is getting around to bettering Bourne. Admittedly, Charlize looks better in heels.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 31 December, 2017, 06:14:58 pm
Quote
I wish they'd learn to avoid the dull middle sections where the character imbued by the Force is forced to sit around with Yoda/Luke etc. Does anyone like that bit of every SW movie? We want space battles!

Yeah, but that would be like an Arnie film without a "arming up" sequence, or a Rocky movie without a "training montage", etc. :)

It's endless cgi fuelled fight/battle sequences I find boring...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 31 December, 2017, 06:29:44 pm
Well, if they go to too long, like the week-long fight sequences in the Matrix sequels.

But entire initiate-goes-to-see-Jedi-Master-who-says-no-you-are-not-ready-but-what-the-hell-i'll-do-so-anyway-but-only-if-you-fight-yourself-after-dabbling-in-the-dark-place-you-were-specifically-told-to-avoid.

Anyway, modestly enjoyable, but I still wish for a proper Star Trek style reboot, though I'll admit that such contemplation is likely heretical to proper franchise devotees.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 January, 2018, 12:27:51 am
On a Star Wars theme, I did my chrimbo copy of Rogue One tonight. Now theres :thumbsup: proper space battles for you
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 January, 2018, 09:12:36 am
The Artist, for the benefit of son & spouse who hadn't seen it. They'd avoided it because they'd already seen Jean Dujardin in a number of stupid films and thought he was rubbish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2018, 09:22:43 am
The Artist, for the benefit of son & spouse who hadn't seen it. They'd avoided it because they'd already seen Jean Dujardin in a number of stupid films and thought he was rubbish.
Utterly lovely film (we re-watched it earlier this year IIRC) :)   The only other Dujardin films I've seen are the 60's Bond spoofs http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0464913/

... which were highly enjoyable, and seemed to really know what they were (unlike too many recent "comedy" action movies  ::-) )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 January, 2018, 12:36:30 pm
Total Recall

Arnie at his best. The film is showing its age in many ways but it’s perfectly paced and still as much fun as ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2018, 01:55:16 pm
Gone Girl

Flawed, but gripping and lots of very good bits. Rosamund is truly disturbing at all the right times!

Main complaint was the inaudible first hour of dialogue. made worse by loud background music (which was rather good to be fair!). Hmm - directed by David Fincher ... oh yes, he made Seven, with all those mumbled scenes with police neglecting to turn lights on while investigating crime scenes. I sense a style-over-substance thing here, sod the viewers  :facepalm:


(Nice to see that Emily RattyKowski has found her niche - playing pathetic needy half-naked teenager. She may never need to dance naked in a pop video again - you Go Girl!)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 January, 2018, 05:32:19 pm
Spiderman: Homecoming. I'd avoided this on the basis of does the world need yet another Spiderman movie, but it was 99p on the magic box so what the hell.

It turned out to be the best one by far. Only gripe was Marisa Tomei as Aunt May. Come on. Mind you I just checked and it seems we're both getting older.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 01 January, 2018, 07:32:36 pm
Spiderman: Homecoming. I'd avoided this on the basis of does the world need yet another Spiderman movie, but it was 99p on the magic box so what the hell.

It turned out to be the best one by far. Only gripe was Marisa Tomei as Aunt May. Come on. Mind you I just checked and it seems we're both getting older.

Actually, I quite liked Marisa Tomei as the aunt, rather than the cliched old biddy of most other versions.  I was more offended by Tom Holland, a 20 year old man, playing a 14 year old.  That seemed unnecessary, when there are plenty of younger capable actors about.

You could believe the degree of stupidity shown by Spiderman, in a 14 year old, but the actor just seemed too old to be quite that thick.

(Oh, and Happy Hogan should have been sacked by Tony Stark, several times).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2018, 07:44:31 am
Diva. Still good after 36 years. Reminds me a bit of the workie who read Shakespeare for the first time at night school - "full of clichés, innit?" - for a lot of its devices were copied later. It also has one of those "toddle round the Tuiléries to mood music" interludes, an earlier cliché that has since died out. Bloody good film, though.

One nice wee thing: that bit in The Matrix where the wee spoon-bender says "there is no spoon..." mirrors the spiel of the Rasta in Diva when he makes a sandwich.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2018, 09:51:15 am
Je n'aime pas les parkings!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 January, 2018, 10:06:05 am
Spiderman: Homecoming. I'd avoided this on the basis of does the world need yet another Spiderman movie, but it was 99p on the magic box so what the hell.

It turned out to be the best one by far. Only gripe was Marisa Tomei as Aunt May. Come on. Mind you I just checked and it seems we're both getting older.

Actually, I quite liked Marisa Tomei as the aunt, rather than the cliched old biddy of most other versions.  I was more offended by Tom Holland, a 20 year old man, playing a 14 year old.  That seemed unnecessary, when there are plenty of younger capable actors about.

You could believe the degree of stupidity shown by Spiderman, in a 14 year old, but the actor just seemed too old to be quite that thick.

(Oh, and Happy Hogan should have been sacked by Tony Stark, several times).

I dunno, most large organizations I've worked for seem to be staffed, in a large part, with Happy Hogans. It's reassuring that Stark Industries isn't that different.

I'm used to the fact that American teens all look like they're in their mid-twenties. I had just assumed it was from all the cow growth hormones they consume in their USDA prime beef and the fact they think bacon is a vitamin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 January, 2018, 01:41:48 pm
I'm used to the fact that American teens all look like they're in their mid-twenties.

It's not so much suspension of disbelief as something you come to expect through prolonged exposure.  Like the ridiculous portrayals of mundane computer things in anything made before about 2005 or so.


Quote
I had just assumed it was from all the cow growth hormones they consume in their USDA prime beef and the fact they think bacon is a vitamin.

I dunno, the cast of the average show on The CW tend to look like they'd benefit from a bit more lard consumption.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2018, 01:52:25 pm
Je n'aime pas les parkings!

T'aimes pas grand'chose, toi!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 02 January, 2018, 02:55:08 pm
I'm used to the fact that American teens all look like they're in their mid-twenties.

It's not so much suspension of disbelief as something you come to expect through prolonged exposure.  Like the ridiculous portrayals of mundane computer things in anything made before about 2005 or so.

If you're having a pop at Back to the Future or War Games, there will be trouble  >:(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2018, 03:24:06 pm
Beauty and the Beast

The latest film version.   I'll say up front its not my kind of film , but dear God it was awful.

I have no interest in the current spate of live-action/CGI remakes of Disney classics but I watched the Jungle Book remake against my better judgment. It was pretty dreadful.

However, as for Beauty & The Beast, I'm a big fan of the original* so I thought I'd have a little look at it, and to be honest, it's not nearly as bad as I was expecting. The songs are still great, even with Emma Watson's voice autotuned to within an inch of its life, and they seem to have done a decent enough job of the big set pieces. I quite like the chap playing Gaston too.

Didn't watch it all the way through, just skimmed through about the first hour of it, but I might actually go back and watch it properly some time.



*The Jean Cocteau version, obviously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 02 January, 2018, 03:32:19 pm
En man som heter Ove

A feel good film with suicide attempts. A Swedish comedy in other words.

As per title the story of "A Man Called Ove", which gently introduces him as an elderly curmudgeon and then unwraps his more kindhearted nature.  You can pretty much guess where the film is going after 20 minutes, but that didn't stop it being a jolly good watch. 

I missed it at the cinema, but it's worth catching if you have Virgin (its on pay-per-view at the moment).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 January, 2018, 04:24:23 pm
Main reason why Spectre is pants:

https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=spectre

in five minutes
the head of
the Joint Security Service
is going to walk
through that door,
and I've got to explain to him
how one of our agents decided to
potter off to Mexico, all on his own,
and cause
an international incident.


With all due respect, sir,
it could've been worse.


Worse? You blew up
half a bloody block.


Well, better half a block than
a whole stadium full of people.


You had no authority.
None.


Then M says:

"you are officially grounded."

Cos senior civil servants speak like American teenagers. "Grounded". Pfffffftt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 January, 2018, 04:30:42 pm
That exchange could be dear old Gordon Jackson in an old The Professionals episode.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2018, 04:48:43 pm
"Gated" would suit better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 January, 2018, 05:09:04 pm
Rusticated
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 January, 2018, 05:40:45 pm
En man som heter Ove

A feel good film with suicide attempts. A Swedish comedy in other words.

As per title the story of "A Man Called Ove", which gently introduces him as an elderly curmudgeon and then unwraps his more kindhearted nature.  You can pretty much guess where the film is going after 20 minutes, but that didn't stop it being a jolly good watch. 

I missed it at the cinema, but it's worth catching if you have Virgin (its on pay-per-view at the moment).

It's "free" on Amazon Prime Video (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Called-Ove-Rolf-Lassgård/dp/B073ZKV9SV/), too. :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 02 January, 2018, 08:18:22 pm
Independence Day: Resurgence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbduDRH2m2M)

After all the clamour from the critics, about how bad it was, I think that was a little unfair.  It's pretty much what you'd expect from a sequel to Independence Day, lots of aliens, spacecraft dog-fighting, massive spaceships, some cheesie lines, and a fair amount of silliness.  It's very much on a par with the original.

Yes, the last scene was clearly an attempt to lead into Independence Day 3, but there's nothing particularly bad about that.  If you wanted a work of great cinematographic significance, then it's not going to be for you, but I doubt anyone expected that!  As far as shot-em-up space movies go, it does exactly what it says on the bottle.

I also bought a copy on eBay, for far less than the current "normal" cost, so I think I got value for money. :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 02 January, 2018, 09:49:50 pm


I have no interest in the current spate of live-action/CGI remakes of Disney classics but I watched the Jungle Book remake against my better judgment. It was pretty dreadful.


Granted, I had very low expectations and the original Jungle Book is one of my favourite Disney movies, but despite wanting to hate it, I thought the remake was amazing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2018, 10:16:57 pm


I have no interest in the current spate of live-action/CGI remakes of Disney classics but I watched the Jungle Book remake against my better judgment. It was pretty dreadful.


Granted, I had very low expectations and the original Jungle Book is one of my favourite Disney movies, but despite wanting to hate it, I thought the remake was amazing.

The original is massively overrated - it manages two bona fide classic songs and there's some great voice acting, but the story is a garbled, incoherent mess, and the animation is nowhere near the best of Disney. I know I'm in a minority with this view.

The remake is too earnest, lacking in humour, and doesn't even have the songs (well, it has bits of them but doesn't do them justice). It amounts to little more than an exercise in showing off what is possible with modern CGI technology. Again, I know I'm in a minority with this view.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 January, 2018, 10:22:05 pm
I agree with that synopsis of the original.  It's notable that extracts of the two good songs were a wet bank holiday staple when I was a kid, yet you rarely saw the whole thing.

I haven't seen the remake.  I've heard that stupendous amounts of work went into the animation, and it shows, but I'm not sure that's a good enough reason to watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 02 January, 2018, 11:31:41 pm
Diva. Still good after 36 years. Reminds me a bit of the workie who read Shakespeare for the first time at night school - "full of clichés, innit?" - for a lot of its devices were copied later. It also has one of those "toddle round the Tuiléries to mood music" interludes, an earlier cliché that has since died out. Bloody good film, though.

One nice wee thing: that bit in The Matrix where the wee spoon-bender says "there is no spoon..." mirrors the spiel of the Rasta in Diva when he makes a sandwich.


 :-D   Zen in the art of buttering bread.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 January, 2018, 08:57:58 am
The Jungle Book was the first ever movie I saw at the cinema.

Or half of it, no one had told us about intermissions (a thing back then) so we all went home, mildly puzzled yet euphoric through the amount of Kia-Ora we'd drunk.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 January, 2018, 09:08:31 am
Haven't seen it, but without Satchmo I don't really want to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 03 January, 2018, 10:25:43 am
Haven't seen it, but without Satchmo I don't really want to.
? If you're thinking of 'I Wanna Be Like You', that was Louis Prima.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 January, 2018, 10:28:35 am
Another dream-bubble burst. :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 03 January, 2018, 10:41:12 am
Another dream-bubble burst. :(
Look at it this way: you are now a fan of Louis Prima, and you have his entirely wonderful back catalogue to discover :-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 January, 2018, 01:23:33 pm
Professor Larrington made the highly dubious claim the other day that The Jungle Book was the first film I ever saw at the cinema too.  I have no recollection of this and maintained that it was Arthur Penn's Bonnie And Clyde, even though this is 24-carat military-spec Lie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 January, 2018, 02:06:42 pm
The first film that I ever saw at the Drive In (no cinemas) was The AristoCats.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 January, 2018, 02:11:07 pm
Basil The Great Mouse Detective for me.  No regrets.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 03 January, 2018, 02:23:59 pm
Talking of drive-in movies, my concept of them has always been warm Californian nights under  the stars, siting in a '55 BelAir convertible with tray table on the window, burgers, popcorn, soda etc. a girl on your arm/lap/whatever (other stereotypes are available)...

We had occasion to take #1 son to a Xmas 'do'. Somewhere called 'Inflatable World' or similar in Trafford Park. Imagine my surprise to drive past one of the Man Utd (a sportsball team m'lud) overflow car parks and discover it was a 'drive-in'. Illusion totally shattered. Going to the cinema is something I have long considered THTD, noisy people on phones, rustling sweetie bags, slurping fizzy drinks - the whole bit. So imagine having to sit there in your car, with a duvet jacket on, with the engine running, on a rainy December night, on an industrial estate in Manchester. All the atmosphere of a visit to Belsen without the entertainment value...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 January, 2018, 02:43:55 pm
Talking of drive-in movies, my concept of them has always been warm Californian nights under  the stars, siting in a '55 BelAir convertible with tray table on the window, burgers, popcorn, soda etc. a girl on your arm/lap/whatever (other stereotypes are available)...

Mine comes straight from The Flintstones.

Either way, Manchester in December doesn't qualify.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 January, 2018, 03:02:34 pm
Talking of drive-in movies, my concept of them has always been warm Californian nights under  the stars, siting in a '55 BelAir convertible with tray table on the window, burgers, popcorn, soda etc. a girl on your arm/lap/whatever (other stereotypes are available)...

We had occasion to take #1 son to a Xmas 'do'. Somewhere called 'Inflatable World' or similar in Trafford Park. Imagine my surprise to drive past one of the Man Utd (a sportsball team m'lud) overflow car parks and discover it was a 'drive-in'. Illusion totally shattered. Going to the cinema is something I have long considered THTD, noisy people on phones, rustling sweetie bags, slurping fizzy drinks - the whole bit. So imagine having to sit there in your car, with a duvet jacket on, with the engine running, on a rainy December night, on an industrial estate in Manchester. All the atmosphere of a visit to Belsen without the entertainment value...

Reality

Entering the Drive in, there is a long queue of cars. If it is a popular film, they search the cars with torches. Maybe make you open the boot, in case you are smuggling some people in the boot.

Then you enter something that is a supermarket car park made of asphalt moguls. There follows 5-6min of reverse 6" forward 4", back 6", until everyone claims they can't see the screen.
You wind your driver-side window down and get a speaker the size of a toaster. This hooks over your window, hanging on the inside. It is mono with a volume control. People in the back can barely hear, the driver has it 6" from their ear.
Someone gets greasy snaks from the concession stand in the middle of the drive in. Teenagers too young to drive go to a room above the concession stand, lie down on mattresses to watch the film (through a window that has long since had the glass smashed out) and molest each other.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 03 January, 2018, 03:08:03 pm
So just as crap as a 'real cinema' then. Ho hum...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 03 January, 2018, 03:24:00 pm
So just as crap as a 'real cinema' then. Ho hum...

Well, it does sound a bit shit, especially compared with Monday morning at Vue, where the latest and greatest can be seen for £3.99 plus the cost of a bag of snack from Wilkos round the corner, and you get an entire 50-foot screen (usually a Sony 4K, so not bad, but not great) to yourself.  Possibly the only good feature of shift work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 January, 2018, 03:26:52 pm
Being smuggled into the drive-in, in the boot; that was quite exciting when I was 5.

We thought it a big experience.

Mind you, we didn't have a TV at home.
We didn't have electricity for some years.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 03 January, 2018, 03:58:24 pm
I quite enjoyed drive-in movies as a kid and young driver. The wired mono speaker got replaced by an FM radio broadcast that meant surround sound on decent speakers. A warm summer evening classic movie double feature is pretty hard to beat. Sitting on the bonnet with some wine and cheese or cuddled up in the back seat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 January, 2018, 05:28:31 pm
Talking of drive-in movies, my concept of them has always been warm Californian nights under  the stars, siting in a '55 BelAir convertible with tray table on the window, burgers, popcorn, soda etc. a girl on your arm/lap/whatever (other stereotypes are available)...

We had occasion to take #1 son to a Xmas 'do'. Somewhere called 'Inflatable World' or similar in Trafford Park. Imagine my surprise to drive past one of the Man Utd (a sportsball team m'lud) overflow car parks and discover it was a 'drive-in'. Illusion totally shattered. Going to the cinema is something I have long considered THTD, noisy people on phones, rustling sweetie bags, slurping fizzy drinks - the whole bit. So imagine having to sit there in your car, with a duvet jacket on, with the engine running, on a rainy December night, on an industrial estate in Manchester. All the atmosphere of a visit to Belsen without the entertainment value...


You want to try Auschwitz-Birkenau (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/27/auschwitz-short-history-liberation-concentration-camp-holocaust)...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 03 January, 2018, 07:37:16 pm
I was trying to avoid the obvious stereotype . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 January, 2018, 05:51:17 pm
Kong: Skull Island

To borrow someone else's review:
Kong: Skull Island Much better than I expected!. Very good VFX. Great design and a not totally terrible story for a monster movie.  Not saying that it's good, but it isn't terrible

That pretty much sums it up for me. I enjoyed it a hell of a lot more than the Peter Jackson bore-fest of several years ago. Clearly owes a debt to Apocalypse Now, but this is no bad thing. John Goodman is great. Tom Hiddleston does his matinee idol thing. Samuel L Jackson does his Samuel L Jackson thing. The monsters are big and scary. Not everyone makes it out alive. What more could you ask for?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 January, 2018, 06:25:06 pm
I think it was always a plan for a monster franchise. I never liked King Kong though, he's just a stupid over-sized monkey and I never understood how he could fight Godzilla, KK has to climb a building, Godzilla merely stomps them. King Ghidorah and Rodan are awesome though and always up for a fight. Do not spill their pints.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 January, 2018, 06:53:31 pm
I haven't seen the 2014 version of Godzilla so I don't know how the pair match up to each other in this universe. I think this Kong is somewhat bigger than Peter Jackson's version though. In the classic Toho Kong vs Godzilla, they're roughly the same size. Monster movies are rarely consistent with scale though - I'm sure Kong changes size a few times in Skull Island (this is not a criticism).

While we're on the monster theme, there's another Cloverfield movie due out sometime soon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 January, 2018, 08:20:15 pm
I really enjoyed Cloverfield, probably my favourite monster movie.

Godzilla was OK, it started out strong with Bryan Cranston and Juliette Binoche but then discovers that they are sickeningly old people so switches everything to a duo of identikit Hollywood twenty-somethings with all the personality of discarded plastic bags. And Godzilla didn't even eat them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 06 January, 2018, 08:21:57 am
And Godzilla didn't even eat them.

Spoilers!! I don't need to watch it now
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 January, 2018, 08:32:56 am
I really enjoyed Cloverfield, probably my favourite monster movie.

I really don't enjoy monster movies, but Cloverfield was rather good! It seems to have sunk (almost) without trace in the movie world. Odd - there are MUCH worse films that get a lot more hype. I saw it by accident on the telly years after release.

(I suspect it wouldn't exist if it hadn't been for Blair Witch ... )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 January, 2018, 10:58:35 am
Blackfish.  Excellent. Interesting to compare CNN's portrayal with the Wikipedia entry for the same events.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 January, 2018, 11:13:25 am
Logan

Good. Decent story, and not too much of the turgid navel-gazing that afflicts so many superhero films these days. Also extraordinarily, stomach-churningly violent.

There’s a nice moment where Xavier ticks off Logan for swearing in front of the kid, which I took to be a wry comment on Hollywood’s squeamishness about naughty words that seems especially odd when you consider its relish for large-scale grisly slaughter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 06 January, 2018, 11:20:50 am
I really enjoyed Cloverfield, probably my favourite monster movie.

I really don't enjoy monster movies, but Cloverfield was rather good!

10 Cloverfield Lane is great too, though not a monster movie. Looking forward to the new one, which apparently moves the action to space. Expecting to see many nods to Alien.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 January, 2018, 03:48:44 pm
Logan

Good. Decent story, and not too much of the turgid navel-gazing that afflicts so many superhero films these days. Also extraordinarily, stomach-churningly violent.

There’s a nice moment where Xavier ticks off Logan for swearing in front of the kid, which I took to be a wry comment on Hollywood’s squeamishness about naughty words that seems especially odd when you consider its relish for large-scale grisly slaughter.


Quote
Colonel Kurtz: We train young men to drop fire on people, but their commanders won't allow them to write "fuck" on their airplanes because it's obscene!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 January, 2018, 06:51:46 pm
Maleficent.

Quite dull, but Angelina Jolie is so beautiful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 January, 2018, 07:01:28 pm
I really enjoyed Cloverfield, probably my favourite monster movie.

I really don't enjoy monster movies, but Cloverfield was rather good!

10 Cloverfield Lane is great too, though not a monster movie. Looking forward to the new one, which apparently moves the action to space. Expecting to see many nods to Alien.

Yes, I really enjoyed that too. John Goodman doing what he really does best. Some folks complained about the ending, but I thought it was perfect. It helped, as with Cloverfield, by going to cinema with no idea about the movie. These days it's hard to encounter a film without knowing the a-to-z of the plot.

I did watch Monsters the other day, which I've seen before, but remains quite good considering the budget (I see what you did there with the octopuses). Not really a monster film per se. Don't watch the sequel though, it's just an awful, cynical attempt to cash in.

I also rewatched Rogue One on the back of seeing the latest SW at the movies. Rogue One really is a lot better for being a bit darker, having a stronger plot, and to be honest I thought a better cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 January, 2018, 09:20:46 pm
I did watch Monsters the other day, which I've seen before, but remains quite good considering the budget (I see what you did there with the octopuses). Not really a monster film per se. Don't watch the sequel though, it's just an awful, cynical attempt to cash in.

I also rewatched Rogue One on the back of seeing the latest SW at the movies. Rogue One really is a lot better for being a bit darker, having a stronger plot, and to be honest I thought a better cast.

Of course, Monsters and Rogue One were both directed by Gareth Edwards, as was the 2014 Godzilla. The Monsters sequel and The Last Jedi were not. He's involved with Godzilla: King of the Monsters too, but only as a producer, which is a shame.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 January, 2018, 10:39:27 pm
So we went to see The Very Last Jedi Ever Ever Ever.

Highlights: The thing that Laura Dern's character did. And the mashup of trailers with rock/punk classics playing in the lobby. As we came out, the screens were showing the Ferdinand trailer (some sort ofcartoon about the adventures of a young bull), but the PA was playing Pretty Vacant - a winning combo, which Disney should seriously consider as a model for future trailers.


Oh Yeah, the review; I give TVLJEEE 5/10 as a film, but 7/10 as a film to see in a decent sized cinema. There was at least an hour of dross that could be cut out, but enough nice bits to earn our cash.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 07 January, 2018, 11:11:45 pm
Oh, and why didnt anyone tell me about Downsizing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCrBICYM0yM)? What a cracking idea! And sonmehow casting Matt Damon just makes the whole concept more hilarious. It can't possibly live upto expectatins, but the trailer really made me smile :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 07 January, 2018, 11:17:51 pm
Dunkirk

Well that was an experience. I knew that it had critical acclaim and also its detractors.

I felt that it was a very good paper thin way of looking at Dunkirk, paper thin because we were only actually looking at a very thin part of the event. I imagined that was what the director actually wanted, and not for us to say what a low budget he must have had.

The soundscape was extraordinary, and I think worked very well. Some gritty realism, and the odd flight of (unpowered) fancy.

Will have to watch again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 January, 2018, 10:16:13 am
I really enjoyed Cloverfield, probably my favourite monster movie.

I really don't enjoy monster movies, but Cloverfield was rather good! It seems to have sunk (almost) without trace in the movie world. Odd - there are MUCH worse films that get a lot more hype. I saw it by accident on the telly years after release.

(I suspect it wouldn't exist if it hadn't been for Blair Witch ... )

Maybe, but I’m not so sure.

Blair Witch wasn’t the first found footage film* and I doubt it will be the last, because as you probably know, it’s a good way of making a relatively cheap film while explaining why it’s made that way.


*Apparently Cannibal Holocaust has the honour of being the first found footage film although my personal favourite is 84 Charlie Mopic, a film about a cameraman following a Long Range Recon Patrol during the Vietnam War (for nested movie references I feel pretty sure that the writer of that film based it at least in part on the film Sea of Sand).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 January, 2018, 10:51:13 am
(I suspect it wouldn't exist if it hadn't been for Blair Witch ... )

Maybe, but I’m not so sure.

Blair Witch wasn’t the first found footage film* and I doubt it will be the last, because as you probably know, it’s a good way of making a relatively cheap film while explaining why it’s made that way.

The technique is used to particularly good effect in Cloverfield - especially with the touching pay-off at the end, which works well even if it is signposted well in advance.

Never seen Cannibal Holocaust, only know it by reputation. For some reason, I've never come across it in the TV listings...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 January, 2018, 01:33:33 pm
I really like Cloverfield - watched it 3 times (so far).  Only bit I found hokey was that

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 January, 2018, 01:51:39 pm
It is a film that requires a fair amount of suspension of disbelief. See also:

(click to show/hide)

Just to change tack completely, I'm v.excited to have booked tickets to see Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri on Friday - a new Martin McDonagh film starring Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. That's already ticking a lot of boxes before even sitting down to watch it. Hope it lives up to expectations - early reviews are promising.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 January, 2018, 01:58:52 pm
Just to change tack completely, I'm v.excited to have booked tickets to see Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri on Friday - a new Martin McDonagh film starring Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. That's already ticking a lot of boxes before even sitting down to watch it. Hope it lives up to expectations - early reviews are promising.

I just watched the trailer - Frances McD. is great, but at one point she looks like Christopher Walken.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 January, 2018, 05:07:09 pm
at one point she looks like Christopher Walken.

Is this a bad thing?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 08 January, 2018, 05:49:28 pm
Son of Saul

A Hungarian Jew, working in the Gas Chambers of a Concentration Camp, trying to perform a simple act of humanity in a place devoid of any.

It's an incredible film but be prepared for a draining experience.

It's filmed almost entirely as a closeup of Saul, so you can just catch glimpses of the day-to-day horror taking place around him.




Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 11 January, 2018, 11:17:33 pm
In Liam Neeson's The Commuter a bloke on the train pointing to an empty seat next to Neeson says "Is this taken?" "Pretty much," Neeson says. "But it pays the bills."

(Ian Hyland)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 12 January, 2018, 09:10:57 am
In Liam Neeson's The Commuter a bloke on the train pointing to an empty seat next to Neeson says "Is this taken?" "Pretty much," Neeson says. "But it pays the bills."

(Ian Hyland)

Superb.  I'm going to be telling that joke non-stop.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 January, 2018, 10:28:27 am
In Liam Neeson's The Commuter a bloke on the train pointing to an empty seat next to Neeson says "Is this taken?" "Pretty much," Neeson says. "But it pays the bills."

(Ian Hyland)

Superb.  I'm going to be telling that joke non-stop.
I like what you did there. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2024469/)


(I haven't actually seen ANY Liam Neeson action movies - except the Star wars one? - but I hear so much about them, and of course you can't avoid the trailers; he seems to have become an industry joke. )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 January, 2018, 11:46:10 am
In Liam Neeson's The Commuter a bloke on the train pointing to an empty seat next to Neeson says "Is this taken?" "Pretty much," Neeson says. "But it pays the bills."

(Ian Hyland)

Superb.  I'm going to be telling that joke non-stop.
I like what you did there. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2024469/)


(I haven't actually seen ANY Liam Neeson action movies - except the Star wars one? - but I hear so much about them, and of course you can't avoid the trailers; he seems to have become an industry joke. )
'Taken' isn't a bad film. If only it had stopped there.
There was a sequel. Then "lets make more films with basically the identical character". He was just yawning 'Taken' in front of the camera for the paycheck.
That is what created the industry joke.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 January, 2018, 12:11:30 pm
To be fair, Neeson himself isn't to blame for Hollywood's lack of imagination. And if I were in his position, I would have no qualms about taking their money for old rope.

The original Taken is really good. Totally preposterous but highly enjoyable. I've never felt any inclination to watch the sequels (or any of the generic Taken-alike Neeson vehicles).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 January, 2018, 12:22:30 pm
I confess I like them all. Liam is probably not a man to pick a fight with. He's wiped out the entire Albanian criminal community. I suspect his latest commute doesn't involve a signal failure outside East Croydon and a group of kids listening to grime on their phones without bloody headphones. Yes, that would be a fine use for Liam's very particular skills.

The thing I really like is that he knows he's just keeping the swimming pool hot and avgas in the helicopter. I think when he was interviewed for Taken 3 he commented along the lines of 'Once is terrible, twice awful, but losing your family for a third time is just bad parenting,' or words to that effect.

(I think he had a ten movie deal or somesuch with Canal to make all these action movies.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 January, 2018, 12:35:44 pm
at one point she looks like Christopher Walken.

Is this a bad thing?

Couldn't say. Maybe we could ask Walken.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 January, 2018, 12:40:35 pm
I confess I like them all. Liam is probably not a man to pick a fight with. He's wiped out the entire Albanian criminal community. I suspect his latest commute doesn't involve a signal failure outside East Croydon and a group of kids listening to grime on their phones without bloody headphones. Yes, that would be a fine use for Liam's very particular skills.

The thing I really like is that he knows he's just keeping the swimming pool hot and avgas in the helicopter. I think when he was interviewed for Taken 3 he commented along the lines of 'Once is terrible, twice awful, but losing your family for a third time is just bad parenting,' or words to that effect.

(I think he had a ten movie deal or somesuch with Canal to make all these action movies.)

I'm sure you're right. He's on about $2million per movie for these things - that must keep your pool hot for a loooong retirement...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 12 January, 2018, 01:30:09 pm
Quote
I confess I like them all.

When Maggie Grace is threatened with kidnap in Istanbul her old man tells her to lob hand grenades into the street so he can locate her with his specially-trained ears. "THE AMERICAN IS SAFE!" Neeson yelled as he stepped over the bodies of the Turks blown up by his daughter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 January, 2018, 01:36:19 pm
To be fair, as it's a mostly French production, I think they may be taking the piss somewhat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 January, 2018, 02:10:42 pm
Amazing how easy it is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 12 January, 2018, 03:05:32 pm
To be fair, as it's a mostly French production, I think they may be taking the piss somewhat.

The first one (as well as being a cracking action film) is a wonderful parody of Hollywood action films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 January, 2018, 09:52:56 pm
Just to change tack completely, I'm v.excited to have booked tickets to see Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri on Friday - a new Martin McDonagh film starring Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. That's already ticking a lot of boxes before even sitting down to watch it. Hope it lives up to expectations - early reviews are promising.

It's good. Very good. There are a few plot twists that made my heart sink, but they turned out to be false leads, so I think that's OK, but I'm not entirely sure. There are also a few plot twists that completely blindside you in a good way, and it's satisfying that some of the characters turn out to be a lot more complex than they initially appear to be. Although not necessarily in a good way. Basically, there are a lot of plot twists.

Superb script, lots of brilliant lines - albeit not quite in the same instantly quotable way as In Bruges. I particularly liked the way that a great deal of scene-setting is achieved in the first five minutes without resorting to Basil Exposition. A less skilled dramatist might resort to overuse of flashback to tell a story like this, but here there's only one short flashback scene, which comes about halfway through, and it's literally breathtaking. I can't say any more than that without spoilers so I won't. One thing I will say is that based on the evidence of the film, I'm guessing Martin McDonagh doesn't have a very high opinion of dentists.

Some unevenness and inconsistencies - I do like bit of tonal dissonance but I don't feel it always worked in this. For example, there's a nice bit of diegetic Abba, but it's used for a cheap laugh and is, I feel, the wrong choice for that particular moment. In Bruges uses the same dissonance technique (eg "the alcoves in the Koningin Astrid park") but does it seamlessly. It's definitely not seamless here. (see: Mood Whiplash (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MoodWhiplash))

Lots of absolutely fantastic moments too though, some real belly laughs and some bits that may well have you in tears. Frances McDormand is superb. As is Sam Rockwell. Those two performances really lift the film to a higher level overall than it might have achieved otherwise. Generally excellent acting all round, tbh.

Also a superb soundtrack - excellent song choices and lovely original music too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 12 January, 2018, 09:55:45 pm
Liam Neeson went up so high in my estimation for this self-parody...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2USXEJuvXT4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2USXEJuvXT4)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 January, 2018, 01:18:11 pm
Mudbound on NF.  Mississippi, mud, racial hatred, mud, farming, mud, WW2, mud, brotherly strife, mud, rain, mud, KKK, mud. Good but somewhat predictable and depressing. With added mud.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 14 January, 2018, 01:27:05 pm
The Ottoman Lieutenant

Don't be fooled by the high imdb rating, like I was, this is a pile of shite. God knows why Sir Ben agreed to do it, though to be fair he didn't put any effort into it, and neither did the other actors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 January, 2018, 01:38:21 pm
La la land

That's 2 hrs of my life I won't get back

Great cinematography. Perfect lighting.

Utterly boring scenes. Boring story. Boring characters. Couldn't care less for any of them.
The fabled starting sequence is tedious. Boring dance sequence. Go watch something like Hello Dolly to see it done well. A good dance sequence tells a story.
I like musicals. This one was tedious.

Can't believe people thought this was an oscar-winner. Manchester by the sea, Moonlight; those are great films. La La Land is tedious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 14 January, 2018, 02:19:36 pm
Three Billboards  Nothing much to add to what Citoyen said. Very good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 14 January, 2018, 02:28:52 pm
Baby Driver

I quite enjoyed this - interesting premise, but got a bit laboured towards the end with the Terminator-like villain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 January, 2018, 01:26:28 pm
Three Billboards  Nothing much to add to what Citoyen said. Very good film.

Not much to add from here either - very much enjoyed it. I had less of an issue with the ABBA inclusion.

Been really looking forward to this as I'm a big fan of the writer/director's previous films (and for the ones his brother has made - at least one of which he worked on).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 15 January, 2018, 07:05:24 pm
The Darkest Hour

Hmmm..  Underpinned by a bit of historical truth, mixed with dubious cliches and stereotypes and thoroughly undermined appropriately enough by the completely bogus episode on the underground.  The only good bit was that Clementine Churchill was given the credit she almost certainly deserves for stopping the undoubtedly Great Briton from going off the rails.  I'd love to see a film that included the sinister and mysterious Brendan Bracken, con man, minister of information and founder of the Financial Times.  His other much overlooked prop, Alan Brooke, came to the rescue later and thus is quite rightly ignored here.   The camera work and period atmosphere was excellent, helped by the authentically preserved war rooms.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 15 January, 2018, 08:56:26 pm
Colossal

A very silly premise for a film, based on a very weak pun (a monster in your Seoul).

Despite that, it could have worked if the characters had a bit more depth and the script had developed a bit more intelligently.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 15 January, 2018, 09:08:50 pm
the undoubtedly Great Briton

Maybe this isn't the place for it, but there are two films out at the moment about Churchill, with straplines about the Greatest Briton. But was he though? Or was he a dangerous racist who caused the genocide of 3 million Indians and was on a mission to "keep Britain white"? This is a genuine question, I am not sure about watching either of the films as I know very little about either side of the debate. What do our resident historians think? Answers maybe in a new thread if not appropriate here.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 15 January, 2018, 09:44:50 pm
Three Billboards  Nothing much to add to what Citoyen said. Very good film.

Not much to add from here either - very much enjoyed it. I had less of an issue with the ABBA inclusion.

Been really looking forward to this as I'm a big fan of the writer/director's previous films (and for the ones his brother has made - at least one of which he worked on).
Thumbs up from me too. A thoroughly enjoyable film. Funny thing though - as we were discussing it, my wife mentioned a pet tortoise, and I missed that completely!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 January, 2018, 11:41:53 am
The foreigner

Not your usual Jackie Channel, limited kung-fu fu.

Simple, fine action movie. Very thinly veiled Gerry Adams character (you get the feeling Jackie Channel doesn't like Adams).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 20 January, 2018, 07:44:42 pm
Coco - rather good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 January, 2018, 08:17:10 pm
Dante's Peak. Volcano old school disasteroo. Brosnan proves it's still possible to outrun a volcanic eruption in a pickup truck. He's pretty handsome though.

The Sixth Day. Ye olde Arnie caper. Terrible, terrible acting yet somehow strangely alluring.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 January, 2018, 12:07:54 am
Idiocracy.

Hmmm. I know it is a comic caper but........
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 21 January, 2018, 03:07:52 pm
Bright, a made for Netflix thing with Will Smith.

Basic premise is modern day middle-earth, 2000 years after the run-in with you know who.

Will Smith did insist on being Will Smith but overall it was played reasonably straight and not a bad effort for those who like this sort of hokum. :)

(https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/image/2018/1/4/0ac69d16-5204-41a9-996b-6a84a35fc157-screen-shot-2018-01-04-at-13742-pm.png)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 January, 2018, 10:00:39 pm
I found Bright a bit meh. And wasn't there the same film with a human cop and an alien partner some years back ("YES!" screams Google, "and will people stop fucking asking me this.")
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 22 January, 2018, 07:39:50 am
I thought the premise of Bright was decent, but they struggled to carry it through and it kinda just washed out. Lots of material, though and they have confirmed a sequel.

Meanwhile I'm now watching Guy Ritchies "King Arthur" and I can see why it flopped so badly. Action sequences are decent, but man, this thing is a mess.
It has absolutely no idea what it wants to be.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 22 January, 2018, 07:52:43 am
Three Billboards  Nothing much to add to what Citoyen said. Very good film.

Not much to add from here either - very much enjoyed it. I had less of an issue with the ABBA inclusion.



Having looked up diegetic and Basil Exposition, what he said and they said.

One of those films where the audience sits quietly through the end credits so as to avoid breaking the spell.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 January, 2018, 08:07:47 am
If... At 50 years' remove it still hath powers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 22 January, 2018, 10:48:52 am
The Grey

Spoiler alert…. A wolf expert is involved in a plane crash in Alaska.  He decides that he and the six survivors should head away from the plane to escape from the man eating wolves who live in the area…in deep cold and heavy snow…. Like HOW STUPID IS THAT!!!!

Of course, one by one they die: horribly. The end.

Frankly, one of the worse films I have seen in ages. Firstly, if your plane crashes DO NOT LEAVE IT. It will provide cover, be easier to find than a person walking in the snow as it will have a beacon and is likely to contain food and water. Also, it is likely to be easier to defend against wolves than wondering around the local forest like a large tin of Winnalot.  I suppose having seven people being killed makes a better film than watching seven people sitting around waiting to be found……. But not by much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 22 January, 2018, 11:19:35 am
"wandering around the local forest like a large tin of Winnalot"
Excellent
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 January, 2018, 11:35:43 am
If... At 50 years' remove it still hath powers.

One of my all-time favourites. Lost count of how many times I've seen it but it never loses its impact.

Also has the most stylish sex scene in any film ever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 22 January, 2018, 12:08:19 pm
Lindsay Anderson had wanted to film it at my alma mater...  Only seen it once - a great film but very much "of it's time".  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 22 January, 2018, 01:28:13 pm
Personal Shopper

I had high hopes for this film, given it received positive word of mouth.  Unfortunately it is rather mediocre, with Kirsten Stewart being a surly sort-of-paranormal who acts as personal shopper for a fashion model.  Kirsten may or may not be variously stalked, haunted, psychotic etc.  It's been done many times before and I doubt this is the last.

It did, however, lead to a general chat in my house about whether ectoplasm was real and lots of Googling to prove it one way or another.  We realised that a lot of the so-called pictures of ectoplasm looked like silk curtains being spewed from various orifices of 1920s psychics, which led to the conclusion that it would be good to have a pair of scissors in a ghost fight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 22 January, 2018, 01:37:52 pm
Zac and Miri Make a Porno -  because it was on the telly last night.

Mildly amusing premise but all the gags are obvious in the extreme as is the denouement.

The best bits are them trying to think up names for the sequels to the film they are filming.  Really its one idea stretched out into an entire film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 22 January, 2018, 02:59:16 pm
http://halftheroad.com A film about female professional cycling. It belaboured the main point a bit much but it was interesting to see how far backwards female racing has gone since the '80s and '90s. Nicole Cooke chatting and answering questions afterwards was the main draw for me but it was an enjoyable time hiding from the sleet and rain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 23 January, 2018, 10:26:48 am
If... At 50 years' remove it still hath powers.

One of my all-time favourites. Lost count of how many times I've seen it but it never loses its impact.

Also has the most stylish sex scene in any film ever.

..also 'O Lucky Man'.  Plus ca change!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 23 January, 2018, 01:20:53 pm
One of our number told me he saw If... and thought it was a documentary  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 January, 2018, 01:23:08 pm
I saw The Sting.  Yet again!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mark on 24 January, 2018, 05:17:04 pm
The Post, Steven Spielberg's film about the publishing of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 by the NY Times and the Washington Post. As the title suggests, most of the film revolves around the role played by the Washington Post and Katherine Graham.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 January, 2018, 12:32:04 am
Lucy I remember having mixed feelings about this when I first saw it and for the first half, I couldn't figure out why...then the second half started and it became obvious.

I do like Scarlett, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 26 January, 2018, 06:52:12 am
The Post, Steven Spielberg's film about the publishing of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 by the NY Times and the Washington Post. As the title suggests, most of the film revolves around the role played by the Washington Post and Katherine Graham.

Altho' in many ways it seemed as much about now than then.   An excellent film altho' I would also guess that an American would get more out of it than most Brits. 
Katherine Graham's rapid learning curve was very well portrayed, I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 January, 2018, 08:08:05 am
Quai des Orfèvres, a Parisian krimi that came out in the year of my birth. Back then Parisians still spoke at 400 syllables/minute, about four times faster than the English - following it took a bit of an effort.  A grimy little story revolving around variety theatre, a rising star, a lascivious ancient and a jealous husband, with a phlegmatic cop slowly picking them all apart. Some bloody wonderful singing, but no decent views of Paris, which we were hoping for.

ETA: The name  of Peter Seller's Inspector Clouseau could well be a nod to Henri-Georges Clouzot, who screen-wrote, produced & directed this film.  And the theatre used in the film looks very like the favourite theatre of Louis Jouvet, the male lead. It's now named for him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 January, 2018, 06:11:28 pm
Valerian and the whatever. Now that was a mess. Not sure why the leads where about ten years old and had all the acting ability of house bricks. It might have looked pretty on the big screen, but I only the benefits of a seat back screen.

The Dark Tower. I confess I never the books, so I mostly had no idea what was going on and it didn't really get around to telling me. I did sleep through the middle which didn't seem to cause any problems. Possibly I skipped some big exposé but I suspect not.

Alien: Covenant. Well, you know what I think, but for laughs. It's actually a movie that's worse the second time around, which I would have said previously wasn't possible. But it was. Mind you that little dancing alien that bursts out (if you remember those tedious dancing flowers, that's it) still raises a titter. I mean you went from the ultimate scary HR Giger xenomorphs in Alien to, erm, that. WTF.

The Hitman's Bodyguard. I quite enjoyed this. Samuel Jackson says 'motherfucker' a lot, and let's face, no one says 'motherfucker' quite as a well as SLJ.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 28 January, 2018, 08:12:00 pm
Birdman, was on the beeb last night.  How that never won an Oscar I have no idea, what a great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 January, 2018, 08:49:06 pm
Sleepless In Seattle

I've never seen it before but Mark Kermode recommended it as his TV movie of the week last week so I recorded it. Proper Sunday afternoon kind of film. I like Tom Hanks. I like Meg Ryan. And it's a good script.

One problem.

It's a quirk of the Sony Pictures channel that they break their film broadcasts into two parts, with a five-minute news thing in between, so if you're recording a film to watch later, you have to make sure you record both parts...

Oh well, I have a hunch I can guess how it ends.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 28 January, 2018, 09:29:23 pm
Sleepless In Seattle
Oh well, I have a hunch I can guess how it ends.

He falls asleep.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 January, 2018, 11:35:19 pm
He gets an email.

Oh, on reflection, that might be a different film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 January, 2018, 08:34:21 am
He gets an email.

Oh, on reflection, that might be a different film.

That was on ITV yesterday afternoon. After watching the first half of one film, I could have changed channel and watched the second half of a different film with the same leads.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 January, 2018, 09:41:12 am
Sleepless In Seattle
Oh well, I have a hunch I can guess how it ends.

He falls asleep.

Isn't that the one where Dustin Hoffman discovers a cure for insomnia?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 January, 2018, 09:47:26 am
Been watching "Homeland" on Netflix. Claire Danes' mugging is ludicrous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: menthel on 29 January, 2018, 01:03:35 pm
Lion. The wife was weeping, I mainly browsed the internet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 January, 2018, 01:23:09 pm
It says a lot about sumfink or other that when you Google "lion" the first page & a bit of results are about the film, Nicole Kidman, films about adoption, you name it. Panthera leo isn't mentioned until halfway down the second page.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 29 January, 2018, 10:00:12 pm
Recently back from the 'Last Jedi'. Didn't make yesterday's 'first cinema opening in Stornoway on the Sabbath' - it was sold out by the time I realised it was happening  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Feanor on 29 January, 2018, 10:04:09 pm
Down with that kind of thing!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 January, 2018, 11:29:38 pm
Recently back from the 'Last Jedi'. Didn't make yesterday's 'first cinema opening in Stornoway on the Sabbath' - it was sold out by the time I realised it was happening  :demon:

Bum. That’s a big fail  ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 30 January, 2018, 12:16:13 am
Recently back from the 'Last Jedi'. Didn't make yesterday's 'first cinema opening in Stornoway on the Sabbath' - it was sold out by the time I realised it was happening  :demon:

Bum. That’s a big fail  ;D ;D

Big fail - I could have worn my 'Atheist Army' T-shirt
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 04 February, 2018, 10:32:53 pm
Mountain

Documentary about being amongs mountains and the effect they have on humans. 

Despite the over reliance on tracking, aerial and time lapse shots, it was a very beautiful film.  Stunningly so in some parts.  The voiceover was a little earnest (to be expected given the words were written by the travel writer Robert MacFarlane, who has a very wordy style that I find overbearing) but the score was very well chosen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 05 February, 2018, 04:01:32 am
Mountain

Documentary about being amongs mountains and the effect they have on humans. 

Despite the over reliance on tracking, aerial and time lapse shots, it was a very beautiful film.  Stunningly so in some parts.  The voiceover was a little earnest (to be expected given the words were written by the travel writer Robert MacFarlane, who has a very wordy style that I find overbearing) but the score was very well chosen.

I shall have to watch that. Love being on the mountains and I would hate to move away from them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 February, 2018, 08:02:41 am
First episode of the latest Montalbano series.  It was like a cardboard replica of the earlier series: bloody awful direction, wooden acting, boring story about uninteresting people and terrible resolution, which at least had the merit of hiding the actors' wrinkles. I'm wondering if the missus got ripped off on Amazon. Bah.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 05 February, 2018, 04:58:01 pm
Elle or as I will call it, 50 Nuances de Grey.  I suspect it is a male rape fantasy film, given the complicit overtures that run through the film.  Powerful central performance, but a vaguely uncomfortable watch.

Weiner Documentary about a politician who tries to rehabilitate himself after a scandal (sharing dirty pics) but his human weakness gets in the way.  An excellent human story, highly recommended.

I also watched a Fench film called “Metamorphoses”.  You can thank me for saving my you the bother, as it was pretty poor.  Basically Ovid’s tales in a modern setting.  Aimed for depth but I found it shallow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 February, 2018, 01:24:17 pm
Den of Thieves

It reminded me somewhat of 'Heat' besides which in every way except the shoot-outs it was a pallid imitation.  A pity because hiding inside it was a not unclever idea struggling to communicate.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 February, 2018, 07:31:00 am
The Post, Steven Spielberg's film about the publishing of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 by the NY Times and the Washington Post. As the title suggests, most of the film revolves around the role played by the Washington Post and Katherine Graham.

Altho' in many ways it seemed as much about now than then.   An excellent film altho' I would also guess that an American would get more out of it than most Brits. 
Katherine Graham's rapid learning curve was very well portrayed, I thought.

While entertaining enough, I thought it felt rushed and overly targeted at the current US administration. Streep was borderline terrible and the fact that she got an oscar noms for this just undermines the Academy.
Unlike "All the Presidents Men", this movie will be culturally irrelevant in a couple of years.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 February, 2018, 08:17:56 am
Seven Psychopaths.  Not bad at all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 08 February, 2018, 09:36:36 am
The Post, Steven Spielberg's film about the publishing of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 by the NY Times and the Washington Post. As the title suggests, most of the film revolves around the role played by the Washington Post and Katherine Graham.

Altho' in many ways it seemed as much about now than then.   An excellent film altho' I would also guess that an American would get more out of it than most Brits. 
Katherine Graham's rapid learning curve was very well portrayed, I thought.

While entertaining enough, I thought it felt rushed and overly targeted at the current US administration. Streep was borderline terrible and the fact that she got an oscar noms for this just undermines the Academy.
Unlike "All the Presidents Men", this movie will be culturally irrelevant in a couple of years.

The Post Is a Perfectly Timed, Crackling Newspaper Movie — and a Meryl Streep Showcase (http://www.vulture.com/2017/12/the-post-is-a-perfectly-timed-crackling-newspaper-movie.html)

Quote
It isn’t necessary to know the circumstances under which the new Steven Spielberg–Meryl Streep–Tom Hanks journalism drama The Post was produced, but it makes the movie seem more immediate — more of a muckraker, and even more fun. The film came together very fast, while Spielberg was basically sitting around ... He was no doubt feeling especially useless — as many of us were — watching the brand-new Trump administration reject the media’s demonstrably true facts in favor of so-called “alternative facts” prompted by the commander-in-chief’s Il Duce–like need to be venerated — and, later, far removed from “the Russia thing.”..


Nixon, [is] seen in silhouette in the window of the Oval Office railing on the phone at his subordinates. His words are vulgar, gangster-ish, too outlandish to be credible — and straight from the Nixon tapes. (That’s Nixon’s voice.)
The thought of what’s being said in the Oval Office at this very moment is enough to thank God — and Spielberg — for The Post.

Critix!  Waddatheykno?  ;)

But yeah, hopefully it will have served its purpose .. when? Couldn't be soon enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 February, 2018, 12:40:23 pm
Trump's only been in office a year - can Hollywood actually make a movie (from script-to-premiere) that quickly these days??

(I don't usually watch this sort of thing, but I've never *not* enjoyed a Hanks movie, so I'm sure I'll watch it one day :) )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 February, 2018, 01:35:01 pm
Murder in the first (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_in_the_First_(film)), a film set in the late 30's about an inmate of Alcatraz and his trial for a prison murder. Looseley based on fact.

I enjoyed it. Kevin Bacon plays a good unhinged inmate. Gary Oldman at his bad guy bets. Christian Slater? Has been better. R Lee Ermey as a judge? How can he tell numbnuts to get their shit together if he is The Honorable.... ?  ;D

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 February, 2018, 01:37:37 pm
^^^Watched that a good while ago. It was OK, but then I read what had really happened and it lost a lot of its appeal.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 February, 2018, 09:03:22 am
Trump's only been in office a year - can Hollywood actually make a movie (from script-to-premiere) that quickly these days??

(I don't usually watch this sort of thing, but I've never *not* enjoyed a Hanks movie, so I'm sure I'll watch it one day :) )


 
Quote
Hannah, who’s 31, had written a screenplay on spec called The Post, about Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham and executive editor Ben Bradlee and their 1971 decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, the leaked government documents about secret escalations during the Vietnam War. Hannah never expected the movie to get made. It was “a script about two people in their 50s in which no one kisses each other,” she says. She merely hoped it would entice an agent to sign her. She polished the screenplay in the fall of 2016 and crossed her fingers.
..
Even more unusual is the call Hannah received a few months later when Pascal told her Steven Spielberg was interested in directing — and that they were aiming to release the film this December, in time for awards consideration. “It’s the weirdest phone call you can receive. Steven … Spielberg?”

http://www.vulture.com/2017/12/liz-hannah-the-post-pentagon-papers-script.html
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 February, 2018, 12:05:10 pm
Thirteen Hours: The Secret Soldiersof Benghazi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Hours:_The_Secret_Soldiers_of_Benghazi)

A Michael Bay film based around the attack on 11th/12th September 2012 on the US Diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya and a covert CIA compound in the same city.

Lots of pyro and lots of warrior sentiment. Also, even if only half accurate, a damning example of the most powerful nation in the worlds ability to completely fuck up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 February, 2018, 08:08:11 pm
Winchester.  Why?  Well no, maybe not 'why' but how.  How did they make such a pig's ear out of an intriguing true story?

Do yourself a favour and don't bother. Watch 'Sixth Sense', again instead.  So what if you know the ending?  It's tons better anyway.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Monty on 10 February, 2018, 10:44:29 am
Early Man.

The Aardman thing. Errr...if you take the kids with you, and they like football...it'll help. Two grown-ups going was to be honest a bit of a disappointment. I'm quite glad we managed to get in for half price on a Monday afternoon really.
It's fun. But not desperately funny...for me at least. Not really a patch on the old Wallace & Grommit films, but they're a hard act to follow.

Verdict: Wait for the DVD. Or even better for it to appear on TV in a year or so.

5/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 February, 2018, 11:23:46 am
The Darjeeling Limited  It was obviously working slowly up to something climactic and then it ended without getting there, a bit like Mahler's attempts at film music. Waste of a good cast.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 February, 2018, 04:22:25 pm
The Cloverfield Paradox

A bit silly. The plot is essentially a compilation of classic sci-fi and disaster movie tropes. None of the crew seems particularly phased when Weird Shit starts happening.* And then they Reverse The Polarity.

Is ‘straight to netflix’ the new ‘straight to dvd’?


*
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tonycollinet on 11 February, 2018, 05:20:56 pm
Yes, but I liked it :-)


For me, last night - Breathe.

Very good film, and a bit of an eye opener regarding how victims of polio were treated in my lifetime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 February, 2018, 05:30:25 pm
'71 Soldier gets seperated from his platoon during a raid in Belfast in 1971.

It was alright.

Set before my time in N.I. but the feelings of some on both side were accuratly reflected as I experienced them (some Catholics hated and wanted to murder soldiers, soem didn't. Some Protestants loved the soldiers, some didn't. Some soldiers wanted to do good, some didn't).

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 February, 2018, 05:52:30 pm
Yes, but I liked it :-)

I’m not saying I didn’t like it, but it is very silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 11 February, 2018, 05:59:09 pm
Ill  Manors, on iPlayer.

Waay better than I thought it was going to be, despite flaws, plot holes and lacking a political dimension that should have been there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 February, 2018, 06:32:01 pm
The Cloverfield Paradox

A bit silly. The plot is essentially a compilation of classic sci-fi and disaster movie tropes. None of the crew seems particularly phased when Weird Shit starts happening.* And then they Reverse The Polarity.

Is ‘straight to netflix’ the new ‘straight to dvd’?


*
(click to show/hide)
Some of it was a bit like watching extracts from the IT crowd. At lot of it was utterly silly.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 February, 2018, 06:40:11 pm
Yes, the arm. I was pondering that, I just assumed that it made no sense because I'd spent the afternoon in a brewery. Seems not.

Vaguely entertaining, though the premise made no sense (the world having 'run out of energy' – how does that happen? – and then they pan down a line of running cars, everyone on their cell phones, and then they're using computers, etc. etc. and the solution is, erm, a supercollider in space, so I can suppose they were trying to make those special neutrinos).

I guess Netflix are into churning out enough movies to keep people subscribing, which is a quantity game.

Needed more monsters. We need a Cloverfield Cthulhu gig.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 12 February, 2018, 01:09:56 am
We need someone to film 'A Colder War'
http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/stories/colderwar.htm
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 February, 2018, 08:17:58 am
He's been reading Cabell.

Come to think of it, a good film of Jurgen could be fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 12 February, 2018, 01:24:25 pm
The Cloverfield Paradox

A bit silly. The plot is essentially a compilation of classic sci-fi and disaster movie tropes. None of the crew seems particularly phased when Weird Shit starts happening.* And then they Reverse The Polarity.

Is ‘straight to netflix’ the new ‘straight to dvd’?


*
(click to show/hide)

Apparently The Cloverfield Paradox is a prequel to Cloverfield. Perhaps we'll end up with more Prequels and Sequels involving Cloverfields than Star Wars?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 February, 2018, 01:31:43 pm
Apparently The Cloverfield Paradox is a prequel to Cloverfield.

Kind of. The timeline is not entirely clear, but it's quite likely that the events of The Cloverfield Paradox happen some time after the events of the other two films. And possibly not even in the same universe. While at the same time being the cause of events in the other two films.

That's the paradox.

Apparently.

(See, I did say it was silly.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 February, 2018, 06:51:13 pm
Apparently (says the internet), it was a different movie they just decided to slot into the Cloverfield franchise, than Paramount realizing they had a big stinker in hand, rather than squeeze to see precisely how stinky it was, sold it to Netflix who got a big splash for their money (and avoiding any critical reviews with no pre-release press or screenings).

As a B-movie it was passable, suffers as is too common from the cast doing things for no better reason it says so in the script. What's your motivation. It's there, on the seventh line from the top of the page.

It could have been a lot better though, which is a shame. 10 Cloverfield Lane was very good and I can't be the only person on planet Earth who doesn't want to see Mary Elizabeth Winstead kick some serious alien ass.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 February, 2018, 11:30:18 am
Phantom Thread

Too clever for me. Excellent performances from the three leads. Great script, and surprisingly funny in places. Generally quite compelling to watch but... ultimately it left me cold. Not the first time I've come away from a Paul Thomas Anderson film with the feeling that I'm missing something.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 13 February, 2018, 11:42:56 am
Apparently (says the internet), it was a different movie they just decided to slot into the Cloverfield franchise

10 Cloverfield Lane was the same - I'm guessing the original scripts for both films had happy endings before JJ Abrams hijacked them. I like the idea of disparate genre films being linked together by a common theme in this way, but it needs to have a clearer vision and not just feel like they're making it up as they go along.

Apparently, the dude selling his book at the start of The Cloverfield Paradox (and spelling out the film's ending) is the brother of John Goodman's character. And the reporter is the woman who knocks on the window near the end of 10CL.

I also have a theory that the bunker at the end of TCP is the same bunker from 10CL.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 13 February, 2018, 12:47:36 pm
Birdman - really great. funny and occasionally uncomfortable. The grimy side of Broadway; its like Charlie Kaufman making The Player.

[I note that reviews on this thread are mixed ... can't say I'm surprised!]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 February, 2018, 09:50:51 pm
Harold and Kumar Get The Munchies.  Excellent subversion of racial stereotypes, as one review pointed out.  I liked it a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 16 February, 2018, 11:45:19 pm
Birdman - really great. funny and occasionally uncomfortable. The grimy side of Broadway; its like Charlie Kaufman making The Player.

[I note that reviews on this thread are mixed ... can't say I'm surprised!]

I loved Birdman, failing to get Oscars for that is a travesty

Me, The Deep, about a fisherman from the Westerman Islands that was shipwrecked in the North Atlantic and survived over 6 hours in the sea at 5C-ish.  Offshore survival training would have that around 20 minutes without an immersion suit.   Based on real events, both a great survival tale and human realisation and redemption
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 17 February, 2018, 01:26:49 am
Hang on - Birdman won loads of Oscars:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?ie=UTF-8&client=ms-android-tmobile-gb&source=android-browser&q=birdman+oscar&gfe_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=X4SHWtKWLa-GtgfuxaCYAg
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 17 February, 2018, 07:02:24 am
Best actor
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 February, 2018, 09:10:41 am
We're about half-way through Twin Peaks for the 3rd(?) time. Fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 17 February, 2018, 12:05:16 pm
Best actor
Tough year:

Eddie Redmayne – The Theory of Everything as Stephen Hawking

Nominees:
Steve Carell – Foxcatcher as John Eleuthère du Pont
Bradley Cooper – American Sniper as Chris Kyle
Benedict Cumberbatch – The Imitation Game as Alan Turing
Michael Keaton – Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) as Riggan Thomson


And I've just noticed it was the year of Whiplash* - which is much about jazz drumming, so probably sounded exactly like Birdman!

(JK Simmons beat Ed Norton to Best Supporting Actor /Trivia )


* which is yet another film I haven't seen but want to. Strewth, I hardly saw anything actually made in 2014! [and I don't mean American Sniper, no offence Bradley ... ]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 February, 2018, 12:32:52 pm
We're about half-way through Twin Peaks for the 3rd(?) time. Fun.
We're doing that too.  I love A-L-B-E-R-T  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 February, 2018, 01:30:19 pm
Andy doesn't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 February, 2018, 03:29:07 pm
Black Panther - excellent stuff, recommended.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 February, 2018, 04:55:33 pm
Saw Black Panther last night.
I thought it was a bit meh, actually.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 17 February, 2018, 04:56:42 pm
The Third Man

Nothing to add.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 17 February, 2018, 06:42:31 pm
The Third Man

Nothing to add.

One of my favourite films still.

Saw Black Panther last night.
I thought it was a bit meh, actually.

I think we are people with different tastes. Try this simple quiz!  Aw, go on..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 17 February, 2018, 06:55:19 pm
Young Frankenstein is on BBC2 tonight :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 February, 2018, 07:26:23 pm
Young Frankenstein is on BBC2 tonight :)

A veritable classic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 February, 2018, 08:34:15 pm
Saw Black Panther last night.
I thought it was a bit meh, actually.

I think we are people with different tastes. Try this simple quiz!  Aw, go on..
I dunno why it didn't really grab me. I enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok, thought it balanced humour with action well. Black Panther just seemed to miss something. A lot of the action scenes were very good
Quote
car chase was outstanding. The final battle was too full of tropes for me and reminded me of the last narnia film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 February, 2018, 09:14:49 pm
I too enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok.  Probably because I can't take any superhero movie seriously, so humour's the best way to make them work.  It also tends to break up the protracted fight scenes; fights are more interesting if funny stuff happens.

(I've realised that when I watch video on my computer, I tend to flip to another workspace and catch up on email/twitter/YACF/whatever during fight scenes, car chases and sex scenes.  Make of that what you will.)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 February, 2018, 09:57:32 pm
Get Out

Superb. Much funnier than I was expecting, but also deeply unsettling in that thoroughly entertaining way that good horror is. And I’m not normally a fan of horror but I loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 February, 2018, 11:54:10 am
I too enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok.  Probably because I can't take any superhero movie seriously, so humour's the best way to make them work.

The idea that anyone might makes me shudder. Sort of.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 18 February, 2018, 01:29:14 pm
AlphaGo

The film/documentary of the Deepmind company's attempt to build an AI to take on the best GO player in the World.

It was riveting actually.  I had no idea just how big the game of GO is in China and Korea, it's literally given the same sort of coverage as Soccer is in the UK, with live punditry and move by move analysis.

Anyway, it covers the tournaments with the European Champion, Fan Hui, a mere 2nd Dan professional GO player and then the tournament with legendary Lee Sedol 9th Dan, a savant of the game if ever there was one.  Seedol sees the game as if he has access to the Matrix, he's quite extraordinary (and 18 times World Champion by the age of 32).

The way that AlphaGo went beyond usual hard-coded playing techniques rattled both players from the start.  They were clearly expecting to play a program based on a collection of human-based moves from history but AlphaGo went beyond that, and played moves no top player ever woud.  Lee Sedol called it "creative" and said it was a paradigm shift* in how to play GO.

Fascinating stuff and a glimpse into where AI could help humankind solve difficult issues by looking at them from a different point of view.

*AlphaGo played with the understanding that it only needed to win by the smallest margin, whereas humans tend to look to capture the most territory they can.
In this respect it truly played "the long game" and, at times, looked like it was making errors.....to the humans watching on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 February, 2018, 02:35:11 pm
Aha, it's on NF. Cheers!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 18 February, 2018, 02:46:29 pm
Young Frankenstein is on BBC2 tonight :)

Blucher (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdIID_TGwhM)

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 February, 2018, 02:52:50 pm
I too enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok.  Probably because I can't take any superhero movie seriously, so humour's the best way to make them work.

The idea that anyone might makes me shudder. Sort of.

The problem with a lot of modern superhero films is that they take themselves far too seriously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 February, 2018, 06:48:57 pm
I too enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok.  Probably because I can't take any superhero movie seriously, so humour's the best way to make them work.

The idea that anyone might makes me shudder. Sort of.

The problem with a lot of modern superhero films is that they take themselves far too seriously.

This has been my theory for a while: there's something innately ridiculous about superheroes that taking it seriously seems to be, well, missing the point. I loved Thor: Ragnarok and GOTG. I mean seriously, do we need to sit down and write an essay about what motivates a gun-toting cybernetic raccoon. That seriousness is what I find a bit offputting about the Marvel stuff on Netflix, it's all a bit po-faced. Anyway, Black Panther next weekend in mildly pointless 3D (I'm not, tbh, sure why they bother with 3D).

Yes, and Get Out is very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 February, 2018, 07:01:43 pm
I'm probably in a very small minority that reads Get Out, and hears

Get Out! (https://www.comedy.co.uk/radio/undone/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 February, 2018, 07:54:41 pm
I'm probably in a very small minority that reads Get Out, and hears

Get Out! (https://www.comedy.co.uk/radio/undone/)

The first time I heard Undone, I was actually out walking the dog on Tankerton Slopes (http://explorekent.org/activities/tankerton-slopes/) at the time. I tweeted about this and as a result Ben Moor now follows me on Twitter. Ben Moor grew up in Whitstable, and Colin Anderson, the producer of Undone, lives in Whitstable. (Maybe this should go in the tenuous claims to fame thread.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 19 February, 2018, 01:53:05 pm
On the flight to Houston yesterday

Bladerunner 2049  - need to watch that again as a titchy 6" screen does not do the cinematography any justice at all.
A planet of the apes thing - fuck me that was tedious!  Spun out way too long, and the only decent character there was Maurice the orang-utan. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 February, 2018, 03:00:28 pm
The Shape of Water

Very beautifully shot, let down by being utterly predicable. Still a lovely film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 February, 2018, 04:29:04 pm
On the flight to Houston yesterday

Bladerunner 2049  - need to watch that again as a titchy 6" screen does not do the cinematography any justice at all.
A planet of the apes thing - fuck me that was tedious!  Spun out way too long, and the only decent character there was Maurice the orang-utan.

Considering that a significant of Bladerunner 2049's screen-time is dedicated to moodily swirling petrochemical smog, just visit Houston in summertime for the 4D PetroVision version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 February, 2018, 07:42:21 pm
Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay.  Not a patch on the first film, although the bit where Kumar is having a dump was a promising start and the usual Neil Patrick Harris scenes are just bonkers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 February, 2018, 12:25:29 am
The Cloverfield Paradox

(click to show/hide)

That was unambiguously the best bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 20 February, 2018, 06:22:49 am
Odd Man Out

With The Third Man yesterday and two astonishing FA Cup results, it's been a highly entertaining couple of days!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 February, 2018, 09:26:45 am
The Cloverfield Paradox

(click to show/hide)

That was unambiguously the best bit.
Not the
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 23 February, 2018, 10:44:33 am
Thor Ragnarok - wonderfully overblown and silly

IT - I was wondering when they were going to get to the second part of the story, when it ended and I realised it was a two-parter. Quite enjoyed it, even though it was pretty much a straight up remake of the previous version
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 February, 2018, 11:43:29 am
Once (again).  Fabulous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 23 February, 2018, 02:02:34 pm
... A planet of the apes thing - fuck me that was tedious!  Spun out way too long, and the only decent character there was Maurice the orang-utan.

You can never have too much of Orangutans ! ;D

Right turn, Clyde (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i98QrSSHxo4)

L-Space : Librarian (https://wiki.lspace.org/mediawiki/Librarian)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 February, 2018, 02:12:59 pm
Finished watching Twin Peaks (1990) last night.  In the DVD version we have,

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 23 February, 2018, 02:30:21 pm
Not a film but Altered Carbon on Netflix.

Overall, the best bit of sci-fi I've seen in a long time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 23 February, 2018, 05:25:09 pm
Not a film but Altered Carbon on Netflix.

Overall, the best bit of sci-fi I've seen in a long time.

That's inspired me to buy the book, if not yet sign up to Netflix to watch the series!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 February, 2018, 08:31:43 am
Not a film but Altered Carbon on Netflix.

Overall, the best bit of sci-fi I've seen in a long time.

That's inspired me to buy the book, if not yet sign up to Netflix to watch the series!

You get a free month, so you can watch it and then bail out.

I watched a few episodes but it was a struggle - it felt like retread bits of a dozen other shows Frankensteined together.

Last night I watched a couple of episodes of Blue Planet II with the missus. Yes, the pics are great and the tech is wonderful, and it is nice to see D. Attenborough still alive & kicking, but the thumping dubbed-in sound effects were tiresome, as was the gushing commentary full of superlatives.  BP the First was much better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 February, 2018, 10:19:11 am
Lady Bird

Lovely and funny. One of those films where it seems that not much actually happens but it captivates you none the less. Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalfe are both excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 February, 2018, 10:27:55 am
Mute.

Probably better entitled Mess.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 February, 2018, 10:57:39 am
BP II continues the fishy fighting, feeding & fucking. Last night we even had the bloody turtles crawling ashore to lay eggs by the light of the silvery moon. I tried hard but didn't manage to go to sleep. The buggers haven't even the grace to play "Goodbye and thanks for all the fish".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 February, 2018, 11:00:49 am
Not a film but Altered Carbon on Netflix.

Overall, the best bit of sci-fi I've seen in a long time.

I've seen the first two episodes so far. I think I scored a full house in sci-fi tropes bingo within the first 30 minutes of the first episode. Total Recall, Blade Runner, Ghost In The Shell etc - all mined very heavily for 'inspiration', and no doubt plenty of others that don't come instantly to mind. But I guess if you like that kind of thing, you'll like Altered Carbon. And I have to admit that I am quite enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 26 February, 2018, 01:20:08 pm
Not a film but Altered Carbon on Netflix.

Overall, the best bit of sci-fi I've seen in a long time.

Didn't say necessarily most original, just the best..

Alas if you're looking for originality, you're about 50 years too late!


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 February, 2018, 01:27:48 pm
Didn't say necessarily most original, just the best..

It's not a criticism, just an observation. I am enjoying it so far.

The only real criticism that occurred to me is why someone as rich as Laurens Bancroft would settle for James Purefoy's "sleeve", but they addressed that in the second episode, the cunning weasels.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 February, 2018, 01:29:00 pm
Not a film but Altered Carbon on Netflix.

Overall, the best bit of sci-fi I've seen in a long time.

Didn't say necessarily most original, just the best..

Alas if you're looking for originality, you're about 50 years too late!

Yebbut Kingsman is essentially a knock-off of the 1960s Avengers, but it manages to be great fun.  Altered Carbon dra-a-a-a-a-a-gs, even the virtual torture scene.

Mind you, very often these days I'm finding myself thinking "it's just a bunch of actors. They must feel daft doing that stuff" even in films I've enjoyed in the past.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 February, 2018, 01:43:30 pm
As a counterpoint to Mute (don't, it'll be one of the longer two hours of your life), I did quite enjoy Black Panther. It did kind of overdo some of the African stereotypes (because we all know that's all Africans do, dance around in masks and complain about the colonizers) but otherwise a worthy superhero romp. There's a lot of them now.

I'd hate to see the salary bill for Infinity War though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 26 February, 2018, 02:10:29 pm
Not a film but Altered Carbon on Netflix.

Overall, the best bit of sci-fi I've seen in a long time.

Didn't say necessarily most original, just the best..

Alas if you're looking for originality, you're about 50 years too late!

Yebbut Kingsman is essentially a knock-off of the 1960s Avengers, but it manages to be great fun.  Altered Carbon dra-a-a-a-a-a-gs, even the virtual torture scene.

Mind you, very often these days I'm finding myself thinking "it's just a bunch of actors. They must feel daft doing that stuff" even in films I've enjoyed in the past.

yebbut Kingsman is a spoof...

FWIW I think we're all going to hell in a handcart. It's not going to be like Star Trek, or if it is, I suspect it will be we who are The Borg. Consider this Humanity's last Golden Age.

N.B., I think you'll find most forms of torture dra-a-a-a-a-g and are a bit repetitive... when it comes to VT, there will be no need for high end graphics...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 26 February, 2018, 02:31:29 pm
...
I'd hate to see the salary bill for Infinity War though.

I wondered if it was possible to project a guestimate for that, so hunted through Wikipedia for the release dates and budgets ...

(http://balius.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/stuff/MCU_DateVsBudgetAndBoxOffice.png)

I'm surprised how flat the budgets are over a decade of films, although the return is a bit random, albeit always very damned significant.

$14 billion box office, from a $3.4 billion budget (gross, where there's a choice).  I'm in the wrong industry !

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 26 February, 2018, 02:33:35 pm

I'd hate to see the salary bill for Infinity War though.

It's just an A4 sheet of paper, nothing special.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 February, 2018, 05:29:27 pm
Mission Impossible IV (Ghost Protocol).

It's a 6/10 competent entertaining action movie, with a lot of humour added by Mr Pegg*. So 8/10, and N loved it. A reminder that straight action movies (i.e. without humour or romance elements) are very rarely worth watching. This one had a nice balance, never got boring, or too serious, or too gory - and unlike some recent Bond movies, didn't suffer too-many-endings-itis.

The only other MI i've seen was II (seems about a billion years ago), which I don't recall being very interesting at all. I believe Simon Pegg is in IV, V and VI, so I'll probably watch those. Did the non-Pegg episodes have any humour to them? I'm not optimistic ...


*I proper splorted at his best moment in this (pretty absurd) scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DkV8WE7DFA
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 February, 2018, 10:27:28 pm
Not a film but Altered Carbon on Netflix.

Overall, the best bit of sci-fi I've seen in a long time.

It's got it's own thread, but I thought it was very very average and now as I'm re-reading the book, I'm changing that rating to poor.
(click to show/hide)

In short..read the book instead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 February, 2018, 08:13:11 am
Mission Impossible IV (Ghost Protocol).

It's a 6/10 competent entertaining action movie, with a lot of humour added by Mr Pegg*...

*I proper splorted at his best moment in this (pretty absurd) scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DkV8WE7DFA

If they cast him in the next one instead of that Cruise wallah I might watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 February, 2018, 08:18:09 am
After watching "Going Clear" I refuse to watch any movie with Tom Cruise...even downloaded ones. Yeah, he's a good actor, but he's also one of the driving forces behind an evil cult.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 February, 2018, 09:29:01 am
Maybe they're responsible for the crappy films he makes. Last time I saw him in anything other than an idiotic action film was in Magnolia.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 27 February, 2018, 11:11:06 am
Mission Impossible IV (Ghost Protocol).

It's a 6/10 competent entertaining action movie, with a lot of humour added by Mr Pegg*. So 8/10, and N loved it. A reminder that straight action movies (i.e. without humour or romance elements) are very rarely worth watching. This one had a nice balance, never got boring, or too serious, or too gory - and unlike some recent Bond movies, didn't suffer too-many-endings-itis.

The only other MI i've seen was II (seems about a billion years ago), which I don't recall being very interesting at all. I believe Simon Pegg is in IV, V and VI, so I'll probably watch those. Did the non-Pegg episodes have any humour to them? I'm not optimistic ...


*I proper splorted at his best moment in this (pretty absurd) scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DkV8WE7DFA

MiII was directed by John Woo.  They decided that Mi1 hadn't been ridiculous enough despite a helicopter flying down a tunnel and it got very silly.  I have no memory of III but probably did see it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 27 February, 2018, 12:13:22 pm
MIs blend into each other, there's no point trying to distinguish them, but they're genial affairs not afraid to take the proverbials out of themselves. I like Tom, he's nuts of course, and so is Scientology (though I'm hard pressed to say it's any nuttier than most religions).

The Mummy was absolute pants though. Admitted not as much as Mute. I'm scared to watch Altered Carbon now, I don't think I can handle another dystopian, neon-lit future where it always rains.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 February, 2018, 01:17:34 pm
IIRC Mi II was the one in which they were passing secret plans round on CF cards and reading them on Kodak digital cameras. Wow, nobody could penetrate that system.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 27 February, 2018, 01:51:43 pm
Three Billboards  Nothing much to add to what Citoyen said. Very good film.

Not much to add from here either - very much enjoyed it. I had less of an issue with the ABBA inclusion.

Been really looking forward to this as I'm a big fan of the writer/director's previous films (and for the ones his brother has made - at least one of which he worked on).

Thumbs up from me too. A thoroughly enjoyable film. Funny thing though - as we were discussing it, my wife mentioned a pet tortoise, and I missed that completely!

Another  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 March, 2018, 08:24:39 am
Had a gander at Suits on NF. HTF does such crap get a score of 8.6 on Imdb?  I took great pleasure just now in giving it 4/10, then after an attack of truthfulness went back and corrected it to 3.

Still, after bailing out of that we found that NF had just added Jean de Florette. It took a few minutes to re-attune to the accent, but thereafter it was delightful. Maybe the 10th time we've seen it but it's more like opera than krimi.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: telstarbox on 03 March, 2018, 09:05:38 am
Fargo, which seemed appropriate for the current weather. Probably the last person in the world to see it but there you go.

Always enjoy Steve Buscemi since The Sopranos and Frances McDormand was great too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 04 March, 2018, 08:19:14 pm
The Death of Stalin

Twice. Standout for me is Jason Isaacs as Zhukov and the Beria character is an utterly revolting specimen. Hard to believe it's been banned in Russia - NOT!

If you haven't seen it, you need to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 04 March, 2018, 11:31:38 pm
The Death of Stalin

Twice. Standout for me is Jason Isaacs as Zhukov and the Beria character is an utterly revolting specimen. Hard to believe it's been banned in Russia - NOT!

If you haven't seen it, you need to.
I want to see it, for sure. Beria was an even more disgusting specimen in real life.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 05 March, 2018, 12:14:08 am
Man Up
Simon Pegg and Not Nick Frost.

Confession: I am a soppy girl. I write and try and sell love stories. Even though said stories are often painful, the usual ending is a happy one. This film is a romcom that ticks those boxes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 07 March, 2018, 06:28:06 pm
Icarus

The Oscar-winning documentary about state-sponsored Russian doping.

It's hard to believe it's factual, it's like watching a Bourne film and/or All the Presidents Men.

Fundamentally you have to assume that every single Russian athlete, in every single sport, at a world level, was doping with the assistance of the KGB.  It was/is on an industrial scale.

Gripping stuff but makes you question the point of organisations such as WADA when the IOC and the UCI are ignoring the findings for their own ends.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 March, 2018, 07:56:56 pm
Man Up
Simon Pegg and Not Nick Frost.

Confession: I am a soppy girl. I write and try and sell love stories. Even though said stories are often painful, the usual ending is a happy one. This film is a romcom that ticks those boxes.

Even I licked that and I have a low tolerance threshold for romcoms that don't star Doris Day or Audrey Hepburn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 07 March, 2018, 09:12:58 pm
Man Up
Simon Pegg and Not Nick Frost.

Confession: I am a soppy girl. I write and try and sell love stories. Even though said stories are often painful, the usual ending is a happy one. This film is a romcom that ticks those boxes.

Even I licked that and I have a low tolerance threshold for romcoms that don't star Doris Day or Audrey Hepburn.

You want to be careful what you lick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 March, 2018, 09:37:14 pm
Man Up
Simon Pegg and Not Nick Frost.

Confession: I am a soppy girl. I write and try and sell love stories. Even though said stories are often painful, the usual ending is a happy one. This film is a romcom that ticks those boxes.

Even I licked that and I have a low tolerance threshold for romcoms that don't star Doris Day or Audrey Hepburn.

You want to be careful what you lick.

Well I wouldn't pass up on having had a chance to lick Audrey Hepburn in her prime.

IGMC
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 07 March, 2018, 10:17:54 pm
Icarus.  (Netflix)

Gripping, and seems to be a shocking eye opener to the scale & audacity of it all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 March, 2018, 08:32:00 am
I watched that a week or two back. Powerful, and very believable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 08 March, 2018, 10:19:37 am
Casablanca, yet again - now in the 4k restored version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 March, 2018, 11:14:06 am
The hairs in Humph's nose are really startling!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Samuel D on 08 March, 2018, 12:02:41 pm
I watched Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri last weekend. Probably my favourite film since Winter Sleep. For a start, it’s cinema at its most delicious and aesthetically satisfying. I thought I was in for a treat from the left-justified opening credits and cleverly composed shots of the billboards, and it lives up to those early expectations.

There’s much good acting and directing (Red’s physical movement fascinated me throughout, for example), the script is brilliant, and there’s just enough rough edges to make it all the more enchanting.

But it’s hard to explain why this film is so good. I guess it’s got something to do with the story being told so well, with the full range of cinematic tools expertly deployed on the spellbound viewer. It’s not a realistic story or realistically portrayed, and yet hardly any of it is jarring. It’s filled with crude tropes that no-one believes in and yet you don’t blame anyone for that. It’s probably evidence that even today there is no sure-fire method for making a great film. If you apply art you might, with luck, get a great film – but good luck distilling the trick into repeatable steps.

Is this being shown in the UK?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 March, 2018, 12:33:12 pm
Is this being shown in the UK?

We do have cinemas over here you know!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 March, 2018, 02:47:34 pm
Justice League

I refer to comments passim about taking superhero movies too seriously.  The Flash isn't amusing enough to redeem it.  The Amazons seem to have had an unnecessary armour downgrade.


Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)

Compelling enough timey-wimey romantic dross.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 March, 2018, 07:49:49 pm
Icarus.  (Netflix)

Gripping, and seems to be a shocking eye opener to the scale & audacity of it all.

It was a really good story. Started out 'innocently' enough, with one guy wanted to see how easy it would be to dope his way to the top of an amateur race.
Grigory is such a character!. You cannot help liking him.

That any Russians were allowed to participate at all in PyeongChang was an unbelievable act of cowardice by the IOC.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 09 March, 2018, 10:28:58 am
Wonder Woman

Because it was International Women's Day, obviously. Could have been a lot worse. At least it had a few half-decent gags in it and didn't make me nod off like most superhero movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 March, 2018, 12:55:34 pm
Is this being shown in the UK?

We do have cinemas over here you know!

Not may of them showing that film, unfortunately.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 March, 2018, 02:30:11 pm
Sharknado 2

I wanted something non-taxing to keep me awake till bedtime, so I wouldn't wake up at audax o'clock, and this has been in the queue for ages.  It starts off with a promising mash-up of Snakes on a Plane and Airplane! references, and would probably be okay if you turned it off at the opening credits.  Edited highlights from contemporaneous IRC follow:

<kim> sharknado 2: literally jumps the shark
<kim> actually, it's quite impressively terrible, not so much because it's so ridiculous, or even the hammy acting, but that they've filmed it in new york without the budget to close any of the public space
<kim> the city's in the grip of a massive disaster, and nobody cares except the main characters.... so they come across as delusional

<REDACTED> 3 is the one where they're space sharks, right?
<REDACTED> which is the one with the fighter jet sharks?
<kim> this is boris bike sharks atm

<kim> suspiciously good acting by the weatherman, thouh
<kim> he may be a real new york weatherman
<kim> yup: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_Miranda
<kim> still, if he's a real weatherman, that explains why he's so knowledgable about sharknadoes
<REDACTED> isn't everything sharknado distracting cameos of minor American celebrities? 
<REDACTED> after 1
<kim> i don't know enough minor american celebrities

<kim> now the sharks are on fire

* kim thinks . o O ( fool, chainsaws are for zombies! )
* kim thinks . o O ( oh, it worked )

<kim> lobbing chainsaws into a sharknado improves the situation even less than setting them on fire

<kim> oh, now he's riding it like a sandworm
<kim> this really is epic
<kim> sorry, i appear to have misspelt 'shit'
<REDACTED> kim, watching sharknado films so we don't have to?

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 09 March, 2018, 03:11:14 pm
Sharknado 2
<snip>


That was masterful.  More Kim IRC Chat Film Reviews please.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 March, 2018, 03:30:18 pm
There could be a website/series in this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 09 March, 2018, 05:07:32 pm
Is this being shown in the UK?

We do have cinemas over here you know!

Not may of them showing that film, unfortunately.
Really??

Maybe it's a region-specific thing [like DVDs] - we could see it at all 3 main cinemas in Oxford tonight.(according to something called "www.bing.com" anyway.)

http://www.bing.com/search?q=Three+Billboards+Outside+Ebbing&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IESR3N
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 March, 2018, 05:20:40 pm
I checked (after the Oscars) for this weekend's showings and there was one a day in a cinema to the south of Bristol at a not too convenient time. I sort of expected it to be much more available than that.

Oxford is, of course, different.  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 March, 2018, 08:16:01 pm
I watched Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri last weekend. Probably my favourite film since Winter Sleep. For a start, it’s cinema at its most delicious and aesthetically satisfying. I thought I was in for a treat from the left-justified opening credits and cleverly composed shots of the billboards, and it lives up to those early expectations.

There’s much good acting and directing (Red’s physical movement fascinated me throughout, for example), the script is brilliant, and there’s just enough rough edges to make it all the more enchanting.

But it’s hard to explain why this film is so good. I guess it’s got something to do with the story being told so well, with the full range of cinematic tools expertly deployed on the spellbound viewer. It’s not a realistic story or realistically portrayed, and yet hardly any of it is jarring. It’s filled with crude tropes that no-one believes in and yet you don’t blame anyone for that. It’s probably evidence that even today there is no sure-fire method for making a great film. If you apply art you might, with luck, get a great film – but good luck distilling the trick into repeatable steps.

Is this being shown in the UK?

Maybe because is it a British/Irish film?  Not saying there aren't good US films, too mind.  ;)


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 09 March, 2018, 09:11:04 pm
I watched 4 films on yesterday's flight and enjoyed them all, especially Elton John's appearance in Kingsman 2.

Kingsman, the Golden Circle: not as good as the original but overall very entertaining.
Atomic Blonde: end of cold war spy thriller, violent and sexy, what more could you want :)
Paddington 2: amusing light entertainment, even for adults watching without kids.
Death of Stalin: highly recommended on all levels.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 March, 2018, 11:23:46 pm
That was masterful.  More Kim IRC Chat Film Reviews please.


Sharknado 3

Oh hell no...  (Contemporaneous IRC logs again.  Edited for clarity, chronology, particularly confusing typos and to remove off-topic rantage about a ridiculously convoluted software download process)

<kim> well, i'm going to watch 3
<kim> i'll take one for the team
 * REDACTED salutes Kim's valiant efforts

<kim> opening chainsaw and a seagull
<kim> sadly not together
<kim> the president needs him!
<kim> again, not the seagull

<kim> sweepstake, how long until the first shark?
<REDACTED> 5 mins

<kim> it seems that the key to getting past white house security is running
<kim> ooh, thingy's pregnant
<kim> i'm betting shark vs umbilical cord at the end of the film
<REDACTED> half-shark baby

<kim> fin's getting a medal for saving humanity from sharks.  twice.
<kim> and is being interviewed by what i assume to be assorted minor american celebrities
<kim> he's been awarded the Order Of The Golden Chainsaw.  because that wasn't a completely terrible idea
<kim> national weather service are on the ball this time, and his sharky sense is tingling
<kim> and....sharknado! (about 8 mins in, for those keeping track)

<kim> whoever thought that having sharks in that big pond thing they have in front of the lincoln memorial was a good idea should really be fired
<kim> see, shark just landed in lincoln's lap

<kim> cunningly the golden chainsaw award is fully functional
<kim> "where's this bunker?" "in the basement" "water flows down, this is a bad idea!"
* kim thinks . o O ( 10 minutes into the third movie and *now* you're invoking gravity? )
<kim> bunker was, predictably, full of sharks
<kim> sharks are invading the white house.   do you think this is where donald trump's phobia comes from?

<kim> the president just used the holy hand grenade
<kim> and the sharks just blew up the white house, independence day style
<kim> "looks like the rules have changed"
<kim> roll title credits
<kim> if it fits the pattern, the rest of the film will now be shit


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 09 March, 2018, 11:37:08 pm
Syfy - making Troma Entertainment look good since 1992
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 09 March, 2018, 11:41:35 pm
I want to watch all the Sharknados now, dammit.

And Kim, Malcolm in the Middle was very good. Worth watching - Breaking Bad's in it as the put-upon dad, but it's not your average US sitcom.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 March, 2018, 08:21:09 am
Forgotten what it was called now but 1st ep of some Beeb krimi with droves of retreads from stuff already seen and a senior flic who has a B2C machine with a right-handed mobile panarello in his office.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 10 March, 2018, 08:35:45 am
T42 is possessed...

Either that or he's been hacked by a teen with a cappuccino addiction.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 March, 2018, 08:59:10 am
We’ve found more showings of Three Billboards in Bristol. Hopefully going tomorrow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 March, 2018, 09:07:15 am
T42 is possessed...

Either that or he's been hacked by a teen with a cappuccino addiction.

The first bit is right: too much coffee.  I was off decent coffee for a couple of years because meds, am just getting back into roasting. And despair not, I still use the lever machine too.

>>> if that machine is a Jura the flic is corrupt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Samuel D on 10 March, 2018, 09:22:41 am
We’ve found more showings of Three Billboards in Bristol. Hopefully going tomorrow.

Go!

I dimly remember there being cinemas in the UK, but that doesn’t mean they show the same films at the same time as everywhere else. Winter Sleep was either shown at a different time or never shown in the UK; I know because a friend tried and failed to see it on my recommendation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 March, 2018, 10:55:50 am
I find that the films I want to see are generally only on limited release. If I want to see them in the cinema, I have to go the one week they’re showing and tough luck if I’m not free that week or the screening times are inconvenient.

I was so keen to see Three Billboards that I made an effort to clear a space in my schedule. Very glad I did.

Multiplexes promote the myth of choice - yes, they may have 12 screens but fat lot of good that is to me if they’re all showing the latest Hollywood superhero blockbuster.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 10 March, 2018, 10:22:39 pm
To Be or Not to Be

I've not seen it before, which was my loss, as it was magnificent. I laughed a lot. Not bad for a film knocking on for 80 years old.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 March, 2018, 10:59:54 pm
Those early Bond films can be quite fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 March, 2018, 11:50:24 pm
<kim> it's saturday night, masochism night
<kim> must be time for...


Sharknado 4: The Fourth Awakens

<kim> i'm predicting laser chainsaws
<kim> and that it will be shit


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 March, 2018, 07:54:42 am
I feel quite tired after that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 March, 2018, 10:34:44 am
Paddington 2. That was great fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 March, 2018, 11:16:16 pm
<kim> okay, fuckit, completionism time

Sharknado 5: Global Swarming

<kim> oh, bonus franglais subtitles

(click to show/hide)

I think I'm safe until they make another one.   ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 March, 2018, 11:24:38 pm
Olympus has fallen

In the words of Jim Diamond- I shoulda known better :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 March, 2018, 11:48:59 pm
Olympus has fallen

At least there weren't any sharks in that one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 March, 2018, 11:53:03 pm
Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Well, damnit, that was worth going to. Not a lot in it you could predict, apart from the eponymous billboards. Lots of snickering and giggles, some wonderful lines. Plus an ending that you need to see. Violence, violence, it's the only thing that will make you see sense.

I liked the quote off the bookmark bit a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 12 March, 2018, 09:42:39 am
Olympus has fallen

At least there weren't any sharks in that one.

Thank you Kim for:

A) Watching the Sharknado franchise so we don’t have to.
B) Making it probably much more entertaining than the real thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 12 March, 2018, 02:12:31 pm
Deadpool. Puerile, but rather entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 13 March, 2018, 04:39:33 pm
Annihilation on NF. Like a cliché-ridden knock-off of Ian McDonald's Chaga without a tenth of his originality but with battle fatigues and assault rifles for extra slaughterous US goodness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 March, 2018, 05:10:45 pm
I'm a bit scared to venture into NF at the moment. The Cloverfield Paradox was enticingly inept but Mute was just awful and I should have stopped watching when the protagonist lost his voice in that most common malady of a the Amish: a family holiday speedboat accident. Now, I'll admit that I'm not the world's leading expert on the Amish (though I have an ex- whose mum is a lapsed Mennonite) but I don't figure that motorboat accidents appear highly in the statistics. Oh, and the bar brawls. Did the director not see Witness and remember the one thing the Amish are supposed to do when faced with confrontation, a significant tenet of their beliefs? Honestly, if you're going to spend a gazillion on a movie, at least fucking do some googling first.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 13 March, 2018, 08:20:24 pm
Baby Driver

Basically a very fun music video.  If you don't have a decent sound system then you'll miss 75% of the raison d'etre of this film.

Crank up the volume and the bass.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 14 March, 2018, 01:08:25 pm
^ Great film. Great acting. Great music.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 15 March, 2018, 02:31:23 am
I found that aside from the opening sequence, it was rather poor. I do not understand why people think it's good. The whole tendency with throwing a few 80s or 90s border culture hits at a movie (Atomic Blonde was guilty of this too) and then call it done is already old.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 March, 2018, 09:01:29 am
Indeed, I thought was a bit of a by-the-numbers heist movie with tunes thrown at it. Felt a bit like a decision made in conference room by white men in suits looking at Powerpoint and thinking about golf.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 15 March, 2018, 10:17:44 am
I do not understand why people think it's good.

Because they enjoyed it probably.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Samuel D on 15 March, 2018, 10:54:58 am
Come on. Baby Driver was stylish, original, and loadsa fun. The music was great and the cars and driving sequences were enjoyable to watch, which is unusual bordering on unprecedented in action movies. It was full of clichés and had no depth but it wouldn’t have been an action film otherwise. Its creativity was precisely to turn a series of universally recognised clichés into an enjoyable romp … mostly by turning on the style.

The cinemas are clogged with derivative crap and unwatchable action and you pick on this one? Not fair.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 March, 2018, 11:58:34 am
Hey, I'm equal opportunity in my cinematic bullying. I'll admit I'm not much of a fan of the bank robbing genre, but it seemed like a by-the-numbers example that had some music thrown at it. It passed a couple of hours in a plane seat, but I didn't really get the raves, but as my mum says, I'm a very special child. I also have so much cynicism that I have to push it around in a stolen supermarket trolley.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 March, 2018, 12:36:24 pm
I found that aside from the opening sequence, it was rather poor. I do not understand why people think it's good. The whole tendency with throwing a few 80s or 90s border culture hits at a movie (Atomic Blonde was guilty of this too) and then call it done is already old.

The opening sequence was awesome, and it's a rare example of mainstream cinema doing sign language properly.  The rest was a competently stylish crime movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 March, 2018, 12:49:46 pm
They should have made him Amish. He could have been deafened at, erm, a rock concert. The Amish, as you all know, rock. You could put Def Leppard on top of a unbalanced washing machine during a fast spin cycle and they wouldn't rock as much as they do in Lancaster Co. Why did Jesus have a mullet? Rock, that's why.

There's few movies, as I'm finding in my head, that wouldn't benefit from a unlikely Amish lead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 15 March, 2018, 11:42:12 pm
On recomendation form some of you lot, I watched IOcarus tonioght on Netflix.

A bit thought provoking. Just goes to show that any foolproof system can be fooled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 March, 2018, 11:14:07 pm
Come on. Baby Driver was stylish, original, and loadsa fun. The music was great and the cars and driving sequences were enjoyable to watch, which is unusual bordering on unprecedented in action movies. It was full of clichés and had no depth but it wouldn’t have been an action film otherwise. Its creativity was precisely to turn a series of universally recognised clichés into an enjoyable romp … mostly by turning on the style.

The cinemas are clogged with derivative crap and unwatchable action and you pick on this one? Not fair.

Opening sequence was stylish and fun. The rest, not so much. Most of the cast were so 1-dimensional that I was surprised they didn't disappear when they turned around.

I like heist/gangster movies. This one I didn't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 March, 2018, 08:28:55 am
Halfway through Bullet Head. Still trying to decide if it's ingenious drollery or just boring with the odd bit of slapstick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 17 March, 2018, 06:53:33 pm
On recomendation form some of you lot, I watched IOcarus tonioght on Netflix.

A bit thought provoking. Just goes to show that any foolproof system can be fooled.

Especially when the money-men are happy to be fooled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 March, 2018, 11:57:00 pm
The Counsellor (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2193215/?ref_=ttqt_qt_tt)

Ridley Scott film starring Michael Fassbender as a lawyer getting involved in a drug deal. Penelope Cruz is his girlfriend, Javier Bardem, Bradd Pitt and Cameron Diaz are other protagonists.

Two lovely cheetah as extras and Cameron makes an interesting use of a Ferrri windscreen......
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 26 March, 2018, 04:37:04 pm
"Hey! You boys at the back! Yes, you know who you are. Stop knocking Baby Driver!" It was a thoroughly enjoyable film, and one that I had no preconceptions about, other than that my niece is head-over-heels in love with the young chap who is the baby driver, who is 'gorge' apparently, and what more do you want. Fact.

Another film I saw a couple of weeks ago, which again I knew nothing about prior to seeing it, was Get Out directed by Jordan Peele. Odd film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 28 March, 2018, 03:01:56 am
To be fair, Baby Driver did use Jon Spencer Blues Explosion for the opening sequence, which does give it a lot of bonus points.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 29 March, 2018, 11:24:08 am
Justice League (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cxixDgHUYw)

Not a bad bit of escapism, overall.  I think it suffered a bit by taking itself a little too seriously.  The whole "Oh my gods, Superman is dead" thing, seemed a bit too dramatic.  It definitely wasn't up to the standards of Marvel's Avengers stuff, but wasn't too bad.

I was amused by "What are your superpowers again?" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NG3n_gONws), and I now understand why they always have Sheldon, in The Big Bang Theory, dressing up as The Flash, because they are almost the same person. :)

I did watch the second half of the film, whilst eating my breakfast, which may not be the optimal time for film appreciation.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 March, 2018, 01:13:17 pm
Saw Justice League on the plane, not nearly as bad or po-faced as I feared based on the Batman vs. Superman rubbish that preceded it.

It was OK. I guess they had to cut the teenage orgy then they wrote the screenplay. I don't like clowns. Why did anyone think clowns were a good idea? Clowns in sewers is even worse.

American Made used Tom Cruise perfectly. No idea how true it was, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Dunkirk. It's still noisy even on a jet (awesome in the Imax btw). Entertaining enough, though as people have complained, the beaches look about as crowded as Blackpool on a wet Wednesday morning in November, rather than the panicked clamour of a half-million of so of desperate troops.

Three Billboards was very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 30 March, 2018, 07:11:20 pm
DID NOT watch what has to be the early winner in my annual "search for the shittest film in the reduced pile". Current all-time winner is till 'Left Behind'.

American Armageddon, aka Amerigeddon. The selling points on the cover are that it has lots of guns, explosions, guns, helicopters and guns, and while I read the blurb thinking "This is another Sharknado style piss-take" the film is alleged to have been made with serious intent. Here's the plot.

A terrorist organisation has cut all power supplies in the US, aided by that global terror network the United Nations. It is up to a number of well-armed patriots...

No. That is all you need to know.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 30 March, 2018, 07:33:41 pm
My Name Is Joe

Ken Loach film about a Glaswegian alcoholic. Much, much better than it sounds. It's been on my waitlist for ages. One of the best Ken Loach films I've seen (though still suffers from the trademark poor sound, which, coupled with the strong accents made it a bit of a struggle).

Jar City

Icelandic murder mystery, recommended to me by the Prof OTP[1] and well worth watching. The dark, deadpan, Icelandic humour[2] is a current throughout, underneath the grey and harsh environment, with a cracking story.


1: Actually, she/he recommended the book, but I don't read Icelandic so it would have been tough
2: Cf: Rams
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 March, 2018, 07:55:46 pm
"Jar City" is available in translation, y'know :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 30 March, 2018, 08:20:36 pm
 :facepalm:

Thanks - just ordered a copy. 87p delivered, from the US. How can that be a thing?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 31 March, 2018, 08:43:45 am
Currently watching O Mecanismo, a Brazilian serial about the Petrobras corruption scandal. Juicy.  The names have been changed to avoid come-backs, but not by much, and the actor playing the ex-president looks very like Lula da Silva.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 31 March, 2018, 01:40:12 pm
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared was rather fun, a dark comedy that had some splendid moments and surreal situations.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 01 April, 2018, 01:26:01 pm
Whiplash (on Netflix)

Guardian review said "Jazz drumming – not exactly a subject to get punters queuing round the block, you’d think, but by the climax of this film it’s the most exciting and important subject in the world."


Spot on. Excellent film. Cheesy and cliched in part but that doesn't actually matter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 April, 2018, 02:31:49 pm
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared was rather fun, a dark comedy that had some splendid moments and surreal situations.

I quite liked it too, but the book had so much more in it...

There's a sequel on NF where he's a year older and propagating.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 April, 2018, 05:24:44 pm
American Made

Lightweight film about bad things going on in Central America, fed by one bloke and a type from the CIA. Based on a true story, according to the blurb. The blurb didn’t say how tenuous the basing was. I did wonder why the oil rigs didn’t report the planes. And some other things.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 April, 2018, 06:49:09 pm
Ready Player One. I liked it, but it depends on a tolerance for pop-culture references, it runs at about 60 references a minute for most of the movie. I doubt anyone under the age of 35 got most of them. Even I was forced to explain Buckaroo Banzai to my wife, and it can't be done in under 30 minutes and without alcohol. Basically a full-on nostalgia tsunami for people who remember 80s teen movies and a Atari games consoles. The CGI is very awesome on Imax.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 03 April, 2018, 12:47:45 pm
The Omega Man (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUkU18MrBzU)

It's a little dated now, you can see its 1970's origins, but it's mostly a good enough film.

After almost 50 years of more modern post-Apocalyptic films, we can see the many mistakes that Charlton Heston makes, although his adversaries are smarter than most modern Zombies, excepting possibly the Resident Evil beasties.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 03 April, 2018, 12:57:25 pm
Mudbound, which was pretty depressing watching, after seeing a few episodes of Flint Town* on Netflix.


*Follows the Flint police force as they try to er, well, police the town of Flint, which has suffered with huge commercial loss of the car-building industry. And there are 100,000 townsfolk and just 100 police.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PeterM on 03 April, 2018, 01:25:06 pm
Isle of Dogs

Bizarre, visually stunning, and very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 04 April, 2018, 08:30:05 pm
Frozen

Since arriving at my friend's house (with children ages 2-11) I have seen this film more times than is necessary and/or advisable (i.e. n > 1).  I am grateful that as the week progresses I will be spending less time in the house.  It's not a bad film, but not good enough to be on permanent repeat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 April, 2018, 05:47:55 pm
A film of Danish poetry interspersed with "cycle racing and other depraved hallucinogenics." (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377841/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_31) This was a prelude to that film about the toughest and most beautiful race in the world (ridden by the toughest and most beautiful riders in the world), the one that's happening tomorrow, beer, cheese, sweat, blood, famous showers, a night on the tiles after a day on the cobbles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Samuel D on 08 April, 2018, 08:30:56 am
That Danish film sounds fun, Cudzoziemiec. Where did you manage to find it? I checked Amazon, YouTube, and Vimeo.

60 Cycles (https://www.onf.ca/film/60_cycles_en/) is another short, innovative, fascinating old film on cycling. You might like it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 08 April, 2018, 07:21:57 pm
Darkest Hour.

Very good indeed, Oldman didn't quite get the voice but was very effective. Stephen Dillane was awesome as Halifax. It was a tiny weeny bit hokey, the infamous tube scene was dreadful cheese and the Calais zoom shot was misjudged. When they kept having montages of Londoners walking in the street I kept getting flashbacks to Notting Hill.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 April, 2018, 07:29:39 pm
That Danish film sounds fun, Cudzoziemiec. Where did you manage to find it? I checked Amazon, YouTube, and Vimeo.

60 Cycles (https://www.onf.ca/film/60_cycles_en/) is another short, innovative, fascinating old film on cycling. You might like it.
I didn't find it, it was shown at a local semi-arty cinema as an opener to A Sunday in Hell. I'm afraid I've no idea where you'd find it to watch at home.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 April, 2018, 09:11:13 am
Finished watching the Spanish serial La Casa de Papel, godawful Netflux title Money Heist.  Great fun and very, very satisfying.

Now trying to get Bella Ciao out of my internal hifi, as it goes round for the n-thousandth time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 15 April, 2018, 06:12:26 pm
Jungle Book, the latest Live action/CGI version.

It's bloody extraordinary!!  I've never seen CGI like it.  It's beautiful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 15 April, 2018, 07:02:13 pm
The Night Train to Lisbon

Languid turgidity, with a hint of exotic foreignness. Still, I was in Portugal around those times and it was nice to see the old number plates again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 15 April, 2018, 09:32:06 pm
Lowering the tone, 'Minions 3'.

I don't care. It made oi larf when I badly needed to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 15 April, 2018, 11:40:02 pm
Into the Wild about John McCandless or Alexander Supertramp. Excellent. Stunning photography.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 16 April, 2018, 11:27:50 am
Black Panther which I enjoyed.

Isle of Dogs which I also enjoyed. It is ... different. A bit odd. But I liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: perpetual dan on 18 April, 2018, 11:41:12 pm
Just back from The Banff Mountain Film Festival
Good night out, ranging from vignettes to longer stories. One cyclist. One how far in a year type that put me in mind of TG. Some entries for the "never in a million years" thread, but pleasingly not overwhelmingly gnarly or rad. Indeed, amongst the beauty and achievement was rather more humour than i expected. Nearly done now, but worth a look.

Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 April, 2018, 08:09:15 am
Rewatched The North Face, about a pre-war attempt on the Eiger.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 April, 2018, 06:57:28 am
The lady in the van
I've read the book and wasn't sure how this would make into a film. Surprisingly I think they cut material, and it was still a full feature length film. Gently funny as you'd expect, with Maggie Smith enjoying getting the best out of the role.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 21 April, 2018, 01:54:34 pm
Going back to childhood, and remembering how my father was also a real Fan*: Fantastic Voyage. Enjoyed it.

Read the novelisation by Asimov years ago, but never got round to rewatching the film, for some odd reason. I enjoyed it, but there were so many aspects that leapt out at me.

(click to show/hide)

*In the original sense here, as coined by the Futurians and others. Neither my Dad nor me were ever danes, and I do not use the term sci-fi.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 21 April, 2018, 02:23:26 pm
Man on Fire (2004)

It got quite good ratings and I seem to have acquired it as part of a bundle, so it would have been rude not to watch it.

More effort was put into weird film (digital?) effects than into plot, characterisation or anything to make the viewer care.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 22 April, 2018, 10:39:23 am
Free showing of a Japanese film, Thermae Romae, thanks to the Japan Foundation.

Based on a comic strip (manga), about a Roman bath designer who gets transported to modern Japan and collects ideas for improving Roman baths in 135AD. A lot of comedy mainly through cultural clashes. Different and very entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 23 April, 2018, 06:57:30 am
Pixels. I didn't expect it to be good but it was even more awful than anticipated.

Just don't.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 April, 2018, 09:39:01 am
Beyond Skyline.

I'd actually mostly, like the rest of the planet, forgotten Skyline. Anyway, having recovered those memories from the archive, it's main feature was a cast of useless characters that made you mostly cheer for the alien invaders (but wasn't quite as bad as made out, if you want a low budget sci-fi B movie that's what you got). Anyway, the usual cliches abound, stupid aliens doing stupid alien shit (and honestly, why aliens don't keep their spaceships clean is beyond me, come on, no one wants to fly across the universe while at the same time risking stepping into a puddle of their own effluvium as they cross the bridge). I don't think much of it made sense, not even with beer. There was one majestic scene where they fight the aliens with kung fu, so for that alone I'm giving this movie a pass. Reminded me of the time when Chuck Norris kicked a demon's ass, not by incanting some Latin, but with his fists and a roundhouse kick.

Anyway, it's probably awful but ideal post-pub fayre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 April, 2018, 11:17:58 am
My favourite grungy-alien film is District 9 - good old Wikus. I think I'll watch that tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 April, 2018, 11:32:35 am
District 9 annoyed me with the endless hammering of the apartheid metaphor. Yes, yes, I get it.

In a movie thread/beer crossover, I was most pleased to see Finn of Sharknado fame staring down at me from the beer shelves yesterday. Yes, yes, yes, there's a Sharknado beer from Northern Monk (a blood orange and sea salt IPA).

It goes without saying that it's now in my fridge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 23 April, 2018, 11:45:06 am
Deja Vue (formula plot and bunkum science with Denzel) and the much better Enemy of the State with Smith & Hackman.

All the joined up available at the fingertips surveillence is a bit far fetched but I guess they're working on it and its more credible than  time travel. Just. Not that I'm paranoid or anything... anyway, it's you guys they're watching, not me....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 April, 2018, 01:09:08 pm
Pixels. I didn't expect it to be good but it was even more awful than anticipated.

Everything that's good about that film is in the trailer (mostly the idea of street-Pacman).

But vastly better is the short that inspired it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugV6cLgwomo
https://youtu.be/ugV6cLgwomo
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SoreTween on 23 April, 2018, 06:59:55 pm
Ready Player One

I hope they make a film from the book of the same name sometime, I rather enjoyed the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 April, 2018, 08:13:27 am
Last Flight of the Vulcan Bomber, considerably marred by the chortling oaf the engineering crew were doing their best to tolerate.  If they'd shoved him in the bomb bay and dropped him in the Firth of Forth the programme would have been much better.

Loved the plane, though. Mrs. T42 lived near Farnborough as a child and used to see and hear them all the time; I only saw one once, at an air display where high winds kept everything on the ground. We used to hear the same engines when we lived near Paris, though; we were under Corcorde's flightpath into and out of Roissy. Music.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 April, 2018, 01:13:46 pm
Alien Covenant

Better than I was expecting. Knowing that it's a prequel to Alien, you can work out fairly quickly how it is going to end, which kills much of the suspense. And there's very much a feeling of having seen it all before - xenomorphs bursting out of people's chests has long since lost its shock value. The journey is entertaining enough though, even if it feels strangely slow at times, weighed down by portent.

Some of it didn't make much sense, which could be because I've not seen Prometheus, but then again, I read a synopsis of Prometheus and that didn't really help.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 27 April, 2018, 07:00:31 pm
Alien Covenant

Better than I was expecting. Knowing that it's a prequel to Alien, you can work out fairly quickly how it is going to end, which kills much of the suspense. And there's very much a feeling of having seen it all before - xenomorphs bursting out of people's chests has long since lost its shock value. The journey is entertaining enough though, even if it feels strangely slow at times, weighed down by portent.

Some of it didn't make much sense, which could be because I've not seen Prometheus, but then again, I read a synopsis of Prometheus and that didn't really help.

This, and Prometheus, were disappointing in that (like many Star Wars sequels) they had decades to refine the story into a logical and seamless "fit"...but failed.

At least the fairly meh Alien 3 and  oh dear Alien 4 "fitted".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LEE on 27 April, 2018, 07:03:46 pm
Annihilation

Netflix Sci-Fi movie about weird mutant "Avatar" zone.

I gave up on it.  It is by far and away the least tense, tense film, I have ever seen.  The carefree way the main characters jump into a river to free a colleague from a giant mutant Alligator beggars belief.

Dreary stuff.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 April, 2018, 08:01:06 pm
It shouldn't really be possible for anything with a giant mutant alligator to be dreary.  Will give that a miss.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 27 April, 2018, 09:19:40 pm
Your really should know better not to mention either of those two Alien retreads. I can't handle the level of stupid in those movies. Prometheus starts with the DNA the wrong way around and that's the least of its sins. I can only assume in both movies Earth is exporting all the stupid people because IQs really did drop while Ripley was away (I know she's technically not been away but we can evidently all play fast and loose with the plot, such as it is).

To be fair about Annihilation, it's based on a very dull book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 28 April, 2018, 07:40:25 pm
If it is the film I think it is, it is based on a book I suspect came from an idea ripped off from David Gerrold.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_War_Against_the_Chtorr

The books are from the 80s, and the source of that film 2014.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 28 April, 2018, 09:47:30 pm
Hacksaw Ridge, which is based on a true story.  Gory battle FX, but the story is powerfully told - no doubt with a good dose of dramatic licence.  Well worth watching I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 April, 2018, 10:59:21 pm
Wind River

Earnest, with poor snow at the beginning and gratuitous violence. Although it was only 99p on the iTunes Store, I’d watch it again.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 29 April, 2018, 09:22:06 am
Infinity War

Completely awesome. I started reading Marvel comics in 1974 and - while I have had some long breaks - I never really stopped.

It took a long time for the sfx to be good enough, and for there to be enough buy-in (anyone else remember the Spidey film from the late seventies?  :facepalm: ),  but it was worth the wait.

Seeing it with the boys made it even more brilliant. Dyl clapped spontaneously when The Guardians of the Galaxy appeared and again when the action moved to Wakanda  ;D

It’s a long film with a lot of plot but I didn’t notice that while watching it. I’m going again asap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2018, 01:30:35 pm
anyone else remember the Spidey film from the late seventies?

I don’t remember the film itself but I remember my dad taking me to see it at the Granada in Maidstone. By the time we got to the front of the queue, it was sold out so my dad got us tickets for something else instead.

But then by chance we accidentally went into the wrong screen, the one where Spider-Man was showing, so I got to see the film after all.

In my youthful innocence, I believed it was a genuine mistake, but with hindsight, I wonder... Must ask my dad about that some time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 April, 2018, 02:54:24 pm
Annihilation

Netflix Sci-Fi movie about weird mutant "Avatar" zone.

I gave up on it.  It is by far and away the least tense, tense film, I have ever seen.  The carefree way the main characters jump into a river to free a colleague from a giant mutant Alligator beggars belief.

Dreary stuff.

Forced myself to watch it all the way through, if only to make sure that it finished in the regulation manner of all American SF films, i.e. by
(click to show/hide)
  And it did.

For the rest, I reckon the scriptwriters had either been reading Chaga or smoking something yeahhhhhhhh.

It would have been much better if they hadn't been able to stop it and had concluded that it was going to take over the world and turn Donald Trump into a philodendron.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 30 April, 2018, 09:07:30 am
Not the last film, but a chance re-encounter.

Ruthie and I went to see 'Arrival' together when I was working in her area, and we both enjoyed what was, for once, a reasonably intelligent SF film. Yesterday, by chance, reading a Kindle slush pile SF compilation, I came across the original story, "Story of your life"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Story_of_Your_Life

What a delight! I really, really enjoyed a story that covered liguistics and other deep ideas in a challenging way, as well as delivering a non-linear narrative so well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 April, 2018, 12:38:02 pm
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Amusing. My son used to read the books when he was younger and enjoyed them. I think the film does them justice and doesn't outstay its welcome at 85 minutes. I'd be more inclined to go and see Infinity War if it were edited to 85 minutes running time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 April, 2018, 01:32:29 pm
I'm very looking forward to Infinity War and just hope it's over-the-top mental and lasts about a week (given the price of Imax tickets, it should last a week). Sadly, I have to wait two weeks as I'm away.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 10 May, 2018, 08:57:20 am
Papillon. Must be twenty years since I last saw it and its still a really good film. Probably helped out that it was a hot sweaty night when I was watching it.
Steve McQueen was a proper film star, dominated the screen whilst only having about ten lines in the entire film. He'd be 88 now had he lived.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 May, 2018, 06:59:19 pm
Seat-back-movie time again, it's always hard work remembering, I know I watched more than this because I can't sleep on planes. Anyway, I did really enjoy The Death of Stalin, especially Steve Buscemi's turn as Khrushchev and Jason Isaac's splendidly northern Zhukov. Some Maze Runner thing that I think was longer than the actual flight. It might still be playing. The Commuter, in which Liam Neeson has another bad day. Honest, that guy can't go anywhere. Serviceable I suppose, if you enjoy watching Liam have a bad day. 12 Strong awful gung-ho Americana. Don't bother unless you want chew on your own sick.

ETA: Oh, and finally after some Netflix trash of late, Radius, which is worth a punt and good demonstration that with a bit of thought, it's possible to put together a decent low-budget thriller.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Simon_A on 11 May, 2018, 11:16:14 am
Finally joined Reading Film Theatre http://readingfilmtheatre.co.uk/ (http://readingfilmtheatre.co.uk/) so starting a binge...

Seen:
The Shape of Water - Fanatasy love story set in a US Cold War research facility.  Imaginative and visually beautiful, though perhaps rather a standard love story in the end.
Isle of Dogs - Wes Anderson stop motion animation about dogs banished to a rubbish dump and an attempt to rescue them.  Jolly good fun :-)

Coming Up:
I, Tonya - "Story disgraced competitive figure skater Tonya Harding."
Funny Cow - "Following the rise of a female comedienne in the all-male world of the comedy circuit in the north of England in the late 1970s"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 May, 2018, 02:14:20 pm
Dunkirk

Harrowing viewing, even on the relatively small screen of my home entertainment system (aka telly).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 May, 2018, 09:48:23 am
Infinity War. If you like superheroes making wisecracks and generally having a galaxy-sized beef, it's the best one yet, and is appropriately awesome – sassy script, breathtaking fx, and unrelenting pace. If you're an effete viewer of art house cinema and scared of loud noises, on the other hand, probably best to stay away. One of the few recent movies that earned its long running time and left me thinking done already? As per usual, wait till the end of the credits. I dunno why people still leave when the credits begin to roll on these movies, there's always a coda.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 14 May, 2018, 10:15:53 am
The Death of Stalin

I thought this started off very well, but then petered out, getting weaker and harder to follow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 14 May, 2018, 12:31:30 pm
Infinity War. If you like superheroes making wisecracks and generally having a galaxy-sized beef, it's the best one yet, and is appropriately awesome – sassy script, breathtaking fx, and unrelenting pace. If you're an effete viewer of art house cinema and scared of loud noises, on the other hand, probably best to stay away. One of the few recent movies that earned its long running time and left me thinking done already?

Indeed.

I dunno why people still leave when the credits begin to roll on these movies, there's always a coda.
It may not be their first time to see the film.

Although, on our second viewing, we still stayed for the last bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 May, 2018, 01:04:07 pm
Whatever you do though, when watching a movie from the back row of the Imax auditorium, do not look at the bottom of the screen when the credits are rolling.

The only downside to Infinity War is the wait for the next one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Graeme on 14 May, 2018, 03:19:29 pm
Not seen yet, but bought tickets for: https://www.hulltruck.co.uk/whats-on/hull-truck-screen/harold-lloyd-in-speedy-u/

Hull Truck Theatre are screening 'Speedy' with Harold Lloyd, with live music.
Hooray!
 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 May, 2018, 11:43:45 pm
Easy Rider

In an attempt to make sense of Charlotte's mid-life crisis (http://hardtailchop.com) (which appears to be going rather well).  I'm not sure any of it actually made sense, per se.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 May, 2018, 08:19:56 am
A Chinese Ghost Story, "martial arts" "romantic comedy horror film" which is quite good fun all the same.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 19 May, 2018, 03:40:00 pm
Apocalypto

Some nice visuals, but not much of a story - even with considerable artistic license used re: timelines.  I wouldn't say it's the worst two hours I've ever spent in front of a screen, but definitely worth a (dis)Honourable Mention.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 May, 2018, 08:21:15 am
Deadpool II. I thought a quite brave directorial decision to move away from the needless swearing and violence of the first and instead spend three hours meditating on the nature of power and meaning of death to a superhero. I found it an emotionally moving and draining, yet ultimately worthwhile, experience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 May, 2018, 10:41:20 am
You mean like Jesus Christ Superstar on ice?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2018, 10:50:41 pm
Black Panther

Certainly one of the more watchable Marvel films, even though it wasn't played for laughs.  Probably because of its refreshingly sensible model of masculinity and high Bechdel-Wallace test compliance.  Very pretty, but in a completely different way to Doctor Strange.  And all that lovely representation that's been discussed passim.

Basically, it's what Wonder Woman was trying to be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 May, 2018, 08:44:14 am
Mission Impossible IV (Ghost Protocol).

It's a 6/10 competent entertaining action movie, with a lot of humour added by Mr Pegg*. So 8/10, and N loved it. A reminder that straight action movies (i.e. without humour or romance elements) are very rarely worth watching. This one had a nice balance, never got boring, or too serious, or too gory - and unlike some recent Bond movies, didn't suffer too-many-endings-itis.

The only other MI i've seen was II (seems about a billion years ago), which I don't recall being very interesting at all. I believe Simon Pegg is in IV, V and VI, so I'll probably watch those. Did the non-Pegg episodes have any humour to them? I'm not optimistic ...


*I proper splorted at his best moment in this (pretty absurd) scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DkV8WE7DFA
(I know it's beyond sad to quote my own post, but I feel there's a nice progression here, and you don't have to read it ... )



Mission Impossible V: Rogue Nation.  :thumbsup:

They've almost got this nailed now. More of the same from the first Pegg romp, but possibly better. They've basically thrown away all the annoying sh1te that modern action blockbusters drool over, and just got the basics right; action, humour, pace, all in the right proportions with a quality cast.

It's kinda like one of the better Roger Moore bond movies in tone - but more stylish, and modern script/characters/production.

Fans of Rev  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rev._(TV_series)#Main)will enjoy seeing  Tom Hollander reunited with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_McBurney :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 May, 2018, 10:28:51 am
Not seen the latest one, but I quite like the Mission Impossibles, though the first one was a bit dull until they got away from trying to make a 60s film in a modern stylee. Tom Cruise, however much you want to dislike him, really does carry them and never seems to taking the movies seriously. They're a nice antidote to the Bourne-esque pofacery school of action movies that has infected the last couple of Bonds.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jack Standish on 04 June, 2018, 12:18:09 pm
Watched Solo.
Garbage movie, but Emilia Clarke made it tolerable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 13 June, 2018, 07:31:58 am
Solo...and much to my surprise, absolutely loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 13 June, 2018, 10:27:38 pm
Darkest Hour.     

Worth watching; GO is great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 13 June, 2018, 10:53:59 pm
The Last Jedi.

Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 14 June, 2018, 12:15:15 am
**Insert Star Wars Episode of choice**

Meh.

Don't get it. Never did . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 14 June, 2018, 06:02:27 am
The first one was ok. (The real first one, not the money grabbing ‘first’ one)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 June, 2018, 08:16:07 am
Grauniads of the Galaxy - a ragtag team of freelance hacks on a desperate quest for white chocolate. Josh Brolin (uncredited) looks great in blue. Or was it purple?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 June, 2018, 08:23:22 am
The first one was ok. (The real first one, not the money grabbing ‘first’ one)

The Empire Strikes Back was good too. After that, Ewoks. Rogue One was very good though. The last one was so forgettable I couldn't even tell what it was called. I've not seen Solo yet, it seems like the sort of thing that they couldn't fuck up, loveable rogue Han etc. That said, the reviews have been mostly 'meh.'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 14 June, 2018, 08:25:40 am
The first one was ok. (The real first one, not the money grabbing ‘first’ one)

So after the first one it kinda went downhill rapidly.

The defence rests.

Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 June, 2018, 01:52:11 pm
The first one was ok. (The real first one, not the money grabbing ‘first’ one)

So after the first one it kinda went downhill rapidly.

The defence rests.

Meh.

The Thick Of It neatly covered everything[1] you need to know about Star Wars:

Quote
Malcolm Tucker: It's time for you to step up Ollie. What's that film that you love?

Oliver Reeder: What film?

Malcolm Tucker: The one about the fucking hairdresser, the space hairdresser and the cowboy. The guy, he's got a tin foil pal and a pedal bin. His father's a robot and he's fucking fucked his sister. Lego! They're all made of fucking Lego.

Oliver Reeder: Star Wars?

Malcolm Tucker: That's the one, right. It's like that, okay? Where you fucking kill all the bad guys, and you'll be able to blow up the big...

Oliver Reeder: Death Star.

Malcolm Tucker: The Death Star thing. Then you can go and live happily ever after on the planet of the teddy bears.

Oliver Reeder: They're Ewoks, they're Ewoks. It's a fantastic analogy, well done.


[1] Unless you want to be really geeky about the eventual fate of the planet of the teddy bears, in which case this is a work of art: http://www.theforce.net/swtc/holocaust.html
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 June, 2018, 11:09:19 pm
I've not seen Solo yet, it seems like the sort of thing that they couldn't fuck up, loveable rogue Han etc. That said, the reviews have been mostly 'meh.'

Yeah..that and the trailer made me a bit hesitant (and dialled my expectations down), but I really liked it. Everything is kept 'grounded', more so than Rogue 1, humour kept at a reasonable level and compared to Rogue 1 and Last Jedi, plays much much better.
 Even my wife, who doesn't really like Star Wars, enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 June, 2018, 07:50:03 am
8mm: a nasty film that might have been written by James Ellroy but wasn't;  starring Nicolas Cage, the man people love to despise but who is actually an excellent actor when he gets the chance, as here.  "Enjoy" wasn't quite the word.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 June, 2018, 09:39:27 pm
Last night, Mad Max was on telly. The original one. So I watched it. For about the tenth time. Mel Gibson seems to get younger with each viewing. The film itself hasn’t aged so well but I still love it.

Tonight, for a contrast, we went to the cinema to see The Happy Prince. Very good. Desperately sad. Tragic, even.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 June, 2018, 01:33:35 pm
Not sure I could take another Oscar Wilde film.  I can remember when my sister went to the 1960 one and my parents had kittens. "Not suitable for a teenage girl".  I asked what the fuss was about and my mum said "he was... rude."

We're watching Ken Burns' Vietnam series on Netflux. Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 June, 2018, 04:50:05 pm
Not sure I could take another Oscar Wilde film.

I liked it but given the choice, I would rather watch Mad Max again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 June, 2018, 05:02:28 pm
 Me too - and one of the main motivations would be to hear Goose's Brollalolla song again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 July, 2018, 08:32:54 am
Easy Rider, God wot. Mrs T had never seen it and Netflux has just posted it so, not being football freaks, we put it on.  Very mixed feelings after.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 11 July, 2018, 12:36:42 pm
Not sure I could take another Oscar Wilde film.  I can remember when my sister went to the 1960 one and my parents had kittens. "Not suitable for a teenage girl".  I asked what the fuss was about and my mum said "he was... rude."

How are the kittens relevant??
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 July, 2018, 12:41:16 pm
Kittens are never relevant unless you have them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 11 July, 2018, 10:58:50 pm
The Happy Prince was rather good,  but not perhaps for those easily upset by naked chaps.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: robgul on 12 July, 2018, 09:14:16 pm
Time Trial - the David Millar film - so bad that it warrants its own thread -  q.v.

Rob
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 July, 2018, 09:30:32 am
Wind River
Not your usual US action flick. Great atmosphere.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cunobelin on 14 July, 2018, 05:20:06 pm
Not a big film follower, but am now off my feet for several weeks recovering so have invested in Netflix

Just Watched “The Foreigner” from 2017, based on the early 1990s Stephen Leather book “The Chinaman”

Jackie Chan..... Stunning, a deeper, more emotional part than usual for him, but for me it carries the film

Highly recommend
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jack Standish on 16 July, 2018, 08:16:36 am
Not a big film follower, but am now off my feet for several weeks recovering so have invested in Netflix

Just Watched “The Foreigner” from 2017, based on the early 1990s Stephen Leather book “The Chinaman”

Jackie Chan..... Stunning, a deeper, more emotional part than usual for him, but for me it carries the film

Highly recommend

I can also recommend "Shinjuku Incident" where Chan plays an illegal Chinese immigrant in Japan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 August, 2018, 03:53:31 pm
A short review of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom:
Quote
The movie was similar to martial arts films I had seen on television, only less comprehensible, with too many villains, tribal people, and children needing to be rescued.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 August, 2018, 05:04:24 pm
Stumbled on a film on Netflix (Extinction) that was actually quite good (after Mute and the Cloverfield thing, I click play with a degree of trepidation and have several drinks lined up).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 August, 2018, 03:09:27 pm
Daughter wanted to watch a film and cinema choice was *all sequels*. Temp houseshare had loads of DVDs so we browsed the shelves and chose one (it was like browsing blockbuster shortly before it closed).

She fancied a disaster movie, so we watched Deep Impact.

WTF did we just watch?  I've never seen such a mix of decent scenes and absolutely terrible trash. It swung from dire to brilliant and back again without pause. Morgan Freeman even didn't bother making an effort, he must have guessed that the totality would be a turkey.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 05 August, 2018, 03:12:02 pm
Valerian Netflix Mmmm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 August, 2018, 04:52:55 pm
Stumbled on a film on Netflix (Extinction) that was actually quite good (after Mute and the Cloverfield thing, I click play with a degree of trepidation and have several drinks lined up).

I'd line up the drinks if I were you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 August, 2018, 09:15:41 pm
She fancied a disaster movie, so we watched Deep Impact.

WTF did we just watch?  I've never seen such a mix of decent scenes and absolutely terrible trash. It swung from dire to brilliant and back again without pause. Morgan Freeman even didn't bother making an effort, he must have guessed that the totality would be a turkey.

The thing about Deep Impact is you've got to put it in context.  It was released into a world where the mere idea of a black president of the USA was radical, and Armageddon was what passed for an asteroid-collision disaster movie[1].

Still doesn't entirely make sense.  The high hobbit content, for one thing.

My working theory is that they poached the SCIENCE consultant from the Armageddon team, who proceeded to carry on without one, on the basis that having Bruce Willis and Aerosmith would carry it.  Sadly this appears to have been the case.


[1] It also passed for worst big-budget disaster movie of all time, until The Core came out in 2003.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 August, 2018, 07:15:54 am
Back when they came out, New Sci gave DI the nod for being marginally closer to reality, but preferred Armageddon for fun.

IIRC the plots were inspired by the Shoemaker-Levy impacts and the Hyakutake & Hale-Bopp comets.  The 90s were rather rich in gaudy astronomical events.

Humph, Hale-Bop.  I got perfectly-guided pics of that but like a twat didn't think to bracket & stack, so all of them have blown highlights. :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 06 August, 2018, 08:19:44 am
She fancied a disaster movie, so we watched Deep Impact.

WTF did we just watch?  I've never seen such a mix of decent scenes and absolutely terrible trash. It swung from dire to brilliant and back again without pause. Morgan Freeman even didn't bother making an effort, he must have guessed that the totality would be a turkey.

The thing about Deep Impact is you've got to put it in context.  It was released into a world where the mere idea of a black president of the USA was radical, and Armageddon was what passed for an asteroid-collision disaster movie[1].

Still doesn't entirely make sense.  The high hobbit content, for one thing.

My working theory is that they poached the SCIENCE consultant from the Armageddon team, who proceeded to carry on without one, on the basis that having Bruce Willis and Aerosmith would carry it.  Sadly this appears to have been the case.


[1] It also passed for worst big-budget disaster movie of all time, until The Core came out in 2003.

I thought that Prof Brian Cox was the science advisor on DI?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 August, 2018, 09:30:50 am
According to IMDB it was one Chris Luchini.  According to the Interthing he holds a PhD in High-Energy Physics and ran for sheriff of Los Alamos last January.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 August, 2018, 09:45:41 am
Armageddon is a classic. Deep Impact is just another disaster movie.

Yesterday, we waited the the midday sun with Ant-Man and the Wasp which was very good and induced much chortling in the audience and won bonus points for both 'quantum' references and taking the piss out of itself for putting 'quantum' in front of everything.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 August, 2018, 10:11:55 am
She fancied a disaster movie, so we watched Deep Impact.

WTF did we just watch?  I've never seen such a mix of decent scenes and absolutely terrible trash. It swung from dire to brilliant and back again without pause. Morgan Freeman even didn't bother making an effort, he must have guessed that the totality would be a turkey.

The thing about Deep Impact is you've got to put it in context.  It was released into a world where the mere idea of a black president of the USA was radical, and Armageddon was what passed for an asteroid-collision disaster movie[1].

Still doesn't entirely make sense.  The high hobbit content, for one thing.

My working theory is that they poached the SCIENCE consultant from the Armageddon team, who proceeded to carry on without one, on the basis that having Bruce Willis and Aerosmith would carry it.  Sadly this appears to have been the case.


[1] It also passed for worst big-budget disaster movie of all time, until The Core came out in 2003.

I thought that Prof Brian Cox was the science advisor on DI?

That was Sunshine.  His attempts to disown it are thwarted by Robin Ince on every other episode of TIMC.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 August, 2018, 12:29:29 pm
I thought that Prof Brian Cox was the science advisor on DI?

That was Sunshine.  His attempts to disown it are thwarted by Robin Ince on every other episode of TIMC.

Knowing this greatly enhances your enjoyment of the afore-mentioned movie disaster.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 August, 2018, 01:20:04 pm
Over the weekend we watched the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series.  Having recently watched The Bridge IIII I'm now trying to imagine a sequel with Saga Nøren and Lisbeth Salander.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 10 August, 2018, 01:42:48 pm
Lion - Wow, fantastic. My wife and I were in bit watching it.  Highly recommended, and free on Prime just now
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 August, 2018, 10:20:52 am
It's not just me. (https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/aug/14/i-watched-nicolas-cage-movies-for-14-hours-straight-and-im-sold)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 16 August, 2018, 09:07:03 pm
OMG! fboab, WHAT DID YOU JUST MAKE ME WATCH?!  :o

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 August, 2018, 10:39:42 am
The Last Jedi

Dull, isn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 23 August, 2018, 12:28:35 pm
OMG! fboab, WHAT DID YOU JUST MAKE ME WATCH?!  :o

(click to show/hide)

We're parachuting in an emotional support team...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cunobelin on 26 August, 2018, 03:00:42 pm
Just finished "Kidnap" with Halle Berry

Shan't say anything else, except that for a large part of the film, she is the only actor, which is difficult to carry off, but it works. You really feel for her at times

In some ways a formulaic film, and some of the twists are obvious, and the end is not what I expected
(click to show/hide)

However I did thoroughly enjoy it as a good miserable wet Sunday Afternoon film

I would recommend
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 26 August, 2018, 03:07:02 pm
Anita and Me. I'm now reading the book. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 26 August, 2018, 03:27:00 pm
We had a film night, and watched 'District 9'. I'd missed it, and had only ever read a review. It owes a lot to Verhoeven's Robocop, and Starship Troopers, but it has extra resonance following what's happened since then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 26 August, 2018, 08:28:12 pm
We had a film night, and watched 'District 9'. I'd missed it, and had only ever read a review. It owes a lot to Verhoeven's Robocop, and Starship Troopers, but it has extra resonance following what's happened since then.

Too much vomit for my liking. Fboab likes it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 26 August, 2018, 09:14:19 pm
Not sure about the Verhoeven links, given that what happens to the protagonist owes more to Cronenbergian (sic) body horror.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 August, 2018, 03:25:31 pm
Les Aventures Extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec. 1910, Egypt, tomb robbery, Paris, pterodactyl ressurection... Zany. Fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 27 August, 2018, 05:37:54 pm
Bonkers.  I love that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 August, 2018, 05:51:54 pm
I really enjoyed the recent series about fillum genres by Mark Kermode (co-written by Kim Newman): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bbn5pt

The least satisfying ep was the one on Horror. I admit I had pre-conceptions ... there was a lot of interesting analysis, but I cannot say it made me want to watch any of the films mentioned, outside of the ones I've already seen! Is horror just the Marmite of film genres?? (It's odd that although I'm a fan of Kermode, he is a self-confessed Horror fanatic and nerd.)

As an aside, I noticed that the featured films I've seen (and enjoyed) were not IMO "proper" horror; examples being Silence of the Lambs & Blair Witch Project. Clear-cut counter-examples being Texas Chain-Saw Massacre, or various Dracula movies with Peter Cushing. Am I making a purely self-justifying distinction here??
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 28 August, 2018, 12:06:27 pm
The Third Man.  I hadn't watched it for a few years and had forgotten how good it is.  Still my favourite Western  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 28 August, 2018, 12:15:22 pm
The Third Man is my favourite film.  I bought a new DVD a coule of months ago and am saving it for Christmas!  I also love "Odd Man Out" by the same director, Carol Reed.  Do you know it?

Peter
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 28 August, 2018, 12:30:34 pm
Not sure about the Verhoeven links, given that what happens to the protagonist owes more to Cronenbergian (sic) body horror.

Quote
RoboCop. If you check out Blomkamp’s previous work (I’ve linked to it just below), you’ll see that RoboCop appears to be more or less his formative text. Now there’s a Paul Verhoeven movie that’s truly worth emulating (to me, it remains his best), and you can see its influence in the scenes where Wikus climbs inside, operates, and all but fuses with that walking killer auto-gun robot. Like Peter Weller’s RoboCop, he becomes a haunting and even poignant man-machine.

https://ew.com/article/2009/08/18/district-9-playing-spot-the-reference-and-checking-out-neill-blomkamps-roots/

Obviously that was written a long time before July's announcement that Blomkamp would be directing a Robocop sequel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 28 August, 2018, 09:18:07 pm
Mama Mia Here We Go Again. At the invitation of family members with littl’uns. Not terribly good. I was expecting more laughs, but once they had shoe-horned the backstory into the narrative, there was precious little room for jokes. A funny thing though, I was crying almost all the way through it. I’ll cry at anything. Then, when I went back to look through reviews to see whether i should have enjoyed it or not, I saw that Mark Kermode gave it 5 stars, and cried all the way through it too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 August, 2018, 09:29:17 pm
Just finished "The Cruel Sea", which I haven't seen for yonks.  For a new ship, Saltash Castle isn't half rusty.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 29 August, 2018, 08:46:45 am
The Third Man is my favourite film.  I bought a new DVD a coule of months ago and am saving it for Christmas!  I also love "Odd Man Out" by the same director, Carol Reed.  Do you know it?

Peter

Not seen that one but will watch to for it.  My copy of The Third Man has a 90 minute accompanying documentary - which one day I will get around to watching as well!  Sometimes knowing too much about a film can spoil the pleasure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 29 August, 2018, 09:17:50 am
So... from "The Third Man" to..... "Minions"   :facepalm:

With CBH out shopping, I thought I would catch up on some films I had "taped" from a while back and as I wanted a laugh, I though.... "Minions". Having loved the Despicable Me Series...…………..yes, yes, I know they are for kids...… I thought I would give this spin off a go.

Frankly, I wished I hadn't bothered as it wasn't very good.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 August, 2018, 06:47:42 pm
The Last Jedi

Dull, isn't it?

It was so unmemorable I can't even recall a single scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jurek on 29 August, 2018, 07:09:44 pm
I haven't watched it yet, as I only ordered a DVD of In the Heat of the Night a couple of days ago ( I couldn't find it on Netflix :(  )
There's not much to say that anything is wrong with that film.

Superb screenplay.
Fantastic performance from Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger.
Ray Charles delivering the tunes produced by Quincy Jones.

What's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 29 August, 2018, 07:15:41 pm
I haven't watched it yet, as I only ordered a DVD of In the Heat of the Night a couple of days ago ( I couldn't find it on Netflix :(  )
There's not much to say that anything is wrong with that film.

Superb screenplay.
Fantastic performance from Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger.
Ray Charles delivering the tunes produced by Quincy Jones.
In the Heat of the Night gets a namecheck in The Lion King. (https://youtu.be/89kk2JQo_zc)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jurek on 29 August, 2018, 07:18:24 pm
I haven't watched it yet, as I only ordered a DVD of In the Heat of the Night a couple of days ago ( I couldn't find it on Netflix :(  )
There's not much to say that anything is wrong with that film.

Superb screenplay.
Fantastic performance from Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger.
Ray Charles delivering the tunes produced by Quincy Jones.
In the Heat of the Night gets a namecheck in The Lion King. (https://youtu.be/89kk2JQo_zc)

"They call me Mr.Pig!"

 ;D
Very good.

ETA - There's a bit of "Are you talking to me?" Robert de Niro / Taxi Driver filtering in there aswellbut.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 29 August, 2018, 07:33:51 pm
The Last Jedi

Dull, isn't it?

It was so unmemorable I can't even recall a single scene.
Was that the one set on a windy mossy cliff?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 August, 2018, 09:09:05 pm
It says something that I had to google, but yes, there's was mossy cliff. And a lot of guff*. I grew up in the original Star Wars generation, so obviously my childhood was spent wanting (and never getting) a model Millennium Falcon and that may colour my views, but these latter versions seem like little more than weary retreads of the originals, which is a shame, as they could have done something interesting. Now compared to Marvel and stuff they just seem curiously flat nostalgia pieces, which I suppose is what they are. The only one that's been any good is Rogue One.

*I'm sure I griped about the 'space chase' where all the space ships – big and small – fly at the same speed, O! for a Millennium Falcon, that's for sure – and the utterly pointless side mission (well, not entirely pointless, they had a character and needed to find some reason for him to be in the film), and the fact the movie just seemed a big wobbly stack of contrivances. It's my biggest movie gripe, scripts and plotting that exist merely to move the movie forward, rather than an actual story that has its own momentum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 August, 2018, 09:36:03 pm
The Last Jedi

Dull, isn't it?

It was so unmemorable I can't even recall a single scene.

I looked up what people said about it when it first came out because I had a vague recollection that yacfers were generally quite positive about it. I'm pleased to say I was mistaken - you were all pretty much as disappointed as me.

The main complaints were the implausibility (even by silly space film standards) of the side mission, and the thing that Princess Leia did. I agree with all of the complaints.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 August, 2018, 11:21:23 am
Speaking of guff, we re-watched Watchmen last night because we hadn't watched it for a few years.  It is fun most of the way through, but as always I fell asleep during the interminable yakking-match down in Antarctica. Thon nekkid blue guy is a royal pain in the butternuts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 September, 2018, 09:04:36 pm
Blackkklansman

Wow. Shocking. The ending completely blindsided me and left me in pieces. And angry. Deeply angry.

It's also very funny in places, but it's certainly not the bag of laughs I'd been led to expect from the trailer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 September, 2018, 03:48:39 pm
The Brand New Testament, a delightful Belgian film in which God is an unshaven, beer-swilling, TV-sport-watching swine who lives in a Brussels apartment and whose hobby is making life miserable for humanity.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 15 September, 2018, 12:15:02 am
It’s rare to find a film that combines a celebration of Autism and medium level Tourette’s whilst coping with a family separation.

Add in some light-hearted limb removal, disembowelling, mild peril, hokum science and cuddly alien dogs and you have The Predator.

Unfortunately we watched it without the benefit of a Friday night in the pub, but that’s our fault.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 17 September, 2018, 08:40:54 pm
Mother!

Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem.

Errr,  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 17 September, 2018, 10:10:17 pm
Last night two filmx on TV.

Battleship

That was a laugh. A proper silly B movie adventure.

Anna Karinina

Watched 10 minutes of the middle and turned it off as it was so good I want to see it all from the start
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 19 September, 2018, 09:06:39 am
"Cold War" https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/sep/02/cold-war-pawel-pawlikowski-review-mark-kermode

Beautifully filmed & acted, and a good score.  I was glad it was fairly short though, the sofa's in The Box are not very comfortable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 19 September, 2018, 10:03:57 am
I idly flicked through iPlayer on Friday and happened upon Reasonable Doubt.  It's utter tosh, of the kind that you don't really mind watching it until you get to the end and realise that it really wasn't worth (fortunately, only) 77 minutes of your life.  Not even Samuel L. Jackson could save it.

The King's Speech was also on there and, as you're probably all aware, in a different league.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 September, 2018, 10:16:52 pm
Spotlight (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1895587/?ref_=ttawd_awd_tt) True story about the Boston Globe investigation into child abuse by Catholic priests and the subsequent church cover up.

Well worth a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 October, 2018, 12:01:13 am
The unfortunate conclusion of an irregular series: (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6884.msg2265613#msg2265613)

Sharknado 6 in lightly-edited IRC logs... Apologies in advance for the real spoilers being in the naming of the spoiler tags.

<kim> i've just remembered what i was supposed to be doing...
-!- kim changed the topic of #chat to: Current threat level: Sharknado
<kim> time for...  The Last Sharknado: It's About Time


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 October, 2018, 09:17:36 am
Malevolent. Guessed 90% of it when Celia Imrie showed up in the trailer. Only remaining issue was the body count at credits time. Wasn't far off.

Half-Closed Eye award with oak-leaves & woolly night-cap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 12 October, 2018, 11:40:17 am
Deadpool 2. Yes, really, on DVD.

I actually found myself laughing out loud several times. I DID have to rewind it once, just to check that, yes, they had just dropped the C-bomb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 October, 2018, 01:14:05 pm
Flight.  First half-hour quite gripping, the rest is a boring morality play with altogether too much Godding.  See Alaskan Airways Flight 261.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 12 October, 2018, 01:31:00 pm
Blindspotting.  I was lured by the unanimously good reviews but was disappointed. Characters all plainly recognisable stereotypes - but reversed (there's the pitch!).

Also a leaky and barely credible plot-line which always puts me in less tolerant state.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 October, 2018, 06:58:01 pm
Oh, and why didnt anyone tell me about Downsizing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCrBICYM0yM)? What a cracking idea! And sonmehow casting Matt Damon just makes the whole concept more hilarious. It can't possibly live upto expectatins, but the trailer really made me smile :)

I was also suckered by the trailer - looked like a great idea for a film. Besides which it's directed by Alexander Payne who is great... Sideways, Nebraska, Election and About Schmidt are among my favourite films of the last 20 years.

Finally got round to watching Downsizing at the weekend. It's very disappointing. I remember Mark Kermode being underwhelmed by it at the time but I don't always agree with him so dismissed it a bit. I've gone back to it and now realise that he was right all along...
https://youtu.be/Vtm3OXAwMw4

Also saw Black Panther at the weekend, which was enjoyably silly, though I couldn't quite get over the feeling that the premise of the film was African people kicking the shit out of each other for white people's entertainment, and there were several scenes where I half expected Timon and Pumbaa to pop up with a song.

On the subject of Kermode, his review of Mandy on last Friday's show made me think of ian...
"How much more Nic Cage could it be? None more Nic Cage"
https://youtu.be/k9Xqn2zEeOM
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Arellcat on 15 October, 2018, 09:12:35 pm
Johnny English Strikes Again.  I didn't know about it until I saw it advertised on the side of the local buses, and since I enjoyed the first two films (and hardly ever go to the cinema anyway) it seemed like a good way to spend a day off.

The first few scenes seemed a bit rushed, a bit too convenient, maybe heavy on the prat falls, but then the film got into its stride.  One of the main sequences was terrific and inventive.  Much japery with cars and ships and gadgets, though the computer stuff could have done with more backstory.  The denouement builds in some nice parody, yet seemed rushed somehow, and some scenes were more reliant on CGI than I'd've liked.  While checking out showing times I accidentally saw the film's rating on a site that wasn't Rotten Tomatoes but like it, and resolved to avoid anything else bordering on spoilerism.  But I would probably agree with the rating if you rounded up a whole number or two.  Johnny English Reborn always seemed to me the more well-realised, more substantial film, slightly more proper-Bond, but this one made me laugh too and I'd go and see it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 17 October, 2018, 11:10:19 pm
First Man. I have read some reviews by folk who didn't like it much and a lot written about how BAD it was for not covering the planting of the flag.

Me? I enjoyed it. It took me back to when I was 7 years old and Dad got me out of bed to watch The Happening live onour rented Redifusion black and white telly :thumbsup:

The main thing for me about the film is this. It isn't about the moon landing. It is about the man. Get the hang of that factor and the film will be better for the viewer I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 October, 2018, 12:24:07 am
On a related note, I recently saw Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo, starring John Aaron as chief nerd, Gene Kranz as America's favourite waistcoat model and Jim Lovell as the guy who played Tom Hanks in the Apollo programme.  Also featuring some lovingly crafted CGI of space stuff pointing in the wrong direction, a great many tobacco products, and some contemporary flight directors to demonstrate that NASA has women now.

It's clearly an attempt to round up and interview as many people as possible while they're still around, but that's no bad thing, and while Apollo 13 gets a lot of attention, they give plenty of time to wider aspects of flight control.

Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 18 October, 2018, 11:36:39 am
... and Jim Lovell as the guy who played Tom Hanks.

Love that!

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Samuel D on 18 October, 2018, 11:43:16 am
Roma (http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20181009-film-review-five-stars-for-roma) would appear to be worth watching if you can find it anywhere that shows it. Does anyone know what sort of films Caryn James typical likes and how often she gives out five stars?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 October, 2018, 12:32:23 pm
The main thing for me about the film is this. It isn't about the moon landing. It is about the man. Get the hang of that factor and the film will be better for the viewer I think.

Mark Commode made exactly that point on his film review thingie the other day.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 October, 2018, 07:45:19 pm
The main thing for me about the film is this. It isn't about the moon landing. It is about the man. Get the hang of that factor and the film will be better for the viewer I think.

Mark Commode made exactly that point on his film review thingie the other day.
It's not about a shark, either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ham on 23 October, 2018, 11:11:20 am
<kim> "hamilton!  you know, i'm still trying to get tickets to your musical"

...embarking on a 5-minute freestyle rap (Hamilton, anyone?)

This Thread Is Getting Confusing For Some People.

Just saying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 27 October, 2018, 10:51:30 pm

"They Shall Not Grow Old" ,  Peter Jacksons First World War documentary.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/oct/16/they-shall-not-grow-old-review-first-world-war-peter-jackson


I saw this at a local cinema, it's on national release & will also be broadcast by the BBC on Armistice Day.    Fantastically well done, but not comfortable viewing. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Samuel D on 28 October, 2018, 08:03:31 am
I watched First Man last night. Technically it was exactly as I expected but the emotional result was much more successful than I thought possible. Half the cinema was in tears when Armstrong’s son shook his hand.

It was easier to be a man back then, wasn’t it? Even if it killed you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pumpkin on 31 October, 2018, 01:32:13 pm
Deepwater Horizon. Quite good and really it's the oil industry who push the $$ and don't worry about the safety
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 November, 2018, 08:59:10 am
Bohemian Rhapsody.  Takes a lot of liberties with the timeline, and it's a good job Paul Prenter's dead or he would have sued them for character assassination.  Very good though, especially the main cast.  John Deacon's various crap hairstyles are faithfully rendered.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 03 November, 2018, 09:19:09 am
We watched Clue again. Lots of fun.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 03 November, 2018, 12:36:24 pm
Bohemian Rhapsody.  Takes a lot of liberties with the timeline, and it's a good job Paul Prenter's dead or he would have sued them for character assassination.  Very good though, especially the main cast.  John Deacon's various crap hairstyles are faithfully rendered.

I think I'll probably take a punt on this. I'm not the type to whinge  too much about "artistic licence"* taken in these things, and I think I'd get a buzz out of the recreation of some beloved and legendary moments.

*
(click to show/hide)

Certain movie critics seem a bit surprised by the abbreviation "Bo Rap"; I believe Queen fans have used that almost since the song was first released :P
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 November, 2018, 09:14:57 pm
Black Panther

Meh
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 November, 2018, 10:08:30 pm
Black Panther

Meh

The Honest Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBYzYji4rmE) was good, tho.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 November, 2018, 08:27:06 am
Solo - A Star Wars Story.  Usual turgid Ron Howard direction and, apart from a few interesting bits of back story, a messy plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 November, 2018, 08:36:29 am
Solo - A Star Wars Story.  Usual turgid Ron Howard direction and, apart from a few interesting bits of back story, a messy plot.

Sounds like our neighbours' back garden: busted trampoline, swimming pool filling up with leaves, and bits of brick & concrete all over the shop from where they've been demolishing their barn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 04 November, 2018, 06:44:25 pm
Quote
Certain movie critics seem a bit surprised by the abbreviation "Bo Rap"; I believe Queen fans have used that almost since the song was first released :P

I was a smidge over 13 years old when I bought the single (Nov '75), got the album with Xmas money that year and remained a Queen fan until Freddie's death in 1991.

I had NEVER heard the expression 'Bo Rap' until a Ben Elton interview in relation to his 2112 rip-off 'We Will Rock You'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 November, 2018, 08:02:57 pm
I was a big Queen fan until they became fashionable  :smug:  I even had Hot Space, a record that wasn't released - it escaped.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 04 November, 2018, 08:21:23 pm
I was a big Queen fan until they became fashionable  :smug:  I even had Hot Space, a record that wasn't released - it escaped.

I drew the line at Hot Space.

However, I am not drawing the line at shamelessly stealing that description of it.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 04 November, 2018, 11:55:37 pm
I saw them in Hyde Park.

So there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 November, 2018, 08:04:33 am
The Lobster.  Yes, well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 05 November, 2018, 08:44:01 am
Watched Silent Running yesterday. Haven't seen it for about twenty years. Still good.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mike on 05 November, 2018, 08:48:08 am
Was taken to see A Star is Born with lady gaga and bradley cooper.  Good film, Gagas voice is astonishing.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 November, 2018, 11:02:14 am
I had NEVER heard the expression 'Bo Rap' until a Ben Elton interview in relation to his 2112 rip-off 'We Will Rock You'.

I'm sure I remember Kenny Everett using the phrase or saying when the single was first released.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 08 November, 2018, 02:24:14 pm
I had NEVER heard the expression 'Bo Rap' until a Ben Elton interview in relation to his 2112 rip-off 'We Will Rock You'.

I'm sure I remember Kenny Everett using the phrase or saying when the single was first released.

Kenny who??

meanwhile:
https://twitter.com/BoRhapMovie

Just saying ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 17 November, 2018, 11:24:18 pm
I had NEVER heard the expression 'Bo Rap' until a Ben Elton interview in relation to his 2112 rip-off 'We Will Rock You'.

I'm sure I remember Kenny Everett using the phrase or saying when the single was first released.
MTAAW
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 17 November, 2018, 11:31:26 pm
Just watched The African Queen, yet again. Top Bogarting.

Before that though I saw The Silent Enemy,  a fictionalized account of Lionel "Buster"Craig's exploits in Gibraltar during WWIi. Notable for Sid James playing a straight role, which he does very well.

Delving into my fading memory branes,  I'm struggling to think of any others, other than a truck driver in the marvellous Hell Drivers.

(Can you tell I'm having a Saturday night at home?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 18 November, 2018, 01:20:52 am
'Hell Is A City'. After discussing it in the pubbe on Tuesday evening, lo & behold it appeared on Talking Pictures last night. Just in time to push the record button.

Lots of Manchester I dimly remember as a pre-teen, stuff that's changed radically but still recognisable today and a final scene on a Manchester icon. Top stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 December, 2018, 01:57:00 pm
Finally got around to watching Blade Runner 2049 last night. Very impressive, beautifully well made and generally good acting, but ultimately left me feeling a bit meh. But then I always thought the original Blade Runner was overrated. For existential sci-fi, it's The Matrix every time for me (but only the first one, not the sequels).

It's also too long. Could do with being cut by at least 30 minutes.

One thing I didn't quite understand was who was firing on the convoy as they approached the airport towards the end... Was it airport security because they were flying in restricted airspace? I didn't quite get why they needed to go off world anyway, but I suppose it helped move the plot along.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 December, 2018, 02:12:44 pm
Persuaded MrsT to watch Icarus the other evening then Stop at Nothing the next.  She wasn't keen at the beginning of Icarus - more blokes on bikes - but got drawn in and thoroughly enjoyed it, if that's the word. Stop at Nothing was the natural follow-on.  I'd seen them both before but they were just as riveting second time around.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 December, 2018, 01:35:50 pm
Solo.

It's probably telling that I fell asleep and missed the end and didn't feel a huge urge to rewind (despite having paid £1.99 for the privilege of watching it).

A bit of a weird one, it wasn't, per se, bad (like The Last Jedi was). It had all the parts you'd expect of such a movie, the acting and casting seemed mostly fine, etc. But the result was flat and unengaging, which is a bit of a shame, given Han Solo was such temptingly good source material. In part, I suspect the casting for Han, which while wasn't bad, just lacked Harrison Ford's insouciant rebelliousness and the fact the Disneyfication process ensured there were no rough edges to the character.

That and it was, beyond the Star Wars trimming, a quite dull by-the-numbers heist film. There was no peril to enliven it because we know that Han, Chew and Lando survive (obviously) and it really just explains a story than anyone who's seen the original trilogy already knew without adding anything new. And if you going to rely on a heist film plot, then it needs twists and turns to generate and sustain interest and a will-they-won't-they succeed. Frankly, there'd have been more excitement had Han and Chewie had gone to Tesco to get the ingredients for tacos.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 05 December, 2018, 10:17:24 pm
At the ICA today, Cannes Festival winner "The Shoplifters", Japanese film about a dysfunctional family of shoplifters.

Highly recommended. As most Japanese films, with hidden depths and successful blend of entertainment with unspoken social comment. Even has quite explicit sexual scenes as part of the story.

As a further recommendation, the Japanese government was not pleased about the film's success  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 05 December, 2018, 11:33:39 pm
Mars Attacks as part of the Scy Fy Channel Tim Burton season. One of those films I love for its cheesiness and "Only Tim Burton can get away with the excellent crapness of it" crapness :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 December, 2018, 11:48:33 pm
I re-watched Project Almanac because I was feeling ill and it was too early for bed.

I've concluded that I like it for the same reason I liked Explorers:  Bunch of odball kids discover something extraordinary and do reckless fumbling SCIENCE with it.  Much like Explorers, it's a film that's best appreciated if you don't see the second half and let your imagination fill in the rest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rr on 06 December, 2018, 02:47:36 pm
I re-watched Project Almanac because I was feeling ill and it was too early for bed.

I've concluded that I like it for the same reason I liked Explorers:  Bunch of odball kids discover something extraordinary and do reckless fumbling SCIENCE with it.  Much like Explorers, it's a film that's best appreciated if you don't see the second half and let your imagination fill in the rest.
That is the only film I've ever been to which actually made people puke. Went with mini, friends and French exchanges, ended up sitting outside minding a group that were either throwing up or felt like they were about to.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 06 December, 2018, 05:37:44 pm
Sully.

Average.  Overplayed the whole enquiry thing. Tom Hanks is good in it as usual.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 December, 2018, 04:27:04 pm
No te mueras sin decirme adónde vas - Don't die without telling me where you're going - a quirky Argentinian film about invention, dreams, and two lovers who get reincarnated out of sync. Very satisfying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 10 December, 2018, 06:16:38 pm
Watership Down ,  only the 2nd time I've seen the film, though I've read the book multiple times & still have the Puffin copy I bought at a junior school book fair.


A decent adaptation & no, I didn't cry  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 December, 2018, 06:36:19 pm
Peterloo. Grim.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 December, 2018, 01:33:03 pm
Watership Down ,  only the 2nd time I've seen the film, though I've read the book multiple times & still have the Puffin copy I bought at a junior school book fair.


A decent adaptation & no, I didn't cry  ;)

My son used to refer to the original film as Watered-Down Shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 December, 2018, 01:50:37 pm
It's a generational thing, I think.  Those of us who were born around the beginning of the 80s were exactly the right age to be plonked in front of it as impressionable smalls in the early VHS era by adults who were working on the then-standard assumption[1] that animation implies it's suitable for children.

I have that scene where the warren is cut up into pools of blood by the teeth of excavators permanently burned into my mind, closely followed by the rabbit caught in the snare, and the evil slobbery dogs[2].  Barakta, who was shown it at school without the benefit of audio, just remembers the nasty rabbits with scars.

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/NightmareFuel/WatershipDown

I haven't seen it for years, so I've no idea what it's like for an older viewer.  Especially one without the emotional baggage of experiencing it for the first time as an under-7.


[1] Which dissipated slowly over the 1990s with the rise in popularity of anime and The Simpsons, and ultimately put to rest as South Park entered mainstream consciousness.  It never ceases to amaze me that Ren and Stimpy somehow slipped below the radar.
[2] I had an acute phobia of dogs as a child, so this bit may have been subjective.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 11 December, 2018, 02:04:35 pm
There was some pretty warped - if not filthy - stuff in Ren and Stimpy, was there not?

And "animation = suitable for children" - anyone who thinks that has clearly never seen any anime as shown in Japan.  ;D

For example (because I was reminded of it by a conversation I overheard in a shop at the weekend), 'Battle of The Planets' was somewhat watered-down compared to the original (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Planets#Key_changes_in_the_adaptation) 'Science Ninja Team Gatchaman' series, and that's before we even get anywhere near the subject of tentacle pr0n... :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 December, 2018, 02:10:05 pm
Not to mention the work of Ralph Bakshi (by which I mean his film of Robert Crumb's Fritz the Cat, not the bizarre rotoscoped LOTR, although that was a bit heavy going for a younger audience).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 11 December, 2018, 06:26:55 pm
There was some pretty warped - if not filthy - stuff in Ren and Stimpy, was there not?

And "animation = suitable for children" - anyone who thinks that has clearly never seen any anime as shown in Japan.  :-D

For example (because I was reminded of it by a conversation I overheard in a shop at the weekend), 'Battle of The Planets' was somewhat watered-down compared to the original (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Planets#Key_changes_in_the_adaptation) 'Science Ninja Team Gatchaman' series, and that's before we even get anywhere near the subject of tentacle pr0n... :demon:


Tentacle pr0n has a long & distinguished history in Japan.


From 1814       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dream_of_the_Fisherman%27s_Wife#/media/File:Tako_to_ama_retouched.jpg   slightly NSFW I suppose. 


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dream_of_the_Fisherman%27s_Wife



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 13 December, 2018, 11:24:44 pm
The Most Unknown on Netflix.

IMDB summary:
Quote
The Most Unknown is an epic documentary film that sends nine scientists to extraordinary parts of the world to uncover unexpected answers to some of humanity's biggest questions. How did life begin? What is time? What is consciousness? How much do we really know? By introducing researchers from diverse backgrounds for the first time, then dropping them into new, immersive field work they previously hadn't tackled, the film reveals the true potential of interdisciplinary collaboration, pushing the boundaries of how science storytelling is approached. What emerges is a deeply human trip to the foundations of discovery and a powerful reminder that the unanswered questions are the most crucial ones to pose.

I like the end product, but think it would have worked even better as a series.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andytheflyer on 15 December, 2018, 12:11:16 pm
Peterloo, Bohemian Rhapsody.  My 2 film allowance for 2018, but budget bust because I saw Churchill too. 

CBA wasting good fettling time driving an hour each way and sitting in a black, stuffy hole, being assaulted by people who must munch on crackly snacks.  Why do they need to do it?

So, I only see films I really want to see.  Otherwise I'll wait until they pop up on TV in a couple of years. And I don't have to tolerate 20 minutes of mindless advertising and eardrum-busting noise, which would be illegal in a work environment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 16 December, 2018, 10:43:56 pm
Yesterday on BBC2 an absolute classic - The IPCRESS File. Love it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 16 December, 2018, 10:51:11 pm
The Usual Suspects.

Still great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 17 December, 2018, 02:32:48 pm
Free Solo.
Man climbs thing, doesn't fall off. The end.
People who struggle to answer the question why they want to cycle x hundred kilometers might appreciate aspects of this.
I really enjoyed it in spite of very sweaty palms!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 17 December, 2018, 03:05:36 pm
Darkest hour again, with my Mum (3yro in 1940).  GO is superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 17 December, 2018, 04:06:38 pm
Shoplifters
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 December, 2018, 09:27:49 pm
Predator, which was a lot better than it should have been without being especially good. The Meg, which benefitted from full-on Stath and a big shark. Enjoyable hokum. The Equalizer part deux, which holds up my theory that your life's mission should be to not piss off Denzel.
(click to show/hide)

I would have watched more, but I was in the inadvertent company of the world's most drunken Irish man. By mid-flight he was slurring so much I was honestly looking for the subtitles option for him.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 21 December, 2018, 09:30:41 pm
Gremlins (1984).

It has not aged well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: robgul on 23 December, 2018, 08:22:08 am
Mary Poppins - the new one.

It's practically perfect in every way ... although there wasn't a song that you hummed on the way home.   

Emily Blunt is superb with a "Princess Margaret" accent ... and Dick Van Dyke's cameo is brilliant.  Shame that Julie Andrews refused a cameo as the balloon lady - despite a £1 million offer.

Rob
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 23 December, 2018, 03:45:53 pm
Bird Box

Dubious concept, but carried by strong acting.  What's the opposite of a grue?


First Man

Extremely well done, but ultimately about as cool-headed and methodical as Neil Armstrong.  Which is, I suppose, the point.

I can overlook the odd technical inaccuracy, but I found the time-expansion of the dramatised lunar landing and spacewalk irksome, as much of that dialogue is burnt into my brain, Quindar tones, pauses, static, and all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 23 December, 2018, 08:05:06 pm
Breaking Away (again). Cracking feel good film. With bikes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 25 December, 2018, 02:33:02 pm
Last night we watched the Muppet Christmas Carol as is tradition and then The Princess Bride which is a friend's Christmas Eve tradition which I think we're going to adopt.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 December, 2018, 05:01:31 pm
Bird Box

Dubious concept, but carried by strong acting.  What's the opposite of a grue?


Started watching that but got bored and baled out  Apart from the boojumaflipsits it looked like just another survival flick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 25 December, 2018, 09:09:33 pm
Scrooge - A Christmas Carol, the A. Sim un-retouched in B & W.  Faultless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 December, 2018, 10:06:06 pm
Just watched Hail Caesar!
Liked it. But then I am a sucker for the Coen Bros.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 December, 2018, 09:47:07 am
The Bishops Wife - Cary Grant and David Niven*

Proper Christmas movie, with some really funny moments (as well as christmas carols and outdoor skating :) ); great straight delivery by the two stars.

There's a lot of ideas/jokes in here that are recycled in many many comedies to come, and a few more sinister movies about cuckoo-type characters. They did it first in 1947 kids, and without any violence/innuendo/nudity.


*What a team!!! I suspect they never** reunited as Niven didn't like being upstaged! (not his fault - the script gave Grant most of the best lines)
**Must check this ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 26 December, 2018, 10:26:33 am
Last night we watched the Muppet Christmas Carol...


'HEATWAVE!!!!'  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: telstarbox on 27 December, 2018, 06:31:10 pm
The Breadwinner. Not my usual fare being a children's animated film but it was an interesting story about one family's life in Afghanistan around 2001.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 27 December, 2018, 06:32:55 pm
Last night we watched the Muppet Christmas Carol...


'HEATWAVE!!!!'  ;D
Light the lamp not the rat! LIGHT THE LAMP NOT THE RAT!!

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 December, 2018, 11:18:04 am
The Long Good Friday. Hoskins giving it his Lahndan best, while the skyline looks nothing like it does now. Much of the action is in King George V dock, now the site of London City Airport.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2018, 11:31:00 am
A New York Winter's Tale.  Geordie Drennan, my old English master, would have it called a good cry.

As probably remarked before, it's hard to believe that the guy who wrote that also wrote speeches for Tricky Dicky (oops) Ronald Reagan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 December, 2018, 12:19:16 pm
Meet The Fockers was on telly last night. I was waiting up for my son to get home but I was too lazy to change channel...

The main joke appears to be that one of the characters is called Gaylord Focker (totes hilar) and he’s a nurse, and the story is about him introducing his hippy parents to his uptight father in law.

And it’s every bit as funny as that sounds.

What a terrible waste of that cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 28 December, 2018, 02:36:53 pm
A Prayer before Dawn.

Simple plot, one location, almost no dialogue, utterly gripping.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 December, 2018, 07:30:46 pm
The night before last was time for Avengers: Never ending Story

Last night was Ready Player One

My Whelmed is Under.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 28 December, 2018, 08:20:12 pm
Last night was Ready Player One

My Whelmed is Under.

I saw that at the cinema earlier in the year, and when someone at work asked me what I'd been to see, I couldn't even remember the name.  I just called it 'that Spielberg thing.'  Underwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2018, 08:47:13 pm
I expect some people had lots of fun making it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 29 December, 2018, 10:22:44 am
I expect some people had lots of fun making it.

Well, quite. You've just accurately described my 30+ years working in Telly!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 December, 2018, 01:47:04 pm
I expect some people had lots of fun making it.

Well, quite. You've just accurately described my 30+ years working in Telly!

My theory on the enduring popularity of horror films is that they're particularly good fun to make.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 29 December, 2018, 04:36:07 pm
Christopher Robin :-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 December, 2018, 06:43:33 pm
Rampage

Load of shite but a very enjoyable load of shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 29 December, 2018, 08:40:56 pm
Sunshine on Leith for the umpteenth time. Craig and Charlie even appear in a cameo. I bloomin' love the Proclaimers, so it can't go wrong really. My only gripe is that the stage show is more down to earth, inasmuch as the characters are more working class, but the big song scenes; Over & Done With and I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) are excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 December, 2018, 09:56:26 pm
Star Wars for about the 25th time.  It never gets old.  Peter Cushing makes it work, really.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 29 December, 2018, 10:15:56 pm
The Equalizer 2

I have no idea how this gets such a high rating. It abruptly flicks between various unconnected stories like you're flicking the channels and finding the same actor (with/without beard/hair etc). It takes about an hour before there's any semblance of a story, and all the random subplots you're expecting to come together, in the end they actually don't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 29 December, 2018, 10:34:07 pm
Roma

Nothing to do with the Roma of central Europe, it's a B/W film set in the Roma district of Mexico City in the 1970s. Seemingly slow to set the scene it draws you in, and in, and in. Absolutely stunning: visually, emotionally, and aurally.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 December, 2018, 11:06:58 pm
Mary Poppins Returns.

A good bit of family fun, with a flow very similar to the original. I did feel the songs weren’t as memorable, but I’m a bit older than I was when I saw that one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 December, 2018, 06:20:41 pm
As promised, I did all four Die Hards (we don't count number 5 as canon), and utterly splendid they were. I don't care what they say about 4.0, I love it when Hollywood does computers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 December, 2018, 06:44:00 pm
As promised, I did all four Die Hards (we don't count number 5 as canon), and utterly splendid they were. I don't care what they say about 4.0, I love it when Hollywood does computers.

Yeahbut Hollywood should stick to doing computers in films with a) A forgettable cast of young hacker stereotypes  or  b) Harrison Ford  and leave Bruce Willis to get on with the important business of picking off bad guys while wearing a vest.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 December, 2018, 06:53:54 pm
Yeahbut, Bruce doesn't do computers, he's like your dad but better, he has to get the stereotypical hacker type to press the buttons. Hackers, of course, are all blokes who have low blood sugar and never go outside.

It was very educational. I learned the viruses can make the C4 components of your computer blow up. This is the only way, and the bad guys wait outside to send the virus and check on the boomage. Also, you need a giant secret datacentre to store all the financial data in the USA, though it apparently will also fit on a 2007-era flash drive.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 30 December, 2018, 06:57:58 pm
Yeahbut, Bruce doesn't do computers, he's like your dad but better, he has to get the stereotypical hacker type to press the buttons. Hackers, of course, are all blokes who have low blood sugar and never go outside.

It was very educational. I learned the viruses can make the C4 components of your computer blow up. This is the only way, and the bad guys wait outside to send the virus and check on the boomage. Also, you need a giant secret datacentre to store all the financial data in the USA, though it apparently will also fit on a 2007-era flash drive.
If you'd paid attention to the right parts, you'd know how to handle a gun, a dirtwad, and most any tricky situation where innocent folks are in peril.

Watch them again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 December, 2018, 07:01:09 pm
Yeahbut, Bruce doesn't do computers, he's like your dad but better, he has to get the stereotypical hacker type to press the buttons.

And this is where Arnie trumps Bruce...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8PO3iM4xtc
https://youtu.be/r8PO3iM4xtc
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 31 December, 2018, 04:11:31 pm
Bandersnatch.  I'd give it about two and a half out of five.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 31 December, 2018, 05:49:35 pm
Ready Player One

Very enjoyable, made me smile lots. I can't claim to have spotted all of the pop culture references but I did especially like the fact that the spell for the magic orb thing is the charm of making from Excalibur (one of my all-time favourite films, which I have probably seen more times than any other film).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 31 December, 2018, 10:22:47 pm
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Brilliant - in a very Coens-y kind of way. A real homage to classic westerns. Very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 01 January, 2019, 12:09:29 am
Spectre, on tv.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 01 January, 2019, 12:15:40 am
A Million Ways To Die In The West.

I enjoyed it although a lot of the jokes were obvious. Fun overall. I do love Charlize Theron which helped.

A few bits did have me belly laughing.

And fwiw Seth MacFarlane is better looking than I expected.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 January, 2019, 12:24:28 am
Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri

Because Frances Macdormand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 01 January, 2019, 09:02:52 am
Gravity
Good, but I think I would have been more impressed had I watched it in a cinema rather than on a laptop.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 January, 2019, 02:01:17 pm
That one had my orbital mechanics funny-bone complaining. Point & shoot changes of orbit just don't work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 01 January, 2019, 02:35:26 pm
I've learned to mostly ignore bad science - it makes life easier.

Historical inaccuracies, on the other hand ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 January, 2019, 04:18:33 pm
Bad science I can ignore to a point, e.g. sound travelling in a vacuum.  It's a bit like background music. Some stuff, though... :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 January, 2019, 04:28:38 pm
Imagine TIE fighters without the howling noise, though  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulF on 01 January, 2019, 04:34:19 pm
Imagine TIE fighters without the howling noise, though  :-\

Had a Star Wars fest last night :) Empire Strikes Back followed by Return of the Jedi.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2019, 07:08:34 pm
Bad science I can ignore to a point, e.g. sound travelling in a vacuum.  It's a bit like background music. Some stuff, though... :sick:

Can you please go and watch Aquaman for us? I look forward to the review ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 January, 2019, 08:59:32 pm
I don’t know about science but when it comes to history, I do know that Queen Anne didn’t keep 17 pet rabbits. However, The Favourite is a most splendid film regardless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 01 January, 2019, 09:06:10 pm
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Brilliant - in a very Coens-y kind of way. A real homage to classic westerns. Very funny.

I'm an hour into it. The last 30 minutes have been boring beyond belief and I'm at the point of giving up. (armless man, and gold-panner) Not sure what it is Im missing  ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 January, 2019, 09:13:24 pm
Bad science I can ignore to a point, e.g. sound travelling in a vacuum.  It's a bit like background music. Some stuff, though... :sick:

Can you please go and watch Aquaman for us? I look forward to the review ;)
My favourite Simpsons moment of all: https://youtu.be/z_xMZ8s9m4E
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2019, 01:31:56 pm
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Brilliant - in a very Coens-y kind of way. A real homage to classic westerns. Very funny.

I'm an hour into it. The last 30 minutes have been boring beyond belief and I'm at the point of giving up. (armless man, and gold-panner) Not sure what it is Im missing  ???

I loved the armless man story. Unremitting bleakness and desperate tedium leading to an absurd ending. It's positively Beckettian.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2019, 01:43:32 pm
Bad science I can ignore to a point, e.g. sound travelling in a vacuum.  It's a bit like background music. Some stuff, though... :sick:

Can you please go and watch Aquaman for us? I look forward to the review ;)

Ah now, that would take fortitude beyond the limits of my breadbasket.  I had to look for the Dramamine halfway through the trailer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2019, 01:48:25 pm
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

Brilliant - in a very Coens-y kind of way. A real homage to classic westerns. Very funny.

I'm an hour into it. The last 30 minutes have been boring beyond belief and I'm at the point of giving up. (armless man, and gold-panner) Not sure what it is Im missing  ???

I loved the armless man story. Unremitting bleakness and desperate tedium leading to an absurd ending. It's positively Beckettian.

I found the first two stories a bit shallow (though I loved the language), but it got better and better after that. The armless man was delightful, although I couldn't help thinking as he rode away that, shot through the liver as he was, he wasn't long for this world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2019, 02:12:40 pm
I found the first two stories a bit shallow (though I loved the language), but it got better and better after that. The armless man was delightful, although I couldn't help thinking as he rode away that, shot through the liver as he was, he wasn't long for this world.

The first story certainly seems a bit glib in the context of the rest of the film but is very funny. Buster Scruggs reminded me very much of Hobie Doyle from Hail Caesar, just a bit smarter.

I think you're getting mixed up though - it was the prospector who got shot. The armless man (Harrison, The Wingless Thrush) met a different fate altogether.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 02 January, 2019, 02:23:11 pm
I had a hangover whilst watching it. Couldn't even bear the dialogue. The Tom Waits story was visually stunning but tedious.

Might give the rest another try when I am in a more receptive mood. Liked the bank robbery one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 January, 2019, 09:42:27 am
I found the first two stories a bit shallow (though I loved the language), but it got better and better after that. The armless man was delightful, although I couldn't help thinking as he rode away that, shot through the liver as he was, he wasn't long for this world.

The first story certainly seems a bit glib in the context of the rest of the film but is very funny. Buster Scruggs reminded me very much of Hobie Doyle from Hail Caesar, just a bit smarter.

I think you're getting mixed up though - it was the prospector who got shot. The armless man (Harrison, The Wingless Thrush) met a different fate altogether.

Aye, I was think that the prospector was the last one. Obviously need to watch it again.  Haven't seen Hail Caesar yet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 06 January, 2019, 06:12:22 pm
The Revenant on iPlayer.  Enjoyable, but I had my feet on the sofa in places...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 06 January, 2019, 07:21:47 pm
Just read the synopsis in Wikinaccurate. Got to say it doesn't sound a) plausible or b) a barrel of laughs...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 January, 2019, 07:28:10 pm
Just read the synopsis in Wikinaccurate. Got to say it doesn't sound a) plausible or b) a barrel of laughs...
The Revenant? No it's not a barrel of laughs  ;D

But I loved it. I would say the style is more of a mythic adventure (well, a tragedy really) than a modern "action flik", or most Westerns. Kinda like Gladiator, but colder.

The footage they shot of the scenery really is unprecedented - no CGI or historical gaffs there!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 06 January, 2019, 10:42:21 pm
The Big Short.  Excellent.

Just watched it on Prime. Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 07 January, 2019, 07:00:23 am

The footage they shot of the scenery really is unprecedented - no CGI or historical gaffs there!

There's a lot of (scenery) CGI in the Revenant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 07 January, 2019, 08:34:08 am
Though I'm sure there's a fair bit of artistic licence, the story is said to be based on the real life of Hugh Glass.

In a slightly different tone, also on iPlayer, we watched What We Did On Our Holiday last night.  Rather amusing in many parts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 January, 2019, 08:49:30 am
The Revenant on iPlayer.  Enjoyable, but I had my feet on the sofa in places...

Just read the synopsis in Wikinaccurate. Got to say it doesn't sound a) plausible or b) a barrel of laughs...

It's largely based on fact:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Glass

This account is probably based on Glass's own accounts as told to enthusiastic reporters:

https://youtu.be/bW-yVdlT3Tg

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 08 January, 2019, 09:35:13 am
Jo and I watched Philomena on iPlayer last night.  It's certainly a flick that gives you pause for thought.  I think I caught a sideways glimpse of Jo wiping her eyes towards the end, which isn't something she often does.  Superb performances from Steve Coogan and Judy Dench.

We're going to have to get out of the habit of all this fillum-watching!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pumpkin on 08 January, 2019, 12:42:56 pm
The Big Short.  Excellent.

Just watched it on Prime. Excellent.

great film about  a subject that I know so little about. Some clever nerds vs a bunch of crooks (Financial markets). I can see why mass arrests weren't ever an option.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 16 January, 2019, 12:03:19 am
Sully.  About emergency landing/investigation of the airliner on the Hudson river in 2009 (Jan 15), exactly 10 years ago.  Good film, well put together I thought; with Tom Hanks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 January, 2019, 04:47:03 am
"First Man".
I'm a space geek, so of course I would mostly enjoy this. Not a fan of the shaky, claustrophobic close up camera work in flight, but other than that, a extremely (visually) polished movie. Only thing that really bothered me was the casting of Buzz Aldrin. On the original voice recordings, he's very calm during the landing phase, but here, he's borderline panicking...but I think a lot of that is to dispel the 'right stuff' myth, which really seem to be the main purpose of the movie.

Definitely worth watching, but I'm not sure I liked it :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 16 January, 2019, 08:19:53 pm
Premium Rush.  Basically a Lucas Brunelle video with an illegal immigrant plot attached.  I quite liked it, although the messengers seem to bounce better than one would expect when they crash. No broken collarbones, legs, ruptured spleens or smashed knees.  There seems to be a subliminal message that a helmet will save you from any kind of stupid shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 16 January, 2019, 11:44:43 pm
Premium Rush.  Basically a Lucas Brunelle video with an illegal immigrant plot attached.  I quite liked it..

Yeah, I quite liked it too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 17 January, 2019, 03:08:17 pm
The Big Short.  Excellent.

Just watched it on Prime. Excellent.

great film about  a subject that I know so little about. Some clever nerds vs a bunch of crooks (Financial markets). I can see why mass arrests weren't ever an option.

Finally caught it last night.   Very good and key concepts also explained pretty well.   I have worked alongside most of the types of individuals portrayed although in a slightly different sector.   See also 'Smartest Guys in the Room'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 17 January, 2019, 08:08:02 pm
Premium Rush.  Basically a Lucas Brunelle video with an illegal immigrant plot attached.  I quite liked it..

Yeah, I quite liked it too.

Wot?? A bike-based movie, and no pedantry from YACF reviewers yet?? I can only guess that noone else here has seen it!

[I've always like Joseph Gordon-Levitt. And there aren't many turkeys on his IMDB page.]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 17 January, 2019, 09:02:30 pm
There are a couple of swaps between fixed and trials bikes to shoehorn some extra stunts into Premium Rush. It is at least as accurate a cycling movie as Breaking Away or American Flyers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 January, 2019, 09:51:44 pm
Austin Horse, real-life NYC messenger, does a lot of the fast skiddy stuff in the film (I really must put a crap rear tyre on and learn how to do that).

It's not David Grant doing the road bike wheelie in "American Flyers", either.  Someone else is simply credited "bike stunt".  I have never seen anyone do a wheelie on a road bike IRL.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 18 January, 2019, 10:02:41 pm
It is pretty easy to pull a fixed skid. Lift the rear wheel a shade and lock the wheel while it is in the air. Stay standing as you land and keep your weight a bit forward. Don't let your arms collapse. Push the rear wheel sideways for more style points. Kiddy stuff though.

I've never been good at pulling wheelies, so always compliment the BikeStormz kids with all their nonchalance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 January, 2019, 11:21:07 pm
Austin Horse, real-life NYC messenger, does a lot of the fast skiddy stuff in the film (I really must put a crap rear tyre on and learn how to do that).

It's not David Grant doing the road bike wheelie in "American Flyers", either.  Someone else is simply credited "bike stunt".  I have never seen anyone do a wheelie on a road bike IRL.

Robbie McEwan, Peter Sagan both as they roll over summits in the autobus.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 January, 2019, 11:38:11 am
What we do in the Shadows which tickled somewhat. A documentary about four vampires sharing a flat in Wellington, NZ.

We're werewolves, not swear-wolves. Snort.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 January, 2019, 11:44:13 pm
What we do in the Shadows which tickled somewhat. A documentary about four vampires sharing a flat in Wellington, NZ.

Love that film. Same director who did the last Thor movie. And also Hunt For The Wilderpeople. All great films.

By contrast, the film I watched tonight was truly rubbish:

Red Sparrow

Ballet dancer breaks her leg so finds a new career as a spy-whore. I didn’t have high expectations but thought it might provide some unchallenging Saturday evening entertainment. It was mostly just very boring, even the tawdry sex scenes. Of which there were many.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 January, 2019, 12:46:43 pm
Yes, it's stars basically every actor in NZ, so if you've seen Flight of Conchords. I liked muchly Taika Waititi's skit as Korg and his entire Thor movie was very good.

Red Sparrow, I had the misfortune to see on it a plane once, and it's pretty awful and exploitative and, to be honest, a bit discomforting.

Last night, Man Down, which I can safely say had a very misleading description so turned out be an entirely different movie from what I expected. And to be fair, by confounding my expectations, probably a whole lot better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 20 January, 2019, 06:09:07 pm
Stan and Ollie.

A very british production! A quiet, charming film. (The best gags were given to the WAGs - who were both excellent.)

it's a looooong time since I've watched the originals, but I'd say these two managed pretty good impressions.

[there were a lot of train journeys round the UK early on, so there MUST be something there for the transport pedants to feast on  :thumbsup:]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 21 January, 2019, 12:41:26 am
The Transporter

Less said the better... And, before that

The Hatton Garden Job

Ditto.

I guess that's around four hours I won't get back.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 January, 2019, 08:17:05 am
Red Sparrow, I had the misfortune to see on it a plane once, and it's pretty awful and exploitative and, to be honest, a bit discomforting.

I was mostly just bored while watching it but the more I think about it, the more I actively dislike it.

Slightly ironic that it’s portraying this as the kind of thing Those Damn Russkies would do (and I imagine certain factions of the audience probably believe the Sparrows are a real thing), yet it was conceived by an American writer.

Anyway, I gave up after about an hour of it so I probably missed the empowering feminist message in the finale.

And let’s not even mention the Russian accents.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 January, 2019, 08:30:54 am
What we do in the Shadows which tickled somewhat. A documentary about four vampires sharing a flat in Wellington, NZ.

We're werewolves, not swear-wolves. Snort.

Thanks for that.  A couple of months ago I watched about 20 seconds of it when I wasn't really in the mood, then baled. Watched it again last night & enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 January, 2019, 09:47:50 am
Red Sparrow, I had the misfortune to see on it a plane once, and it's pretty awful and exploitative and, to be honest, a bit discomforting.

I was mostly just bored while watching it but the more I think about it, the more I actively dislike it.

Slightly ironic that it’s portraying this as the kind of thing Those Damn Russkies would do (and I imagine certain factions of the audience probably believe the Sparrows are a real thing), yet it was conceived by an American writer.

Anyway, I gave up after about an hour of it so I probably missed the empowering feminist message in the finale.

And let’s not even mention the Russian accents.

I don't think there was an empowering message, other than I suppose she could kick and generally kill anyone that got in her way. Erm, go girl. Helen Mirren did it better with a 50 cal rifle in Red. The comedy Russian accents were the best bit, comrade. She seems to pick those movies – Passengers, I mean come on, that guy's balls would be orbiting a distant star. There's a thing on the Youtube were someone re-edits Passengers to make it into something rather sinister and a lot better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 21 January, 2019, 10:52:47 am
Red Sparrow, I had the misfortune to see on it a plane once, and it's pretty awful and exploitative and, to be honest, a bit discomforting.

I was mostly just bored while watching it but the more I think about it, the more I actively dislike it.

Slightly ironic that it’s portraying this as the kind of thing Those Damn Russkies would do (and I imagine certain factions of the audience probably believe the Sparrows are a real thing), yet it was conceived by an American writer.

Actually, it was (and probably still is) the kind of thing Those Damn Russkies would do - take it from a former KGB officer:

Quote from: a 2014 Vanity Fair article on The Americans TV series
"In your world, many times, you ask your young men to stand up and proudly serve their country. In Russia, sometimes we ask our women just to lie down.”

It may sound like the start of an “In Soviet Russia . . .” joke, but that’s Oleg Kalugin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleg_Kalugin), Vladimir Putin’s old boss at the K.G.B., talking. And he’s expertly authenticating one of the most intriguing, and surprisingly historically accurate, products of his old enemy: The Americans, the FX series that wraps up its second season on Wednesday.

Though as Kalugin and former CIA officer Christopher Burgess note, the use of honey traps on foreign assignments was more a forte of the USSR's Warsaw Pact allies/vassals:

Quote
Sex definitely came in handy.

Though maybe not as much as it might seem on the show. “Sex was authorized for some specific purpose,” allows Kalugin. “But generally sex was not allowed and was punished. In Russia, it was used, really, 100 percent. But outside, I was authorized to court some young ladies in the hope that they will, at some point, join the F.B.I. or C.I.A. But that was authorization from Moscow, I wouldn’t do it on my own.”

But the East German Stasi (security and intelligence organization) took “sexpionage” to another level. “The East Germans would marry as many West Germans as they wanted. They had an entire gigolo car,” says Burgess.

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/05/the-americans-real
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 21 January, 2019, 11:38:36 am
Think Mel Brooks summed that one up best.

'I want you to seduce and abandon the Sheriff of Rock Ridge!'

YMMV
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 January, 2019, 12:15:58 pm
Actually, it was (and probably still is) the kind of thing Those Damn Russkies would do - take it from a former KGB officer:

Using honey traps I can easily believe, but a elite spy-whore 'Sparrows' division as portrayed in the film? Not so credible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 21 January, 2019, 12:19:10 pm
I loved the Keeley Hawes spook in er ...  Spooks; she kept moaning "typical, another bloody honey-trap" and the blokes would shrug sheepishly and stare at their polished shoes.

They seemed to develop a few more plot ideas in later series  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: djrikki on 21 January, 2019, 12:34:14 pm
Over the weekend I watched the dystopian sci-fi movie from 1927, Metropolis.  Definitely worth the watch if you get over the fact it's a silent Black and White movie with purposefully exaggerated acting.

A good film is a good film.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 January, 2019, 08:00:20 pm
Mary Poppins Returns.  Darker than the original, nice cameo by Dick Van Dyke, scenes pretty much follow the original (dancing sweeps replaced by dancing lamplighters, laughing uncle on the ceiling replaced by mad-as-a-box-of-frogs cousin on the ceiling, etc).  Jack the lamplighter's Cockney accent is as bad as Bert the sweep's was.  Emily Blunt not quite as good as Julie Andrews, interesting role for David Warner (who normally plays villains or creepy types) as Admiral Boom.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 January, 2019, 09:17:44 am
Legend - Tom Hardy being Reg & Ron. Good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 27 January, 2019, 01:45:05 pm
Mini-Redlight was away at scout camp yesterday so Mrs Red and I had a cinematic indulgence day and saw three films back-to-back…

STAN AND OLLIE - Lightweight but charming, with some strong period detail. The two lead actors have, I think rightly, been praised for their performances but to my mind it's the two supporting actresses who steal the show, particularly the one playing Ollie's wife, whom I barely recognised as Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter films.  It's worth seeing for the opening take alone. I shan't spoil it for you. 

THE FAVOURITE  - Great, bawdy fun and just a bit weird around the edges. The interplay between the three female leads is wonderful; there are some great verbal and visual gags* and it's a pleasant change to see an historical film in which the men are merely props for the main characters.  Olivia Coleman stays just the right side of hysterical to make her character believable and Rachel Weisz manages to be both scary and vulnerable at the same time. Emma Stone is fine, but I don't think brings anything to the part that a dozen other young actors could have offered, other than some box office recognition over the pond. *She does have the best gag though:

"So are you going to seduce me or rape me?"
"Madam, I am a gentleman!"
"Oh. Rape then."

and finally…

VICE -  See it!  Christian Bale does a very good line in pure Machiavellian malice but, to my mind, Amy Adams deserves as many plaudits for her performance as his equally manipulative wife. Their contrasting reactions to their younger daughter's announcement that she is gay - and their subsequent behaviour towards her - give the film an emotional depth that might otherwise have been lacking, rather than being a sideline to the main story.  Sometimes the film can be a bit irritating, in that there are lots of "symbolic" interjections - a beating heart, a stack of teacups, etc - that can make it feel a little like a film school project, but overall it's compelling and deeply unsettling. The final scene is magnificent and I'm not committing a spoiler if I warn you not to get up and leave when the credits start to roll.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 January, 2019, 08:28:03 pm
it's the two supporting actresses who steal the show, particularly the one playing Ollie's wife, whom I barely recognised as Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter films. 
She plays the other one's wife (Steve Coogan as Tony Wilson) in "24 Hour Party People".  The best line in that film is just after she leaves him:

Quote
I think it was Scott FitzgeraId who said:
''American Iives don't have second acts.''
This is Manchester.
We do things differentIy here.
This is the second act.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 January, 2019, 08:38:38 am
Night of the Generals, which has not aged well in the last 52 years. Donald Pleasance and Philippe Noiret act the rest of them into a cocked hat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 28 January, 2019, 02:28:09 pm
I'm partway through watching The Jackal on iPlayer.  I'd forgotten in the 20 years since I first saw it just how it combines the curious qualities of being dreadful (especially Richard Gere's Irish accent) and quite entertaining.  Give me Edward Fox any day, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 29 January, 2019, 07:59:58 am
Last of The Mohicans
I'd forgotten how sexist, racist and downright naff it is.
Great music though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 29 January, 2019, 10:01:10 am
I'm partway through watching The Jackal on iPlayer.  I'd forgotten in the 20 years since I first saw it just how it combines the curious qualities of being dreadful (especially Richard Gere's Irish accent) and quite entertaining.  Give me Edward Fox any day, though.
This preposterous film benefits enormously from the presence of Sidney Poitier, whose name I cannot say without impersonating Chef from South Park in the Mecha-Streisand epsiode.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 January, 2019, 02:41:44 pm
Spotlight. Exposée of institutionalized priestly kiddie-fiddling cover-up in Boston no America no the whole bloody world. Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 January, 2019, 06:05:40 pm
Last of The Mohicans
I'd forgotten how sexist, racist and downright naff it is.

The helicopters are good though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Graeme on 02 February, 2019, 09:07:08 pm
How to talk to girls at parties

That was hilarious. And made me cry. What an excellent movie - I love that moment when you see a movie you've heard nothing about and are completely surprised by something so ludicrously perfect. This is now in my top three faves.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 02 February, 2019, 11:24:08 pm
Roma

Nothing to do with the Roma of central Europe, it's a B/W film set in the Roma district of Mexico City in the 1970s. Seemingly slow to set the scene it draws you in, and in, and in. Absolutely stunning: visually, emotionally, and aurally.
Agreed. Just watched it tonight on Netflix. Beautiful cinematography. Lovely subtle storytelling. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 February, 2019, 09:46:21 am
Last of The Mohicans
I'd forgotten how sexist, racist and downright naff it is.

The helicopters are good though.

In the 80s there was a serialization of Shogun with a long zooming shot of an early 17th-century ship. Just at the end of it you could see the shadow of the helicopter crossing the poop.

Deck, that is. What a miserable bloody world it is when you have to differentiate. As ever, Google only knows the shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 03 February, 2019, 09:54:02 am
Fantastic Beasts (the first one)

Utterly charming in places, a bit generally all over the place, way too long; overall a pleasant experience, but you felt it could have been a lot better at little cost.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 03 February, 2019, 04:53:29 pm
The Girl with All the Gifts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjGkB_oWTe0)

This is an original take on a zombie film.  Using the concept of "zombie as a disease" is far from original, it's been used in many many films and books, but the viewpoint of the main character in this one, is quite different.

This certainly isn't what I'd call a fun film, it's quite dark, but it does have a relatively positive end to it, unlike many other zombie films.  Sennia Nanua does a very good job of playing the lead role, probably a better portrayal than the older leads, Glenn Close, Paddy Considine and Gemma Arterton.  None of them do a particularly bad job, but their characters are a little one dimensional, and don't particularly surprise.  Paddy Considine's sergeant Parks was actually more interesting than that sentence gives him credit for, insofar as I expected him to be a typical cliched slightly psychotic military type, but he develops just on the other side of that, a bit more realistically human.

I think this is an original and good film, although it had quite a moderate budget, and doesn't seem to have done very well at the box office.  Worth seeing, even if science fiction / zombie movies are not your thing.  This definitely isn't a typical running around being chased by zombie adventure film, although clearly there has to be an element of that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 03 February, 2019, 04:58:33 pm
Total Recall (2012) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GljhR5rk5eY)

I just came across the new version of this film (albeit, 6 years after it was made!) on Amazon Prime, and watched it out of curiosity.

It is essentially a remake of the Arnie version, however there are some substantial changes to the storyline.  Colin Farrell is a far more believable character than Arnie was, and generally they've played this version with a lot less of the lighthearted elements of the earlier one, and that seems to have been a good choice. In my opinion, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel also work better than Rachel Ticotin and Sharon Stone did.  Sharon Stone, like Arnold, seemed to have been inserted into the film as actors who were popular at the time, rather than ones who actually suited the parts.

The basic concepts aren't quite as scientifically bad as the 1990 version, although there are still things which are hardly rigorously accurate, but the future it portrays is more accurate given our current technology, than the earlier version.  It's quite a bit more dystopian, and Mars is barely mentioned.  I think the one small mention of Mars that I noticed, was like a few of the other elements, dropped in as a small tribute to the earlier version.

I think it works quite well.  I haven't read the PKD novel, so don't know how it compares to that, but it's certainly a better film than the one with Arnie.  It portrays a more realistic future, a bit darker, using far better special effects and with better acting.  The story also doesn't depend on telepathy, implausible and inaccurate science, and mysterious martians, which it definitely benefits from.  Overall I think I'd give it a B+ for an action and adventure film.

(Much the same post also in this thread : Remake of Total Recall in the offing (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=60890.msg2366322#msg2366322)).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 February, 2019, 01:14:37 pm
Mortal Engines

Pretty steampunk[1] nonsense.  All the best bits are in the first ten minutes.


[1] Aesthetically, if not technically.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 06 February, 2019, 11:06:47 am
Burning

Korean film.  Kind of a mystery film, sort of a thriller, sort of a detective film.

Getting all the praise from critics.  I spent the first half of the film with my sceptical hat on, thinking "get on with it".  But it turns around in the second half when you realise "the slow pace of the first half means I'm really engaged in this."  It's very thought provoking, with connections and themes running through it. 

Rather than getting all wanky about these connections/themes I'll just suggest you either go and see it if you like classy films with subtitles (or wait for the inevitable remake, no doubt starring Steve Carrell who appears to be in f**king everything pumped out by Hollywood at the moment).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 06 February, 2019, 05:36:47 pm
Mortal Engines

Pretty steampunk[1] nonsense.  All the best bits are in the first ten minutes.


[1] Aesthetically, if not technically.
Seen the trailer somewhere and it looked unutterably shite.  Rather you than me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 07 February, 2019, 09:58:15 pm
The Alice Vikingland Tomb Raider. Better than the Jolie #2 but not as good as #1.

Well, probably technically better than #1 but not as fun.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 February, 2019, 10:29:03 pm
Bohemian Rhapsody

Going into it expecting a huge amount of historical inaccuracy meant I had low expectations.  I didn't expect it to be as moving as it was.

All the best bits are in the last ten minutes.  Turn it up to 11.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 10 February, 2019, 07:42:31 pm
Tag.

Not bad, the "untaggable" Jerry is slightly oddly cast compared to the others but Isla Fisher is very good as a slightly over-competitive (read: barkingly aggressive) wife.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 11 February, 2019, 09:46:47 am
The Guilty

Essentially a policeman in the emergency call centre tries to unravel the identity of a killer through a succession of received calls.  All of the action takes place in the call centre, focussed on the central character.  This maybe doesn't sound that great, particularly if I add that it is in Danish and the twist doesn't come as a shock, but this is 90 minutes or so of pretty gripping plot that shows what can be done through simple narrative and good acting.  I think it was Denmark's entry for the foreign language Oscar (if that kind of thing matters).  Well worth a try imo (it's on Curzon home player but is no doubt available on other on demand options).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 14 February, 2019, 10:08:54 pm
What's eating Gilbert Grape

Excellent. The best performance I've seen from Leonardo de Caprio, but everyone in the Grape family is really good. A beautiful story of brothers and family life. Very highly recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 February, 2019, 07:53:07 am
Velvet Buzzsaw - a not-very-horrific horror film that is really a delightful send-up of the art-criticism/gallery world. Going to watch it again just for Jake Gyllenhaal's character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 February, 2019, 11:49:42 am
Starter for Ten enjoyable rom-com hung around University Challenge

T2 Trainspotting finally seen it, and well worth it. A worthy sequel to Trainspotting, with great music.

The Truman Show seen it before but couldn’t remember a lot of it. Well worth watching again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 24 February, 2019, 05:08:29 pm
The Shaun the Sheep movie. Aardman were always going to be a good bet for a kids' film that was also bearable for adults, but this was just delightful - so many sight gags that went over the 6-year-olds' heads, but had me and my other half in stitches. Clearly made by people with a deep knowledge of and love for film history.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 24 February, 2019, 08:05:13 pm
Incredible s 2. Wonderful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 24 February, 2019, 08:09:26 pm
The Shape of Water. Best film I've seen in years.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 February, 2019, 02:07:13 am
Split

Apparently it is part of a trilogy. I’ll never watch the first film, so I’ll have to peoples word for it.

It started off reasonably well, although the cardboard cutouts that were acting two of the girls made up for the splendid multi-faceted James McAvoy.

After a while it just got silly. And ended silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 February, 2019, 04:32:50 am
Green Book

A couple of weeks ago. I thought it was very enjoyable and woke up this morning to the news that it had won an Oscar. So I wasn’t the only one who liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hillbilly on 25 February, 2019, 08:59:05 am
The Shape of Water. Best film I've seen in years.

Since watching it, the joke in my house is that the ASL for "eggs" is fish sign language for "show's yer lady cushions".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 February, 2019, 01:15:49 pm
The Shape of Water. Best film I've seen in years.

Since watching it, the joke in my house is that the ASL for "eggs" is fish sign language for "show's yer lady cushions".

I read it more like a disparaging term for Sheffield.  That's the problem with ASL, it tricks you into thinking it's going to make sense, and then people are vomiting up their grandmothers and things.   :)


I did watch The Shape Of Water, some time ago but if I wrote it up here I'm failing to find it.  I was, frankly, baffled.  How a beautifully filmed retro pulp SFF story can be Oscar material suggests that either I missed the point chronically, or that the Oscar winning process makes even less sense than I thought it did.  Probably both.


Speaking of Oscars, I saw Into The Spider-Verse the other day.  That it didn't even get nominated shows there's no justice in the world.  If nothing else, it's surely the greatest achievement in animation since Toy Story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 February, 2019, 01:24:34 pm
Best animated feature
Winner: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 February, 2019, 01:30:46 pm
Best animated feature
Winner: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

...

I didn't realise they had an animation ghetto.  The media obviously don't seem interested in it, otherwise I might have heard of it.

It was still Best Picture material.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 February, 2019, 01:33:35 pm
The Oscars nomination lists seem to be a dark art.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 February, 2019, 01:40:46 pm
I think they dynamically generate nomination categories based on what people are currently angry about on Twitter. There's probably an algorithm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 February, 2019, 01:58:14 pm
I think they dynamically generate nomination categories based on what people are currently angry about on Twitter. There's probably an algorithm.

Algorithms are rubbish though.  Twitter always seems to think people are going to be interested in sportsball, when everyone knows the internet is for porn and bitching about movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob W on 25 February, 2019, 02:50:10 pm
There was a Mark Kermode thingy about what makes an Oscar winner on BBC4 (I think - as usual I watched it on iPlayer) this week, which was quite entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 February, 2019, 05:28:10 pm
I didn't realise they had an animation ghetto.  The media obviously don't seem interested in it, otherwise I might have heard of it.

It was still Best Picture material.

Only three animated movies have ever been nominated for Best Picture (Beauty & The Beast, Up, Toy Story 3). None has ever won it. Even live-action superhero movies don't get nominated for Best Picture - I believe Black Panther was the first.

(Although with so much CGI involved, a lot of modern films are pushing the definition of "live action" anyway - Avatar is arguably another "animated" film to have been nominated for Best Picture.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 February, 2019, 08:00:27 pm
Indeed.  Gravity was also nominated for best picture, and most of the scenes in that involved animation, albeit in a way that sneaks past most people's animation-dar.


While Black Panther had novelty value within the genre for characters with agency, and rightly won other awards, I don't think it was ever going to be best picture material.  Spider-Verse was certainly a stronger film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 February, 2019, 07:19:48 pm
Indeed.  Gravity was also nominated for best picture, and most of the scenes in that involved animation, albeit in a way that sneaks past most people's animation-dar.


That's a bit of a stretch. The primary performance was (mostly) carried out by actors.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 February, 2019, 07:24:16 pm
Indeed.  Gravity was also nominated for best picture, and most of the scenes in that involved animation, albeit in a way that sneaks past most people's animation-dar.


That's a bit of a stretch. The primary performance was (mostly) carried out by actors.

I don't think that detracts from the amount of work involved by the animation team.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 February, 2019, 08:07:27 pm
It's what I do for a living. It's visual effects and not animation. It did win the oscar for best VFX. (And deservedly so).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 February, 2019, 08:21:12 pm
It's what I do for a living. It's visual effects and not animation. It did win the oscar for best VFX. (And deservedly so).

Fair enough, as a layperson I don't understand the distinction.  It's all people making imaginary stuff come alive.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 01 March, 2019, 10:39:41 pm
Collateral Beauty - Mediocre. It seems they really tried for a beautiful feel good story with an all-star cast but it never really got going.  Will Smith rides around on a  pretty crap bike with no helmet and doesn't get killed.  But on one shot, his chain is on the wrong side of the bike. New York looks very good in it though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 March, 2019, 02:23:30 pm
Roma. Thanks to Pickled Onion for mentioning the slow start: it's well worth the short wait because it builds into something really brilliant.  I loved the way that Cuarón let his story sniff at several very hackneyed possible story lines then veer off - Hollywood would have dived down one after another and turned out yet another chunk of banality laid on with a trowel. It stopped at the right place, too.

Gentle, delicate and very satisfying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 March, 2019, 10:14:37 am
Captain Marvel, which was thoroughly enjoyable, probably more so as she can do a brilliant O RLY? with her eyebrows that I suspect could wither even Thanos. It's the sort of superpower I want. She has a few others, but that's the best one. Actually, there's consistently brilliant gesture comedy, the bit with the CD-ROM was perfect. As an origin story, it's well pitched and avoids the endless narcoleptic exposition style favoured by DC. Marvel have a knack of casting perfect leads, and de-aged Nick Fury is good value (the CGI holds up quite well even on Imax scales). Yeah, yeah, it's arguably yet another superhero movie, but you get what you paid for, two and half hours of solid entertainment.

For those worried or otherwise interested in such matters, she doesn't spend the entire movie semi-clad and thrusting her breasts out like a pair of minor alps (the superhero suit is more biker than lycra, and anyway she spends most of the movie in a NiN t-shirt and jeans). And no, it's not a feminazi manifesto, it's just a woman who kicks (or rather punches) ass (and other body parts). I'm not really sure how anyone could get to the latter, but I think it's mostly boys on the internet who are understandably being avoided by actual women in real-life. O RLY indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 11 March, 2019, 12:58:16 pm
Hunting the Wilderpeople A thoroughly enjoyable Kiwi comedy-drama.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 11 March, 2019, 01:22:00 pm
Captain Marvel, which was thoroughly enjoyable, probably more so as she can a brilliant O RLY? with her eyebrows that I suspect could wither even Thanos. It's the sort of superpower I want. She has a few others, but that's the best one. Actually, there's consistently brilliant gesture comedy, the bit with the CD-ROM was perfect. As an origin story, it's well pitched and avoids the endless narcoleptic exposition style favoured by DC. Marvel have a knack of casting perfect leads, and de-aged Nick Fury is good value (the CGI holds up quite well even on Imax scales). Yeah, yeah, it's arguably yet another superhero movie, but you get what you paid for, two and half hours of solid entertainment.

For those worried or otherwise interested in such matters, she doesn't spend the entire movie semi-clad and thrusting her breasts out like a pair of minor alps (the superhero suit is more biker than lycra, and anyway she spends most of the movie in a NiN t-shirt and jeans). And no, it's not a feminazi manifesto, it's just a woman who kicks (or rather punches) ass (and other body parts). I'm not really sure how anyone could get to the latter, but I think it's mostly boys on the internet who are understandably being avoided by actual women in real-life. O RLY indeed.

Again thoroughly enjoyed another MCU outing.  Loads of in-jokes all the way and quite a lot of decent comedy value.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 11 March, 2019, 09:18:48 pm
Captain Marvel, which was thoroughly enjoyable, ...
Indeed.

The fight on the train is hilarious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Riggers on 15 March, 2019, 08:57:21 am
Arrival last night. One of those films that, if watched at the cinema, you'd come out chatting how confusing it was, and each offering different viewpoints of how it should be interpreted.

I enjoyed it very much, as it's not your 'usual' alien film. But it is confusing.

I knew Max Richter had done the score, so had a warm glow inside.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 15 March, 2019, 09:05:11 am
Arrival last night. One of those films that, if watched at the cinema, you'd come out chatting how confusing it was, and each offering different viewpoints of how it should be interpreted.

I enjoyed it very much, as it's not your 'usual' alien film. But it is confusing.

I knew Max Richter had done the score, so had a warm glow inside.  :)

I went to see that at the pictures with Steph! I thought it was great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 March, 2019, 01:14:09 pm
Arrival is one of the few SF films that doesn't insult your intelligence. The only thing I felt to be a bit shaky was the rapidity with which the international situation turned into a crisis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 16 March, 2019, 10:44:45 pm
"The Golden Voyage of Sinbad".  I remember seeing this at the cinema as a small person, 1973 so I must have been 9 or 10.  Far too young to appreciate Caroline Munro's acting..     A splendidly villainous Tom Baker & Martin Shaw as well. 


I had the paperback adaptation as well, which is now going for about £30 on Ebay.  I'd forgotten the ships figurehead coming to life, but remember the fight with Kali, and the battle between the Cyclops & Griffin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 March, 2019, 09:01:08 am
Had a gander at Russian Doll. Quirky and amusing. A Graun crit I read some of this morning said that it was an analogy of the writer/producer/director/star's own struggles with addiction. I can believe that but I'd say it's more fun.  I baled out of the Graun piece because it was starting to look like a rich source of spoilers.

I'll probably watch a few more episodes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 05 April, 2019, 10:09:00 pm
"Death of Stalin".
Very very good. First 2 acts were the best, but still highly entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 05 April, 2019, 10:51:31 pm
Captain Marvel, which was thoroughly enjoyable, probably more so as she can do a brilliant O RLY? with her eyebrows that I suspect could wither even Thanos. It's the sort of superpower I want. She has a few others, but that's the best one. Actually, there's consistently brilliant gesture comedy, the bit with the CD-ROM was perfect. As an origin story, it's well pitched and avoids the endless narcoleptic exposition style favoured by DC. Marvel have a knack of casting perfect leads, and de-aged Nick Fury is good value (the CGI holds up quite well even on Imax scales). Yeah, yeah, it's arguably yet another superhero movie, but you get what you paid for, two and half hours of solid entertainment.

For those worried or otherwise interested in such matters, she doesn't spend the entire movie semi-clad and thrusting her breasts out like a pair of minor alps (the superhero suit is more biker than lycra, and anyway she spends most of the movie in a NiN t-shirt and jeans). And no, it's not a feminazi manifesto, it's just a woman who kicks (or rather punches) ass (and other body parts). I'm not really sure how anyone could get to the latter, but I think it's mostly boys on the internet who are understandably being avoided by actual women in real-life. O RLY indeed.

Just back from watching this - fun film :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 April, 2019, 08:33:07 am
Birdman finally reached Netflix. Great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 April, 2019, 01:01:35 pm
Bølgen / The Wave

Surprisingly good Norwegian take on the classic disaster movie.

Helped greatly in the plausibility stakes by concentrating on a realistic natural disaster of relatively small scale, this one manages to subvert many of the genre's tropes almost by accident:
- A female geologist who looks like a female geologist, and doesn't die.
- MovieOS used only for visual clarity; the scientists are still looking at screens of numbers.
- Assorted competently-flown helicopters, none of which crash in a fireball or cause unwanted amputations.
- The obligatory kids aren't irritating.
- Tourists making only mildly bad non-selfish decisions.
- Our hero saves hundreds of people armed with nothing more than a pretty neat digital watch.

My favourite bit was where our hero geologist's spidey sense tells him that The Big One is about to happen, but his colleagues looking at the funny data aren't convinced.  In a Hollywood disaster movie, this would be his cue to commandeer a vehicle, bluff his way into giving a moving speech to the president, or have a punch-up with some self-serving obstructive bureaucrat.  Instead, our hero goes digging in his recently-discarded collection of academic papers, performs an emergency literature review, and calls back with citations - at which point his colleagues believe him and immediately raise the alarm.  In the words of a certain other movie, he scienced the shit out of it.


Skjelvet / The Quake

Contrived sequel to the above.  Does well on pace, but the implausibility of *another* geological disaster happening to the same characters stretches credibility to breaking point.  Decent (if dubiously realistic) special effects fail to make up for the sensibility of the first one, and we see our characters making desperately bad decisions in order to crank up the drama.


I'd almost recommend watching them in reverse order, but most of the character development happens in the first film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 April, 2019, 09:54:11 pm
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.  Needed more Albert.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 April, 2019, 03:22:35 pm
Yup. And Albert wasn't very Alberty either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 April, 2019, 10:51:07 am
Because we're self-evidently nerds and in the workup to Endgame, we've decided to watch all the Marvel movies. There's twenty-two of them.

Blimey.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 April, 2019, 11:10:40 am
At one sitting? The Guinness Book of Records is beckoning.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 April, 2019, 11:18:49 am
I think we have until May, and we've already chalked up the first two.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 08 April, 2019, 11:36:34 am
Isle of Dogs. Quirky and quite amusing, and held us to the end. Never caught fire, but worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 08 April, 2019, 10:29:24 pm
Green book.   Thought it was very good, well worth seeing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 April, 2019, 09:55:10 am
I think we have until May, and we've already chalked up the first two.

Now four! I forgot the did a Hulk standalone. Eighteen left in our Marvel Marathon before early May and I'm travelling next week. We're going to need more popcorn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 09 April, 2019, 12:39:02 pm
I think we have until May, and we've already chalked up the first two.

Now four! I forgot the did a Hulk standalone. Eighteen left in our Marvel Marathon before early May and I'm travelling next week. We're going to need more popcorn.
Don't think we will forget this, the next time you are looking down your nose at our cultural preferences.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 April, 2019, 09:22:10 am
Up to six. A bit sleepy this morning aboard the mothership. Dangerous times for another banana mishap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 April, 2019, 12:12:17 pm
Why stop at the 22? What's wrong with the Fantastic Four, X-men and Spidey 20th Century Fox efforts.  You surely can't compare and contrast effectively otherwise? :-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 April, 2019, 01:20:28 pm
I'm not sure I'm ready for a DC marathon, that sounds like too much hard work. I will say the Marvel's to date have been as consistently good as I remembered.

If we were proper hardcore, we'd pull in the TV shows – at a minimum, Agents of SHIELD, Agent Carter (sorely missed), etc. not to mention all the Netflix stuff. But I think we'd have to stop sleeping till May.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 April, 2019, 02:04:21 pm
I think we have until May, and we've already chalked up the first two.

Now four! I forgot the did a Hulk standalone. Eighteen left in our Marvel Marathon before early May and I'm travelling next week. We're going to need more popcorn.

Only 21 according to wiki, so that's a couple of hours of your life you can have back - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Marvel_Cinematic_Universe_films

I had to look it up for my own benefit, to work out how many of them I've seen - I can't remember whether or not I've seen any of the Iron Man sequels or just the first one, and I know I've seen Ang Lee's non-MCU Hulk but I'm not sure if I've seen The Incredible Hulk, and I've seen so many 'reboots' of Spider-Man that I've lost track of which ones belong to which version of reality (I have vague memories of seeing a Spider-Man film in the cinema in the 70s but don't recall any of the detail of that one).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 April, 2019, 04:37:03 pm
The only Spiderman (as in Spiderman and no other Superheroes) film in the official Avengers-linked films is Homecoming.


The earlier Hulks, Spidermans, Fantastic Four and X-Men (maybe others too) - were in different deals with 20th Century Fox/Columbia, despite still being Marvel characters.  Basically at some point Marvel created their own studio to take full control of artistic content - and probably more importantly - profit, they reputedly made very little money out of the 'early' (Toby Maguire) spidey films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 April, 2019, 04:45:21 pm
I think we have until May, and we've already chalked up the first two.

Now four! I forgot the did a Hulk standalone. Eighteen left in our Marvel Marathon before early May and I'm travelling next week. We're going to need more popcorn.

Only 21 according to wiki, so that's a couple of hours of your life you can have back - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Marvel_Cinematic_Universe_films

I had to look it up for my own benefit, to work out how many of them I've seen - I can't remember whether or not I've seen any of the Iron Man sequels or just the first one, and I know I've seen Ang Lee's non-MCU Hulk but I'm not sure if I've seen The Incredible Hulk, and I've seen so many 'reboots' of Spider-Man that I've lost track of which ones belong to which version of reality (I have vague memories of seeing a Spider-Man film in the cinema in the 70s but don't recall any of the detail of that one).

Spiderman is very hard to follow, it seems to get rebooted over and over (there's another Marvel Spiderman movie this year). Indeed, I can't count (or rather my wife can't, she told me she'd ordered 22 movies). As Captain Marvel isn't out yet, that means we're probably aiming at 20 movies. Anyway, it was Avengers Assemble last night, which stepped it up a level.

I still think GotG is going to be the best, but let's see.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 April, 2019, 04:47:51 pm
Thor Ragnarok - Thor Ragnarok -that's the best - by miles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 April, 2019, 04:54:25 pm
The earlier Hulks, Spidermans, Fantastic Four and X-Men (maybe others too) - were in a different deal with 20th Century Fox, despite still being Marvel characters.

Don't forget Howard the Duck!

And there was a terrible Captain America film in the early 90s too.

I read somewhere that the X-men will be introduced to the MCU at some point, so all those many Hugh Jackman/Patrick Stewart/Ian McKellen films will become officially non-canonical. Mental.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 April, 2019, 04:56:09 pm
I try to limit myself to when Hollywood could actually muster the special effects to do them justice.  I went with my brother to see Spiderman Strikes Back in the 1970s.  Ouch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 April, 2019, 04:58:05 pm

I read somewhere that the X-men will be introduced to the MCU at some point, so all those many Hugh Jackman/Patrick Stewart/Ian McKellen films will become officially non-canonical. Mental.


There's already been an X-men Cameo in Deadpool 2...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 April, 2019, 04:58:34 pm
Ah, I've not seen Deadpool 1 or 2 yet.

GotG, Ragnarok and Dr Strange have been the ones I've enjoyed most.

Civil War was by far the worst - who knew a load of awesome superheroes kicking the shit out of each other could be so tedious?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 April, 2019, 05:00:54 pm
Marvel is at its best when it is lighthearted - when it tries to go all DC (i.e. serious) - not so much.


It's a rather sad state of affairs that there are so many of these that we see little else at the cinema for ....oof... the last decade.  ???


Fortunately my wife is just as down with this as me  :-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 10 April, 2019, 07:10:06 pm
You should do a podcast about this. It could rival https://www.timeout.com/newyork/comedy/these-comedians-have-watched-sex-and-the-city-2-every-week-for-a-year

(oh and when you get to Guardians of the Galaxy, do tell me which bits are actually funny. I was enormously disappointed - all the right people were saying all the right things about it :( )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 April, 2019, 08:14:17 am
(oh and when you get to Guardians of the Galaxy, do tell me which bits are actually funny. I was enormously disappointed - all the right people were saying all the right things about it :( )

Yes well, I looked up one of Netflux's "Critically-Acclaimed" offerings on IMDB and found it got 5.5/10.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2019, 10:55:05 am
Come on, I defy anyone to tell me the skit about Footloose in GotG isn't pant-wetting territory. It's full of sassy one-liners. I don't go on online reviews, comic book nerds are forever moaning. I sentence them to watch every version of Judge Dredd (ok, come on, who hasn't secretly enjoyed the Stallone one).

Iron Man 3 last night. It's carried by Robert Downey Jr and his ego/id thing. If memory serves, indeed Civil War was the dullest, only enlivened by the appearance of Antman. Thor: Ragnarok is definitely top canon, as is Antman (that final tongue-in-cheek battle scene with Thomas the Tank Engine). I liked Black Panther, but I'm not sure as good as everyone claims. Dr Strange I remember being a bit meh. Oh, well, we'll get there. No movies tonight though as my wife is away. Avengers Assemble is winning out so for, if only for its sheer OTT bombast and character sparring.

Is there a crossover between X-Man and MCU, I confess I'm not nerd enough? Deadpool (which you should see as it's pure juvenile fun) is part of that. I can never follow X-Men movies, they're all over the timeline (cue several Deadpool jokes).

If anyone is questioning my pursuit of high culture, we conceived this marathon while sitting in a Toby Carvery.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 April, 2019, 12:35:40 pm
Is there a crossover between X-Man and MCU, I confess I'm not nerd enough?

Yes. The X-Men are a Marvel creation, and the plan is to make them part of the MCU - I read something about them being introduced to the Infinity Saga in Phase 4. Which might mean something to people who are nerd enough, but tbh doesn't mean an awful lot to me (beyond getting the general idea from what it says on wikipedia).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2019, 12:44:04 pm
I confess that I'm also not nerd enough to understand that. I think, tbh, that being a proper nerd is a lot harder than it looks.

I think the only comic I ever read with 2000AD. Oh, and I learned everything I needed to know about the Germans from Commando and various war comics that were, for some inexplicable reason despite it being the 1980s, available in vast quantities from the comic stall on Heanor market.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 April, 2019, 01:12:38 pm
I think the only comic I ever read with 2000AD.

Don't you think it's a great shame no one ever made a film or TV series of Zenith? Undoubtedly the best superhero story ever. I fear its moment has passed, though - they would have to make it a period piece, I don't think it would work if it were updated for 2019.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 April, 2019, 02:55:46 pm
I like the concept of British superheroes and I think Zenith would work as a period piece, though I'm not sure that most of the world, including our American chums would get it. Wasn't someone somewhere planning to make a movie of The Ballad of Halo Jones? And perhaps Rogue Trooper. Probably better for my sense of childhood nostalgia that they don't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 11 April, 2019, 03:10:17 pm
If there ever was a plan to adapt Halo Jones to the big screen (not that Wikinaccurate's page on the comic strip says anything), it's still stuck in one of the deeper circles of development Hell. Though oddly enough, it has been adapted for the stage...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 April, 2019, 03:15:05 pm
I thought Halo Jones had been done on screen, but then I realised I'm getting Halo Jones confused with Tank Girl. And then I tried to forget that I'd ever seen the Tank Girl movie...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 11 April, 2019, 03:21:31 pm
Shazam, with my 11 year-old.  He loved it. We both laughed a fair bit.

There's some of the usual nonsense thrown in just because they're shooting in 3D and they could have trimmed 10-15 minutes, but it's good harmless fun. 

Usually, I can't stand this genre but this was sufficiently self-mocking to make it entertaining. Hopefully, by the time he gets interested in the whole action superhero franchise he'll be preferring to go to the cinema with his friends and I won't have to sit through them.  Three episodes of The Hobbit was bad enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 April, 2019, 04:31:42 pm
Lawrence of Arabia whilst I whizzed along at 38000 feet the other day. I don't think  I've  watched the whole thing before.  A Thing Wot I Learnt: Nic Roeg was the 2nd unit director.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 April, 2019, 09:39:47 am
Us

Brilliant. Not quite as brilliant as Get Out, I thought, but my son was completely bowled over by it. Properly scary in a classic horror way - all the boxes are ticked but it's classy rather than cliché. Also very funny. Its real strength is the main characters, who are well rounded, well written and very well acted. You really feel for them.

I'm not going to say any more about it because spoilers - tbh, I think they already gave away too much in the trailer. But fortunately there's a lot more to it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 April, 2019, 10:09:00 am
It's telling that when you type US into Google it brings up the film first and not a well-known once-great Country.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 April, 2019, 10:12:56 am
Jordan Peele is much more fashionable than Donald Trump.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 April, 2019, 10:46:11 am
Never heard of him. Peele, that is. Alas.

BTW, last night we rewatched Big Fish.  Lovely film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 April, 2019, 12:09:20 pm
Young Frankenstein

Going by the colour and production style, I reckon this was released in about 1928? Written/starring some guys called Brooks/Wilder - anyone heard of them?


For me this has long been a much-hyped cult classic that it seems like everyone should see (like Spinal Tap, Rocky Horror and Life of Brian). So I was worried that I'd really hate it ...

But no! It was good. Not a nailed-on classic, but a good-un, and you have to admire their dedication to the genre, and what they were trying to achieve. fantastic straight acting in ludicrous scenes, everyone really nailed it. (I didn't know Terry Garr was in it!!  :D :thumbsup:  :-*
Her first movie? )

We laughed a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 23 April, 2019, 11:29:33 pm
Mom and Dad
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5462326/
A bit of an entertaining dark comedy starring Nick Cage. Parents go nuts and kill their kids.

Shouldn't be funny but it was.

Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Graeme on 24 April, 2019, 07:34:20 am
Avengers Endgame started showing last night at 23:55... And is four hours long. I'll wait until the fuss dies down I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Graeme on 24 April, 2019, 07:37:17 am
Young Frankenstein

Going by the colour and production style, I reckon this was released in about 1928? Written/starring some guys called Brooks/Wilder - anyone heard of them?


For me this has long been a much-hyped cult classic that it seems like everyone should see (like Spinal Tap, Rocky Horror and Life of Brian). So I was worried that I'd really hate it ...

But no! It was good. Not a nailed-on classic, but a good-un, and you have to admire their dedication to the genre, and what they were trying to achieve. fantastic straight acting in ludicrous scenes, everyone really nailed it. (I didn't know Terry Garr was in it!!  :D :thumbsup:  :-*
Her first movie? )

We laughed a lot.

My favourite line: "Ain't got no body and nobody cares for me"
https://youtu.be/ZP08VQEWyOw
:-D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 24 April, 2019, 02:07:14 pm
I am currently watching 'Bridget Jones' in Spanish.  Yesterday something tripped the fusebox whilst I was watching Netflix.  Once I sorted that out I went back to my programme only to find that the settings had changed and I now have Netflix in Spanish with English subtitles.  I have found out how to change it back, but have left it.  I am having fun with the Spanish translations.

En cambio elijo vodka y Chaka Khan   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I also now know how to swear in Spanish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 24 April, 2019, 02:12:59 pm
Ooh, if you want to swear good in Spanish, watch all the series of Narcos - semi-subtitled in Spanish so you have no choice to find out - in which ever language you choose on Netflix - though I guess if you switch to German or something it could get really hooky ;)


And there was I thinking 'cabrone' meant 'friend'  :jurek:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 24 April, 2019, 02:20:20 pm
Recent films

1) The Return of Mary Poppins.  I was skeptical, but it was charming.
2) Fantastical Beasts 2:  Typical of the potteresque genre.
3) Bohemian Rhapsody:  I enjoyed it.   I did a lot of cat spotting though
4) The Iron Lady:  Interesting.
5) The Secret Life of Pets:  It amused me.
6) Independence Day - Resurgence: Much in the ilk as the first movie.  I do like films with kick-ass female characters, but apparently, women have to young and drop dead gorgeous before they can be kick ass.
7) Still Alice.  About an American Professor who had early onset dementia.  It scared the jaheebees out of me and made me cry.  It was a bit close to home for me to have watched this.
8 ) The Festival - rather funny.
9) A Star is Born:  Lady Gaga has an amazing voice.  I was rather confused when this was released because I managed to get Bradley Walsh and Bradley Cooper confused.  There are no big surprises if you have seen the 1970s Streisand version, but both Cooper and Gaga were amazing. 
10) Austenland - it killed a few hours and amused me.  Say no more!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 24 April, 2019, 02:25:55 pm
Ooh, if you want to swear good in Spanish, watch all the series of Narcos - semi-subtitled in Spanish so you have no choice to find out - in which ever language you choose on Netflix - though I guess if you switch to German or something it could get really hooky ;)


And there was I thinking 'cabrone' meant 'friend'  :jurek:

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  That could have been an interesting conversation.

I learned that one when I was in Spain the time before last.  My friend has a house there and some kids were sitting on her step and being a pain, so she told them to go away.  They started mouthing off, so we looked up 'bajarme de mi paso, pequeño carbrone y llevarte en bici contigo.'  It became the phrase of the day
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 24 April, 2019, 03:19:49 pm
I had two mates a few years ago, one from Mexico, the other from California.  The latter just called the former 'cabrone' routinely and more or less as a greeting so I just assumed...


Though I think it can well be used between close friends in that manner to be fair. A bit like us brits sometimes do with our close friends to be fair (meet my mate Steve, he's a real tosser...that sort of thing :-D )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 April, 2019, 03:35:01 pm
And there was I thinking 'cabrone' meant 'friend'  :jurek:

Back when carbon bikes were still pricey a bloke we occasionally rode with got one and never missed a chance to mention it. My Spanish chum Augustín and I took to calling him "el cabrón" and pretending we were talking about the bike. He never twigged.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 April, 2019, 01:14:15 pm
Up to Dr Strange now (though come on, surely a surgeon wouldn't lower themselves to being a Dr*)

*I know, America.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 25 April, 2019, 01:40:59 pm
You got me on this one - though not quite as thoroughly.  We watched Antman and the Wasp and Avengers Assemble at the weekend.  I nearly got the ewif to watch Ragnarok also, but she insisted on - shock and wailing of gnashed teeth - The Dark Knight Rises  :hand: :jurek:   (OK, it's cool really ;) )


OK, I had forgotten just how much fun Avengers Assemble was  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 25 April, 2019, 06:06:10 pm
Avengers Endgame. Awesome, I may have cried a little bit too
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 April, 2019, 07:08:37 pm
I have until May 5th to complete the marathon, so if any spoilers Endgame, it'll be endgame for them too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 26 April, 2019, 09:41:42 am
Tomorrow I will mostly be watching Avengers Endgame. 8)

Quick, spoiler-avoiding scout of imdb and rotten tomatoes..... 90-95% on both, from both critics and audience.  OK, probs a bit soon for a true measure.... but..... now rather giddily excited....


I must watch something adult at some point..... (no, not *that* adult ;)))


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 26 April, 2019, 05:27:52 pm
If anyone needs some help catching up with the Avengers, we can recommend this Cram It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5sb8LBeaQQ

We watched it, in preparation for Infinity War, which I still hadn't seen - but sadly, I ran out of Fucks to give and gave up part way into IW. They can all die in Endgame for all I care; and is it REALLY four hours long? Jeez - I think I'd rather ride an audax1!

----------
1 Anyone who knows me will know just how low an ebb I am on audaxing right now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 April, 2019, 05:38:07 pm
It's 3 hours long and everyone who's been has told me it's awesome and no one has yet spoilered it. Which means I've not yet had to murder anyone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 27 April, 2019, 10:04:31 pm
Awesome?  .... yes, yes it is  8) :thumbsup: :-D


And surprisingly- not at all what I was expecting for much of it - which is what impressed me most about it. A great finale
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 28 April, 2019, 07:46:41 pm
Awesome?  .... yes, yes it is  8) :thumbsup: :-D


And surprisingly- not at all what I was expecting for much of it - which is what impressed me most about it. A great finale

I have not been to a film where everyone applauded at the end for a long time.   Every last minute was brilliant.   J cried several times and he’s nearly a teenager.

I was never a comic reader but following the MCU for the last few years has been an experience and one of the few things that we have done as a family.   There is a gap to fill.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 April, 2019, 08:13:49 pm
We don't have a thread for films we *haven't* watched, but I'm going to nominate this one: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1808304/

If my theory's correct, then the fun is in reading the title, and I can confidently report that doing so was extremely entertaining.  It's a fantastic blend of 80s cheese, gratuitous violence and tectonic implausibility.  There's no way the film itself can possibly deliver, so don't bother.  Unless you're ian and feel like writing a screenplay.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 28 April, 2019, 11:03:50 pm
The Incredible Hulk

On so many levels, it is this:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 April, 2019, 10:03:26 am
Which Hulk though? The MCU one was probably the most meh of the series I've watched so far. We're up to Black Panther, so I think we've got three left to squeeze in before next Sunday. I confess, I'm pretty impressed, even the Hulk one isn't per se bad.

I think the top one so far has been Thor: Ragnarok which was even better the second time around. Sharp, funny script, perfect pace, and an absolutely luscious production design.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 April, 2019, 10:44:19 am
I've tried to watch TIH a couple of times. I obviously lack fortitude.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 April, 2019, 10:49:49 am
That's the Edward Norton one I think.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 29 April, 2019, 02:07:59 pm
Unusually, I watch two this weekend, both Tom Cruise vehicles.

First up was Edge of Tomorrow. Hmm. We'd already had Groundhog Day, Source Code and Looper by the time this was made. Oh, and apparently it's also known a "Live, Die, Repeat". It's about as exciting as that title suggests. Really, don't bother.

Second was Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol.  Harmless fun, with Simon Pegg playing it for laughs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 April, 2019, 02:13:06 pm
I quite enjoyed the Edge of Tomorrow, but then it's possible I'd enjoy watching Emily Blunt doing macramé. The latter has to be better than Sicario.

No idea why the title changed though, more so as Live. Die. Repeat is quite obviously a shit title.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 April, 2019, 02:26:10 pm
I enjoyed Sicario. So there.

Such a shame we won’t get soundscapes like that again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 April, 2019, 02:39:50 pm
It wasn't an awful movie, but I think Emily was as confused as I was about why she was there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 April, 2019, 02:50:21 pm
She avoided the second one, I guess.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 29 April, 2019, 10:09:55 pm
That's the Edward Norton one I think.

Correct.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 May, 2019, 09:56:32 am
Endgame. They really did pull out all the stops. Utterly awesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 May, 2019, 06:30:29 pm
Oh, and prior to Endgame, Stars Wars whatever trailer plays – they woman next to me to her partner 'why won't they just stop...'

Indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 May, 2019, 08:25:32 am
On the strength of all the noise about Endgame I looked for an Avengers film on Netflux and came up with Age of Ultron.  Was hoping for something at least as droll as Guardians of the Galaxy but dear lord, what a load of bullshit. Packed it in after an hour.

Similarly, the missus had had us watching Our Planet for the preceding couple of evenings. Nothing against Sir Boaty McBoatface but fucking hell he did it all 25 years ago with Blue Planet: Oh look, anchovies! Oh look, predators! Oh goody, the anchovies are getting it up the ass! six times in four episodes except when it was herring or mackerel. And the stuff about extinction is simply preaching to the choir as far as I'm concerned, I don't need to hear it so often.  It felt like compulsory church, with the difference that I didn't dare go to sleep in church. Told her she's on her own for the rest: it felt like telling my folks that I'd get confirmed if they liked but really it was all a load of claptrap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Man in a tree on 08 May, 2019, 09:40:45 am
More like last film I tried to watch. Francis Coppola's 1982 "One From the Heart", prompted by a review of something else (I forget what) that praised it as an overlooked masterpiece. I know it wasn't remotely thought to be one at the time, although some people did love it, and it bankrupted Coppola, pretty much. Still, I did give it a fair old go. Clunkily unwatchable. :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 May, 2019, 02:55:26 pm
On the strength of all the noise about Endgame I looked for an Avengers film on Netflux and came up with Age of Ultron.  Was hoping for something at least as droll as Guardians of the Galaxy but dear lord, what a load of bullshit. Packed it in after an hour.

Rookie mistake.  The film you're looking for is Thor: Ragnarok
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 May, 2019, 04:09:33 pm
I enjoyed Ultron, it's not the best, but a fair outing for the franchise. Admittedly, not on par with Ragnarok which is one of the best. If you like Ragnarok, of course, you're in for a treat with Endgame.

It really will be against the law for Thor not to be in the next GotG.

I think I might go and see Endgame again, because awesome. Well worth the Imax.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 May, 2019, 04:57:30 pm
On the strength of all the noise about Endgame I looked for an Avengers film on Netflux and came up with Age of Ultron.  Was hoping for something at least as droll as Guardians of the Galaxy but dear lord, what a load of bullshit. Packed it in after an hour.

Rookie mistake.  The film you're looking for is Thor: Ragnarok

Could be, but Netflux don't stretch to it.  Problem with Ultron is maybe that the Thanos coefficient is too low. Josh Brolin's chin enhancement with modelling clay really makes a film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 08 May, 2019, 04:59:53 pm
We watched Ultron the other day too, because it happened to be there on Netflix.  What I'd never noticed before was all the massive hints about infinity stones and stuff (thought why would we, not knowing where it was going?) - but they really were laying it on thick in some places - quite impressed at how the major story arcs were all worked out years and years in advance.
Has any of this been in the comics canon?  I stopped reading the comics in the early 80s...(but was always a Marvel nerd ;) )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 08 May, 2019, 06:03:53 pm
It's all very different in the comics, for a start it was nearly 30 years ago, and the snap happens right at the start of the story. So a load of heroes go missing right at the start. Thanos is also killing half the universe to impress his girlfriend, who happens to be Death, rather than as an act of population control
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 08 May, 2019, 07:39:51 pm
Cool - so based on stuff in the comics but changed to suit both new and old audiences, you can't fault their cunning plan to attract as large an audience as possible whilst keeping the diehards sweet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 May, 2019, 10:29:38 pm
It was definitely worth watching the entire series beforehand (we await our über-nerd medals in the post), it really does come together very well. I'm not familiar with the comics (what, seriously, you're revoking über-nerd medals?) but I liked Thanos's Malthusiastic overkill, a thin veneer of rationality applied over genocidal psychosis. Anyway, I don't think I've seen a movie get a standing ovation at the end before. And yes, everyone cheered at that appropriate moment. I think we all have an inner nerd.

If I recall Rocket refers to Thanos's chin as a 'nutsack' several times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 May, 2019, 08:46:03 am
MIB cross-fertilization?

https://youtu.be/2NPw3WvpRL8
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 09 May, 2019, 09:43:00 am
Only connect  :-D   New MiB film of course reunites Valkyrie and Thor - not that any of them are getting typecast or anything.  Zoe Saldana in particular must be crying all the way to the bank.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 May, 2019, 12:46:50 am
Apollo 11 (2019)

A thing of beauty and a joy forever.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 13 May, 2019, 10:28:37 am
John Wick 2 - not seen John Wick 1 - go figure.

OK, so what struck me about this was a throwback in time to the late 80s when there was such a fuss about violence in films.  I.e. body counts in films featuring the likes of Schwarzenegger and Stallone.  To the point that when Terminator 2 was made - it was all - 'casualties = 0' - maiming only. ::-) 

Anyway.  So what happened to all that? John Wick 2 has about as many head shots per minute as the entire death count of your highly-violent Arnie film.  I'm pretty sure he could redecorate his entire house with human brains.   Ultraviolence it very much is....I did wonder by the end, just how the world had managed to train so many homicidal martial arts experts for him to kill.  In the upcoming John Wick 3 presumably he'll have a to fight them all off as resurrected zombies or something as presumably it takes years to get that skilful at assassination...how many left can there be after all that?

Strangely it was quite fun though.  He was very concerned about the safety of his dog - I'm told that's because in the first one they killed his dog.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 May, 2019, 10:50:56 am
I believe John Wick to be something of an ironic nod to 80s action B movies and the Hong Kong school of gun-fu. I think even most Americans these days have quietly admitted that it's not watching a movie that leads to gun massacres, more the ready availability of high power weapons to people with a parlous mental state.

And yes, they killed his dog and there's stuff you do not do. Not seen the third one, but the first two were very enjoyable. I'm also not sure who he has to kill in the third sequel, there pretty much can't be any Russian mob left.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 13 May, 2019, 12:12:37 pm
Well I suppose they could set it in a virtual reality internet type thing.  That way they could shoehorn in Trinity as well as Morpheus in it this time ;)


This is perhaps coming across more negative that I intended - it was actually great fun, just.... boy.... I've never seen a death count anything like that before.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 May, 2019, 12:42:04 pm
It's cartoony though – he just works through cardboard bad guys. I find realistic violence off-putting.

There was a moral panic about violent movies turning people into killers, then it was video games. I think the latest is porn turning people into rapists. There's never any actual causal evidence of these things and well, I think most sane people can accurately judge the difference between fantasy and reality.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 13 May, 2019, 12:54:10 pm
Contagion. Again. Morbid fascination.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 13 May, 2019, 01:17:41 pm
Apollo 11 (2019)

A thing of beauty and a joy forever.

Having seen that but I love the earlier film...

Let's work the problem, people.

On the contrary, I believe this will be our finest hour, and

If they could make a washing machine fly, my Jimmy could land it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 13 May, 2019, 02:04:43 pm
'Let's look at this from the standpoint of status. What have we got on the spacecraft that's good?'

Substitute 'bike' for 'spacecraft' and that's pretty much my day...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 13 May, 2019, 02:08:44 pm
I think you're getting your Apollo missions mixed up.  Possibly with Halfords' Apollo missions  :)


Apollo 11 was molished entirely from archive footage, which gives it a certain authenticity, and makes it a rare opportunity to see the first moon landing in glorious film, rather than just recycling the n-th generation archive news footage of the mono SSTV transmission that everyone goes to because it was part of the zeitgeist.  (They do use some footage from the TV cameras, but the NASA archive recordings are somewhat better quality than the TV networks'.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sib on 13 May, 2019, 02:34:12 pm
Not film but related to the Apollo 11 theme there was an interesting piece on R4 this morning about a podcast featuring the radio communications during the descent of the lunar lander and the problems they encountered (too fast and not enough fuel I think) and the significance of that vital 13mins. Sorry I don't have the link but hopefully enough info to google for the science geeks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 13 May, 2019, 03:03:05 pm
Yeah, they overshot the intended landing site, and had to keep flying over a boulder field in the hope of finding somewhere suitable to land, running perilously low on fuel.  Meanwhile the computer was generating spurious errors because somebody left the rendezvous radar in the wrong mode.

It's all there in the audio, but delivered sufficiently calmly that the urgency isn't obvious unless you fully understand what they're saying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 13 May, 2019, 03:11:09 pm
Yeah, they overshot the intended landing site, and had to keep flying over a boulder field in the hope of finding somewhere suitable to land, running perilously low on fuel.  Meanwhile the computer was generating spurious errors because somebody left the rendezvous radar in the wrong mode.

It's all there in the audio, but delivered sufficiently calmly that the urgency isn't obvious unless you fully understand what they're saying.


Houston, we appear to have a little extra thrust from the brown trouser moment I've just had...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 13 May, 2019, 05:04:55 pm
Apollo 11 (2019)

A thing of beauty and a joy forever.

Was this an offsite backup?  I've been waiting for this to appear in our local Imax or cinema and it's apparently not here til June at the earliest...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 13 May, 2019, 06:15:10 pm
Apollo 11 (2019)

A thing of beauty and a joy forever.

Was this an offsite backup?  I've been waiting for this to appear in our local Imax or cinema and it's apparently not here til June at the earliest...

Indeed.  This one's worthy of the imax treatment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 13 May, 2019, 11:45:02 pm
It's cartoony though – he just works through cardboard bad guys. I find realistic violence off-putting.

There was a moral panic about violent movies turning people into killers, then it was video games. I think the latest is porn turning people into rapists. There's never any actual causal evidence of these things and well, I think most sane people can accurately judge the difference between fantasy and reality.

I thought porn just turned people into wankers?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 May, 2019, 12:04:11 pm
I think there's an entire organization in the US (of course) dedicated to self-restraint in the matters of self-pleasure. Mastering one's domain, if I may borrow the phrase. There are some very odd people in the world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 May, 2019, 08:35:47 pm
I think there's an entire organization in the US (of course) dedicated to self-restraint in the matters of self-pleasure. Mastering one's domain, if I may borrow the phrase. There are some very odd people in the world.

As that episode of Seinfeld demonstrated, mastering one’s domain plays havoc with one’s mental equilibrium.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 May, 2019, 08:43:06 pm
That episode is still one of the best 22 minutes of TV.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 18 May, 2019, 09:04:21 am
John Wick 3.

High body count; a sequence which will.make those sensitive about knife crime have a conniption fit; ultra violence; Keanu self references which made me hoot with laughter; utterly stupid and totally bonkers.

There is some nice cinematography, you can do a lot with the Sahara, or a room full of shiny surfaces.

Very enjoyable. Don't go expecting a message.  ;D



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 May, 2019, 11:08:24 am
Keanu self references which made me hoot with laughter

I saw the trailer. In which he uses the line: “I need guns. Lots of guns.” That made me smile.

Must try to get to the cinema to see JW3. No way I could persuade my wife to join me though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 18 May, 2019, 01:22:37 pm
Blackkklansman - ‘true’* story of a black cop who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s.

Very [/size][size=78%]good as you’d expect of a Spike Lee film. Some hilarity some heartbreak too plus an ending that hits far harder than the rest of the film together - and that’s the only bit that’s definitely real. [/size] :(


Worth a watch for sure. Look out for the Harry Belafonte cameo









* embellished I presume - or as these things usually are - almost entirely made up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 18 May, 2019, 02:03:04 pm
Blackkklansman - ‘true’* story of a black cop who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s.

Very [/size][size=78%]good as you’d expect of a Spike Lee film. Some hilarity some heartbreak too plus an ending that hits far harder than the rest of the film together - and that’s the only bit that’s definitely real. [/size] :(


Worth a watch for sure. Look out for the Harry Belafonte cameo









* embellished I presume - or as these things usually are - almost entirely made up.

It's based on a true story, but the film does indulge in a spot of dramatic licence and changes the time period.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-07/blackkklansman-ron-stallworth-black-cop-who-infiltrated-the-kkk/9971370
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 May, 2019, 02:49:33 pm
The true story [of Blackkklansman ] is a thing of wonder - I heard it a couple of years ago on some podcast. I wonder if they knew about Spike's film at the time?

And if I keep typing, we can hopefully knock all the Avengers posts off the front page. I wondered if this would ever happen ...


John Wick 3.

High body count; a sequence which will.make those sensitive about knife crime have a conniption fit; ultra violence; Keanu self references which made me hoot with laughter; utterly stupid and totally bonkers.

There is some nice cinematography, you can do a lot with the Sahara, or a room full of shiny surfaces.

Very enjoyable. Don't go expecting a message.  ;D

This sounds a lot like JW1 (haven't seen 2). I stuck with it, partly out of admiration at its purity of purpose, and partly cos I had to know if anything else would actually happen before the end! (a joke, some back-story, a romance ... nope, nothing. Just highly cinematic violence.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 May, 2019, 11:31:14 pm
Pirates of Somalia.

Based on the true story of Jay Bahadur who spends 6 months in Somalia asking the pirates why they do it.

Started off a bit wierd and appearing to try to hard to be comedic. Very glad I stuck with it.

One of the stars is everyones favourite Somali, Barkhad Abdi :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 19 May, 2019, 08:19:39 am
To bring the tone down a little, CBH and I watched Sacha Baron Cohen recent effort: Grimsby.

Now I would love to explain in glowing and indeed flowing terms the grittiness of the film and the excellent way it portrayed the interaction between the brothers but no, crap to that!

This was one of the funniest films I have seen in a long time and what's more, CBH who has (apart from in husbands) much better taste than me also laughed out loud frequently.

Okay, not highbrow or anything but who cares when you can laugh at someone hiding inside an elephant, someone with a rocket up their arse and someone trying out a new mattress in a shop.


And yes, I know this marks me as someone with base tastes but hey ho, I don't care!  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 19 May, 2019, 03:31:00 pm
Cinema: Lego Movie II.  Oscar worthy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 20 May, 2019, 11:49:41 am
We saw The Highwaymen yesterday which is the Bonnie and Clyde tale but from the Texas Rangers' who hunted them POV.


Thought provoking and very very good.


I was slightly disappointed that they didn't do the scene with Bonnie taking a photo of herself with Frank Hames - a la the classic 1968 film with Warren Beatty/Faye Dunnaway.  Turns out this never happened and Hamer's widow actually got money (out of court settlement) from Warner Bros at the time for the way he was portrayed in that film - a defamation suit.  Interesting.


Best thing I've seen Costner and Harrelson do for a loooong time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 May, 2019, 12:23:56 am
The Hitman’s Bodyguard. A bit of fun with Samuel L Jackson swearing a bit, and some bodies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 27 May, 2019, 05:47:56 am
I saw Black Klansman a few days ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 27 May, 2019, 05:42:43 pm
Now I know I shouldn't watch this sort of thing because it does my head in - science-wise (I am an academic biological chemist) - Jurassic World XI the most recent one...


FFS - flammable Helium  :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:


Aside from cringeworthy science of utmost cringeworthiness.... it was exactly the same as the last time I watched a Jurassic Park film....


No..... not again... I will not go and see the dinosaurs again...


... oh all right then....


T-rexes push some cars over and bite heads of some bad guys...


.... aaargggh, must run from disaster and some dinos....


... we have intelligent ones which are super dangerous...


.... finale involving the super-daggerous raptosauruses.... get out by skin-of teeth - bad guys die.




Apart from that, I suppose it was escapist fun-enough



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2019, 09:09:10 pm
FFS - flammable Helium  :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

I wonder what happens when you mix that with the flammable lithium hydroxide from The Descent?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 May, 2019, 09:12:12 pm
FFS - flammable Helium  :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

I wonder what happens when you mix that with the flammable lithium hydroxide from The Descent?

Lots of makeup.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 27 May, 2019, 09:22:11 pm
FFS - flammable Helium  :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

I wonder what happens when you mix that with the flammable lithium hydroxide from The Descent?


Hmm - I love The Descent - now I cannot unread that- have never noticed that one
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2019, 09:42:55 pm
FFS - flammable Helium  :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

I wonder what happens when you mix that with the flammable lithium hydroxide from The Descent?


Hmm - I love The Descent - now I cannot unread that- have never noticed that one

Actually I might be thinking of the wrong scary-monsters-inna-cave movie...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 May, 2019, 08:11:45 am
Ma Loute (Slack Bay in English), a surreal seaside comedy worthy of Boris Vian but happier.  Loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 May, 2019, 09:29:01 am
FFS - flammable Helium  :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

I wonder what happens when you mix that with the flammable lithium hydroxide from The Descent?


Hmm - I love The Descent - now I cannot unread that- have never noticed that one

Actually I might be thinking of the wrong scary-monsters-inna-cave movie...


There were two that came out at the same time with similar cave-diving scenarios - I suspect you may be as one was great (The Descent) - the other was dire - and I cannot think where they even put any science fiction - other than it being another breed of human in The Descent.  It was really just a pot-holing scary monster deth horror.  The other featured fancy vehicles going down into the depths so is more likely on that front.  At least Lithium Hydroxide has some sort of reactivity - Helium - well it would be good for putting a fire OUT if used suitably, if anyone can think of anything LESS flammable please let me know.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 May, 2019, 09:56:50 am
Any noble gas*, I'd imagine, or fire suppressants, such as halon. Basically, remove oxygen.

*apart from oganesson which apparently might not be a gas and might be a little bit reactive owing to the fact it has so many electrons they're left standing around like students outside a cancelled lecture, though I think they've only ever made a dozen or so atoms of the stuff, certainly not enough to spread on toast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 May, 2019, 10:05:32 am
You're out of date there, since we started recording lectures so they can view them online - pfft- you think there would be many there if they attended?  ::-) 
(In a generation or two the message we send out about there being a correlation between attending teaching-sessions and.... well 'passing'... may get through to them)


Noble gasses get less 'noble' as you go down the group - Krypton and Xenon actually do have some chemistry but Helium.... really hardly anything - you can excite it and make excimer lasers I suppose.  Pretty sure if you can assemble more than a dozen atoms of anything as heavy as Oganesson you're doing well - and we're never really likely to - the usefulness of anything with a microsecond-style half-life is always going to be a limiting factor ;)


Anyway back to the fillums.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 May, 2019, 11:56:01 am
Oganesson?  Isn't that a region of BRITISH Columbia?

["No." - Ed.]
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 31 May, 2019, 08:06:03 am
Oganesson?  Isn't that a region of BRITISH Columbia?

["No." - Ed.]

That would be Okanagan
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 May, 2019, 11:57:41 am
Indeed.  I spent a night in Penticton on last summer's Leftpondian anabasis.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 05 June, 2019, 11:01:00 pm
Please Stand By. A film about a young woman who is a) autistic and b) a Trekkie. She has written a script for a Star Trek competition and the film revolves around her quest to get it to the studio on time.

No guns, no ninjas, no nudity, no bling, no petrol heads. Just a very nice film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 June, 2019, 11:39:08 pm
Captain Marvel

I'm from the 90s, so 90s nostalgia doesn't really do it for me, but I enjoyed this one.  Bonus points for the cat.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 June, 2019, 11:00:49 am
It's not a cat though.

Reminded me of our own Little Monster Cat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 June, 2019, 05:51:58 am
Prospect
Never heard of it until my physio recommended it today and I promptly watched it tonight. Neat little sci-fi movie.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/prospect_2018
Costume design is awesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: telstarbox on 08 June, 2019, 08:21:52 am
"Booksmart" at the cinema. Very funny and quite touching American high school drama.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 June, 2019, 09:56:53 am
X-Men something or other. It wasn't bad, all the boxes were ticked, but it wasn't really anything else. The scripts for these write themselves. Plus I can never figure out the timelines, but I'm sure they've gotten themselves into a narrative pickle. Or possibly I'm simply not nerd enough. And how does Magneto fly, eh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 June, 2019, 12:29:12 pm
And how does Magneto fly, eh?

Like a frog in an MRI scanner?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1vyB-O5i6E
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 June, 2019, 12:39:25 pm
And how does Magneto fly, eh?

Like a frog in an MRI scanner?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1vyB-O5i6E

Yes, but where the hell is the giant MRI machine? Does he take it everywhere? Where does he plug it in? I mean, the Americas use weak electricity, surely that tempers his abilities when he's stateside?

Jessica Chastain was quite scary though. If she was your mum, you'd have a very tidy bedroom and homework would never remain undone.

I think the X-Universe always suffers these days because most of the superheroes are a bit meh. Prof X and Magneto were great, as were Wolverine and Raven. Chap with lasers for eyes? Occasionally hairy bloke? Weatherwoman? I can't even remember their names.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 June, 2019, 12:40:15 pm
https://www.quora.com/How-does-Magneto-fly (https://www.quora.com/How-does-Magneto-fly)

The question is easy : Magneto flies because he is able to influence on the gravity, he can bend the magnetic waves on earth since he is the master of Magnetism to create an anti-gravity area generally contained into a forcefield, visible or not.

And I don’t think in space there is a lot of metal yet in Fatal attractions he does flies in space so your theory on metal under is incorrect. Magneto can generate and manipulate magnetic, anti-gravity area and forcefield… 3 conditions allowing him to actually do this in comics.

More questions on Magneto? don’t hesitate to ask. It’s been 25 years I study him in comics
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 June, 2019, 12:45:11 pm
So basically he's unified gravity with the three other forces? That said, Mary Poppins did it long before he did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 June, 2019, 12:45:44 pm
The real questions for me were always.  How does concrete stop him?  Seeing as concrete, like most rocky-type stuff has lots of metal in it - ok in oxidised form I *suppose*


And also plastic?  Better make sure it's *Scrupulously* uncontaminated ;)



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 June, 2019, 12:46:15 pm
So basically he's unified gravity with the three other forces? That said, Mary Poppins did it long before he did.


So she says (that quora answers person)

Bold bit  :-D :-D :-D


We never saw Mary Poppins angry.  I wonder if we'd like her when she's angry  :jurek:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 June, 2019, 12:50:54 pm
For that matter, what's his tin hat for? Is it magic like the bicycle variety (all that flying might be dangerous). Prof X is partial to a bit of headgear wearing too.

I'm all for proper hats and think they should make a comeback. Certainly women wearing hats exert a special kind of attraction on this boy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 June, 2019, 01:06:57 pm
Well that ^^^^ clears everything up nicely :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 June, 2019, 01:14:16 pm
The tin hat is for blocking Professor X so he can't shut him down and control his brain.  That's pretty clear in the films no?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 June, 2019, 01:16:42 pm
The tin hat is for blocking Professor X so he can't shut him down and control his brain.  That's pretty clear in the films no?

I've honestly (and evidently) not paid that much attention. I thought he was just being stylish. But yay to tinfoil hats.

I'm a bit too scared to search, but is hat porn a thing? Because I really think it ought to be. I think other items of clothing can be optional.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 June, 2019, 01:18:45 pm
Dunno, but I'm thinking that superhero costume stuff is extremely likely to be a thing
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 June, 2019, 01:20:55 pm
I wonder if there's a 'Mary Pops-her-cherry' ... I'm definitely not googling *that*


Not at work anyway O:-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 June, 2019, 01:29:37 pm
Hmm, just idly looked at a side link on that quora forum I was looking at before...


Can Magneto control light?


Answer


Depends on which Magneto.
Movie Magneto controls metal. It isn’t even a matter of ferromagnetism, since the Nazi coin he’s fond of moving about in First Class is non-ferrous, and as has been pointed out by others on the intertoobz, bullets are largely also non-ferrous, as they are typically made from lead. Since light is obviously not metal, movie Mags wouldn’t be able to do anything to or with it.
Ultimate Magneto seems to mostly control ferrous materials, though again his powers really seem to be control of metals, regardless of makeup. Again, this version shouldn’t be able to do jack with light.
However, 616 Magneto controls the electromagnetic force, and is also able to extend his control to all the remaining three fundamental forces, though it takes more concentration and exertion. 616 Magneto’s abilities are effectively limited only by knowledge, stamina, and mental state. So, yes, 616 Magneto can make light his b*tch, and has on many occasions. LOL


Answer - seems from this, that Movie Magneto should *not* be able to fly if he really is just a metal-thing there...  this might need further research.... (ICNBA :-) )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 10 June, 2019, 01:35:09 pm
T-rexes ..
I saw a progarmme on tv recently that suggested T-Rex didn't have a huge, loud roar,
but something a bit more subdued.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 June, 2019, 01:38:22 pm
Disappointed.  A twenty-foot tall lizard with teeth like a park fence going "Eeeep"?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 June, 2019, 04:30:37 pm
And they were feathery like big chickens. Or an ordinary chicken if you'd been shrunk.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 June, 2019, 07:11:47 pm
I dunno, if a big lizard came up to me and went 'Mooooo' - or 'Quack' - I think I'd shit myself even more than if it roared
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 June, 2019, 07:40:57 pm
I think we need a superhero whose powers are solely mediated by the weak nuclear force. Fighting the forces of evil with my massive W bosons.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 10 June, 2019, 07:43:13 pm
And they were feathery like big chickens. Or an ordinary chicken if you'd been shrunk.

Having seen the way hens behave, I think a 30-foot chicken would be enough to make anyone go wibble.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 June, 2019, 08:32:19 am
I think the X-Universe always suffers these days because most of the superheroes are a bit meh. Prof X and Magneto were great, as were Wolverine and Raven. Chap with lasers for eyes? Occasionally hairy bloke? Weatherwoman? I can't even remember their names.

Isn't one of them Carol Kirkwood?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 June, 2019, 09:11:47 am
I think we need a superhero whose powers are solely mediated by the weak nuclear force. Fighting the forces of evil with my massive W bosons.


We already have a Dr Strange sadly ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 June, 2019, 10:04:46 am
I was going to say 'pair of massive W bosons' there but I feared I'd get metooed into a spreadsheet of shame. Superhero breasts are, of course, a sensitive subject to be carefully handled. Oh no, what have I done... I blame Mary Poppins and her damn delectable hats. She puts the thoughts into my head.

Apparently, according to the internet, the X-timeline makes no sense because they changed in a previous film. So it's not just me and Deadpool who can't work it out.

Possibly I'm jaded after the awesome bombast of the last couple of MCU movies, but it was very flat. An alien invasion which consisted of about six aliens who could only briefly be bothered to be aliens until someone looked at the CGI budget. One lead alien who looked the part (mysteriously omitted eyebrows, it's how you tell) but other than a magic space power, it wasn't clear how they'd take over the Earth when they struggled to commandeer a train. They'd never even get to the buffet car on a peak train to Swindon and parts west.

But you know, alien invasion, ultimo space powers, should be a set-up for something epic. Instead, we got some moping (didn't Jean Grey already mope her way through a previous instalment?) and really quite flat action. In other movies, they're knocking down entire city blocks and destroying the occasional planet, here they rearrange the furniture in posh NYC apartment building and call it day. Ubiquitous helicopter destruction, of course, but really that's the prawn cocktail these days, surely not a main course worthy of note? Some bashed up squad cars. Come on! That's amuse-bouche.

Honestly, it felt like a movie made a couple of decades back.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 June, 2019, 10:21:06 am
Yeah Days of Future Past effectively nullified the whole timeline of the original X-men movies.  If you haven't seen it, you should see that one (and First Class) those are the quality Nu-X-men movies (younger generation actors).  Don't bother with Apolcalypse, not much cop really.
But it does sound a bit subdued going by your review considering what the Dark Phoenix is supposed to be capable of.
If you want it more epic - definitely watch First Class or Days of Future past - Magneto is used to full effect in those.


Of course they're not as grand in scope as the final* Avengers movies but personally I actually prefer the storylines in the X-men.




*well for now
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 June, 2019, 12:25:35 pm
All this merely serves to reinforce my decision not to watch fillums of that genre  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 June, 2019, 12:32:52 pm
All this merely serves to reinforce my decision not to watch fillums of that genre  ;D

Sound idea in principle, but at some point all new films will be of that genre.  I'm sure ian or someone could come up with some powerpoint slides to show exactly when.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 June, 2019, 12:37:01 pm
I think it's been predicted that it will happen at the same time we all become Elvis impersonators - at that moment the two will collide in a meeting of anti-statistics and annihilate the known universe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 June, 2019, 12:48:38 pm
All this merely serves to reinforce my decision not to watch fillums of that genre  ;D

Sound idea in principle, but at some point all new films will be of that genre.  I'm sure ian or someone could come up with some powerpoint slides to show exactly when.

If it's explained using a toy sea otter holding Post-It notes I'll watch that in preference to Gravityman vs. Cobwoman any day.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 June, 2019, 12:50:53 pm
I think it's been predicted that it will happen at the same time we all become Elvis impersonators - at that moment the two will collide in a meeting of anti-statistics and annihilate the known universe.

Uh-huh-huh...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 June, 2019, 12:53:31 pm
http://www.murderousmaths.co.uk/elvis.htm
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 June, 2019, 12:59:05 pm
All this merely serves to reinforce my decision not to watch fillums of that genre  ;D

Sound idea in principle, but at some point all new films will be of that genre.  I'm sure ian or someone could come up with some powerpoint slides to show exactly when.

It's a tough one to predict as someone might undo the timeline in a future powerpoint slide.

I like the genre, I confess. I've enjoyed the MCU films. The DC ones less so, much portent and brooding, what's that Batman? Another origin story, you say? Aquaman I enjoyed, it's a bit Thor-lite, but entertaining enough. Everything is better than the Fantastic Four reboot, which was less like watching a car crash and more like being in one. That's the sort of movie Nic Cage turns down.

As for Dark Phoenix, it was like being set up a four-course meal in a top-notch restaurant recommended by Jay Rayner and then ending up with a bargain meal in Chicken Cottage.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 23 June, 2019, 01:02:01 pm
Mini-Redlight was off at Scout Camp yesterday so we took advantage of our freedom to see two films. These were what looked to be the two best on offer at our local.

Late Night - Mediocre, predictable drama with Emma Thompson playing Emma Thompson. A few good lines but the premise of the story undermined by each of the two "big' moments where Thompson's character delivers an impromptu speech in front of a sceptical audience, to predictably rapturous applause.  Frankly, 15 seconds in she would have been jeered off the stage.  One to watch on TV if it ever comes around.

Rocket Man - I was an Elton John fan, up until the Blue Moves period and thereafter.  I still like most of his early albums.  However, this is probably the worst film that I have seen at the cinema in the past decade. I cannot begin to describe how dreadful it is, so I won't try.  Just don't waste your money.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: αdαmsκι on 24 June, 2019, 08:58:08 pm

Rocket Man - I was an Elton John fan, up until the Blue Moves period and thereafter.  I still like most of his early albums.  However, this is probably the worst film that I have seen at the cinema in the past decade. I cannot begin to describe how dreadful it is, so I won't try.  Just don't waste your money.

Too late. Only I didn't think it was of my waste of money.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 13 July, 2019, 09:37:29 am
Maudie - A Canadian indie film: A very lovely biopic of an artist in Nova Scotia who is crippled by arthritis, and how her talent wins through against her very hard living conditions.  Gentle, touching, and great acting. On Netflix just now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 14 July, 2019, 05:13:38 am
The Time Machine (2002 remake)

Now, a very quick and simply review.... "The Time Machine (2002 remake): Crap."

Frankly, to try to rewrite and improve HG Well's book and the 1960's film is either folly or results in the work of a genius. In this case it was the former. This film was terrible and was not worth the 90 minutes spent watching it.

Sometimes I do wonder why I just don't turn crap like this off. I suppose I wanted to get to the end to see if it improved. It did not. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 16 July, 2019, 10:59:28 pm
The 12th Man - True story of the survivor of a group of 12 saboteurs in Norway in WW2. His escape to Sweden with the help of local people and resistance to evade the gestapo is astonishing.  Well made, cast and filmed.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 July, 2019, 11:26:49 pm
Is that based on the story of Jan Baalsrud?  Gets most of a chapter in David Howarth's "The Shetland Bus"; Howarth later wrote "We Die Alone" just about Baalsrud's escape.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 July, 2019, 07:59:59 am
We rewatched Angels in America over the last two nights. Maybe for the 5th or 6th time but it's still superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 17 July, 2019, 08:13:22 am
Is that based on the story of Jan Baalsrud?

Yes it is.  I’ll get round to reading that to see how close the film is.  I got the impression it was very close to the true story.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 17 July, 2019, 12:37:21 pm
Free Solo.
Man climbs thing, doesn't fall off. The end.
People who struggle to answer the question why they want to cycle x hundred kilometers might appreciate aspects of this.
I really enjoyed it in spite of very sweaty palms!
We're watching this on All4 at the moment.  Thanks for the spolier!  ;)
It's very good.  He's a bit... errm... eccentric!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 July, 2019, 05:40:35 pm
Somewhat randomly, Big was on telly the other night. Don’t know how many times I’ve seen it but I can walk into a room where it’s on the telly and I’ll just have to sit down and watch it. Which is exactly what happened the other night. It’s a perfect film, and Tom Hanks is perfect in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: lou boutin on 19 July, 2019, 06:17:04 pm
I have just watched the TV version of Dirty Dancing.  Errmm, yes!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 July, 2019, 11:49:52 am
Us (by the same guy who did the splendid Get Out, and let's not forget Keanu, which is the most awesome kitten-and-gangs themed movie ever, and which features quite possibly the best joke ever).

Very, very good, with an excellent Twilight Zone feel rather than the usual horror movie jump-scares. If you liked Get Out, you'll enjoy.

Glass, which was so-so enough that I wouldn't bother unless you're confined to an airliner at 30,000 feet. It could have been clever but lacked the deftness to be so.

A Simple Favor, which was a quite entertaining random-movie-I've-never-heard-of selection in a twisty-turny fashion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 July, 2019, 02:32:04 pm
The new Casa de Papel series.  It's more than a bit stupid - reminiscent of Fred Brooks' dictum 'the second version of anything is always shit'*.

* more or less
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 July, 2019, 12:54:11 am
The 12th Man - True story of the survivor of a group of 12 saboteurs in Norway in WW2. His escape to Sweden with the help of local people and resistance to evade the gestapo is astonishing.  Well made, cast and filmed.   :thumbsup:

That was good, thanks!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 July, 2019, 06:43:04 am
Us...
Very, very good, with an excellent Twilight Zone feel rather than the usual horror movie jump-scares. If you liked Get Out, you'll enjoy.

But still genuinely terrifying - much scarier than Get Out, I thought, and less overtly comedic, though I did a proper LOL at the NWA moment.

Great use of music generally. I had Luniz and Minnie Riperton as earworms for weeks after seeing it.

Haven’t seen Keanu. Must track it down.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 July, 2019, 09:45:35 am
Yes, the NWA segment was pure brilliance. The kids had some brilliant lines and there were lots of in-refs that made me smile (Lost Boys etc.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 July, 2019, 09:49:14 am
The Great Hack, Netflux's exposée of the CA/Arsebook data-mining scandal. Verry interestink...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nobby on 25 July, 2019, 12:31:47 pm
Deadwood and we enjoyed it that much that we are working through the boxed sets to end up watching it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 26 July, 2019, 09:43:53 am
First Man - that there biopic of Neil Armstrong and chronicle of his journey from 1961 to the mission of the first Moon landing.




Sadly, quite disappointing I thought.  It's a sloooow film and mostly really about his family relationships - where he comes across as a real cold-fish (that might be Ryan Gosling - that's what he does in everything I've seen him in).  Very light touch on interpersonal relationships of the astronauts and their families (or not very well done I suppose).
It was good - but I'd been led to believe it was so much better than it actually was.
I don't really know anything more about him than I did before I watched it and Buzz Aldrin charismatizes* (if that's a word - don't think so  :-D  ) him off the screen and is only in it fairly briefly.

Worth watching but not amazing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 27 July, 2019, 07:32:44 pm
We watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty again last night and it's reawoken the wanderlust.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 July, 2019, 10:35:40 am
First Man - that there biopic of Neil Armstrong and chronicle of his journey from 1961 to the mission of the first Moon landing.




Sadly, quite disappointing I thought.  It's a sloooow film and mostly really about his family relationships - where he comes across as a real cold-fish (that might be Ryan Gosling - that's what he does in everything I've seen him in).  Very light touch on interpersonal relationships of the astronauts and their families (or not very well done I suppose).
It was good - but I'd been led to believe it was so much better than it actually was.
I don't really know anything more about him than I did before I watched it and Buzz Aldrin charismatizes* (if that's a word - don't think so  :-D  ) him off the screen and is only in it fairly briefly.

Worth watching but not amazing.

The bit in the Apollo 11 transcript where he makes a joke is listed in the Mission Highlights.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2019, 12:30:11 pm
I think that's the nature of Neil Armstrong, which is presumably why he got the job.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 July, 2019, 02:09:13 pm
Very likely. There was one of the Mercury 7 who cracked a lot of jokes and nearly got canned for it - Pete Conrad, I think (quick Gargle: yes, here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Conrad#Aviation_career_in_the_U.S._Navy). Gift-wrapped stool sample, etc.)

Quote
Then when he was asked to deliver a stool sample to the onsite lab, he placed it in a gift box and tied a red ribbon around it. Eventually, he decided that he had had enough. After dropping his full enema bag on the desk of the clinic's commanding officer, he walked out. His initial application to NASA was denied with the notation not suitable for long-duration flight
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 28 July, 2019, 03:33:04 pm
Just caught the end of The Third Man on 81.  There has never been a better film, or score, in my experience.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 July, 2019, 08:03:18 pm
Now we just need a review of The Second Man.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 28 July, 2019, 09:56:11 pm
Just watched Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse and it may well be my favourite rendition of Spiderman ever. And I include the 90s cartoon there as well as all the films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 29 July, 2019, 10:54:14 am
I think that's the nature of Neil Armstrong, which is presumably why he got the job.


Yeah, I had a wee google about this at the weekend and it does seem Ryan Gosling actually did a pretty accurate job.  Accuracy does not necessarily make a scintillating film.




Now, after this we watched a film called Overlord which was a horror set in and around some paratroopers during the D-Day landings. 
Zombie Nazis - what's not to like  :thumbsup:   Gloriously silly fun.  Not going to win many Oscars but so whut?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 29 July, 2019, 02:27:15 pm
Poor Cow. A 1967 British kitchen-sink drama.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 July, 2019, 04:11:44 pm
I remember that.  Did you notice the microphone cable in the last shot?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 02 August, 2019, 10:32:19 pm
Train to Busan. Tripe, but gory Korean tripe. Excellent  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 August, 2019, 08:19:49 am
Reservoir Dogs, at last.  We bought the VHS cassette decades ago but herself & her parents shrank away shrieking ooh nasty claret and insisted on bailing at around 10 minutes in.  Netflux finally acquired it, missus said well you can puke in your own wastebin so I watched it in the privacy of me own orifice and really enjoyed it. Of course.  Missus now says well I might...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 07 August, 2019, 11:22:17 pm
Leonard and Marianne - Words of Love at the Station Cinema in Richmond.

I don't think you need to be a massive Leonard Cohen fan (I'm not) - it was a fine documentary, some amazing, beautiful shots of the Greek island where they lived, and I think the entire audience was weeping gently at the end. I might have let a manly tear drift down my cheek.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 16 August, 2019, 10:08:35 pm
Mars Attacks! on Netflix! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 August, 2019, 07:55:38 am
Huh. Netflux don't offer it in France. Cints.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 17 August, 2019, 08:08:56 am
Billy Liar (a 1960s black and white kitchen sink drama/comedy).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 August, 2019, 01:33:28 pm
Billy Liar (a 1960s black and white kitchen sink drama/comedy).

No matter how many times I watch that film (and I have seen it *many* times), at the end I’m always yelling, “Get on the bloody train, you idiot!”
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 17 August, 2019, 04:02:24 pm
Billy Liar (a 1960s black and white kitchen sink drama/comedy).

No matter how many times I watch that film (and I have seen it *many* times), at the end I’m always yelling, “Get on the bloody train, you idiot!”
I couldn't quite work out how he managed to get his suitcase off the train, away from his
girlfriend's sight (who was sitting right in front of him), when he left the carriage to buy
the two cartons of milk from the vending machine at the other side of the platform entrance?

He didn't appear to have it with him when he descended to the platform.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 August, 2019, 04:13:53 pm
She puts his bags off the train, knowing that he’s not coming back.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 17 August, 2019, 07:51:32 pm
“In Between”, or Bar Bahar as its titled in Arabic, observing the lives of three Palestinian girls sharing a flat in Tel Aviv. Quite moving, and with a fantastic soundtrack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 17 August, 2019, 11:36:26 pm
The Gunfighter
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Efrogwr on 18 August, 2019, 04:41:55 pm
The Gunfighter

I saw that too! It's brill!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 August, 2019, 04:56:07 pm
I've probably watched it half a dozen times at least.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 August, 2019, 05:06:06 pm
Plus one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 26 August, 2019, 10:53:10 pm
Afghan Cycles

https://www.afghancycles.com/

Inspiring and depressing in roughly equal measures.  Watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 27 August, 2019, 02:22:40 pm
Avengers: Endgame. On,y. Excuse I was on a 12hr flight. Probably didn’t get full value as I’d only previously watched Avenger: Assemble. In the same flight 2 months previously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 27 August, 2019, 04:07:54 pm
Free Solo.
Man climbs thing, doesn't fall off. The end.
People who struggle to answer the question why they want to cycle x hundred kilometers might appreciate aspects of this.
I really enjoyed it in spite of very sweaty palms!
We're watching this on All4 at the moment.  Thanks for the spolier!  ;)
It's very good.  He's a bit... errm... eccentric!
I think you do actually see him topping out right at the very beginning, though I suppose you have to know what you are seeing.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bludger on 27 August, 2019, 04:27:07 pm
I watched Sicario 2 last night (the first film is TERRIFIC). It was a bit of a let down, still an OK follow up but not nearly as affecting as the first.

The trailer made it look very good, and the good bits were good, however the plot was very thin.

I've watched the first twice it's that good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 27 August, 2019, 05:01:54 pm
We watched three films over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Suicide Squad which was just awful. Boring, nonsensical and not even so bad it's good.

Baby Driver which we enjoyed on the whole. Not much substance but well made. I heard someone describe it as essentially a long music video which sounds about right.

And last night the 2014 Hercules with The Rock as the main man. Silly dumb fun before heading back to work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 28 August, 2019, 07:19:33 pm
Last night, 'last chance to watch' on My5: 'We were Soldiers'

I should have known better. It had Mel 'Sugartits Racist' Gibson in it.

Quick summary: All God's Chilluns is American, all races is Catholic American, gunz, God, God, gunz, etc. Add in some token scenes with the NVA, which boil down to their commander admiring the brave Children of  GOP God, and a token Real Person NVA Soldier for Human Interest. The [presumably CGI] Thuds and Skyraiders weren't bad, but the rest of the film was unmitigated shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 August, 2019, 01:58:17 pm
Last night, 'last chance to watch' on My5: 'We were Soldiers'

I should have known better. It had Mel 'Sugartits Racist' Gibson in it.

Quick summary: All God's Chilluns is American, all races is Catholic American, gunz, God, God, gunz, etc. Add in some token scenes with the NVA, which boil down to their commander admiring the brave Children of  GOP God, and a token Real Person NVA Soldier for Human Interest. The [presumably CGI] Thuds and Skyraiders weren't bad, but the rest of the film was unmitigated shite.

It also left out what happened over the next day or two, when the NVA handed them their ass.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bludger on 29 August, 2019, 02:01:20 pm
I had to google that it was in the film but the bit where they wee in the mortars to cool them down was quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 August, 2019, 03:36:49 pm
I have read that some Russian WW2 machine guns had a port for the crew to pee into.  So in the heat of battle with the bullets singing around him, wee Sergei had to stand up and keep his Johnson steady for the time it took, taking care not to get too close.  It was probably treason for a machine gunner to take a leak anywhere else.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bludger on 29 August, 2019, 03:39:08 pm
The Vickers is a water cooled design so in an emergency and scarcity of potable water (which had to be carried to the front by hand) it was supposedly quite common to just use wee.

https://vickersmg.blog/in-use/myths/

The cooling 'jacket' didn't require the wee to actually touch any moving parts so aside from an iffy smell I don't think it'd cause a problem.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 01 September, 2019, 07:28:46 am
A bit of a film-fest on my flight back from Japan, as my seats headphone jack was busted, so it was off to the iPad. I watched del Torro’s “Cronos”, then a Vietnam film, Hamburger Hill”, and finally an old Wesley Snipes and Dennis Hopper Police procedural, “Boiling Point”
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 02 September, 2019, 01:52:19 am
Pain and Glory - Almodovar, really quite good
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanN on 02 September, 2019, 04:31:22 pm
Bait

Excellent. I loved the aesthetic; the dialogue, accents, characterisation were spot on - or at least instantly recognisable

I am neither a fisherman or a second home owner, but I am Cornish.
As a middle class graduate in Bristol now, it raised interesting questions about which side of the line I'm on   ;)


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 September, 2019, 04:52:41 pm
The Vickers is a water cooled design so in an emergency and scarcity of potable water (which had to be carried to the front by hand) it was supposedly quite common to just use wee.

https://vickersmg.blog/in-use/myths/

The cooling 'jacket' didn't require the wee to actually touch any moving parts so aside from an iffy smell I don't think it'd cause a problem.

I noticed that an unsubstantiated subsidiary use of the water jacket was to make tea. Must have tasted bloody funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 02 September, 2019, 08:23:07 pm
Every now and then, fboab has a Great Idea. This evening's delight was "Once were Warriors".

Apparently she thought I needed to see the grungier side of New Zealand, so I wouldn't view it all as looking like Hobbiton.

Well - she achieved that goal  :o.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 02 September, 2019, 08:32:49 pm
Every now and then, fboab has a Great Idea. This evening's delight was "Once were Warriors".

Apparently she thought I needed to see the grungier side of New Zealand, so I wouldn't view it all as looking like Hobbiton.

Well - she achieved that goal  :o.

Superb film. Grim, but so well-made.

Saw it on the big screen when it came out, but I think I lent my VHS copy to someone a good few years ago and never saw it again. Must see if I can find it on DVD

ETA - less than three quid. Ordered. Thank you for the reminder.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 September, 2019, 11:03:13 pm
Apparently she thought I needed to see the grungier side of New Zealand, so I wouldn't view it all as looking like Hobbiton.

Next up, Bad Taste (1987)[1] and Black Sheep (2006) double bill?   ;D


[1] A pirate video of this not yet cult classic got passed around at my secondary school in almost exactly the way that pornography didn't.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 September, 2019, 12:04:23 am
Every now and then, fboab has a Great Idea. This evening's delight was "Once were Warriors".

Apparently she thought I needed to see the grungier side of New Zealand, so I wouldn't view it all as looking like Hobbiton.

Well - she achieved that goal  :o.
Agreed.

Sad. Poignant. Not ‘Once Were Soldiers’. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 September, 2019, 09:44:15 am
Les Ripoux, 1984 corrupt-cop comedy. Bloody funny then, still is but would have been funnier with closed captions.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 September, 2019, 10:59:40 am
Every now and then, fboab has a Great Idea. This evening's delight was "Once were Warriors".

Apparently she thought I needed to see the grungier side of New Zealand, so I wouldn't view it all as looking like Hobbiton.

Well - she achieved that goal  :o.
That film has been listed as required viewing on several social worker courses.

Temuera Morrison is one hell of an actor. I think Jake the Muss is possibly the most frightening character I've seen in film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 03 September, 2019, 11:34:17 am
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billboards_Outside_Ebbing,_Missouri)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 September, 2019, 02:20:16 pm
The Boat (2018)

A fisherman discovers an abandoned boat in heavy fog, and proceeds to have a *really* bad day.  This one is to that bit in Dead Calm where John is desperately trying to stop the yacht from sinking and rescue his wife from the psychopath what The Martian is to the CO2 scrubber scene in Apollo 13.  About half the film is devoted to the protagonist being stuck in a toilet with a head injury, trying to make sense of the noises coming from outside.  This is infinitely more compelling than it sounds.

About halfway through you realise this is in fact a supernatural horror film (not a genre I have much time for), rather than a claustrophobic survival drama, but it doesn't ruin the whole thing like the graceless genre-shift at the end of The Prestige.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 September, 2019, 02:59:47 pm
Asterix: le Sécret de la Potion Magique.  Nothing to write home about.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 September, 2019, 11:37:04 pm
All Is Lost (2013)

A pleasingly competent, if fatally overconfident, Robert Redford has a really bad day in a boat.  He wisely avoids going to the loo at any point, and nothing supernatural occurs.  The drama is sufficiently well-paced that you don't really have time to mutter "EPIRB".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 10 September, 2019, 05:42:04 pm
Asterix: le Sécret de la Potion Magique.  Nothing to write home about.


We enjoyed this, though it was never as funny as the books.  It was my first foray into the world of Asterix since loooord knows when and it got really quite good and right into the spirit of the original books towards the end.  Certainly it was way better than the film (well animated film) versions I saw done in the 1980s.  :sick:


And it turns out - my wife had never even heard of Asterix and Obelix before. :jurek:  We have an eight year old grandson (hers not mine really) and now I know what I'm going to be getting him for his birthday.  Some Asterix books, yay!
(hopefully he won't tell us they're crap as he did when we tried to get him to watch Aquaman the other week)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 September, 2019, 05:54:07 pm
Rear Window was on Film 4 this afternoon.  I am mostly on gardening leave, so there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 10 September, 2019, 06:58:03 pm
The North Face (Nordwall) in German.

Any vague thoughts about mountain climbing have now gone right out of the window.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 September, 2019, 09:04:17 am
Brilliant film, though.  Must look for Harrer's book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 11 September, 2019, 09:10:13 am
This Sporting Life. Wanted to throw something at the tv when the loose forward
character (Frank) had his feet up on a chair in a restaurant when dining with Margaret,
and when he was acting in an oafish manner to other diners.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 11 September, 2019, 09:26:44 am
The North Face (Nordwall) in German.

Any vague thoughts about mountain climbing have now gone right out of the window.


Watch Touching the Void if you really want to be put off  :-D   Though it's also an awe inspiring tale of survival against massive odds
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 19 September, 2019, 09:13:49 pm
Well that’s a shame. I went to FACT (local Picturehouse) to see Taxi Driver on a proper screen. 35mm film print.  They couldn’t get the sound to work & stopped it after 10 minutes. Now queuing for a refund.  I had to sit through 30 minutes of crap adverts first  :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 19 September, 2019, 10:12:41 pm
Well that’s a shame. I went to FACT (local Picturehouse) to see Taxi Driver on a proper screen. 35mm film print.  They couldn’t get the sound to work & stopped it after 10 minutes. Now queuing for a refund.  I had to sit through 30 minutes of crap adverts first  :(

For the full deaf-person-at-a-subtitled-screening-experience, they would have continued without sound, so as not to annoy the 90% of the audience who hadn't realised it was an audio screening.

Oh, and they'd have announced what was going on by holding up pieces of card at the back of the darkened auditorium.

And done the same thing next week.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 September, 2019, 11:47:09 pm
Red Joan
Judi Dench and Sophie Cookson play Joan, a woman who may or may not be a spy.

Based on the story of Melita Norwood.

I liked it very much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 21 September, 2019, 09:17:43 pm
Moon 44 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M9CKUPzUjc)

I found this, having bought the DVD quite a while ago and not watched it.  I'm not sure why I bought it, but I hope it was because it was very cheap and I considered that it was worth a gamble!

The Wikipedia entry for it says that the Time Out review included the phrase "the acting is stunningly mediocre", which does rather sum up the whole film.  It's not really bad, but it never seems to go anywhere and just bimbles along with not much of a story.  It's not terrible, but it's also not very good either.  It's not even awful enough to become a cult classic.  Not Recommended.  :-\
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 23 September, 2019, 12:45:02 am
Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis. A French regional comedy, about a Post Office manager who is posted to a town in the Far North, after he tries to get a plum posting by pretending to be handicapped. Much of the comedy revolves around misunderstandings deriving from the Picard language spoken by the Ch'tis.

Very enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 September, 2019, 10:07:33 am
Ad Astra. I confess to knowing nothing about the plot before I went in, since I'd forgotten we'd booked.

Basically, an admix of  Heart of Darkness and Sirens of Titan. Worked quite well if you like a more pensive sci-fi, the narration made it a bit wordy in places, but the action was episodic and enlivening without turning it into a Bruckheimer. I would have done a different ending.

Hmm, in other news, they're doing another Terminator movie. How about you don't fuck it up this time?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 September, 2019, 02:16:51 pm
The Coens' version of True Grit.  Better than the other one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 25 September, 2019, 11:20:55 am
Aladdin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcMtWwiyzpU)

The new live action Aladdin, which OK is a film for kids, but works for adults too. :)

Admittedly this film does not have any particularly unusual or torturous plot twists, it's the story pretty much as you expect it, but it's very well made, and Will Smith utterly steals the show as the genie, with the magic carpet not far behind him. :D

Worth watching even if you don't have kids, for some feel good silliness. :thumbsup:

The 'making of' stuff on the disc is also quite impressive.  I didn't appreciate that they basically made an actually moving 'magic carpet' for the motion capture setup!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 25 September, 2019, 12:25:42 pm
I was watching the film entitled; Saturday night and Sunday morning yesterday.
Unfortunately, only half of it was recorded.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 September, 2019, 12:37:45 pm
So just Saturday Night, then?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 September, 2019, 01:45:50 pm
The rest was live? :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 26 September, 2019, 11:43:21 pm
Between Two Ferns the movie.



To Brie Larson:

"I heard you dislike personal questions because they make you uncomfortable. Is this true and how old were you when you got your first period?"

It's on Netflix.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 26 September, 2019, 11:43:53 pm
The film is on Netflix.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 September, 2019, 04:32:04 pm
Krabat - a Czech story for children that we watched on French TV around in the early 80s. It's done with 70s TV-animation tech - stop-frame with cardboard figures - but it's still excellent.  It was Englished as The Sorcerer's Apprentice. The French version is on YouTube, here: https://youtu.be/npne_DgE53E

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 08 October, 2019, 04:42:55 pm
Saw that there overhyped 'Joker' at the cinema the other day.


Turned out, the hype is not hype - it really *is* very very good.  We rewatched The Dark Knight afterwards and can definitely confirm (in our household's opinion) that Mr Phoenix was even better than the late Mr Ledger as The Joker.
And it definitely isn't really a superhero/supervillain effects-fest which is quite refreshing (though I can watch the MCE all day too  :-D  ).  It is a gritty, dark and very hard-to-watch at times character-driven film.
And nowhere near as violent as I'd been led to believe - though the violence is nasty when it happens - which is not *that* often.

Only real quibble is that we had an argument afterwards about whether that was *really* a Gary Glitter tune played in a major scene towards the end?  Me - that's Glitter - my wife - no that was Adam and the Ants.....


It was Gary Glitter... hmmm.  Not sure I entirely approve of him benefiting from royalties in a major film.  But then I'm not sure I entirely approve of writing stuff out of history either.... let's just say it was ....a strange choice of tune. ???   Perhaps the director and the entire staff of the movie don't know...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 08 October, 2019, 11:26:33 pm
Saw that there overhyped 'Joker' at the cinema the other day.


Turned out, the hype is not hype - it really *is* very very good. 

Agreed.  Fantastic piece of film-making and put the last film I saw - Tarantino's Hollywood - well and truly into the shadows.

A nice touch - one of the cinemas in the Gotham City riot scenes at the end was showing "Ace in the Hole" - one of my all-time favourites and entirely apt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 09 October, 2019, 09:17:56 am
Didn't notice that - that the Charlton Heston movie from the 50s?  Yes, that's a fantastic film too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 09 October, 2019, 09:35:35 am
Didn't notice that - that the Charlton Heston movie from the 50s?  Yes, that's a fantastic film too.

Kirk Douglas - at his best!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 09 October, 2019, 09:38:15 am
I always get Kirk and Charlton confused and the disease has spread here!  :facepalm:


My wife claims they look(ed) nothing like each other.  Clearly I disagree ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 October, 2019, 01:00:20 pm
Everest, on Netflux. The kind of film that has you on edge all the time even though you know what's going to happen. Good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 October, 2019, 11:46:30 am
Hotel Mumbai. Quite a harrowing film due to its plot relating to actual and recent events.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bludger on 10 October, 2019, 12:03:04 pm
Everest, on Netflux. The kind of film that has you on edge all the time even though you know what's going to happen. Good.
whenever someone asks me why we're doing an audax I always reply 'because it's theeeeeeeere!'. It's a good film for sure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 October, 2019, 01:02:16 pm
Best audax question I was ever asked was "does someone make you do it?", by a wee lassie of about 8.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 10 October, 2019, 03:42:51 pm
Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes Of Apollo.
Just watched this on Netflix. A good documentary film concentrating on the steeley eyed missile men as opposed to the rocket jocks.
It was nice to put some aged faces to some legendary names.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 10 October, 2019, 11:35:37 pm
Green Book

A couple of weeks ago. I thought it was very enjoyable and woke up this morning to the news that it had won an Oscar. So I wasn’t the only one who liked it.


I just watched it on Prime.  Its excellent - well worth a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 11 October, 2019, 05:18:27 am
The Birds.
https://www.google.com/search?q=the+birds&oq=the+birds&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.3644j1j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 (https://www.google.com/search?q=the+birds&oq=the+birds&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.3644j1j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: essexian on 12 October, 2019, 07:51:20 am
CBH and I took ourselves off to the new cinema in Stafford yesterday to see the film "Joker."

Now I will admit I know nothing of the franchise of which this film may, or indeed may not be a part as frankly, I have no real interest in such films. The same can be said about films like "Star Wars" (I saw the first in the cinema but haven't seen any of the rest), X Men (who?) and the like. So, why did I go? Well, CBH had seen some reviews which said it was good and er, it was the last day of my holiday and I was bored.... bored enough to spend £9 each on a ticket and £5 on a medium coke.... I mean WTF! £5!!!!

THE NEXT BIT CONTAINS SPOILERS....

Moving onto the film before this turns into a rant..... I am not a good cinema goer as peoples lack of manners and inability not to eat or talk for two hours gets right on my tits..... I can't decide whether it was one of the best films I have ever seen, or one of the worst. Yes, the acting was extremely good, the movie was well filmed and there were some extremely funny/horrible bits. However.... the story line was so predictable if I had been sitting in a ditch in Death Valley I would have seen what was about to happen coming along. There were no twists/turns/false moves to throw you off, no, it just plodded along at one pace. You knew what was going to happen on the train, to his mother and at the very end to the Wayne family. Why? Why write such a poor script????

Thus, I am confused over this film. I am glad we went but was it any good? I simply don't know.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 12 October, 2019, 09:50:14 am
For me the script and narrative wasn't an issue.  There is only one thing in play - the steady mental deterioration of the (only) character, illuminated by the introduction of key facts in the script punctuated throughout the film and reinforced by the stunning visualisation and acting.  It's a very traditional linear narrative, which for me makes it all the more effective - as does the complete lack of (obvious) CGI and "action" scenes.

I tend to judge films by how often I look at my watch, how I feel as I walk out and then on reflection a couple of days later.  On that basis this was a very good film indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 15 October, 2019, 08:25:31 am
El Camino. 'twas ok.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 October, 2019, 08:48:31 am
Rather agreed with the Graun about that one - suspenseful and superfluous. And a good dose of "god, he's got fat/old/ill".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 October, 2019, 11:52:09 am
CBH and I took ourselves off to the new cinema in Stafford yesterday to see the film "Joker."

Now I will admit I know nothing of the franchise of which this film may, or indeed may not be a part as frankly, I have no real interest in such films.
[...]
However.... the story line was so predictable if I had been sitting in a ditch in Death Valley I would have seen what was about to happen coming along. There were no twists/turns/false moves to throw you off, no, it just plodded along at one pace. You knew what was going to happen on the train, to his mother and at the very end to the Wayne family. Why? Why write such a poor script????

I think this is the crux of your problem.  Everyone with experience of  a) superhero/villain origin stories in general  and  b) Batman specifically  already knows what's going to happen.  So it's all about the execution.  This one seems to approach things with a fair bit more subtlety than the traditional Act I plunge into a vat of ACID.

Personally I think the 1960s TV series was all the Batman we really needed, and the taking-things-too-seriously 1989 film was a terrible mistake that has been needlessly repeated ever since.

There seem to be signs that this one may be another Fight Club for the bottom half of the internet to revel in, which is another point against it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 October, 2019, 09:42:36 am
Rango, on Netflux. Fun.  Hard to believe that some of those actors produced those voices, particularly Bill Nighy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 18 October, 2019, 11:22:02 am
Well we enjoyed El Camino quite a lot as it happens.  It's not to the standard of its forebear, but Breaking Bad was so damn good that's possibly always going to be a tough gig to follow.


It was just fine.  Nothing wrong with it, but nothing special either. 


Spoilery query
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 October, 2019, 01:10:09 pm
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: caerau on 18 October, 2019, 01:27:28 pm
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 19 October, 2019, 09:20:38 am
"Joker"
Anti-austerity in a can.

Some superb acting, interspersed with some excellent moving making. It was very good, but I will probably never watch it again. It's uncomfortable most of the way through, as you watch him suffer. I'm curious what the family with 2 young teenage kids sitting behind me was expecting. They may have left before it finished :p.

Extremely low on CGI...even less than I thought, so they must of have gone to town on set dressing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 October, 2019, 01:26:10 pm
The Laundromat, mainly to see what Netflux are being sued over.  A couple of amusing sketches in there but otherwise only interesting for the main revelation*. Certainly not on the level of Margin Call or The Big Short; conveys the sense of helplessness quite well, though.

*
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 20 October, 2019, 05:48:35 pm
Stan and Ollie.  Very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peat on 24 October, 2019, 09:20:30 am
Joker

I enjoyed the first 45 mins and felt it went away with itself in the second 45. Left me a bit 'meh'.
Other half hated the first 45, found it depressing/upsetting, but 'enjoyed' the bloodbath.

Frankly, It could have done without the Batman sub-plot. It didn't add much that couldn't have been made with different devices. It just seemed forced and awkward. Phoenix was brilliant though, as an isolated bit of character acting, sublime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 October, 2019, 09:51:18 am
Terminator: Dark Fate. I confess I had low expectations, the last couple have been immediately forgettable and everyone knows it would have been a better franchise if it wasn't a franchise and had stopped at the first sequel. That said, it was quite entertaining, nothing new, basically the greatest hits, a mash-up of first two movies. I was sort of hoping but not expecting Bad Arnie, which would have been better. Plenty of things go boom and there's a suitably stabby liquid metal baddie and Linda Hamilton has a big fuck-off bazooka and a splendidly poor attitude to our robotic friends from the future. It'll probably make the sad men who get angry about women in films angry, for bonus points. If you set your expectations to unsurprising, it's not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

My wife made me watch the Secret Life of Pets 2. I've not laughed so hard in quite a while.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 October, 2019, 10:29:37 am
Escape from the 'Liberty' Cinema - lovely Polish satire about censorship under communism, with occasional Mozart and a dash of Woody Allen. Definitely to be re-watched.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 02 November, 2019, 11:26:30 pm
Magnus    Bio-pic/documentary of Norwegian chess prodigy. Excellent.  (Wowbagger - Its currently free on Prime)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 03 November, 2019, 08:31:23 am
Ghostbusters - The rebooted one with an all female lead cast. I liked it. Not as funny as the original and a tad long but pretty good all the same. Don't look for any deep meaning its just a daft romp.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 November, 2019, 08:52:15 am
Netflux's simplified rehash of Shakespeare's Henry V, The King. Entertaining enough but couldn't help feeling they just wanted to get the blah-blah out of the way and have oodles of blokes in armour bashing the shit out of each other.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 November, 2019, 09:38:12 am
Boy Erased https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7008872/

Not my usual fare but a good and thought provoking watch
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 November, 2019, 01:20:00 pm
Netflux's simplified rehash of Shakespeare's Henry V, The King. Entertaining enough but couldn't help feeling they just wanted to get the blah-blah out of the way and have oodles of blokes in armour bashing the shit out of each other.

Can't be as good as Dahling Kenny Branagh's version, coz I bet it lacked BRIAN BLESSED IN ARMOUR BASHING THE SHIT OUT OF BEASTLY FRENCH TYPES.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 03 November, 2019, 02:12:28 pm
The book of life.  As everyone knows, Mexico is the centre of the universe.
Best film I've seen since Lego Movie II.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 November, 2019, 02:12:41 pm
Netflux's simplified rehash of Shakespeare's Henry V, The King. Entertaining enough but couldn't help feeling they just wanted to get the blah-blah out of the way and have oodles of blokes in armour bashing the shit out of each other.

Can't be as good as Dahling Kenny Branagh's version, coz I bet it lacked BRIAN BLESSED IN ARMOUR BASHING THE SHIT OUT OF BEASTLY FRENCH TYPES.

That sounds well worth missing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 03 November, 2019, 02:16:46 pm
Netflux's simplified rehash of Shakespeare's Henry V, The King. Entertaining enough but couldn't help feeling they just wanted to get the blah-blah out of the way and have oodles of blokes in armour bashing the shit out of each other.

Can't be as good as Dahling Kenny Branagh's version, coz I bet it lacked BRIAN BLESSED IN ARMOUR BASHING THE SHIT OUT OF BEASTLY FRENCH TYPES.

That sounds well worth missing.

Nah, the Branagh one is OK. Not as splendidly morale-boosting and martial as dear, dear Larry's, of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 03 November, 2019, 09:20:11 pm
Get Out.

Very good thriller / Edgar Allen Poe-esque horror.  Kind of film that you can watch twice to discover more...

98% on RottenTomatoes.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 November, 2019, 12:03:46 am
A Grand Day Out.

A remastered version, for its 30th anniversary. Followed by a question and answer session with two Aardman chaps. And the opportunity to hold a real Gromit, as used in the films.

Cracking!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 09 November, 2019, 09:06:00 pm
The Aeronauts

Very pretty, and captured our attention as we looked for the bits of Greenwich used as set-dressing for the ground scenes. But other than that, ideal (once it comes to TV) for dropping off after the Xmas turkey. Our entire row fell asleep ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 09 November, 2019, 09:32:25 pm
Netflux's simplified rehash of Shakespeare's Henry V, The King. Entertaining enough but couldn't help feeling they just wanted to get the blah-blah out of the way and have oodles of blokes in armour bashing the shit out of each other.

This was really well made!. Enjoyed it. Speech not as good as Branaghs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 November, 2019, 09:02:27 am
Netflux's simplified rehash of Shakespeare's Henry V, The King. Entertaining enough but couldn't help feeling they just wanted to get the blah-blah out of the way and have oodles of blokes in armour bashing the shit out of each other.

This was really well made!. Enjoyed it. Speech not as good as Branaghs.

A French review pointed out that Harry was actually itching to have a go at France, so Sean Harris didn't have to cook up a plot.  And the landscape at Azincourt was dead flat apart from a slight rise where the English were assembled.

---o0o---

Meanwhile, I haz watched the first episode of Green Eggs and Ham and thoroughly enjoyed it. Second childhood approacheth.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 10 November, 2019, 04:18:20 pm
The Godfather

We had the offspring over for a stay and she had never seen it. Surprisingly, she made it all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed it, can’t remember the last time I watched it. They don’t make films like that any more, sadly. And Al Pacino looks so young! I may even watch Pt 2 sometime soon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 10 November, 2019, 04:44:04 pm
Noooooowwwwww! 30 years, that makes me feel old!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 11 November, 2019, 09:08:48 pm
Man Down

Not at all what I thought I was watching.
No spoilers from me.
A bloody good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 November, 2019, 11:46:46 pm
Noooooowwwwww! 30 years, that makes me feel old!

(https://revlimiter.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/gromit_angry_eyes.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 November, 2019, 04:01:49 pm
Aniara (2018)

Considerably more epic than I expected of a low-budget Swedish science fiction film.  I was loosely aware of the poem that inspired it, but haven't come across the English translations.

Bonus points for female agency and general bleakness.  Anyone expecting a dramatic Hollywood fight between male leads in the final act will be bitterly disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 17 November, 2019, 07:24:27 pm
The Aeronauts

Very pretty, and captured our attention as we looked for the bits of Greenwich used as set-dressing for the ground scenes. But other than that, ideal (once it comes to TV) for dropping off after the Xmas turkey. Our entire row fell asleep ...

We both enjoyed it.  We saw it the night after seeing the joker.   A very different experience but it was a very pleasant film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 18 November, 2019, 09:28:40 am
Ford vs Ferrari.
I was expecting bad things of this, but being a huge fan of that era of motorsport, I had to see it...and it's actually pretty good, Trailer painted it as 'Americans vs Italians', but it is really a buddy movie called 'Shelby and Miles'.  It is, if anything, anti-Ford.

The racing scenes are so-so, but then, I think if you really want to get an idea of how grueling Le Mans is, you should probably watch the movie Le Mans :D.
Anyway..a solid 8 out of 10 for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 November, 2019, 09:37:59 am
Inexplicably retitled "Le Mans '66" on this side of the pond.  TV's Mark Commode gave it a pretty positive review this week but I expect I shall wait until it's out on spinny optical media before applying my +4 Bludgeon of Pedantry to this product.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 18 November, 2019, 10:34:16 am
Saw it yesterday - yes, it was good. Entertaining, (mostly) pretty feel-good, quite elegiac at points (at least if you can disregard the sub-philosophical 7000rpm man and machine bollocks).

Ultimately forgettable, of course, but still glad to have seen it on the big screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 18 November, 2019, 01:38:12 pm
I also saw Ford vs Ferrari / Le Mans '66 and enjoyed it.
I thought the racing scenes were exciting although I suspect not very realistic... and I suspect you could be very pedantic all over it if you had the knowledge and inclination to do so.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 November, 2019, 08:40:42 pm
When I rule the world #241

... The Internetz will only contain reviews where folks just say whether they enjoyed stuff or not. Pedants will be torn apart by Ford Mustangs.

Sadly I don't. Yet. So carry on ....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 November, 2019, 09:11:14 am
At least they didn't do Le Mans '55.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 November, 2019, 10:03:20 am
I also saw Ford vs Ferrari / Le Mans '66 and enjoyed it.
I thought the racing scenes were exciting although I suspect not very realistic... and I suspect you could be very pedantic all over it if you had the knowledge and inclination to do so.

A USAnian FB friend has already noted that having circuit X stand in for Daytona International Speedway was a bit obvious and leaving circuit X's C21 scoreboard in shot was Even Worse :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 19 November, 2019, 02:05:50 pm
I recall reading some BTL chat on the Guardian about "Rush" and someone made a comment along the lines of "The character made some comment about XYZ seconds and I thought 'I could go round that circuit in XYZ seconds' and then I remembered that they were supposed to be at some other circuit..." and I thought that that was a serious level of knowledge/pedantry!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 November, 2019, 08:09:02 pm
Midway

Pretty good. 

Altho' they did fail to mention that if they had trusted the radar system set up with the help of British expertise they would have had about  37 minutes to get their aircraft off the tarmac instead of sitting there waiting to be destroyed.  But hey, it was a Sunday morning after a Saturday night..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 24 November, 2019, 12:16:45 pm
Yesterday.

I really enjoyed this, I've seen that its a bit Marmite, but I enjoyed the humour and the absurdity of the premise behind it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 November, 2019, 12:22:08 pm
That one was so much less annoying than I thought it was going to be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 November, 2019, 03:03:11 pm
Midway

Pretty good. 

Altho' they did fail to mention that if they had trusted the radar system set up with the help of British expertise they would have had about  37 minutes to get their aircraft off the tarmac instead of sitting there waiting to be destroyed.  But hey, it was a Sunday morning after a Saturday night..

Just like Pearl Harbour, who'da thought it? Kinda like Asterix in Britain: the Britons knocked off fighting for a cuppa every afternoon so the Romans, fine strategists that they were, made a point of only attacking at 4 pm on the dot.  Dashed unsporting, what?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 24 November, 2019, 11:05:45 pm
Mule starring (and directed by) a very crumbly looking Clint "well, do ya feel lucky punk?" Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Michael Pena, Andy Garcia and Lawrence Fishburn (Jr- he always will be to me). Apparently based on a true story.

A good watch.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 26 November, 2019, 05:10:31 pm
watched Bladerunner 2047 again, over several sittings whilst travelling.  Still lost interest halfway through, can't think how anyone coped with that in one sitting
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 November, 2019, 10:44:36 am
At 2h 44min it's more likely to be Bladder Runner in this household.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 27 November, 2019, 11:25:52 am
watched Bladerunner 2047 again, over several sittings whilst travelling.  Still lost interest halfway through, can't think how anyone coped with that in one sitting

You can recreate the experience by sitting in a Jakarta hotel room and staring out the window at smog for several hours waiting for something to happen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 27 November, 2019, 10:26:27 pm
watched Bladerunner 2047 again, over several sittings whilst travelling.  Still lost interest halfway through, can't think how anyone coped with that in one sitting

You can recreate the experience by sitting in a Jakarta hotel room and staring out the window at smog for several hours waiting for something to happen.

BTDTGTTS - 4 hours in a car in a Jakarta monsoon, distance travelled from office to hotel? 5km we werent allowed to walk.

Teh smokers in the car however had plenty of opportunity to hop out, have a fag and walk the twenty yards we'd moved in that time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 November, 2019, 09:35:47 am
Oddly, the last time I was there (last year) the traffic wasn't (quite) as bad. My taxi driver managed to hit 90 mph on the way back to the airport. On the hard shoulder. The one punctuated with large objects and meandering people. I wasn't even in a hurry. The people jumping over the crash barriers were.

Anyway, Jakarta does have bus lanes now. Take that Manila. Admittedly, Jakarta is sinking so they'll soon be able to get about by boat.

If they took out the interesting bits from Bladerunner 2047 and reassembled them, they'd have a modestly decent 40-minute movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 28 November, 2019, 07:32:43 pm
Blade Runner 2047?. Didn't realize they made a third movie.
It's a shame that you dind't like it, as Blade Runner 2049 was awesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 November, 2019, 08:07:02 pm
Possibly it matured.

It wasn't awful, but it was basically an anaemic and straightforward detective story (that still had to rely on periodic plodding exposition) padded to full running time with some admittedly pretty visuals and occasional cod-philosophising. I get it, dystopian future, there's neon, it rains a lot, women are basically all holographic strippers, and everyone looks like they've just been turfed out of a Wetherspoons.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 28 November, 2019, 08:35:08 pm
Dystopian future? Have you spent an evening hour in Manchester recently?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 November, 2019, 08:37:08 pm
I was going to say, the only thing they got wrong was the neon, and you can hardly blame them for failing to predict the rise of cheap shitty LEDs from China.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 November, 2019, 08:49:06 pm
Dystopian future? Have you spent an evening hour in Manchester recently?

I cycle through Croydon three times a week, though admittedly that owes more of its dystopian vibe to Mad Max than Bladerunner.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 29 November, 2019, 11:07:30 am
Mother! (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5109784/)
I will admit to having a soft spot for Ms Lawrence and her filums but WTAF?

The IMDb blurb reads thus-A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 November, 2019, 11:59:04 am
Midway

Pretty good. 

Altho' they did fail to mention that if they had trusted the radar system set up with the help of British expertise they would have had about  37 minutes to get their aircraft off the tarmac instead of sitting there waiting to be destroyed.  But hey, it was a Sunday morning after a Saturday night..

Just like Pearl Harbour, who'da thought it? Kinda like Asterix in Britain: the Britons knocked off fighting for a cuppa every afternoon so the Romans, fine strategists that they were, made a point of only attacking at 4 pm on the dot.  Dashed unsporting, what?

Yes, and what's more ISTR they got it right and it was only warm water because the ancient Britons were still too ancient to have discovered that someone else had invented tea. Or something like that..
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 30 November, 2019, 10:02:32 am
Mother! (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5109784/)
I will admit to having a soft spot for Ms Lawrence and her filums but WTAF?
Saw that last year. Agree with WTAF, but actually enjoyed it and thought it was quite a good film. Not sure I'd recommend it to anyone though.

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 01 December, 2019, 09:40:34 am
Joker. Very, very good. It honoured Heath Ledger’s interpretation, and was suitably dark.

And Last Christmas, which was warm and undemanding and a nice Christmas movie. Take a date.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 04 December, 2019, 07:01:44 am
The Irishman.

It's ok. Very long. While the de-aging works well on their faces, they still move like like 70 year olds.
It'll probably win an undeserved oscar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 December, 2019, 08:12:09 am
Last episode of Green Eggs and Ham. Highly recommended.

Best crack:

Her: I'm a vegan.
Him. Oh.  I'm so sorry... How long have you known?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 December, 2019, 11:56:05 pm
Ad Astra

A triumph of cargo-cult spaceflight aesthetics over such trivial matters as story, character development, the laws of physics or indeed common sense.  Tries to be Solaris and fails, leaving you with two hours of vague pop-psychology and a wide range of spacesuit abuse.

Go and watch 2001 [epic existential questions] or Gravity [somewhat more plausible abuse of hardware] instead.

(Is it me, or is Brad Pitt failing to age well?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 05 December, 2019, 12:28:42 am
(Is it me, or is Brad Pitt failing to age well?)

It happens to a lot of us. He's only three years younger than me. I'd trade something vital for having that much hair left, to be fair; if for no other reason than it keeps your head warm on a chilly bike ride.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 05 December, 2019, 12:37:22 am
Everest, on Netflux. The kind of film that has you on edge all the time even though you know what's going to happen. Good.

There are lots of stories about that particular expedition. A lot of people did not behave sensibly or honourably. One party member was thought to have angered the mountain gods by the sherpas for having sex at base camp.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 December, 2019, 08:58:14 am
Everest, on Netflux. The kind of film that has you on edge all the time even though you know what's going to happen. Good.

There are lots of stories about that particular expedition. A lot of people did not behave sensibly or honourably. One party member was thought to have angered the mountain gods by the sherpas for having sex at base camp.

Agreed, but we already discussed this downstream of that post.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 December, 2019, 09:03:18 am
There Will Be Blood

Already saw it when it came out but had largely forgotten the story. Nasty film about nasty people.

Missus remarked afterwards that Daniel Day-Lewis had given up acting because it took him months to get out of character again after finishing a film. I wouldn't have cared to be around him after this one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 05 December, 2019, 09:17:30 am
Everest, on Netflux. The kind of film that has you on edge all the time even though you know what's going to happen. Good.

There are lots of stories about that particular expedition. A lot of people did not behave sensibly or honourably. One party member was thought to have angered the mountain gods by the sherpas for having sex at base camp.
Doesn't it take (at least) two?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 December, 2019, 09:19:40 am
Ad Astra

A triumph of cargo-cult spaceflight aesthetics over such trivial matters as story, character development, the laws of physics or indeed common sense.  Tries to be Solaris and fails, leaving you with two hours of vague pop-psychology and a wide range of spacesuit abuse.

Go and watch 2001 [epic existential questions] or Gravity [somewhat more plausible abuse of hardware] instead.

(Is it me, or is Brad Pitt failing to age well?)

I thought it was OK, but then I can't really remember it. I don't remember feeling short-changed as I left the cinema though. Solaris fails because it's two weeks too long.

Brad Pitt is just ageing in the way people ought to, which is to be applauded. It's nice to see movies that have older people in (and people who admit to being older), rather than perpetually chasing the young audience (who will, of course, shrivel if they see someone over the age of 30). Admittedly, this kind of thing gives me more opportunities to contemplate Julianne Moore.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 05 December, 2019, 07:16:37 pm
Knives Out.

Super stuff.  Daniel Craig's Kentucky accent would fool any one.  err. wouldn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 06 December, 2019, 11:23:52 pm
Knives Out.

Super stuff.  Daniel Craig's Kentucky accent would fool any one.  err. wouldn't it?

+1
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 09 December, 2019, 11:44:21 am
 The Land that Time Forgot on some random TV channel on Saturday afternoon.

Adapted from an Edgar Rice Burroughs novel
Screenplay by Michael Moorcock
The perfect weekend afternoon film really. Perhaps it could do with a couple of songs and a dinosaur / caveman dance number then it would have everything.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 09 December, 2019, 11:54:33 am
The Land that Time Forgot on some random TV channel on Saturday afternoon.

Adapted from an Edgar Rice Burroughs novel
Screenplay by Michael Moorcock
...

The perfect weekend afternoon film really. Perhaps it could do with a couple of songs and a dinosaur / caveman dance number then it would have everything.

<PTerry's 'Moving Pictures'> And a thousand elephants? </PTerry's 'Moving Pictures'>  ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 December, 2019, 07:45:54 pm
Arguably it needs lasers and ninjas and a car chase, but then you'd have Kung Fury (http://www.kungfury.com/) I suppose.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 09 December, 2019, 08:06:46 pm
I remember seeing / being taken to see that at the cinema in 1975.   Feeling old now.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 09 December, 2019, 08:11:06 pm
On a loosely related note, I just showed barakta the skellington fight from Jason And The Argonauts, which she missed out on being creeped out by at a formative age.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 09 December, 2019, 08:20:20 pm
The Land that Time Forgot on some random TV channel on Saturday afternoon.

Adapted from an Edgar Rice Burroughs novel
Screenplay by Michael Moorcock
  • Dastardly Germans
  • U-Boat
  • Plucky rescued crew of the ship the U-boat sank
  • Brave hero (Doug McClure - whatever happened to him?)
  • Swooning heroine (Susan Penhaligon)
  • Dinosaurs
  • Neanderthals
  • Volcanoes erupting
  • Polystyrene boulders falling
  • Quicksand
The perfect weekend afternoon film really. Perhaps it could do with a couple of songs and a dinosaur / caveman dance number then it would have everything.
Wait ... what?!? I knew Moorcock was multi-talented, but this is news to me. Doesn't seem like his sort of script ... <googles> ...

"
Quote
The script by Moorcock and [James] Cawthorn was altered extensively by the producers.
" http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/land_that_time_forgot_the

... which, to be fair, could mean anything.

Anyway, interesting - but I'd rather watch 'Argonauts, sorry!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 December, 2019, 11:19:51 am
Trufax: when Van Der Graaf Generator sang "West is Mike and Susie" in Refugees 'twas Ms Penhaligon to whom they referred.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 December, 2019, 01:53:14 pm
Penhaligon is a rather splendid name.  Somewhere between a peninsula and a polygon with a whiff of chlorine.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 December, 2019, 02:04:43 pm
Penhaligon is a rather splendid name.  Somewhere between a peninsula and a polygon with a whiff of chlorine.

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 December, 2019, 01:27:06 pm
Although beastly Robbie Coltrane used to call D/S Penhaligon "Panhandle" in Cracker.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 13 December, 2019, 09:46:26 pm
I was trawling through catch-up TV when I, ahem, came across Channel 5's offering of 'Come Play With Me', a 1977 "sex comedy".

Some formerly big names. A window into a former time.

An utterly unredeemed pile of steaming excrement. It was so bad I felt embarrassed for the UK. It wasn't even bad enough to be funny [/comedy], and as for sex...
[/titillation]

Sound, cinematography, script and, er, acting were all abysmal. Many 'performers' appeared to be pissed. The only thing that kept me skimming through it (I couldn't face actually watching it) was curiosity as to whether it could get any worse.

It could and did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 13 December, 2019, 09:50:56 pm
I was trawling through catch-up TV when I, ahem, came across Channel 5's offering of 'Come Play With Me', a 1977 "sex comedy".

Some formerly big names. A window into a former time.

An utterly unredeemed pile of steaming excrement. It was so bad I felt embarrassed for the UK. It wasn't even bad enough to be funny [/comedy], and as for sex...
[/titillation]

Sound, cinematography, script and, er, acting were all abysmal. Many 'performers' appeared to be pissed. The only thing that kept me skimming through it (I couldn't face actually watching it) was curiosity as to whether it could get any worse.

It could and did.

Channel 5 getting back to their roots, then...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 13 December, 2019, 11:36:10 pm
Just seen 24 hour party people.

I hadn't been aware that Alan Partridge was so influential back then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 13 December, 2019, 11:51:47 pm
"Three Days Of The Condor".   I'd seen this before & read the original novel (6 Days..) but over 40 years ago....


A decent thriller, well shot & acted.  I found the relationship between Redford & Dunaway rather disturbing though.  He kidnaps her at gunpoint, threatens her, leaves her tied up and she happily falls into bed with him ?  70's I suppose.... :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 13 December, 2019, 11:52:38 pm
With tits like his, who wouldn't?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Torslanda on 14 December, 2019, 01:57:37 pm
Defiance

It ain't Mary Poppins. Based on a true story but hard going...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 14 December, 2019, 07:16:27 pm
Die Hard

At the cinema, with a couple of pints.

Twas great.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 December, 2019, 05:10:15 pm
Die Hard

At the cinema, with a couple of pints.

Twas great.  :thumbsup:
You are supposed to wait until Christmas to watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 16 December, 2019, 06:18:15 pm
True but that is when it was on at the cinema.

Anyway Christmas Eve, as is tradition we will be watching The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Princess Bride.

Christmas Day I will mostly be cooking I expect and dipping in and out of the living room.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 19 December, 2019, 07:31:32 am
Rise of Skywalker. Better than expected and a good way to end it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 December, 2019, 08:43:56 am
True but that is when it was on at the cinema.

Anyway Christmas Eve, as is tradition we will be watching The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Princess Bride.

Christmas Day I will mostly be cooking I expect and dipping in and out of the living room.

Christmas Eve here we've usually had Hogfather.  New Year's Eve we'll probably have The DeadThe Lass of Aughrim has been playing in my head for the last three weeks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 December, 2019, 08:53:23 am
Rise of Skywalker. Better than expected and a good way to end it.

We booked tickets for next week for when we're mouldering post-Christmas for the sake of completeness. I don't have high hopes, the first of this latest clutch was OKishly meh and basically a retread and the second one wasn't interesting enough to remember. It would be nice if they end on a high note (assuming Disney don't decide to squeeze a bit more money out of it). It's a shame, I really enjoyed Rogue One, the rest not so.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 December, 2019, 02:53:35 pm
Jarheads. Looked like a rebooted Full Metal Jacket cum gung-ho USMC-worship-flick but turned out to be thoughtful and well put together.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 December, 2019, 07:45:27 am
6 Underground. Maximum Bayhem. It's very bad. Magnet gag at the end is kinda cool, though.
Hopefully this will be the movie that will finish off his career as a director? (Probably not).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 26 December, 2019, 08:07:10 am
6 Underground: Maximum Bayhem.
That's a cool title if you're a super-confident director!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rowan on 27 December, 2019, 10:07:05 am
Paddington 2

just wonderful, 10/10
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 December, 2019, 10:22:17 am
Paddington 2

just wonderful, 10/10

Agreed!

I have a minor whinge   
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 27 December, 2019, 10:32:38 am
'Death of Stalin' now on Netflix.

Such a clever film, billed as a comedy, but the comedy is only funny because of the horror which lies beneath.  Loved the regional accents, which add character to the characters. Beria is cast perfectly.  Michael Palin's inclusion adds more than a tip of the hat to Terry Gilliam's 1984 satire 'Brazil'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 December, 2019, 11:53:27 am
Green Book

Thought this was as close to perfect as you can get.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 December, 2019, 01:30:39 pm
First To The Moon (2018)

Another of the recent crop of "better interview them before they all snuff it" extremely competent Apollo programme documentaries, this time concentrating on the lead up to the ultimate "f/8 and be there"[1] moment in human history.


The Aeronauts (2019)

I see what they were trying to do with this, but if you're going to throw historical accuracy to the, erm, wind like that[2], you might as well give it the full steampunk treatment.  Visually stunning.



[1] It was actually f/11, but let's not hold that against them.
[2] Presumably in an attempt at avoiding the more problematic issue of the era, such as sexism and 1860s fashion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 December, 2019, 02:08:51 pm
[1] eh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2019, 02:16:39 pm
Earthrise photo. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthrise
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 27 December, 2019, 02:24:38 pm
[1] eh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 27 December, 2019, 02:42:43 pm
Green Book

Thought this was as close to perfect as you can get.

Also a great Christmas film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 27 December, 2019, 08:18:53 pm
6 Underground. Maximum Bayhem. It's very bad. Magnet gag at the end is kinda cool, though.
Hopefully this will be the movie that will finish off his career as a director? (Probably not).

It was pretty awful. There's possibly a precisely titrated point on the spectrum of sober-to-drunkenness where it makes some kind of entertainment sense but that remains purely theoretical.

I really should shitcan Netflix, there's increasingly little other than lamentably lame straight-to-streaming movies and ponderously plotted TV shows that take forever to get nowhere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2019, 10:34:31 am
Netflix reminds me of the English-book bit of the Stuttgart Airport shop's miserable selection of paperbacks: either well-known stuff you've read or stuff you wouldn't care to be seen reading.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 December, 2019, 10:55:15 am
Christopher Robin

A good film for the family, and enjoyed the CGI stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 28 December, 2019, 10:57:21 am
[1] eh?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ƒ/8_and_be_there (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ƒ/8_and_be_there)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 28 December, 2019, 04:05:43 pm
Aha! Thankyou  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 28 December, 2019, 04:59:24 pm
In the 60s/70s no camera had autofocus, and most didn't have internal light meters. If you didn't have a light meter, you used the Sunny 16 rule (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunny_16_rule). F8 And Be There is based on that - f/8 at 1/125s for standard 100 ASA film is for "overcast", if it's brighter you overexpose a couple of stops which negative film copes with fine (underexpose and the image is lost). Set your expensive camera to that, set the focus ring so the f/8 depth of field marker is on infinity like this:
(https://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/images/40mm-f2/D3S_6584-1200.jpg)
you've now got a "point and shoot" camera with good optics.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 December, 2019, 09:46:37 am
Furthermore, in the absence of image stabilisation you didn't shoot handheld with a focal length greater than the reciprocal of the exposure time, so that with your 1/125 at f/8 you were limited to 125 mm if you wanted a shake-free picture.  It was a right old bundle of laughs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 29 December, 2019, 01:19:11 pm
Spartacus*!

Clichés have to start somewhere. Tony Curtis being called "Boy" by Luvvie Larry, after admitting an age of 26, while LL discusses the relative merits of mollusc gastronomy. In the bath.

Without going into the deep research field, I am wondering how much of Ustinov's comedy was at least partly ad lib. The film remains a classic, despite being so largely of its time and place of production, and it still brought some moistening of the eyes.



*and his wife
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 December, 2019, 09:53:26 am
Lion

A story of an adopted boy finding his roots. Quite slow, but very atmospheric and thought provoking.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 31 December, 2019, 07:45:07 am
Most of The Death of Stalin, with Mrs ED grumbling in the background I abandoned it, will watch it again sometime

Last night, the Dressmaker, another black comedy, but acceptable, possibly because it involved clothes
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 31 December, 2019, 01:12:36 pm
Went to the 10am showing of the Rise of Skywalker.  The mulitplex misfunctioned, we had sound but not picture, so they just kept rebooting, they gave up after 20 mins and gave us refunds and sent us out into the world again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 31 December, 2019, 02:17:56 pm
Most of The Death of Stalin, with Mrs ED grumbling in the background I abandoned it, will watch it again sometime

:o Thought it was brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 31 December, 2019, 03:55:59 pm
I too thought it was a brilliant satire.  She doesn't get the political undertones and fear of the arbitrariness of decision making and equate that with humour. 

She also doesn't like Monty Python, Spike Milligan, absurdist humour etc
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 31 December, 2019, 05:41:12 pm
Whatever the latest Star Wars is called (Rise of Skywalker - says Miss Langoustine.) I was fully prepared to tender a barrage of meh, but actually, I quite enjoyed it. As ever, it was a greatest hits collection, everyone got their spot in front of the lens, even those who had died in the interim. Chewbacca has still kept his looks. Luke finally got them to admit they made him look a twat in the earlier episode. The mechanics are reasonably the same – intergalactic MacGuffin hunt followed by indestructible empire/first/second/third/final order/Sith (delete as appropriate) fleet with obvious fatal flaw that makes it easily destructible with a bit of pluck, there's light sabre fights with incidental lightning and flying ship furniture. There's a plot for Finn and Rey has stopped being annoying. You even get Ewoks. No one brings back Jar-Jar, obvs.

As kick-back nostalgia wallows go, it wasn't an unpleasant way to wend through a Twixtmas afternoon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TheLurker on 31 December, 2019, 06:11:53 pm
Angels One Five, mainly because it's one of the few films that the Hurri gets a starring role in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 January, 2020, 04:11:26 pm
Downsizing, because my daughter said it was quite good. She is right. It is surprisingly good, not at all the film I was expecting. Thought I would be watching some US sitcom fluff. Instead, I got a political/social commentary/sitcom. Predictable plot though.

Hellboy No, not that one. The film on Netflix. If you are a reader of the graphic novels, this is the Hellboy for you. It actually follows the graphic novels pretty closely. Script co-written by Mike Mignola. Doesn't have the atmosphere of the glossy holliwood films, but it has more of the feel of the graphic novels for me. I was watching it on a truly shitty adsl connection, so maybe my impression was coloured (sic) by the pixellated display and frequent pauses for buffering.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 January, 2020, 10:55:43 pm
Joker (2019)

Confirming that nothing good ever comes of taking Batman too seriously.   :hand:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 January, 2020, 09:22:38 am
Another The Death Of Stalin over here.  Jason Isaacs totally steals the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bludger on 03 January, 2020, 10:09:49 am
The Spy Gone North, currently on iplayer. The long and short of it is a South Korean intelligence officer is tasked with getting close to Kim Jong Il to figure out the maturity of their nuclear weapons programme. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it. It's a Korean film and there's a lot to learn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 09 January, 2020, 10:53:13 pm
Netflix turbotrainer fodder, The Rezort, classic zombie stuff with Dougray Scott doing a reasonable impression of Dougray Scott, and Claire Goose popping up for the first time in however to get eaten by a zombie.

On plane and train this evening, Arctic with Mads Mikkelson doing a decent resolute and taciturn, with very few words. Pretty much as I expected and pretty decent overall.  Not sure I could have looked much more haggard myself.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 09 January, 2020, 11:14:02 pm
Ad Astra

A triumph

And *that* is how review quotes are made ...

(I actually thought Ad Astra would have been a really good short.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 09 January, 2020, 11:22:08 pm
Visually stunning.

Oh yes, it was beautifully shot and (from that point of view at least) well worth seeing on a big screen. Dear god but it was tedious though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 09 January, 2020, 11:23:27 pm
Rise of Skywalker. Better than expected and a good way to end it.

Pretty much. It was utter bollocks, but fairly entertaining bollocks
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 January, 2020, 01:30:35 pm
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, one of our favourites.  Sad to see just now that Lady Chablis died in 2016 - she was great.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 16 January, 2020, 08:07:29 pm
at a loose end watched 1917 this evening.

I can quite see why it's been so highly lauded. Could have easily been 20-30 mins shorter though. What is it with directors these days trying to see who can make the longest film?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 16 January, 2020, 10:03:31 pm
Casablanca again , just perfect.    I seem to be going through a B&W phase at the moment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 January, 2020, 11:15:42 pm
at a loose end watched 1917 this evening.

I can quite see why it's been so highly lauded. Could have easily been 20-30 mins shorter though. What is it with directors these days trying to see who can make the longest film?

It’s one take and they still had film in the can?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 17 January, 2020, 06:16:41 am

It’s one take and they still had film in the can?

This is actually one of the reasons that films are getting longer. They're no longer restricted to length of the reels. Adding an extra reel would add a significant cost to the distribution, but this is no longer a concern.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 January, 2020, 09:52:13 am
Rewatched Goodfellas. Scum of the earth being scum of the earth. Well done, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 18 January, 2020, 12:12:44 am
Casablanca again , just perfect.    I seem to be going through a B&W phase at the moment.


"The Maltese Falcon"...  Pretty good.     


Watching this sort of thing set in 1940's America reminds me of one of my favourite series of detective stories.  Walter Mosley's ""Easy Rawlins" books.  Starting in the late 40's and running to the 60's they show a very different side of American life, where being born Black means living with the constant knowledge that the police can & will kill you with impunity if you upset them.  Sadly only the first book "Devil In a Blue Dress" was filmed.


"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_in_a_Blue_Dress_(film)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 18 January, 2020, 09:53:21 pm
1917.

Very immersive, and well done - filmed (Roger Deakins) with no cutaways.  A good few well known actors with relatively minor parts.

*Bloke sitting next to me decided he'd tuck into two small bags of popcorn/crisps, mid film - rustling away, as if he was the only person in the cinema...   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 January, 2020, 11:06:16 pm
Terminator: Dark Fate

Finally, a Terminator 2 sequel that isn't awful.  What it lacks in originality (which is most things) it makes up for in Sarah Connor being badass.  Does what it says on the tin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 January, 2020, 08:48:49 am
The Illusionist.  Not the Edward Norton vehicle but a delicate animated film about the declining fortunes of a stage magician. Mostly set in late 1950s Edinburgh, with great depictions of the city as MrsT and I knew it in the late 60s. Done by the same bunch as Les Triplettes de Belleville.

Also dipped into the CGI-fest The Great Wall but the dialogue was so awful I baled once the initial battle was over. Why the hell do they splurge on actors and FX then get a script that would disgrace the back of a cornflakes packet?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 19 January, 2020, 09:42:02 am
1917.

Very immersive, and well done - filmed (Roger Deakins) with no cutaways.  A good few well known actors with relatively minor parts.

*Bloke sitting next to me decided he'd tuck into two small bags of popcorn/crisps, mid film - rustling away, as if he was the only person in the cinema...

I know other people who have said it was very uncomfortable on the individual horror stakes, but for me it was the whole futility of it expressed in the final scene by Ben Cucumber, " so we don't go today, but tomorrow it'll be absolutely vital"

I really didn't notice the lack of cuts though while watching it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 19 January, 2020, 11:48:49 am
1917.

Very immersive, and well done - filmed (Roger Deakins) with no cutaways.  A good few well known actors with relatively minor parts.

*Bloke sitting next to me decided he'd tuck into two small bags of popcorn/crisps, mid film - rustling away, as if he was the only person in the cinema...

I know other people who have said it was very uncomfortable on the individual horror stakes, but for me it was the whole futility of it expressed in the final scene by Ben Cucumber, " so we don't go today, but tomorrow it'll be absolutely vital"

I really didn't notice the lack of cuts though while watching it.

Apparently filmed in 8 min segments, and stitched together using 'transitions' e.g. camera panning across an object etc. 

My daughter, thinking back to one particular scene, said afterwards, something like  'if there were more women in charge perhaps there would be fewer wars'...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 19 January, 2020, 11:26:21 pm
Pretty sure it's a lot more than 8.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 20 January, 2020, 12:43:14 am
"The French Connection".   New York before it was safe. Roy Schieder & Gene Hackman without wrinkles.    Another one I don't think I've seen before.  Good flick.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 20 January, 2020, 12:56:53 am
Pretty sure it's a lot more than 8.

Yup, definitely more than 8 wars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 20 January, 2020, 06:34:19 am
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning.
Staring: Albert Finney, Shirley Ann Field, Rachel Roberts, Norman Rossington, Hilda Baker...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 20 January, 2020, 10:48:09 am
The Illusionist.  Not the Edward Norton vehicle but a delicate animated film about the declining fortunes of a stage magician. Mostly set in late 1950s Edinburgh, with great depictions of the city as MrsT and I knew it in the late 60s. Done by the same bunch as Les Triplettes de Belleville.
I saw this years ago (I think I may have seen it in the cinema that features in the film?). Delicate is a good word for it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 January, 2020, 11:40:15 am
The Illusionist.  Not the Edward Norton vehicle but a delicate animated film about the declining fortunes of a stage magician. Mostly set in late 1950s Edinburgh, with great depictions of the city as MrsT and I knew it in the late 60s. Done by the same bunch as Les Triplettes de Belleville.
I saw this years ago (I think I may have seen it in the cinema that features in the film?). Delicate is a good word for it.

Yes, it was pleasing to see the old Cameo in... bugger... Tolcross?  We saw quite a lot of good stuff there.

I just had a look at Tolcross on Google Streetview. What a bloody shame. There used to be some nice wee shops where that glass heap is now, including a great tobacconist with some unusual pipes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 20 January, 2020, 08:34:49 pm
Ad Astra

A triumph of cargo-cult spaceflight aesthetics over such trivial matters as story, character development, the laws of physics or indeed common sense.  Tries to be Solaris and fails, leaving you with two hours of vague pop-psychology and a wide range of spacesuit abuse.


Holy crap, that was boring and utterly implausible. It was intended as a awards material and the release got postponed as it would have clashed with First Man (We did a lot of the VFX work on it..although I wasn't involved).
83% on RT...they must have bribed a lot of reviewers :D (40% audience score)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 20 January, 2020, 11:49:29 pm
The Playmobil movie.  If you expected something that was riding on the coat-tails of the Lego Movie, but was not as good by half, you would not be wrong.  Still, enjoyable if you are <10.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 21 January, 2020, 08:15:54 pm
1917.   Brilliantly shot, well acted & exciting.  Some suspension of disbelief required.  If British soldiers were as indestructible & lucky as one of the characters we'd have won in short order. 


WRT to a certain little known actor garnering publicity because he thought a Sikh soldier was out of place in the film, I've recently watched this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_War_(TV_series)  and there are a surprising number of non white faces in the original archive footage, plus lots of information about the part soldiers from the Empire played in the various fields of battle.  Well worth watching.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejxrk95Zsu8
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 21 January, 2020, 11:53:16 pm
The Illusionist.  Not the Edward Norton vehicle but a delicate animated film about the declining fortunes of a stage magician. Mostly set in late 1950s Edinburgh, with great depictions of the city as MrsT and I knew it in the late 60s. Done by the same bunch as Les Triplettes de Belleville.
I saw this years ago (I think I may have seen it in the cinema that features in the film?). Delicate is a good word for it.

Yes, it was pleasing to see the old Cameo in... bugger... Tolcross?  We saw quite a lot of good stuff there.

I just had a look at Tolcross on Google Streetview. What a bloody shame. There used to be some nice wee shops where that glass heap is now, including a great tobacconist with some unusual pipes.

The Illusionist is lovely, isn't it - I think I saw it in the Cameo too ...

As for Tollcross, isn't the glass heap basically where Goldberg's department store used to be? Not sure how many wee shops there were in the immediate vicinity, though in fairness I was too young to be paying much attention to tobacconists.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 21 January, 2020, 11:56:16 pm
Terminator: Dark Fate

Finally, a Terminator 2 sequel that isn't awful.  What it lacks in originality (which is most things) it makes up for in Sarah Connor being badass.  Does what it says on the tin.

I reckon it even passes the Bechdel test ... We saw it on the big screen in Leicester Square just after it came out - hugely entertaining, and I think succeeded because it doesn't take itself at all seriously. Self referential in a really knowing way, and all the better for it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 22 January, 2020, 12:15:28 am
1917.   Brilliantly shot, well acted & exciting.  Some suspension of disbelief required.  If British soldiers were as indestructible & lucky as one of the characters we'd have won in short order. 

I found it all a bit meh - beautifully shot and put together, but the story was too much bollocks for me to take.

Vital message to send, so you invoke emotional blackmail to provoke individual derring-do rather than, er, getting a flyboy to drop a message? A convoy that suddenly, silently appears on the very ground that can only be crossed by a daring individual mission? A shot that tracks out of what was, earlier, an empty window into a newfound burning townscape? A dystopian urban inferno (and trip to an otherworldly underworld) that seems to owe more to magical realism than to, er, realism? Rising from a river into a song-filled glade (see magical realism, again)? And then split-second arrival timing? All just a little too much, I felt.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 January, 2020, 09:16:31 am
The Illusionist.  Not the Edward Norton vehicle but a delicate animated film about the declining fortunes of a stage magician. Mostly set in late 1950s Edinburgh, with great depictions of the city as MrsT and I knew it in the late 60s. Done by the same bunch as Les Triplettes de Belleville.
I saw this years ago (I think I may have seen it in the cinema that features in the film?). Delicate is a good word for it.

Yes, it was pleasing to see the old Cameo in... bugger... Tolcross?  We saw quite a lot of good stuff there.

I just had a look at Tolcross on Google Streetview. What a bloody shame. There used to be some nice wee shops where that glass heap is now, including a great tobacconist with some unusual pipes.

The Illusionist is lovely, isn't it - I think I saw it in the Cameo too ...

As for Tollcross, isn't the glass heap basically where Goldberg's department store used to be? Not sure how many wee shops there were in the immediate vicinity, though in fairness I was too young to be paying much attention to tobacconists.

It's strange: I must have been through Tollcross a hundred times between 1965 and 1972 but I have no memory of Goldberg's great lump of a building. I just spoke to MrsT and she has no memory of it either.  But I think I know why: I found a fuzzy photo on a Facebook account called Lost Edinburgh, and it shows Goldberg's frontage in the background, with a building-site fence between it and the clock.  I think the picture was taken when the old shops were being demolished to enlarge the intersection.  Other bits of Edinburgh have been similarly remodelled - I can hardly recognize the area up round the University Union any more.  Whole streets have been removed.

ETA: I do remember Goldberg's now, and I'm right. As you drove through Tollcross and up Lauriston Place there was a great lump on the left, but you passed the old shops first.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 January, 2020, 09:28:55 am
Terminator: Dark Fate

Finally, a Terminator 2 sequel that isn't awful.  What it lacks in originality (which is most things) it makes up for in Sarah Connor being badass.  Does what it says on the tin.

I reckon it even passes the Bechdel test ... We saw it on the big screen in Leicester Square just after it came out - hugely entertaining, and I think succeeded because it doesn't take itself at all seriously. Self referential in a really knowing way, and all the better for it.

It was basically the 'greatest hits' collection from T1 and T2. Didn't make up for the unmitigated awful that was the other sequels, of course, though I'm unclear why they can't send someone back from the future to unmake those.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 22 January, 2020, 09:39:44 am

I found it all a bit meh - beautifully shot and put together, but the story was too much bollocks for me to take.


Indeed.  The token woman-and-baby scene (where he just happens to have some milk - the only thing that will keep the baby alive!) was the shark-jumping moment for me.

Also, although I'm sure he's a nice chap, the lead actor isn't actually a very convincing actor.  For me the vocal delivery, let alone the accent, was rather stilted.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 22 January, 2020, 01:46:04 pm
1917.   Brilliantly shot, well acted & exciting.  Some suspension of disbelief required.  If British soldiers were as indestructible & lucky as one of the characters we'd have won in short order. 

I found it all a bit meh - beautifully shot and put together, but the story was too much bollocks for me to take.

Vital message to send, so you invoke emotional blackmail to provoke individual derring-do rather than, er, getting a flyboy to drop a message? A convoy that suddenly, silently appears on the very ground that can only be crossed by a daring individual mission? A shot that tracks out of what was, earlier, an empty window into a newfound burning townscape? A dystopian urban inferno (and trip to an otherworldly underworld) that seems to owe more to magical realism than to, er, realism? Rising from a river into a song-filled glade (see magical realism, again)? And then split-second arrival timing? All just a little too much, I felt.

Well, a bit late. Did I miss a good reason for how the letter stayed dry?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 January, 2020, 02:48:53 pm
1917.   Brilliantly shot, well acted & exciting.  Some suspension of disbelief required.  If British soldiers were as indestructible & lucky as one of the characters we'd have won in short order. 

I found it all a bit meh - beautifully shot and put together, but the story was too much bollocks for me to take.

Vital message to send, so you invoke emotional blackmail to provoke individual derring-do rather than, er, getting a flyboy to drop a message? A convoy that suddenly, silently appears on the very ground that can only be crossed by a daring individual mission? A shot that tracks out of what was, earlier, an empty window into a newfound burning townscape? A dystopian urban inferno (and trip to an otherworldly underworld) that seems to owe more to magical realism than to, er, realism? Rising from a river into a song-filled glade (see magical realism, again)? And then split-second arrival timing? All just a little too much, I felt.

Well, a bit late. Did I miss a good reason for how the letter stayed dry?

If it was French it would have been in a protective envelope.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 22 January, 2020, 03:08:08 pm
Written on War Office issued Izal , that stuff doesn't absorb anything....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 January, 2020, 03:52:31 pm
Shiny!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 22 January, 2020, 08:21:40 pm
Did I miss a good reason for how the letter stayed dry?

Probably the opposite of the reason the map got so soaked in blood it wasn't even worth trying to open it up.

(He did put the letter in his tin box though, didn't he? Mind you, we saw that box so many times I was convinced it was going to stop a bullet for him.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 23 January, 2020, 08:26:54 am
Just Mercy

Excellent: based on story of a lawyer pioneering legal aid to death row prisoners in Alabama. It was shocking to think this story happened in the 80's and 90's.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 23 January, 2020, 06:30:09 pm
Terminator: Dark Fate

Finally, a Terminator 2 sequel that isn't awful.  What it lacks in originality (which is most things) it makes up for in Sarah Connor being badass.  Does what it says on the tin.

I reckon it even passes the Bechdel test ... We saw it on the big screen in Leicester Square just after it came out ...

I generally don't get to see films of this genre on the big screen, as no one else is interested.   :-\  Not going to go on me todd.   ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 24 January, 2020, 02:03:33 pm
Did I miss a good reason for how the letter stayed dry?

Probably the opposite of the reason the map got so soaked in blood it wasn't even worth trying to open it up.

(He did put the letter in his tin box though, didn't he? Mind you, we saw that box so many times I was convinced it was going to stop a bullet for him.)

that was my thought too, brave hero gets shot by the dastardly boche but the message still gets through. 

The only bit that was a real twist for me was that the message-carrying brother got killed, whereas I'd built up to the message carrying brother getting there to find he was too late and his brother had gone over top and killed.

Implausibility of plot aside, I think it rendered my imagination of the general futility and abominable conditions very well, alongside the sheer destruction from fighting across the same ground again and again.  I'm sure T42 will be along in a minute, but as I understand it there are still areas of former front line that cannot be farmed due to the land contamination from unexploded ordnance slowly decomposing
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 24 January, 2020, 10:42:02 pm
Jojo Rabbit.   Very enjoyable.  Funny, tragic, heart warming story of a young boy living with his mum in a german town at the end of WW2.  Scarlett Johansson was brilliant, as was the young boy (name escapes me). 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 01 February, 2020, 10:24:24 pm
The Lighthouse

Um, yeah. Bit arty, bit spooky, bit B&W, bit 35mm - and actually quite good at all of those until 2/3 of the way through.

Then for at least half an hour (but felt like twice that) it was unedifying bollocks, and if we hadn't been sat at the wrong end of a row I'd probably have walked out.

We watched it so you don't have to... or at any rate, sit on an aisle so you can leave after the seagull gets it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 01 February, 2020, 11:37:39 pm
Walter Mosley's ""Easy Rawlins" books.  Starting in the late 40's and running to the 60's they show a very different side of American life, where being born Black means living with the constant knowledge that the police can & will kill you with impunity if you upset them.  Sadly only the first book "Devil In a Blue Dress" was filmed.

"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_in_a_Blue_Dress_(film)
A very enjoyable film, with a brilliant soundtrack, which is well worth checking out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 02 February, 2020, 12:00:01 am
Two Popes. I was talked into watching it. I have an irrational dislike of Anthony Hopkins, but I could watch Jonathan Price all night. Some of the camera work was irritating, the dialogue was good (though the subject matter might mean more to others than it did to me), and the director did well to bring out the differing personalities of the two leads - though that was probably the reason the film got made in the first place, duh. The casting is good (the young Jonathan Price is very good) but its interesting to consider if/how it might have worked had the two lead roles been reversed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 February, 2020, 12:23:01 pm
Pryce is right.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 February, 2020, 12:24:04 pm
If Brad Pitt beats Hopkins, Pacino and De Niro to Best Actor at the oscars we all may as well just lie down.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift on 02 February, 2020, 12:26:09 pm
1917

Reminded me of Dunkirk because it's technically brilliant but unengaging. There's barely any character exposition and the guest appearances from people like Dumbledore Snafflepants seem crow-barred in. Nice to see Daniel Mays again, who was of course at Dunkirk in Atonement.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 February, 2020, 09:11:57 pm
London Fields.  Notorious (disowned by many of the participants and almost never saw the light of day) adaptation of my favourite book.  Actually not a bad effort, with very good casting*.  I can see how it would be a very hard sell to anyone who hadn't read the book.

Loses all the beauty of the original prose but that's the same for any film of a book.

*cameos by Bobby George and Andy Fordham in the darts final!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 02 February, 2020, 09:16:22 pm
We have Chariots of Fire on.

I think fboab is swotting up on English society, post Brexit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 February, 2020, 09:17:24 pm
We have Chariots of Fire on.

I think fboab is swotting up on English society, post Brexit.

Ohdog.  We're not going to have to do Running, are we?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 02 February, 2020, 09:18:54 pm
We have Chariots of Fire on.

I think fboab is swotting up on English society, post Brexit.

Ohdog.  We're not going to have to do Running, are we?

Only if you went to Cambridge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 February, 2020, 09:20:17 pm
We have Chariots of Fire on.

I think fboab is swotting up on English society, post Brexit.

Ohdog.  We're not going to have to do Running, are we?

Only if you went to Cambridge.

I dodged that bullet by about two and a half A-levels.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 02 February, 2020, 09:25:32 pm
We have Chariots of Fire on.

I think fboab is swotting up on English society, post Brexit.

Ohdog.  We're not going to have to do Running, are we?

Only if you went to Cambridge.

I dodged that bullet by about two and a half A-levels.

And I was much too thick and working class. Bullets dodged, eh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rowan on 03 February, 2020, 12:18:15 am
Just watch "Hidden Figures"  9/10  well put together film. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 February, 2020, 01:17:14 pm
London Fields.  Notorious (disowned by many of the participants and almost never saw the light of day) adaptation of my favourite book.  Actually not a bad effort, with very good casting*.  I can see how it would be a very hard sell to anyone who hadn't read the book.

Loses all the beauty of the original prose but that's the same for any film of a book.

*cameos by Bobby George and Andy Fordham in the darts final!

I have read the book1 and thus no power on Earth could interest me in the film.

1: Twice, in fact, to see whether it was as dire as I remembered.  It was worse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: telstarbox on 04 February, 2020, 01:32:17 pm
David Copperfield.

Brilliant cast (especially Peter Capaldi and Anthony Welsh) and great Norfolk/Suffolk scenery.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 February, 2020, 10:27:48 am
The first two eps of Netflix's documentary series Pandemic.  Haven't learnt anything new so far, but haven't noticed any mistakes either. It's a bit over-simplified, of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 February, 2020, 08:38:05 am
It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood. A surprise on several levels. "Mr Rogers knows my name! <faint>"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 February, 2020, 09:42:27 am
Manchester By The Sea. A well-produced and engaging film that is utterly unenjoyable and really didn't need to be made.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 17 February, 2020, 12:11:33 pm
Parasite.   Good, but not great imho. Surprised it won the best file oscar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bludger on 17 February, 2020, 12:29:49 pm
The original Hellraiser. It was pretty good!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 17 February, 2020, 12:36:19 pm
Eddie the Eagle

Not a lot to say about it really, but it was fun to watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 17 February, 2020, 08:42:47 pm
Hunt For The Wilderpeople

(finally). Well worth the wait. A really lovely, quirky film. The sort of thing antipodeans (sometimes) do very well :)

I'm now convinced to watch Jojo Rabbit (same director), which is getting marmite reviews, but I think will be worth a shot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 23 February, 2020, 08:57:55 am
Capernaum (chaos).   A freebie on prime just now and we’ll worth your time. A story of the chaotic upbringing of a young boy in beruit trying to look out for his sister and a baby against all odds. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 February, 2020, 06:08:12 pm
Get Out

Oddly brilliant thriller-horror-blackcomedy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 23 February, 2020, 08:19:21 pm
Get Out

Oddly brilliant thriller-horror-blackcomedy.

Very good.  Jordan Peele discussing the plot theories *spoiler alert *  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBvcngHRTFg 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 24 February, 2020, 08:27:16 am
Parasite and Greed, back to back.

A lot has already been said about Parasite. I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite a few gaping holes in the plot, but I agree that it was a surprising choice for the Oscar.  The sense of events spiralling out of control is exhilarating and the ending is unexpectedly moving after what immediately precedes it.  However, I'm very pleased that it has become a success in its own right rather than optioned by Hollywood and remade for a US market. I could see the setting being shifted to Silicon Valley with a family living in a trailer park, and thus losing / trampling all of the cultural nuances that make the film work.

Greed is good, but only good. Probably best to wait for it to pop up on Netflix or similar. Coogan is entertainingly convincing as the spivvy retail tycoon, who may or may not bring to mind a real character, and Isla Fisher is good as his brassy ex-wife, but David Mitchell's presence is an irritant as he simply wheels out the "David Mitchell" character from his incessant appearances on comedy quiz shows. It attempts to make valid points about the treatment of clothing workers in the Indian sub-continent and SE Asia, but this is done in such a heavy-handed way that it fails to make the kind of impact it should, while a couple of plot strands about Syrian refugees and scripted reality TV shows are insufficiently developed to be engaging but given sufficient time to be distracting.  It's saying something when the best line in the film is about James Blunt charging "only" £75,000 to sing outside Fisher's window.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 24 February, 2020, 04:05:15 pm
Unbroken, enjoyed that in a "similar but different" to the Railway Man vibe.  Would have like to have seen more of the reconciliation if possible, even if dramatised, I think the main protagonist was dead befroe the file was made.

And completely differently The Thing, the remake of the 1980's Kurt Russell thing. The original was much better despite the cheesy effects, but neither as good as the book of course

Started watching Get Out but just didn't gel and swithced it off halfway through after the obvious teacup hypnotism
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 24 February, 2020, 04:37:23 pm
Pet Semetary (the recent remake).
Not as good as the original and missing Tasha Yar but watchable nonetheless
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Clare on 25 February, 2020, 11:34:48 pm
Not sure if this counts as it was live but we saw The Cellist as live cinema tonight. It was beautiful and Marcelino Sambé was absolutely bloody brilliant as the cello. The whole cast was amazing but he really stood out.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 February, 2020, 11:19:36 pm
Antitrust (2001)

I'll just leave this here: https://twitter.com/kimble4/status/1233494684812632070
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 05 March, 2020, 08:05:13 pm
Hunt For The Wilderpeople

(finally). Well worth the wait. A really lovely, quirky film. The sort of thing antipodeans (sometimes) do very well :)

I'm now convinced to watch Jojo Rabbit (same director), which is getting marmite reviews, but I think will be worth a shot.

Jojo Rabbit Well worth it from my point of view, and I went because I enjoyed Hunt For The Wilderpeople too.

So that's Jojo Rabbit, 1917 and David Copperfield in the last few weeks. I'm on a roll. Probably Parasite next.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 March, 2020, 09:28:12 pm
Soviet Hippies

As the title says. Not a work of art but worth seeing if you have the slightest interest in the Soviet Union, hippies, frazzled old junkies, esoterica and mysticism, escape from oppressive regimes, police violence, hitch hiking, the effects of tea made from asthma cigarettes,* (https://estonianworld.com/life/getting-high-in-the-soviet-occupied-estonia/) modern counterculture support for Putin or – dredging the margins – Estonian prog rock.

*Paralysis of the diaphragm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 06 March, 2020, 11:24:58 am
Dark Waters.   Excellent, I was aware of the "Du Pont poisoning the water" story but not the details.   Recommended. Long but kept attention throughout.  A shocking insight into what big companies will do if allowed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Rowan on 06 March, 2020, 11:57:06 am
Dark Waters.   Excellent, I was aware of the "Du Pont poisoning the water" story but not the details.   Recommended. Long but kept attention throughout.  A shocking insight into what big companies will do if allowed.
Radio 4 "Costing the earth" was discussing this tuesday gone
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000fvvm
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 06 March, 2020, 12:10:45 pm
Escape from Pretoria.

Good / gripping.  A prison break story based on a true events from apartheid era SA.  Independent film (with Daniel Radcliffe), just out of limited general cinema release, and payperview.  e.g. here on amazon prime (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Escape-Pretoria-Daniel-Radcliffe/dp/B084Q83W6L/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=escape+pretoria&qid=1583496336&sr=8-4)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 March, 2020, 09:02:02 pm
Greed.  Quite amusing satire on the filthy, self-made, rich.  Not especially hard-hitting and perhaps really we are all guilty?  Except the lion, of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 March, 2020, 03:15:09 pm
Started watching the second season of Altered Cabrón.  Baled out after the first (presumably) five minutes of eejits turning cartwheels and going oough!  As it says in 1st Corinthians ch13v7, jeez, what a crock.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 March, 2020, 05:12:04 pm
Started watching the second season of Altered Cabrón.  Baled out after the first (presumably) five minutes of eejits turning cartwheels and going oough!  As it says in 1st Corinthians ch13v7, jeez, what a crock.
I've read all the books. I barely made it through the first season. Some bits good. Most, particularly the chocky-socky complete with swords, were absolutely dire. Coupled with utterly stupid major plot rewrites.

Resolutely refusing to watch any of it.

If you like Stranger Things (first, second season maybe ) at all, try "I am not ok with this".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 12 March, 2020, 07:45:16 pm
I'm sort of not minding Altered Carbon. Truth was that I didn't really enjoy the books, I struggled with the plots tbh, it just seemed over-contrived and under-clear. That seems mostly replicated on screen. I may just be a simpleton. The concept is good, the execution a bit meh. The books always seemed to be want to be a futuristic Chandler, but lacked the sophisticated noir of a Marlowe, so just settled for hitting some stuff.

I'm a bit fed up of the cyberpunk futures too, all neon and rain, where the men wear raincoats indoors and all the women are too busy showing their tits in holograms or working as prostitutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 12 March, 2020, 11:33:07 pm
I enjoyed the Kovacs books,  but wasn't too impressed with the TV version of the first one.  Good effects, but some pointless plot changes.    Mr Morgan has recently taken a side in the TERF wars, and has subsequently been banned from both Twitter & Mastodon.   Disappointing. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 March, 2020, 09:52:12 pm
V for Vendetta again.  Horribly topical.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 March, 2020, 12:53:18 pm
Mostly enjoyed the first season of Altered Carbon in the end. I'd forgotten the mostly contrived plot had a scoobie wrap-up. I've no idea how closely it followed that book, but I'm not a purist on such matters. Boy, was there some amusingly clunky dialogue though. I'll watch the second season, trying out American Gods now.

There sure are a lot of cocks on TV these days.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 20 March, 2020, 07:35:55 am
Love the books, especially the first one. Really did not like the first season...I had high hopes and they got shattered. Second one is better, but I still wished they'd stayed closer to the source material. Poe/Ms Dig are a good addition, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 March, 2020, 07:59:09 am
I saw the first season before knowing about the books and quite liked it, other than the tired USMC meme and the acrobatics. Then I read all three books and quite liked them.  I couldn't stick more than half an episode of the second series.  Poe was great, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 22 March, 2020, 02:54:18 pm
Family were watching Mission Impossible - Fallout last night.  Which was interminable, particularly the extended helicopter sequence at the end.  In an effort to retain sanity, went on a website to check the filming locations as they clearly weren't Pakistan as per the plot.  Then I discovered just why that last sequence took so long - half of it was filmed in New Zealand and the other half in Norway.   :facepalm: some 60+ helicopter flying hours away.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 22 March, 2020, 03:43:16 pm
Book of Eli.  Entertaining bollocks
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 23 March, 2020, 10:49:32 am
Red Joan (on Netflix). A little over-dramatised ("based-on" true events but only loosely) but worth a watch. Judi Dench is superb as usual.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 March, 2020, 12:25:51 pm
I'm following ian's sterling example by watching all 23 MCU films in order (chronological by release date, not the supposed canonical order). I figure that I might enjoy them more if I fill in the gaps with the ones I haven't seen before, which might make me care a bit more about the characters (or at least have a fucking clue who they are). Also seems like a sensible way to use my lockdown time - and I need something mindless to distract me from the news.

So far:

Iron Man (2008) - Superb. I remember loving this when it first came out, and it has aged well. Good fast pace, but not too manic. A full two hours long but doesn't feel like it outstays its welcome. I vaguely recall when it came out there was some controversy over the choice of Robert Downey Jr in the lead, but I really can't imagine anyone better for the role. He's fantastic. Also nice to be reminded how good an actor Gwyneth was before she went mad.

The Incredible Hulk (2008) - This is one I missed first time round. Probably gave it the swerve after seeing the earlier Ang Lee take, which was just weird. It's a considerable improvement on that. Some great fight scenes, though the final showdown is a bit meh. Edward Norton is OK as Banner but I can see that replacing him with Ruffalo was probably a good move. Tim Roth makes an excellent Bond-style villainous super-henchman. Tim Blake Nelson steals the show for me.

Iron Man 2 lined up for tonight. Can't remember whether or not I've seen it before. Thor, Captain America and Avengers after that - definitely haven't seen any of those.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 March, 2020, 08:35:16 am
Iron Man 2 lined up for tonight...

Didn't seem very familiar, so I must have missed it first time round, though I vaguely recall the scene with Mickey Rourke on the Monaco racetrack.

Another solid effort all round, despite the slight feeling that just three films in, they're already retreading plots (deranged power-mad authority figure/rampant super-rich capitalist, evil super-powered henchman who goes out of control...).

Also a shame they replaced Terrence Howard with the always-wooden Don Cheadle as Rhodey.

Sam Rockwell and Mickey Rourke are great though. And the final battle is SUPERFUN!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: telstarbox on 27 March, 2020, 09:20:54 am
Elizabeth is Missing (via the iPlayer). A really intersting mystery set in the life of a woman with worsening dementia.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 March, 2020, 11:08:37 am
Thor (2010)
Excellent. I saw Ragnarok last year, and enjoyed that too, so it’s good to have a bit of the backstory. Hemsworth is great, surprisingly convincing character development. Hiddlestone perfect as Loki, gets the ambiguity spot on. Good fighting. Funny with it. Second favourite so far after Iron Man 1.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 28 March, 2020, 08:11:25 pm
The Handmaiden. Hmmm.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 28 March, 2020, 10:20:27 pm
Elizabeth is Missing (via the iPlayer). A really intersting mystery set in the life of a woman with worsening dementia.
I really really enjoyed the book. Is it worth trying the filmic version?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 29 March, 2020, 09:28:49 am
Thor (2010)
Excellent. I saw Ragnarok last year, and enjoyed that too, so it’s good to have a bit of the backstory. Hemsworth is great, surprisingly convincing character development. Hiddlestone perfect as Loki, gets the ambiguity spot on. Good fighting. Funny with it. Second favourite so far after Iron Man 1.

I’m enjoying seeing you work your way through these.  We have all of them from the start and have enjoyed them all. 

We’ve started on Star Wars again and are now through 1, 2 & 3.  Should we do Solo and Rogue One before moving onto A New Hope ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 March, 2020, 02:24:39 pm
I’m enjoying seeing you work your way through these.  We have all of them from the start and have enjoyed them all. 

Took the night off last night to watch a bit of Tiger King, which makes costumed crimefighters look a lot less outlandish.

If you can be bothered to trawl back through the thread, ian did the same a while ago. I scoffed at the time. But they do seem to make more sense when watched close together and in sequence. I’m in danger of starting to care about the characters.

Quote
A New Hope

No film of that name exists. I refuse to acknowledge it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 29 March, 2020, 03:18:30 pm
Bet you cry during Endgame.....

Mark Kermode’s Secrets of Cinema did Superheroes last week.  Worth an hour on iPlayer.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 29 March, 2020, 03:43:42 pm
Bet you cry during Endgame.....

Mark Kermode’s Secrets of Cinema did Superheroes last week.  Worth an hour on iPlayer.
Yeah it was one of his better ones :thumbsup:

But it gave me no new enthusiasm to watch the recent Marvel films! (Enjoyed Ironman. Failed to finish Thor, despite a perfect cast.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 29 March, 2020, 11:20:16 pm
I got PTSD from working on (some of) them.  Marvel is a terrible company.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 March, 2020, 10:27:44 am
I’m enjoying seeing you work your way through these.  We have all of them from the start and have enjoyed them all. 

Took the night off last night to watch a bit of Tiger King, which makes costumed crimefighters look a lot less outlandish.

If you can be bothered to trawl back through the thread, ian did the same a while ago. I scoffed at the time. But they do seem to make more sense when watched close together and in sequence. I’m in danger of starting to care about the characters.

Quote
A New Hope

No film of that name exists. I refuse to acknowledge it.

We did watch them all in release sequence before the final half of Infinity War came out. Loved it, tbh. They're mostly good, a couple of lulls, but consistent character development, scripting, and things that go bang. Compared to the plodding DC and the does-anything-know-wtf-is-what X-Men, they're a universe better. And I don't even like comics (well, I might, I did use to read 2000AD and piles of second-hand Commando).

Star Wars, sadly high on my meh-dar. I couldn't do the middle three again if you paid me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 31 March, 2020, 07:08:33 am
Captain America (2012) Riper than a 10 year old Stilton. Lots of fun. Hugo Weaving and Toby Jones as the baddies was always going to be a winner.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 31 March, 2020, 10:04:41 am
The Wife  Glenn Close as the wife of a Nobel prize winner. Good family drama and strife
A Girl Interrupted  Not unlike One flew over the cuckoos nest.  Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 April, 2020, 11:15:24 am
The Wife  Glenn Close as the wife of a Nobel prize winner. Good family drama and strife
A Girl Interrupted  Not unlike One flew over the cuckoos nest.  Excellent.

Girl, Interrupted is a surprise partly for discovering that angelina Jolie can act. She's very good in it. Horrible character, good acting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 02 April, 2020, 11:24:37 am
The Madness of King George which lives on my Raspberry Pi.  Top scripting, as ever, by Alan Bennet.

The Movie Data Base, which Kodi uses as an information source, says there's a character called "William Pitt Jr".  Close I suppose.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 April, 2020, 11:33:09 am
Avengers Assemble (2012)

Much silliness, much fighty stuff. A bit incoherent, plotting could have been much tighter, but enjoyable none the less and rollicking enough that the two hours fly by. Some very funny lines.

Only gripe is my usual one with these kind of films, namely the excessive amount of collateral damage. Never seems to matter how many civilians die, but it's always a big deal when it's a named character. Hard to reconcile the sentimentality over the latter with the cold dismissal of the former.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 April, 2020, 11:37:28 am
One of those weird things, you would think that post-911 American filmgoers wouldn't be so keen to see buildings collapsing, but it turns out they (and it seems most other people) love a good building tumble.

Admittedly, it is spectacular on screen, but I kind of always feel the uncomfortable 'but this happened for real once' at the back of my mind.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 05 April, 2020, 02:37:51 pm
I'm working my way through the entire catalogue of Ingmar Bergman at one a night.  Seems somehow appropriate!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 05 April, 2020, 03:08:44 pm
Luc Besson's Nikita. IIRC I last saw it in Sweden in the early 90s. It hasn't lost any of its impact and is a very good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 April, 2020, 07:50:28 am
One of those weird things, you would think that post-911 American filmgoers wouldn't be so keen to see buildings collapsing, but it turns out they (and it seems most other people) love a good building tumble.

Admittedly, it is spectacular on screen, but I kind of always feel the uncomfortable 'but this happened for real once' at the back of my mind.

Just finished The Looming Tower, a docudrama on events leading up to the attack. Hindsight might so easily have been foresight.

It's very good but it did bring back vivid memories of the horror at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 11 April, 2020, 10:32:08 pm
AntMan. We're also doing a full MCU run through and the current run is great. AntMan caps off the run of Phase Two which contains some of my favourites from the series and we've got Civil War next.  :thumbsup:

I really like AntMan and it doesn't hurt that they cast Paul Rudd. He's a lovely fellow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 April, 2020, 10:10:58 pm
Crip Camp (2020)

Not what I was expecting.  I had no idea that anyone - even hippies - would be making film[1] like that in the early 70s.

It's also well worth watching as a potted history of the USAnian disability rights movement.

Highly recommended.


[1] Well, video.  Which is equally impressive in itself...  This article (https://bangordailynews.com/2020/02/27/news/midcoast/maine-filmmakers-helped-revive-long-lost-footage-that-will-appear-in-a-netflix-documentary/) refers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 14 April, 2020, 03:10:53 pm
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/04/behold-dune-an-exclusive-look-at-timothee-chalamet-zendaya-oscar-isaac


Some pics from the upcoming remake of Dune. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 April, 2020, 04:17:15 pm
Wot no Sting?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 14 April, 2020, 04:35:38 pm
Wot no Sting?

He's a bit too old to play Feyd-Rautha, and besides, we don't need *that* scene from the original film being reprised, thanyouverymuch...  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 14 April, 2020, 04:58:26 pm
Wot no Sting?

He's a bit too old to play Feyd-Rautha, and besides, we don't need *that* scene from the original film being reprised, thanyouverymuch...  :-D


The silver lame knickers with the little thing that sticks out.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 14 April, 2020, 06:16:14 pm
Jumanji: The Next Level (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBxcF-r9Ibs)

Surprisingly good. To be fair, I've always enjoy the films in this franchise, even if the second one ("Zathura: A Space Adventure") was very nearly the first one, just done in space.

The reboot has been done well, both this film and its predecessor "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle", although I think a lot of that is down to the actors, primarily Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan and Jack Black. They could easily have just redone the original film, with a modern setting and special effects, and that would have been bad and easily forgotten. They took the approach of an entirely new story with both films, and I think it's worked. Obviously it's largely just silly escapism, but that suits me fine. ;D

I wonder what they'll do with the next film, hopefully to continue this approach? It seems likely that a third one in the reboot series will happen, because Dwayne Johnson has alluded to it in interviews, and this film was financially very successful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 April, 2020, 10:30:29 pm
Iron Man 3 (2013)

Jolly good. Far too long (at least 30 minutes) but redeems itself with some choice moments of superhero silliness. On the whole, the story is a wee bit predictable, to the point that I was getting slightly irritated with it up to about halfway through, but then it went and completely blindsided me... no spoilers but you'll know what I mean if you've seen it.

Suffice to say that Ben Kingsley completely steals it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 17 April, 2020, 10:33:40 pm
I don't watch that many films because in general IMO they're mostly not that good. However, having caught some Mark Kermode program last night about heist films with Babydriver and the gun going off in time with the guitar riff of Hocus Pocus by Focus, I want to watch that now,
But not the whole film, just the silly musical bits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 April, 2020, 10:37:46 pm
I don't watch that many films because in general IMO they're mostly not that good. However, having caught some Mark Kermode program last night about heist films with Babydriver and the gun going off in time with the guitar riff of Hocus Pocus by Focus, I want to watch that now,
But not the whole film, just the silly musical bits.

It's on the Sony Movies channel on Sunday. The opening sequence with the John Spencer is probably the best bit in the film.

I didn't see the Kermode thing but I might watch that now. I do like a good heist movie. I presume he covered Rififi, which is one of my all time favourite films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 17 April, 2020, 11:15:42 pm
Yes, he did. I need to go and watch that too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 April, 2020, 11:51:42 pm
Fly Away Home (1996)

I thought this one was a lot older than it was, but that's probably because it was still about 1991 in Canada.

Another film to file under "CGI is hard, let's just build a real one."


*HONK*
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 April, 2020, 01:32:09 am
The geese went in the loo!!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 April, 2020, 10:03:25 am
Yes, he did. I need to go and watch that too.

Such a great film. I did watch the Kermode thing and he's right - the actual heist scene in Rififi is unbelievably good cinema, literally breathtaking. Imagine if you went to see that in the cinema when it was first released and didn't know of its reputation, or have your perspective coloured by years of watching countless imitations...

Kermode is right about the ending too.

And I'd forgotten about The Asphalt Jungle - that's another that has stood the test of time remarkably well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 April, 2020, 12:38:57 pm
The geese went in the loo!!!

I thought they did a particularly good job on the sound effects for that bit.   :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 18 April, 2020, 12:46:58 pm
I was bored last night. This was on C6 catch-up.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1531911/
I read the reviews beforehand and still decided to give it a go. I think I lasted about twenty minutes.


It is so unbelievably shit it isn't even watchable as a shit film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 April, 2020, 02:42:07 pm
Once Upon a Time in London, on Netflux.  The history of Billy Hill & Jack "the Spot" Comer, who started up organized crime in London - Billy Hill was godfather to the Krays before he retired to Morocco.  Got the impression that it had been whittled down from something much longer, several scenes being context-free and seemingly meaningless, e.g. a bloke running away from a copper and being brought down by same and three other blokes in Army uniform. You couldn't tell who the bloke was and it didn't tie in with anything upstream or downstream.  Shame, for although it wasn't the kind of story the title suggests, it was interesting enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 April, 2020, 03:10:24 pm
We watched Apollo 13 the other day.

Nailbiting stuff, even with the accuracies and knowing what happened.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 19 April, 2020, 07:20:42 pm
I don't watch that many films because in general IMO they're mostly not that good. However, having caught some Mark Kermode program last night about heist films with Babydriver and the gun going off in time with the guitar riff of Hocus Pocus by Focus, I want to watch that now,
But not the whole film, just the silly musical bits.

It's on the Sony Movies channel on Sunday. The opening sequence with the John Spencer is probably the best bit in the film.

Thanks for the heads up. I didn't even have that channel on my box, but now I do  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 April, 2020, 07:30:19 pm
Crip Camp (2020)

Not what I was expecting.  I had no idea that anyone - even hippies - would be making film[1] like that in the early 70s.

It's also well worth watching as a potted history of the USAnian disability rights movement.

Highly recommended.


[1] Well, video.  Which is equally impressive in itself...  This article (https://bangordailynews.com/2020/02/27/news/midcoast/maine-filmmakers-helped-revive-long-lost-footage-that-will-appear-in-a-netflix-documentary/) refers.
Possibly relevant that it was East Coast doesers rather than West Coast hedonists?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gaston Lagaffe on 19 April, 2020, 10:55:48 pm
A Town Called Alice.

😢
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2020, 11:02:53 am
Re-inspired by the Marvel serial-watchers, we binged on the Infinity War ending over the weekend. Still rather brilliant (and could have so easily fallen into a Transformerish mess).

Remember how much I enjoyed Captain Marvel too. Should have gone back and re-watched Ragnorok. I think I'm the only person who found Black Panther a bit meh (it's not bad, just a bit vanilla).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 20 April, 2020, 03:04:16 pm
Re-inspired by the Marvel serial-watchers, we binged on the Infinity War ending over the weekend. Still rather brilliant (and could have so easily fallen into a Transformerish mess).

Remember how much I enjoyed Captain Marvel too. Should have gone back and re-watched Ragnorok. I think I'm the only person who found Black Panther a bit meh (it's not bad, just a bit vanilla).

Not only you. I couldn't manage the whole film. Gave up after 30- 40 minutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 20 April, 2020, 03:20:55 pm
I liked Black Panther first time round though I didn't think it quite lived up to the hype. Will let you know what I thought second time round when I get there...

Some way to go, though. Last night's instalment was Thor: The Dark World (2013) - easily the biggest disappointment so far. Well made but all a bit flat. Hemsworth is properly phoning it in.

Dark elves. Pffft.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2020, 03:47:12 pm
Yeah, The Dark World was one the duller ones, Ragnorok firmly makes up for it with plenty of giddily coloured mayhem and a very funny script.

Captain Marvel was squashed a bit between those two epic cinematic bookends, but I still snorted my drink over the CD loading scene. It's very facial expression driven, and Brie Larson does an exceptional oh really face.

I'm still not sure why her parents named her after cheese though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 April, 2020, 04:24:26 pm
Fly Away Home (1996)

I thought this one was a lot older than it was, but that's probably because it was still about 1991 in Canada.

Another film to file under "CGI is hard, let's just build a real one."


*HONK*
My kids loved that film. When they acquired step-siblings, and we all lived on a barge, they insisted that their siblings be introduced to it.

So, we are sitting on barge, gently rocking; part way through the film, at some scene on the farm, the youngest step-child bursts out "I wish we lived somewhere interesting".
As one, everybody turned to look at him, looked around at the interior the barge, looked at each other and decided not to say anything.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 April, 2020, 11:37:02 pm
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

This is a good one. It's waaaay too long though and starts to drag a bit in the last 40 minutes. I knew the identity of the Winter Soldier long before the reveal - there's a fairly big clue early on. Maybe that's why it dragged - it's all a bit predictable. Some good fighty stuff though.

Good to see that Peggy Carter lived long enough to see Captain America come back from the dead. Also kind of sad though.

Another thing I liked was seeing Jenny Agutter kicking ass, even if... <spoiler redacted>

Also liked the smouldering sexual tension between Steve and Natalia. Or is it Harry and Sally?

Probably could check this easily enough if I could be bothered, but am I right in thinking that Nick Fury's epitaph is a nod to Pulp Fiction? That's a nice touch. I do like the humour in these films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 April, 2020, 09:56:13 am
The Ezekiel verse, yeah, it is. Well spotted.

I miss Agent Carter (the TV show), not sure why it disappeared, it was a lot better than the Marvel dirge that Netflix keep shovelling out (I never did get to the end of Luke Cage, ffs, it's supposed to be thrilling and not paced like a three-legged marathon).

I think you have Guardians of the Galaxy next, still one of my faves.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 April, 2020, 10:00:59 am
I think you have Guardians of the Galaxy next, still one of my faves.

Yep. Started watching it last night but was too tired (Winter Soldier drained me). I very much liked the first 20 minutes though!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 April, 2020, 09:25:41 am
Guardians of the Galaxy

Yep, I'm with ian on this one. Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. Made me laugh out loud several times. Great fighty stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bludger on 24 April, 2020, 09:35:08 am
Top Secret! (1984) which was great and I commend it to you all.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 24 April, 2020, 09:41:44 am
Top Secret! (1984) which was great and I commend it to you all.

Oh yes, we watched that for the first time recently and it was absolutely fantastic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 April, 2020, 10:13:12 am
Guardians of the Galaxy

Yep, I'm with ian on this one. Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. Made me laugh out loud several times. Great fighty stuff.

The sequel is also very good. Hopefully, they'll finally get to the third.

You have a couple of movies to go, but the scene in Infinity War where Thor meets the Guardians is wee-leakingly hilarious.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 24 April, 2020, 10:50:23 am
Knives Out a couple of nights ago.

Decent whodunnit with some laugh out loud moments.   Beats Miss Marple.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 April, 2020, 02:27:22 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy

Yep, I'm with ian on this one. Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. Made me laugh out loud several times. Great fighty stuff.

The sequel is also very good. Hopefully, they'll finally get to the third.

I commented to a colleague this morning that I thought GotG was the film Star Wars could have been. And I understand he meets his father in the sequel...

Will there be annoying teddy bears in vol 3?

Talking of Star Wars, I just remembered something that occurred to me while watching Winter Soldier, which is the way they ticked the Fatal Flaw(?) trope* with the helicarriers by leaving the weak spot in an easily accessible spot on the underside, in a Death Star stylee. What is it about the people they employ to design these things? Do you have to be a complete idiot to get the job?

There's also quite a bit of Being Caught Monologuing in all these films (used to great comic effect in GotG).


*Kim, what's the correct name of this trope, please?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 April, 2020, 04:25:59 pm
It's a good point, GotG really is a better version of Star Wars. Hopefully, there's enough fur in v3 with Rocket's homicidal raccoon. We can also hope Groot has cleaned up his foul language as it's unsuitable for younger audiences.

You'd think after the first couple of Deathstars they'd have learned to specify 'no obvious design flaws.'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 24 April, 2020, 07:39:20 pm
To be fair Rogue One does give you the answer to at least one of those questions.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 April, 2020, 11:25:09 pm
Avengers: Age of Ultron

A mixed bag. Lots of good stuff, mostly entertaining and often funny (Hemsworth get the best laughs), but it's far too long and the plot is a garbled mess. How can a film well over two hours long feel so rushed? And yet at the same time, it dragged in places... On the plus side, I'm a big fan of James Spader and he was a great choice for Ultron.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 24 April, 2020, 11:34:24 pm
Ragnarok

Lots of fun. In fact I think it's one of my favourites from the MCU.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 April, 2020, 01:29:44 pm
Ant-Man

So good. So very very good. I remember some here being a bit scathing when it came out. What are you guys on? This is exactly what a superhero film should be in my book. Fun, exciting, just the right level of peril.

Paul Rudd is surprisingly good as an action hero.

Loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 April, 2020, 01:35:27 pm
Ragnarok

Lots of fun. In fact I think it's one of my favourites from the MCU.
Yep, one of my faves too. Looking forward to seeing it again, but this time with the backstory filled in.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 25 April, 2020, 10:32:17 pm
We've just watched The Tree of Life.

Please will someone explain it to me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 26 April, 2020, 05:35:40 am
Zombieland 2, Far more entertaining than it had any right to be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 26 April, 2020, 10:15:28 am
Funeral in Berlin.

Nostalgic Cold War stuff. Ipcress File next.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 26 April, 2020, 10:18:21 am
Black Panther

Fun enough, not my favourite of the MCU but had a few cool bits. Only the second time we've seen it. Missed it at the cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 27 April, 2020, 11:22:15 am
Ant-Man

So good. So very very good. I remember some here being a bit scathing when it came out. What are you guys on? This is exactly what a superhero film should be in my book. Fun, exciting, just the right level of peril.

Paul Rudd is surprisingly good as an action hero.

Loved it.

I loved Ant-Man, Rudd is perfectly cast.

Ultron has some good set pieces, but yeah, was a bit overstuffed. They do a better job of managing the multiple leads in the Infinity War/Endgame than in the earlier attempts.

Civil War is one of my least favourites – it's not bad, but it's a bit laboured in places (the boss-level battle is awesome though).

Dr Strange is one of the meh-er ones too. It suffers a bit because the eponymous hero starts out as a dick and remains like that for much of the movie, that and it's an origin story, so its heavy on the exposition.

But then you've hot GotG 2, which is as awesome as the original.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 27 April, 2020, 02:19:13 pm
Last night we watched Infinity War and lots of fun it was too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 April, 2020, 06:25:09 pm
Dr Strange is one of the meh-er ones too. It suffers a bit because the eponymous hero starts out as a dick and remains like that for much of the movie, that and it's an origin story, so its heavy on the exposition.

Being a dick didn't stop Tony Stark, but yes.  I still liked the film though, because it was pretty.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 27 April, 2020, 07:27:50 pm
The Departed

Martin Scorsese's Boston gangster film. I rather enjoyed it. Great cast including Jack Nicholson, Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, Ray Winston and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Jack Nicholosn hams it up gleefully as usual.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 27 April, 2020, 07:46:13 pm
Dr Strange is one of the meh-er ones too. It suffers a bit because the eponymous hero starts out as a dick and remains like that for much of the movie, that and it's an origin story, so its heavy on the exposition.

Being a dick didn't stop Tony Stark, but yes.  I still liked the film though, because it was pretty.

Yeah, but Tony Stark got over it quite quickly (ok, after umpteen years in a cave) and became a likeable egomaniac.

I liked Dr Strange, it's just, not the best of the canon and I found it opted for a bit too much DC-esque exposition and the entire character redemption arc is a bit old hat (well, it worked for Tony, but that was the first movie of the franchise so it's allowed a pass).
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 April, 2020, 07:42:33 am
Civil War is one of my least favourites – it's not bad, but it's a bit laboured in places (the boss-level battle is awesome though).

Watched Civil War last night. I started watching it before when it was on the telly but got bored with it very quickly. It only makes any sense in the context of the series. There’s no story, just lots of earnest talking broken up by a few big set pieces. Admittedly the trashing of Leipzig airport is lots of fun.

Steve Rogers is just as much a dick as Tony Stark.

One thing I don’t understand: if Zemo was just some random lone wolf, where did he get his resources? And how did he know about the winter soldier programme? Have I missed something?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 April, 2020, 10:03:33 am
No idea, I think the standard nerd get-out-clause for such matters is that it's covered in volume 5, issue 12 of Avengers vs. Pot Noodles #66.

There is an entire SHIELD vs. HYDRA backstory covered in Agents of SHIELD which is occasionally alluded to in the movies.

Hail HYDRA!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 28 April, 2020, 10:08:42 am
I think it says in the film that he found out about the Winter Soldier program from the Hydra data that Black Widow dumped to the internet at the end of The Winter Soldier film.

As for resources I think he was an ex special ops guy or a spy or something. It's only briefly mentioned in the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 April, 2020, 10:54:37 am
I think it says in the film that he found out about the Winter Soldier program from the Hydra data that Black Widow dumped to the internet at the end of The Winter Soldier film.

Yes, that came back to me while I was out on my run this morning. It's mentioned fairly early in the film, and it's so mind-numbingly long that I'd forgotten by the end of it.

Zemo is a canonical character in the comics, apparently, but the film version seems to be only tenuously related.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 April, 2020, 10:55:35 am
Avengers vs. Pot Noodles #66.

I would so watch that film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 April, 2020, 10:59:00 am
All this late conversation reminds me of when Sierra's first graphic game, King's Quest I, came out in the 80s, and virtually immobilized our Support dept. for a couple of weeks.  We'd be sitting round lunch in our usual restaurant saying things such as "you have to take a carrot from the garden to throw across the bridge to get the goat to cross and bring out the troll", with diners at neighbouring tables looking at us as if we were daft.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 April, 2020, 02:17:50 pm
Avengers vs. Pot Noodles #66.

I would so watch that film.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 28 April, 2020, 02:58:59 pm
Civil War is one of my least favourites – it's not bad, but it's a bit laboured in places (the boss-level battle is awesome though).

Watched Civil War last night. I started watching it before when it was on the telly but got bored with it very quickly. It only makes any sense in the context of the series. There’s no story, just lots of earnest talking broken up by a few big set pieces. Admittedly the trashing of Leipzig airport is lots of fun.

Steve Rogers is just as much a dick as Tony Stark.

One thing I don’t understand: if Zemo was just some random lone wolf, where did he get his resources? And how did he know about the winter soldier programme? Have I missed something?

Just to check are you watching to the end of the credits on each of them for the clues ?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 April, 2020, 03:35:22 pm
Just to check are you watching to the end of the credits on each of them for the clues ?

Yes, but I may have forgotten something important... Did Zemo appear in one of those? I did get the vague feeling I'd seen the character before.

Daniel Brühl was in Goodbye Lenin, which is a really lovely film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 April, 2020, 03:36:30 pm
Avengers vs. Pot Noodles #66.

I would so watch that film.

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 April, 2020, 04:49:32 pm
Once Upon a Time in London, on Netflux.  The history of Billy Hill & Jack "the Spot" Comer, who started up organized crime in London - Billy Hill was godfather to the Krays before he retired to Morocco.  Got the impression that it had been whittled down from something much longer, several scenes being context-free and seemingly meaningless, e.g. a bloke running away from a copper and being brought down by same and three other blokes in Army uniform. You couldn't tell who the bloke was and it didn't tie in with anything upstream or downstream.  Shame, for although it wasn't the kind of story the title suggests, it was interesting enough.
Bill Hilly and Spotty both feature in the early series of GF Newman's "The Corrupted", which I mentioned on the "What's worth listening to on the radio" thread.  Until I saw either Once Upon a Time in London or another docu-drama film I'd assumed they were fictional. (The Corrupted intertwines fictional and real life villains)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 April, 2020, 05:05:09 pm
Once Upon a Time in London, on Netflux.  The history of Billy Hill & Jack "the Spot" Comer, who started up organized crime in London - Billy Hill was godfather to the Krays before he retired to Morocco.  Got the impression that it had been whittled down from something much longer, several scenes being context-free and seemingly meaningless, e.g. a bloke running away from a copper and being brought down by same and three other blokes in Army uniform. You couldn't tell who the bloke was and it didn't tie in with anything upstream or downstream.  Shame, for although it wasn't the kind of story the title suggests, it was interesting enough.
Bill Hilly and Spotty both feature in the early series of GF Newman's "The Corrupted", which I mentioned on the "What's worth listening to on the radio" thread.  Until I saw either Once Upon a Time in London or another docu-drama film I'd assumed they were fictional. (The Corrupted intertwines fictional and real life villains)

The film is rather more friendly to Hill than he deserves.

(click to show/hide)

In reality he was just as bad as the Krays and the Richardsons.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 28 April, 2020, 09:47:52 pm
Just to check are you watching to the end of the credits on each of them for the clues ?

Yes, but I may have forgotten something important... Did Zemo appear in one of those? I did get the vague feeling I'd seen the character before.

Daniel Brühl was in Goodbye Lenin, which is a really lovely film.

Sorry, I was being a bit more general.  I agree Zemo just turned up from nowhere and was dismissed pretty quickly.

Bruhl was also very good as Niki Lauda in Rush.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 28 April, 2020, 10:56:27 pm
Spider-Man: Homecoming - breaking with the running order slightly but I just fancied this one tonight.

It's very enjoyable indeed, highly entertaining... but way, way too long. Could have lost about 40 minutes easily enough. Michael Keaton is a great bad dude. I can't accept Marisa Tomei being old enough to play Aunt May. That makes me feel old. She has aged much better than me though.

Glad there's no dwelling on the back story. That has been done to death and we really don't need to see it again - I think one of the reasons I didn't watch this one first time round was the "Not another Spider-Man reboot?" feeling. But it really does enough to justify its existence.

There are obviously lots of nods to classic teen movies (explicitly to Ferris Bueller) but the one it probably reminded me of most was the original Teen Wolf.

Good to see they acknowledge the aftermath of previous films with the New York clear-up too.

Really good post-credits clip.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 April, 2020, 11:11:50 pm
Donne moi des ailes / Spread Your Wings (2019)

Competent but completely unnecessary French remake of Fly Away Home.  The original has better geese.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 April, 2020, 09:54:05 am
We did Spiderman: Homecoming at the weekend, this under a misapprehension it was Far from Home, but by that the time we had the DVD spinning we couldn't be bothered with another game of hunt the disk (probably good, it seems we don't have it, must have streamed it).

I remember the first time it came out thinking the oh no, not again but yeah, it thankfully skips the origin story, and plays it in a classic teen movie style. They should have done a Michael J Fox cameo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 10:22:02 am
They should have done a Michael J Fox cameo.

Yep, that would have been good. Also James Spader (if only he hadn't been in Ultron) or Rob Lowe. Or Matthew Broderick (as well as the brief clip of Ferris Bueller in Homecoming, there's also a nice reference to War Games in Winter Soldier when they get trapped in the bunker with a disembodied Toby Jones.)

I thought the dude playing Flash was an obvious homage to Judd Nelson in Breakfast Club. And Michelle is so very obviously modelled on Ally Sheedy.

Almost a surprise they didn't cast Winona Ryder as Aunt May. Marisa Tomei is better anyway.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 April, 2020, 10:59:34 am
I have long welcomed the suspicion that anything with Marisa Tomei is going to be better. Winona would have been a good bet (she's good as the fragile, cranky mum in Stranger Things).

Back in the day, when I used to cycle through the Beckenham borders past Ringwald Close, I'd always shout MOLLY! (OK, don't spoil it by telling me it's spelt Ringwold.)

Apropos of nothing, the MJ Fox episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the best bits of TV ever
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 April, 2020, 11:05:36 am
I have long welcomed the suspicion that anything with Marisa Tomei is going to be better. Winona would have been a good bet (she's good as the fragile, cranky mum in Stranger Things).

Back in the day, when I used to cycle through the Beckenham borders past Ringwald Close, I'd always shout MOLLY! (OK, don't spoil it by telling me it's spelt Ringwold.)

Apropos of nothing, the MJ Fox episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the best bits of TV ever

On a related note, the Marisa Tomei episodes of Seinfeld are among my very favourites.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 April, 2020, 11:56:53 am
I wish I had had the foresight to save copies of the poems wot my erstwhile* chum Samfast wrote when Winona Ryder got done for shoplifting.  The only bit I can remember:

Winona, Winona
The judge had a bona
But couldn't condona
Your thieving persona

* he emigrated to Captain Cook's Mistake
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 April, 2020, 01:27:25 pm
Salyut 7 (2017)

Competent Russian dramatisation of the Soyuz T-13 mission.  I found the combination of high-quality special effects and attention to technical detail jarred with the serious over-egging[1] of the story for dramatic reasons; you're never sure whether you're watching Apollo 13 or Armageddon.  On the other hand, the drama of the real events would likely be lost on a non-technical audience, and you've got to admire the whole thing as a set-up for...

(click to show/hide)


[1] They did at least borrow some elements from other space disasters.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 May, 2020, 08:25:47 am
Dr Strange is one of the meh-er ones too. It suffers a bit because the eponymous hero starts out as a dick and remains like that for much of the movie, that and it's an origin story, so its heavy on the exposition.

Being a dick didn't stop Tony Stark, but yes.  I still liked the film though, because it was pretty.

Dr Strange stands up well to repeat viewing (or it did last night at least). Yes, it does feel a lot like retreading old ground - it's like a mash-up of Iron Man, The Matrix and Inception, but it's done very well indeed. The visuals are wonderfully trippily spectacular too - yes, very pretty indeed - kind of wish I'd seen this one in the cinema. And Benedict Cumberbatch is brilliant - it's great when you have a Proper Act-Or playing these roles and doing it perfectly straight as if it's Hamlet or something. Tilda Swinton and Chiwetel Ejiofor too. Marvellous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: numbnuts on 03 May, 2020, 11:58:22 am
Contagion  :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 03 May, 2020, 12:16:15 pm
The Full Monty. Caught the beginning by accident, and sat through it. It was quick and funny. And apparently the script was written by the guy who later wrote Slumdog Millionaire.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 04 May, 2020, 10:45:34 am
Contagion  :o

We did the plague porn weekend with Outbreak and Contagion. The latter is pretty much on the mark (and a reminder that in many ways we're dodging a bullet with Covid-19).

I don't remember enjoying Dr Strange so much (the visuals where very good on the Imax though), might have to revisit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 May, 2020, 01:12:32 pm
Outbreak is enjoyable in much the same way that Volcano is.

Wikinaccurate informs me that Outbreak was to be the Armageddon to an abandoned-in-pre-production film adaptation of The Hot Zone's Deep Impact.  So we only got the silly one.

It was also fresh in our teenage memories when my dad returned from Sudan with a polystyrene box covered in biohazard stickers (in those days, such things were quickly waved through airport security to avoid inspection).  It was sitting on our kitchen floor when a visiting friend of mine happened to enquire as to what it was.  My dad proceeded to channel his inner Dustin Hoffman and open the lid, revealing an array of blood and CSF samples in billowing dry ice fog, and made some remark to the effect that it  "Might be the 'flu, might be the next Zaire ebolavirus, we won't know till we get it to the lab."

(click to show/hide)

This was regarded as the coolest thing since that time I fixed another friend's computer by thumping it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 04 May, 2020, 01:20:12 pm
Extraction

On Netflix, with 'Thor' in the antihero lead role.  Thought it was well done.   Pretty violent of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 04 May, 2020, 02:06:01 pm
Outbreak wasn't as bad as I remembered. Donald Sutherland is the epitome evil military type. Morgan Freeman, whatever that man says is the truth. If the neutrinos are about to mutate*, I want to hear it from him.

Contagion was bit too close to the truth (some dramatic licence, but it's actually well done).

*everyone laughs at this, but they do change flavour, from salt and vinegar to cheese and onion and prawn cocktail.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 May, 2020, 02:19:22 pm
Netflix France have removed Contagion. Shame, I've only watched it 3 times.  They do have another called 93 Days, though, about a real Ebola outbreak in Nigeria.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 May, 2020, 04:21:17 pm
Extraction

On Netflix, with 'Thor' in the antihero lead role.  Thought it was well done.   Pretty violent of course.

I watched that. No glamour in the violence, getting stabbed, punched, hurts and is bloody messy.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 04 May, 2020, 04:59:36 pm
I finally got round to watching The Matrix. Underwhelming. The main thing was seeing all the tech gear - mobile phones mainly - that would have been cutting edge in 1999 that are now so old hat.

The Godfather - again, The Director's cut, though I couldn't see the difference. Great cinema, albeit on a 43" screen, but YKWIM.

Tonight it's Three Colours White. Out of sequence, but I need to watch it - again - for an assignment I'm going to do.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 May, 2020, 12:57:42 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2

Entertaining enough but not as outrageously enjoyable as Vol 1. Baby Groot is good. Kurt Russell is good. The Gamora vs Nebula sibling rivalry thing is good. The useless Sovereign are good. Rocket felt less convincing as a character than in the first instalment. The ending was a bit predictable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 May, 2020, 01:37:29 pm
I finally got round to watching The Matrix. Underwhelming. The main thing was seeing all the tech gear - mobile phones mainly - that would have been cutting edge in 1999 that are now so old hat.

There's a film that aged so badly that the innovative and initially spectacular 'bullet time' effect was old by about halfway through watching it.

Some of it's iconic 90s cyberpunk.  The rest is contrived philosophy, transgender allegory, guns, lots of guns and lashings and lashings of Buddhist woo.

The Nokia 7110 was pretty cool tho.  And it had a better screensaver than Galaxy Quest.

Shame they never made a sequel. (https://xkcd.com/566/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 05 May, 2020, 02:11:33 pm
I paid £5 for the Blu-Ray box set, but I'm not sure I want to sit through the sequels...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 May, 2020, 02:24:04 pm
I still love the original Matrix and will happily watch it over and over.

I'm not aware of any sequels.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 May, 2020, 04:25:24 pm
Be happy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 05 May, 2020, 04:31:32 pm
I still love the original Matrix and will happily watch it over and over.

I'm not aware of any sequels.
Horses for courses, I just found it rather overblown.

I don't know about sequel being the correct word, but I was talking about Matrix Reloaded & Matrix Revolutions. Or I could be missing out on an in joke...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 May, 2020, 04:40:52 pm
I still love The Matrix, but yeah, the sequels. It's dated certainly, but in a cool way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 May, 2020, 05:18:55 pm
Matrix Reloaded & Matrix Revolutions

Nope. Never heard of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 May, 2020, 05:27:40 pm
I think they might have happened. But then I woke up, and it was all just a terrible dream. The End.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 05 May, 2020, 05:38:06 pm
I think The Matrix was the film that was on when I flew to the States or somewhere for work. The aircraft was so noisy that I didn't hear any of the dialogue, which made it really hard to figure out what was going on. So I had to watch it again another time, just to find out. I rather enjoyed it, though the sequel(s) weren't so good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 May, 2020, 05:50:15 pm
I think we need to be clear. There are no Matrix sequels. Some people might have dreamed them, but they didn't happen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 May, 2020, 06:46:40 pm
The Matrix sequels are just something that Adam Savage made up to pad his CV.  Trufax.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 May, 2020, 06:47:51 pm
Or I could be missing out on an in joke...

I don't think it counts as an in-joke when it's explained four posts up...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 05 May, 2020, 11:14:27 pm
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

This unit recommends it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 May, 2020, 08:28:00 am
Started going through all the Star Wars movies, now that Ep 9 is out on Disney+.
Ep I is not terrible apart from Anakin. Ep II & III are dire. Actually, underlying story isn't bad, but the acting,directing and editing is *awful*.

Solo isn't out on Disney+ yet, so will watch Rogue One next.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 May, 2020, 11:09:16 am
Started going through all the Star Wars movies, now that Ep 9 is out on Disney+.
Ep I is not terrible apart from Anakin. Ep II & III are dire. Actually, underlying story isn't bad, but the acting,directing and editing is *awful*.

Solo isn't out on Disney+ yet, so will watch Rogue One next.
Surely Jar Jar Binks is the worst thing about Phantom Menace? That and the whole tiresome trade wars plot.

As for 2 & 3... I can only assume Hayden Christensen got the part because he has some compromising pictures of George Lucas.

Retrofitting origins stories is always going to be a bit clunky, and the real problem with the Star Wars prequels is that there’s no compelling narrative need in the original films to fill in the gaps in Darth Vader’s back story. In fact, doing so totally undermines the dramatic impact of the key revelatory moment in Empire Strikes Back - I still recall being gobsmacked by that when I saw it in the cinema for the first time as a kid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 08 May, 2020, 11:29:39 am
I am not aware of any Star Wars prequel trilogy.





;)
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 May, 2020, 12:07:03 pm
I am not aware of any Star Wars prequel trilogy.

:politeapplause:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 May, 2020, 01:17:53 pm
Started going through all the Star Wars movies, now that Ep 9 is out on Disney+.
Ep I is not terrible apart from Anakin. Ep II & III are dire. Actually, underlying story isn't bad, but the acting,directing and editing is *awful*.

Solo isn't out on Disney+ yet, so will watch Rogue One next.
Surely you can't omit the Ewok movie? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caravan_of_Courage:_An_Ewok_Adventure (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caravan_of_Courage:_An_Ewok_Adventure)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 May, 2020, 06:22:13 pm
I am not aware of any Star Wars prequel trilogy.
;)

Haha, yeah, I've been ignoring their existence for years as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 09 May, 2020, 09:32:19 pm
The Worlds Fastest Indian again.  I love that film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 09 May, 2020, 10:00:54 pm
As we've finished our Marvel runthrough we watched Angel Has Fallen.

Third in the X Has Fallen franchise.

It was pretty formulaic and the twists... well they weren't but good fun overall. Probably not worth watching again unlike the first one which we've seen a couple times but a fine film for a lazy evening with chocolate and beer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 May, 2020, 11:04:51 pm
Phase IV (1974)

I love 70s science fiction films, and since the ALC AGM meet at Kingsbury isn't happening, it seemed appropriate...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 10 May, 2020, 11:14:51 pm
Phase IV (1974)

I love 70s science fiction films, and since the ALC AGM meet at Kingsbury isn't happening, it seemed appropriate...

That's the one with the ants that, if memory serves, is more like a weird journal/documentary than a drama in style, isn't it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 May, 2020, 11:39:04 pm
Phase IV (1974)

I love 70s science fiction films, and since the ALC AGM meet at Kingsbury isn't happening, it seemed appropriate...

That's the one with the ants that, if memory serves, is more like a weird journal/documentary than a drama in style, isn't it?

That's the one.

In summary:  Geometry good.  Unilaterally declaring inter-species war bad.  70s computers bad above 90°F (whatever that is in gas marks).  Super-intelligent ants neutral.  Don't get trigger-happy with the multi-coloured fire extinguishers.  And above all, channel the camping wisdom of SmallestCub.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 10 May, 2020, 11:53:01 pm
I think I've seen that in the dim & distant past , but got it momentarily confused with "Bug" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_(1975_film)  based on "The Hephaestus Plague" .  Not the sort of insects you want to encounter while camping.  Worse than earwigs.....


https://thecurmudgeonly.blogspot.com/2006/10/hephaestus-plague.html
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Karla on 11 May, 2020, 12:24:57 am
I finally got round to watching The Matrix. Underwhelming. The main thing was seeing all the tech gear - mobile phones mainly - that would have been cutting edge in 1999 that are now so old hat.

There's a film that aged so badly that the innovative and initially spectacular 'bullet time' effect was old by about halfway through watching it.

Some of it's iconic 90s cyberpunk.  The rest is contrived philosophy, transgender allegory, guns, lots of guns and lashings and lashings of Buddhist woo.

The Nokia 7110 was pretty cool tho.  And it had a better screensaver than Galaxy Quest.

Shame they never made a sequel. (https://xkcd.com/566/)

It was so nice to see Neuromancer get a proper filming  ;D

Problem was, they'd included enough stuff from the other two books that they couldn't then film them afterwards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 May, 2020, 08:16:13 am
Phase IV (1974)

I love 70s science fiction films, and since the ALC AGM meet at Kingsbury isn't happening, it seemed appropriate...

Have you tried Without Warning (https://youtu.be/EmIWcQBv9eQ)?

Not quite 70s, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 11 May, 2020, 09:37:47 am
Den of Thieves on Saturday night.

I thought it was very Heat most of the way through and then ended up a bit Usual Suspects.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 May, 2020, 11:08:10 am
Started going through all the Star Wars movies, now that Ep 9 is out on Disney+.
Ep I is not terrible apart from Anakin. Ep II & III are dire. Actually, underlying story isn't bad, but the acting,directing and editing is *awful*.

Solo isn't out on Disney+ yet, so will watch Rogue One next.
Surely Jar Jar Binks is the worst thing about Phantom Menace? That and the whole tiresome trade wars plot.

As for 2 & 3... I can only assume Hayden Christensen got the part because he has some compromising pictures of George Lucas.

Retrofitting origins stories is always going to be a bit clunky, and the real problem with the Star Wars prequels is that there’s no compelling narrative need in the original films to fill in the gaps in Darth Vader’s back story. In fact, doing so totally undermines the dramatic impact of the key revelatory moment in Empire Strikes Back - I still recall being gobsmacked by that when I saw it in the cinema for the first time as a kid.

I've not been brave enough to venture into the Star Wars prequels. I just remember the cringing of the first one, the annoying kid vs. Jar Jar. After that it was a journey into the pointless. I can't remember much about II and III other than that pointlessness, did we need a laboured origin story for Darth? No.

The new batch aren't much better and a missed opportunity. The final one wasn't awful, but the first was a fairly pointless retread of the original Stars Wars and the middle was terrible, some kind of completely suspenseless space chase with an entirely pointless side plot cribbed from the Empire Strikes Back (where it had a point).

We watched Justice League which, as I had vaguely remembered, a lot better than the laboured Death of Superman. They're finally starting to cut back on those ponderous, dragging scenes and introduce some humour into the mix.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 May, 2020, 01:53:22 pm
Started going through all the Star Wars movies, now that Ep 9 is out on Disney+.
Ep I is not terrible apart from Anakin. Ep II & III are dire. Actually, underlying story isn't bad, but the acting,directing and editing is *awful*.

Solo isn't out on Disney+ yet, so will watch Rogue One next.
Surely Jar Jar Binks is the worst thing about Phantom Menace? That and the whole tiresome trade wars plot.

As for 2 & 3... I can only assume Hayden Christensen got the part because he has some compromising pictures of George Lucas.

Retrofitting origins stories is always going to be a bit clunky, and the real problem with the Star Wars prequels is that there’s no compelling narrative need in the original films to fill in the gaps in Darth Vader’s back story. In fact, doing so totally undermines the dramatic impact of the key revelatory moment in Empire Strikes Back - I still recall being gobsmacked by that when I saw it in the cinema for the first time as a kid.

I've not been brave enough to venture into the Star Wars prequels. I just remember the cringing of the first one, the annoying kid vs. Jar Jar. After that it was a journey into the pointless. I can't remember much about II and III other than that pointlessness, did we need a laboured origin story for Darth? No.

The new batch aren't much better and a missed opportunity. The final one wasn't awful, but the first was a fairly pointless retread of the original Stars Wars and the middle was terrible, some kind of completely suspenseless space chase with an entirely pointless side plot cribbed from the Empire Strikes Back (where it had a point).

We watched Justice League which, as I had vaguely remembered, a lot better than the laboured Death of Superman. They're finally starting to cut back on those ponderous, dragging scenes and introduce some humour into the mix.

The only really watchable not episodes IV to VI is Rogue One.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 May, 2020, 01:57:11 pm
That Han Solo spinoff wasn't bad, either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 11 May, 2020, 02:09:58 pm
Cos not bad or cos Emilia?

 ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 May, 2020, 03:19:56 pm
I fell asleep in Solo, so can't comment. I really enjoyed Rogue One though, that was precisely what they should have aimed for with the reboot, a proper adventure yarn with decent characters that just happened to be in space.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 May, 2020, 06:09:35 pm
We watched Justice League which, as I had vaguely remembered, a lot better than the laboured Death of Superman. They're finally starting to cut back on those ponderous, dragging scenes and introduce some humour into the mix.

Justice league is easily the worst superhero movie made since the 70s., well forver. Despite multiple warnings, I still didn't lower my expectations enough and was disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 17 May, 2020, 02:46:24 pm
Shackleton's Captain on Amazon Prime.  I didnt know the full story of the ill-fated expedition, this "docurama" was a brilliant way of telling the story.   Thoroughly recommend.

and..
Coherence on Amazon Prime.  Very confusing and enjoyable sci-fi thriller.  If you like your films with a quantum physics / schrodingers cat bent, this is for you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 May, 2020, 04:06:01 pm
The Matrix sequels are just something that Adam Savage made up to pad his CV.  Trufax.
Urban legend has it that they were needed to pay for Larry's op.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 17 May, 2020, 06:47:52 pm
“What We Do In The Shadows”, the original Kiwi version. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 20 May, 2020, 06:11:21 am
Pulp Fiction, my wife had never seen it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 23 May, 2020, 09:50:06 pm
Thor Ragnarok

Brilliant. So very very funny. There must have been so much I either missed or didn't appreciate first time round.

Cate Blanchett is great. So is Jeff Goldblum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 May, 2020, 08:24:22 am
I must admit that the way they have twisted Norse mythology really irks me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 May, 2020, 09:40:32 am
It's not real you know, Jacob.

I loved Ragnarok, definitely duking it out the GoGT as my favourite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 May, 2020, 10:04:58 am
Oceans Thirteen (or it might have been 14).

You know what is going to happen. Then it happens, and there are a few jokes. It’s nice seeing the Fountains of Fallatio again though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 26 May, 2020, 02:36:23 pm
Paddington. I enjoyed it. We might watch Paddington 2 sometime.
I know I read at least some of the books when I was little but I can't remember anything about them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 04 June, 2020, 10:48:34 pm
Driven- dramatisation of the downfall of John DeLorean.

I found it to be a really good film. Don't know what level of accuracy though.

Still a beautiful car.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nobby on 05 June, 2020, 08:46:16 am
The Drop for the fourth time.
Wonderful acting between the two main characters and a British rather than American 'tone' to the making of the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SoreTween on 05 June, 2020, 09:32:57 pm
Driven- dramatisation of the downfall of John DeLorean.

I found it to be a really good film. Don't know what level of accuracy though.

Still a beautiful car.
Seconded, both the film and the car.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 05 June, 2020, 11:10:05 pm
Ready Player One. Having read the book myself a year or so ago. And my partner having not.

And we both liked it. Not a great film (or book) by any stretch but surely enjoyable enough.

And yeah, all the 80s references are very in your face but that's part of what it's about so it's odd that that's what people complain about. :shrug:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 06 June, 2020, 08:51:01 am
I read the book once and agreed with your assessment ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 June, 2020, 08:49:09 pm
Ready Player One. Having read the book myself a year or so ago. And my partner having not.

And we both liked it. Not a great film (or book) by any stretch but surely enjoyable enough.

And yeah, all the 80s references are very in your face but that's part of what it's about so it's odd that that's what people complain about. :shrug:

Some people are a bit odd. A movie that's about 80s pop culture is filled with 80s pop culture references. Who knew. That said, they'd probably watch p0rn and complain that it's full of nudity.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 07 June, 2020, 12:12:19 pm
Probably. We got about half way through Wolf of Wall Street last night and gave up at the lack of story-line, and the constant everything else. We watched Gremlins instead. That was much better ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 June, 2020, 02:35:36 pm
Keen to wrap up the last leg of the MCU marathon so have had a couple of days of proper bingeing...

Black Panther - very enjoyable the second time round. And possibly even more relevant now than it was when it first came out.

Infinity War - much better than I was expecting, but still a sprawling mess that feels a bit weighed down by too many storylines. Good fighty stuff, though, and properly laugh out loud funny at times - especially the bits involving Thor and the Guardians (yes, ian, you were right about that). I think I've become more invested in the whole MCU thing than I would care to admit, because I felt genuinely upset by the ending - albeit mitigated by the sense that Dr Strange has a plan up his wizard's sleeve... and knowing that there are/will be subsequent films involving these characters.
(click to show/hide)

Ant-Man and The Wasp - so much fun. Perfect antidote to Infinity War, not least for the way it scales it down to much smaller stakes. I laughed a lot - especially at the truth serum scenes. Great fights and car chases too.
(click to show/hide)

Will do Captain Marvel later, maybe Endgame as well, and possibly even Far From Home if I have the energy... well, I've got a few days off work so don't have to get up tomorrow, so why not?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 07 June, 2020, 05:32:22 pm
We finally got our copy of ‘Best In Show’ back from the neighbours and we watched it again last night. Still highly excellent. ‘... hazel nuts, pine nuts, macadamia nuts ...’ :-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 June, 2020, 10:40:35 pm
The dead Don't Die (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8695030/) A tongue in cheek take on the zombie apocolypse.

lots of little, easy to miss details to make you chuckle.

This unit recommends it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 07 June, 2020, 10:53:50 pm
“What We Do In The Shadows”, the original Kiwi version. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Just watched it tonight- thought I'd better get round to seeing the film and series one of the TV version, what with series two about to start. Jolly good indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SiD on 07 June, 2020, 11:29:16 pm
I recently watch Le Samouraï with Alain Delon
Been meaning to watch it for ages and finally found it on YouTube and clicked through.

Apart from one fight scene it was appalling - I couldn't make nor head nor tail of it.
It bore no resemblance to the plot I'd read about. "Typical French New Wave shite…" I thought.
Sat through it until the credits - I then realised I had watched the wrong film - turns out I watched a film called "Jeff" with Alain Delon.
Don't be a dick. Don't watch Jeff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 June, 2020, 11:47:18 pm
Sat through it until the credits - I then realised I had watched the wrong film - turns out I watched a film called "Jeff" with Alain Delon.
Don't be a dick. Don't watch Jeff.

 ;D

Was confused for a minute there - Le Samouraï really is a great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 June, 2020, 09:12:55 am
Captain Marvel - Wonderful, really enjoyed this one immensely. Was a bit puzzled at first, thinking, "Eh? Weren't the Kree the bad guys in that other film?" but then it all fell into place... Top marks for a proper Girl Power story that didn't feel at all like a box-ticking exercise. And I'm never going to trust another cat ever again.

Endgame - Underwhelmed. Just as part of the reason Ant-Man is good is because the stakes are relatively low, Endgame is bad because the stakes are waaaaaay too high. And then it all works out OK thanks to Tony Stark inventing a high-tech device for jumping over sharks, with a proper Lord of the Rings battle at the end. Meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: numbnuts on 08 June, 2020, 09:16:43 am
The Last Samurai
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 June, 2020, 10:32:07 am
Captain Marvel - Wonderful, really enjoyed this one immensely. Was a bit puzzled at first, thinking, "Eh? Weren't the Kree the bad guys in that other film?" but then it all fell into place... Top marks for a proper Girl Power story that didn't feel at all like a box-ticking exercise. And I'm never going to trust another cat ever again.

Endgame - Underwhelmed. Just as part of the reason Ant-Man is good is because the stakes are relatively low, Endgame is bad because the stakes are waaaaaay too high. And then it all works out OK thanks to Tony Stark inventing a high-tech device for jumping over sharks, with a proper Lord of the Rings battle at the end. Meh.

Oh, I liked Endgame, it was always going to teeter on the pinnacle of high expectation and as battles go, it was pretty awesome. And even if you saw it coming, the Captain America ending was nice. Both Infinity War and Endgame could and should have been a mess of competing characters and storylines, so I think somehow giving it any sense of order is a feat. And there really had to a be shark hurdle to make it all work, unless they were going to stay dead.

I hope you enjoyed the gesture comedy in Captain Marvel, her 'oh really's are perfect. I loved Antman and the Wasp too, though the best bits are Michael Peña's extemporisations.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 June, 2020, 11:08:59 am
And there really had to a be shark hurdle to make it all work, unless they were going to stay dead.

That's the fundamental problem with the film - and it's a problem they gave themselves to deal with by making Thanos too powerful. I tend to think that any storyline that requires time travel and/or bringing back characters from the dead to achieve a satisfactory ending is a failure. (NB the best Doctor Who stories don't generally rely on time travel as a plot device.)

Also - and I've said this before about other films/TV series - I'm one of those people for whom massive battle scenes really do nothing at all. I find them spectacularly boring.

But yes, the Captain America ending was nice. Probably one of the best things about the film, tbh.

Quote
I hope you enjoyed the gesture comedy in Captain Marvel, her 'oh really's are perfect. I loved Antman and the Wasp too, though the best bits are Michael Peña's extemporisations.

Brie Larson is superb. I don't recall ever seeing her in anything before, but she is really very very good, so I shall keep an eye out for her in other things. Although, imdb tells me she was in Kong: Skull Island, which I also enjoyed. I just don't remember her in that for some reason. Several other MCU stalwarts in that as well.

And yes, Michael Peña's answer to the question "Where is Scott Lang?" properly had me in stitches.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 June, 2020, 09:30:35 pm
I thought the battle scene wasn't overlong – I'd normally share your boredom, I think I died during LoTR then I realised that I'd not been so lucky, I was resurrected and it was still happening. They packed it in quite tight without needed to make it half-a-movie long.

They'd boxed themselves in with the time travel, but that was always going to happen post Dr Strange.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 08 June, 2020, 10:37:06 pm
True, at least the battle scene wasn't too drawn out.

Rounded it off with Spider-Man: Far From Home tonight. Another good one. I like the whole "fake news" thing. Satire, innit.

Now the wait for Black Widow to be released, whenever that may be...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 10 June, 2020, 10:36:58 pm
1917. Very good indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 June, 2020, 08:02:11 am
Vertigo.  Saw this soon after it came out, but being 11 at the time I couldn't make much of it.  It's aged pretty well, considering.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 11 June, 2020, 03:55:58 pm
Dating Amber on Prime. Funny, feel good.   A gay guy and lesbian girl date each other to escape the hassle in school.  Some very funny scenes in school.  Like an adult Gregorys Girl in many ways.

Edit : Had to rewatch with the Mrs as she missed the ending. I forgot to mention that theres quite a few nice bike based scenes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 14 June, 2020, 07:39:09 am
Vertigo.  Saw this soon after it came out, but being 11 at the time I couldn't make much of it.  It's aged pretty well, considering.

DEfinitely, I'd argue that most of those Hitchcock classics have aged well.  Rope is another good one.

Watched Birdman last night, I can see exactly why it had the oscar nominations, and can't think of a better film I've seen recently. 

For all the hype over 1917, I though the plot fairly dull and couldn't really relate to the two characters, in that respect it was much like one of the old Fighting Fantasy books - which choice will you make, shell hole to the left, or the dark forbidding tunnel?  It was only really the cinematography that saved it for me.  Maybe we've all just had too much of the upping of the horrors of war from Saving Pvt Ryan, to Hacksaw Ridge and now this.

Birdman by contrast was far more engaging, far more depth of character and more to empathise with and get your teeth into.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 June, 2020, 09:02:38 am
Vertigo.  Saw this soon after it came out, but being 11 at the time I couldn't make much of it.  It's aged pretty well, considering.

DEfinitely, I'd argue that most of those Hitchcock classics have aged well.  Rope is another good one.

Watched Birdman last night, I can see exactly why it had the oscar nominations, and can't think of a better film I've seen recently. 

For all the hype over 1917, I though the plot fairly dull and couldn't really relate to the two characters, in that respect it was much like one of the old Fighting Fantasy books - which choice will you make, shell hole to the left, or the dark forbidding tunnel?  It was only really the cinematography that saved it for me.  Maybe we've all just had too much of the upping of the horrors of war from Saving Pvt Ryan, to Hacksaw Ridge and now this.

Birdman by contrast was far more engaging, far more depth of character and more to empathise with and get your teeth into.

Haven't seen 1917 and am not bothered about seeing it. Agree completely about Birdman, it's delightful.  I find you can enjoy it just as much the 3rd or 4th time round, too, a bit like music.

It reminded me of a book called The Flying Yorkshireman that I read years ago.  Must have a look for it.

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT3YFay0WgAX79k3TSPJBX_uM5enn1CO5yfIVbeAeiTE4denw8s)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 20 June, 2020, 08:04:32 pm
Silver Linings.  I thought this was excellent. A rom-com with Bradley Cooper (who was really good surprisingly) and Jenifer Lawrence
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 20 June, 2020, 08:11:51 pm
Tehran Taboo a “rotoscoped” animation - to give the actors some protection - set in Tehran in the time of Khomeini. Some moments of humour, but ultimately rather bleak. See also Waltzing with Bashir.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 22 June, 2020, 02:01:01 pm
Paddington 2. Also good fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 22 June, 2020, 08:24:52 pm
We watched St Trinians (the remake) last week. Not sure they could get away with some of the jokes now, but good fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 28 June, 2020, 06:35:53 am
Gemini Man. It's quite bad. Ang Lee has fallen far.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 June, 2020, 04:01:50 pm
Jay and Silent Bob reeboot. Nowhere near as awful as it should have been ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 June, 2020, 11:11:39 pm
Dating Amber (2020)

A bittersweet Irish version of Get Real, with "Fish are nature's pot noodles" instead of "We've got to get back to Basingstoke!"

Contains pretty much every being-a-teenager-in-the-90s trope going.  Teenagers: This is exactly what it was like, and I suggest you continue your historical research with the 1980s documentary Kung Fury.

I was particularly impressed with the blank-faced disappointed mother.  Sadly, they're less accepting in real life.

May contain CDCs or traces of CDCs.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 30 June, 2020, 08:14:39 pm
Dating Amber (2020)

A bittersweet Irish version of Get Real, with "Fish are nature's pot noodles" instead of "We've got to get back to Basingstoke!"

Contains pretty much every being-a-teenager-in-the-90s trope going.  Teenagers: This is exactly what it was like, and I suggest you continue your historical research with the 1980s documentary Kung Fury.

I was particularly impressed with the blank-faced disappointed mother.  Sadly, they're less accepting in real life.

May contain CDCs or traces of CDCs.

(click to show/hide)
Wow. My preferred mainstream film reviewers really rate this - so if Kim also likes it, we may have a winner here ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 June, 2020, 08:52:35 pm
There's also a bike in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 July, 2020, 08:29:22 am
My preferred mainstream film reviewers

Not Peter Bradshaw then? He wasn’t a fan. Called it “derivative”.

Which is a bit like complaining that Sunshine On Leith has too many Proclaimers songs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 01 July, 2020, 09:15:31 am
Jojo Rabbit . So dark and so funny.

Second World War satire with some wonderful young actors and Scarlett Johansson wearing great shoes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 July, 2020, 10:59:47 am
Paul. Could watch it again tonight, too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 04 July, 2020, 08:02:48 am
Last week Trumbo, I thought I was great in that the subversive activity only started after the blacklisting for the non-existant subversive activity. Wife didn't like it as she didn't understand the historical context

This week, Passengers, loved the premise and the final ambiguity, could have easily dwindled away to nothingness but managed to hold on, just.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 July, 2020, 08:36:53 am
Paul. Could watch it again tonight, too.

And we did.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 04 July, 2020, 08:49:57 am
Parasite.

Very  very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 July, 2020, 10:59:27 am
It's telling that when you google parasite you immediately get a page of links to the film and not a thing about liver fluke, tape-worm, filariasis, Madura foot, Cummings, etc.  Oh, one forlorn link about Floridian water-snakes.  Google is shit these days.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 04 July, 2020, 03:04:09 pm
The Double Life of Veronique. It's been ages since I watched this and I enjoyed it muchly. Irene Jacob plays both roles well and adds gravitas to the whole film. OTOH, I don't think it stands up to comparison with the Three Colours Films, but I'm about to find that out by watching those again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 04 July, 2020, 09:25:48 pm
Super Eruption. Engagingly and compellingly awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 05 July, 2020, 12:10:07 am
We've just watched Eurovision on the strength of the BBC review. Good fun :)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53217853
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 July, 2020, 09:13:22 am
My son has a habit of digging up kiddie flicks we watched together when he was small and sending them to us in the belief that we'll enjoy them now that he's pushing 50.  He then checks up a week later to make sure we've watched them.  He's quite intelligent otherwise, and a decent mathematician with it (maybe that explains it).

Anyway, this time it was a remake of Krabat, a rather nasty tale of sorcery set in eastern Germany.  To be fair, while I wouldn't have sought it out it wasn't bad, although the cartoon version we saw in the 70s was a good effort too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 05 July, 2020, 09:58:50 am
We do enjoy watching films we used to watch with our (now very adult) children. Happily, we now have a grandson who will soon want to watch that kind of thing, so we'll have an excuse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: CAMRAMan on 05 July, 2020, 11:23:34 am
Not films, but I loved watching Bagpuss and Ivor the Engine with my kids.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 06 July, 2020, 02:11:47 pm
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979).
Entertaining and undemanding enough for my tastes. Interesting to see what special effects they could do (big stationary stuff works) as opposed to things that look amusingly clunky now (anything moving). Much more slow-moving than a 21st Century equivalent would be, though I didn't mind that, and the Wikipedia article seems to suggest that it was criticised for that at the time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 July, 2020, 02:28:14 pm
Pure coincidence, but in the last few days we've watched the two Mesrine films, then last night Highwaymen on Netflux.  MrsT remarked that the police who more or less murdered Mesrine must have been inspired by the end of Bonnie & Clyde.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 08 July, 2020, 11:46:32 am
Giant Little Ones.  Another film with gay themes and bikes. Not as good as Dating Amber but still quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 July, 2020, 12:12:27 pm
Meteor Storm. I'm becoming addicted to these low-budget SyFy tv movies.

Basically, through some mechanism that involves some spendidly hokey science, meteor(ites) became attracted to San Francisco (come on, you know the bridge gets it, always take the Oakland). I can put aside that, the big mystery was how the lead's excellent hair consistently survived his motorcycle helmet unscathed. Or for that matter, how the head of the Disaster Management Agency spent most of the calamity he was supposed to be managing cruising around the city on a big motorbike looking cool. Hold that catastrophe, I'm going on a bike ride.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 July, 2020, 12:31:05 pm
MBMR* is the new MBWA**.

* Management by motorcycle riding
** Management by walking around
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 July, 2020, 01:09:26 pm
Meteor Storm. I'm becoming addicted to these low-budget SyFy tv movies.

Have you tried Without Warning? Rather good 1994 first-contact (FCVO contact) sort of thing in glorious NTSC: https://youtu.be/EmIWcQBv9eQ 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 08 July, 2020, 10:41:55 pm
American Assasin. Quite a good film until about the last 15 minutes when the thing went over board into the water.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 July, 2020, 11:37:33 pm
Get Real (1998)

An authentic 90s version of Dating Amber, this one hasn't aged well.  The shock factor of a film about middle-class gay schoolboys isn't what it once was, and when you aren't busy spotting 90s artifacts, the plot seems rather shallow.  While the lack of any sense of wider LGBT community is a key element of the story, it's an assumption so unstated that it leaves you wondering what people young enough not to have grown up in the shadow of Section 28 would make of it.

Linda's character is uncomfortably 2-dimensional, though about halfway through I realised that - as with the weirdo on the bus - if you didn't have a Linda, you probably were the Linda.

If it were written today, John wouldn't have been a conventionally attractive sporty type[1] for the benefit of the mainstream 90s audience.  This feels distinctly off-brand for 90s nostalgia, where school sports would be synonymous with systemic homophobia and bullying, and is arguably the second[2] most authentically 90s thing about the film.

It's also lacking in realism:  Where's the dodgy gay maths teacher?  Why was Steven allowed to finish his speech?  Why wasn't anyone maliciously outed?  Or mercilessly bullied for being gay when they weren't?


[1] In real life I was fortunate that the Steven to my Linda had the sense to be pining for an art person rather than a sportsist.  And none of us lived in Basingstoke.
[2] At one point the subtitles refer to a 3.5" floppy as a 'diskette'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 10 July, 2020, 08:49:02 pm
A police thriller, set in post-Franco Andulucia, Marshland. Very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 11 July, 2020, 01:27:37 pm
Alien Hunter aka Welcome to Willits

(http://balius.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/films/AlienHunter_aka_WelcomeToWillits_300.jpg)

I don't know why this film has the two completely different titles. It was "Alien Hunter" on my box, but Wikipedia has it under the "Welcome to Willits" title, which is probably more accurate, but less likely to sell copies.

Wikipedia describes it as a "science fiction horror comedy film", but I'm not sure where the comedy was (and very black if there was any), and there was really little science fiction either, it's pretty much a horror film, with a little bit of action film.

One review on IMDB (where it's under "Alien Hunter (2016)") says "wry, intellectual humor and wit", which I damned if I saw. Maybe you have to be from the USA or North California (where it's apparently set) to understand that element.

As slightly gory horror films go, it's fairly well done, and does take an original approach, but I can't say I'm overly impressed with it. I was actually trying to buy a different film, but this eBay seller was clearly too stupid to tell the difference between utterly different covers. Never spend much on buying films from small sellers on eBay, there are way too many idiots out there!

The large image of Dolph Lundgren on the cover is very misleading, as is the flying saucer. Dolph and any aliens only appear in the psychosis (probably) of one of the main characters. It's never entirely clear if he is actually seeing aliens, or whether it's entirely in his head, but I think it's likely the latter, so as a study of how hallucinogenic drugs could cause a redneck to utterly lose contact with reality, and psychotically rationalise reasons to kill anyone he met, it's not the worst example. Weirdly, quite a few reviews love it, and the remainder dislike it. I think some elements must really resonate with some people, so that they think it's wonderful, but I can't say I saw any of that. The film is mostly well enough made for a relatively low budget film, but the pacing is odd, and the acting mediocre.

If you spend a couple of quid on it, you'll probably get your money's worth, but I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 11 July, 2020, 04:42:43 pm
Hitchcock's 39 Steps, for the nth time.  I always smile merrily when the Flying Scotsman goes into the tunnel hauled by an A3 Pacific and exits behind a Great Western locomotive.   Further to the inconsistency, the A3s hadn't been built  at the time the film was set.  A favourite film, which features John Laurie  trialling Private Fraser 40 years early.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 11 July, 2020, 06:41:04 pm
Terminator Dark Fate (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxy8udgWRmo)

(http://balius.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/films/TerminatorDarkFate_SarahConnor_300.jpg)

Far better than some of the more recent Terminators, which it basically ignores and just continues on from T2. Lots of splodey fun, all the best sorts of things from the first two films. There are no dramatically original concepts, really just more of the same, but that is what silly escapism is all about. ;D

Recommended, if you just want to see a bad assed 60-year old Sarah Connor and 'Carl' blowing things up. :)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 July, 2020, 04:42:54 am
"Greyhound"
Perfect for a hungover afternoon, but highly implausible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 July, 2020, 10:46:51 am
Apocalypse Tomorrow. Some weird mismatch between astrological signs predicting disaster and disaster. I'm not actually sure where the two connected but it's best not to think too hard on such matters. Have another beer ian, why don't you? It featured that bloke you know from some other tv show, but you can't remember where, the standard-issue annoying and profoundly stupid child (son in this case), and a woman with frankly terrifying eyebrows. Oh and the old fella from Back to the Future. It's definitely in the awful but compelling territory, but somehow I felt it could have been worse. A few notches down and it would have been really good.

Megafault. This was worse but better. Admittedly, no one involved seem to know what earthquakes are. Better helicopter. Satisfyingly stupid. Basically, the US starts to split in two after some miners blow up a mountain range in the bit of West Virginia that looks like car park outside of Vancouver, but oh no, Yellowstone! Disappointingly, it didn't make San Francisco, so the Golden Gate could breathe a sigh of relief. Next weekend, next weekend, my little bridgey friend.

I have no idea why people go online and review these things: terrible CGI! Bad script! Really, and you were expecting? It's like going camping and complaining about the room service.

There's about a million of these Syfy movies on Amazon. I'm going deep.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 14 July, 2020, 07:34:28 am
Rocket Man, overall left me wanting. Whilst Taron Egerton was bloody good as an impressionist, the plot/timeline was somewhat lacking of the formative years, Long John Baldry, Leon Russell, John Mayall etc just jumped from Pinner to the Troubadour
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 17 July, 2020, 12:50:44 am
Old Guard. Heard an interesting interview with the director, who said she was inspired by Ong Bak, Man on Fire, etc and figured it was worth checking out..and it wasn't.
I don't know why Charlize Theron keeps getting action movies....she...can't...move...It's not Judy Dench in 007-bad, but it's pretty poor. The poor story/editing/directing didn't help either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 July, 2020, 09:39:45 am
Old Guard. Heard an interesting interview with the director, who said she was inspired by Ong Bak, Man on Fire, etc and figured it was worth checking out..and it wasn't.
I don't know why Charlize Theron keeps getting action movies....she...can't...move...It's not Judy Dench in 007-bad, but it's pretty poor. The poor story/editing/directing didn't help either.

Maybe they could get Andy Serkis to do the moves in motion capture and just CGI her in after.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 July, 2020, 09:41:41 am
Old Guard. Heard an interesting interview with the director, who said she was inspired by Ong Bak, Man on Fire, etc and figured it was worth checking out..and it wasn't.
I don't know why Charlize Theron keeps getting action movies....she...can't...move...It's not Judy Dench in 007-bad, but it's pretty poor. The poor story/editing/directing didn't help either.

My son raved about this, so I started watching it.

All the stupid tropes . . .  Swords and axes in back holsters, etc etc etc

Really bad.

Shame, done well it could have been interesting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 July, 2020, 10:53:22 am
It was probably Mythbusters who did in the back-scabbard thing: unless the sword is about the length of a decent carving-knife you can't draw it. But IIRC there's a very long Thai(?) sword so flexible that you can carry it wrapped around your waist and cut yourself in half if you flub drawing it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andrij on 17 July, 2020, 02:18:56 pm
It was probably Mythbusters who did in the back-scabbard thing: unless the sword is about the length of a decent carving-knife you can't draw it. But IIRC there's a very long Thai(?) sword so flexible that you can carry it wrapped around your waist and cut yourself in half if you flub drawing it.

Wasn't aware of MythBusters tackling that, but plenty of others (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=back+scabbard) have as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 July, 2020, 02:45:11 pm
But still they do it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 July, 2020, 05:50:11 pm
Obviously the solution is to attach the sword to your back using Christmas-themed adhesive tape...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 18 July, 2020, 08:38:23 pm
'Mary and Max, on Channel 5 catch-up.

Quirky Australian stop-motion animated feature, remarkably well-done and very moving. A little gem found by chance, which is the best sort.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 18 July, 2020, 11:14:57 pm
Ad Astra. A very fine performance by Neptune I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 21 July, 2020, 04:30:19 pm
Little Nicky

Yes, it's pretty bad. Adam Sandler is just weird, and not in a particularly good way.

... but it does have a demonic bulldog called Mr Beefy, Ozzie gets to bite the head off of a bat, Henry Winkler gets covered in bees several times, Kevin Nealon wears a bra on his head sort-of sensibly, and Clint Howard (Ron Howard's little brother) is Nipples guy!

Also, Harvey Keitel as Satan, and Rodney Dangerfield as Lucifer, work in a suitably odd way. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 25 July, 2020, 04:42:44 pm
Terminator: Dark fate

Better than expected; post T2 it felt 'back on track' with Linda Hamilton.  70% on RottenT
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 25 July, 2020, 09:10:38 pm
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Superb.  And I learnt that the writer / director was the same as for “In Bruges”. I must try and find his other films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 July, 2020, 10:51:36 pm
Because it was on the telly, I started watching You Only Live Twice this evening, having not seen it for a few years. My god... it is not ageing well. I don't know which is worse - the racism or the misogyny. Was it always this bad, or have my sensibilities changed that much?

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Superb.  And I learnt that the writer / director was the same as for “In Bruges”. I must try and find his other films.

His only other feature is Seven Psychopaths, which is good enough to be worth a couple of hours of your time but not in the same league as In Bruges or Three Billboards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 25 July, 2020, 11:49:35 pm
In Bruges wasn’t in the same league as Three Billboards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 26 July, 2020, 12:29:38 am
Because it was on the telly, I started watching You Only Live Twice this evening, having not seen it for a few years. My god... it is not ageing well. I don't know which is worse - the racism or the misogyny. Was it always this bad, or have my sensibilities changed that much?

I think it was always that bad.  The main difference is that rockets performing precision propulsive landings no longer seems utterly ridiculous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 July, 2020, 07:01:25 am
The main difference is that rockets performing precision propulsive landings no longer seems utterly ridiculous.

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 July, 2020, 07:52:21 am
Because it was on the telly, I started watching You Only Live Twice this evening, having not seen it for a few years. My god... it is not ageing well. I don't know which is worse - the racism or the misogyny. Was it always this bad, or have my sensibilities changed that much?

It's of its time. You can't judge it in isolation, you have to judge the whole of 1960s society.  I don't remember anyone back then complaining about it: it was just another Bond romp.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 26 July, 2020, 08:10:44 am
It was probably Mythbusters who did in the back-scabbard thing: unless the sword is about the length of a decent carving-knife you can't draw it. But IIRC there's a very long Thai(?) sword so flexible that you can carry it wrapped around your waist and cut yourself in half if you flub drawing it.

They seem to manage it in The Last Kingdom, but you're probably not a real viking without a good handful of scars
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 26 July, 2020, 09:56:39 am
Gran Torino

Forgot just how much humour is in this film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 July, 2020, 10:32:29 am
It was probably Mythbusters who did in the back-scabbard thing: unless the sword is about the length of a decent carving-knife you can't draw it. But IIRC there's a very long Thai(?) sword so flexible that you can carry it wrapped around your waist and cut yourself in half if you flub drawing it.

They seem to manage it in The Last Kingdom, but you're probably not a real viking without a good handful of scars

I saw a thing about how they do it in films: the guy starts drawing a short sword, then they cut away for an instant; next shot he's got a long one.  You could probably manage it with some scabbard/clip arrangement so that the tip of the blade would come free about halfway up the scabbard, but getting it back in again would be ticklish and maybe bloody.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 July, 2020, 11:07:39 am
It's of its time.

Never really satisfied with that as an excuse.

But yeah, I used to enjoy James Bond films as a kid. It’s only as I’ve got older and wiser that I’ve realised they are mostly pretty awful - in many ways, not just the outdated attitudes. Tbh, I’ve not watched any of them for a while, so my reaction last night was mostly surprise at just how bad YOLT is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 26 July, 2020, 11:29:58 pm
It's of its time.

Never really satisfied with that as an excuse.

But yeah, I used to enjoy James Bond films as a kid. It’s only as I’ve got older and wiser that I’ve realised they are mostly pretty awful - in many ways, not just the outdated attitudes. Tbh, I’ve not watched any of them for a while, so my reaction last night was mostly surprise at just how bad YOLT is.
I don't think 'Being Of Its Time' is an excuse as much as a valid explanation.
As time passes and society develops, what is acceptable draws closer to what is right (hopefuly).
Back in the day, some of the attitudes displayed in films such as YOLT, TV like The Black and White Minstrel Show etc. were acceptable to the majority of mainstream society and so they flourished. Today we know better.
I fully expect that, in 50 years time, attitudes and morals that we on here find exemplary may well come under scrutiny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 July, 2020, 08:32:06 am
It's of its time.

Never really satisfied with that as an excuse.

But yeah, I used to enjoy James Bond films as a kid. It’s only as I’ve got older and wiser that I’ve realised they are mostly pretty awful - in many ways, not just the outdated attitudes. Tbh, I’ve not watched any of them for a while, so my reaction last night was mostly surprise at just how bad YOLT is.
I don't think 'Being Of Its Time' is an excuse as much as a valid explanation.
As time passes and society develops, what is acceptable draws closer to what is right (hopefuly).
Back in the day, some of the attitudes displayed in films such as YOLT, TV like The Black and White Minstrel Show etc. were acceptable to the majority of mainstream society and so they flourished. Today we know better.
I fully expect that, in 50 years time, attitudes and morals that we on here find exemplary may well come under scrutiny.

And conversely, someone from the 50s or 60s would be scandalized by the way society is today.  We have a Rwandaise friend who arrived here in the mid-90s. She had been a continuity announcer on state TV and so already had some knowledge of the world outside Rwanda, but she was still startled by "modern" morality.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 July, 2020, 10:14:39 am
"Mercy"
A recent take on the Donald Crowhurst story, with a good cast.

Skips over some of the problems, both mechanical and personal. Focuses on the psychological breakdown rather than the sailing issues (tbh, I'm yet to watch a film that is accurate regarding sailing).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 27 July, 2020, 11:40:33 am
It's of its time.

Never really satisfied with that as an excuse.

But yeah, I used to enjoy James Bond films as a kid. It’s only as I’ve got older and wiser that I’ve realised they are mostly pretty awful - in many ways, not just the outdated attitudes. Tbh, I’ve not watched any of them for a while, so my reaction last night was mostly surprise at just how bad YOLT is.
I don't think 'Being Of Its Time' is an excuse as much as a valid explanation.
As time passes and society develops, what is acceptable draws closer to what is right (hopefuly).
Back in the day, some of the attitudes displayed in films such as YOLT, TV like The Black and White Minstrel Show etc. were acceptable to the majority of mainstream society and so they flourished. Today we know better.
I fully expect that, in 50 years time, attitudes and morals that we on here find exemplary may well come under scrutiny.

And conversely, someone from the 50s or 60s would be scandalized by the way society is today.  We have a Rwandaise friend who arrived here in the mid-90s. She had been a continuity announcer on state TV and so already had some knowledge of the world outside Rwanda, but she was still startled by "modern" morality.

I've met people in Uganda and Nigeria who are sure everyone (OK, everyone male, women obviously are different) in the western world is having gay sex all the time. It must be hard to find the time to fit our other lax morals in.

I've not seen an old James Bond movie in quite a while, but they were pretty hard-going back in the day. I'm surprised it's a franchise that has continued, but I like the nods in the more recent iterations to him being a man somewhat out of place in the modern world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 July, 2020, 03:12:50 pm
I've met people in Uganda and Nigeria who are sure everyone (OK, everyone male, women obviously are different) in the western world is having gay sex all the time.

Can't help thinking the world would be a much better place if this were true...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 July, 2020, 03:24:16 pm
I've met people in Uganda and Nigeria who are sure everyone (OK, everyone male, women obviously are different) in the western world is having gay sex all the time.

https://youtu.be/RKnMwyUm-nM

(Somewhat NSFW, in case that is of concern for anyone right now)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 July, 2020, 12:26:43 pm
We have been diving deep into the Syfy movie back catalogue. It's a tsunami of made-for-tv goodness, an avalanche of curious pleasure – I'm squeezing a couple of near apocalypses into every weekend. We all should.

Stonadoes the other night, imagine a tornado (strictly speaking these were waterspouts, but you know, dramatic licence) but with stones. Giant rocks from the sky. Hola! It blew the best bit early when some jackass making a sexist joke was promptly crushed by the actual Plymouth Rock. Running short on rocks, they reverted to science, with frozen ozone (missing an opportunity to brand this Frozone). Fortunately, our heroic weathermen (yes, yes, YES!) had a weather modification ray and apocalypse averted. Phew.

Apocalypse Pompeii. Vesuvius is getting ready to pop. Americans on holiday. Stupid kids. Fretting Mom. Go-get-em Dad. Just add lava.

Descent (Luke Perry, they put him underground, that's where he's been). The ring of fire erupts. Secret government conspiracy. Oh noes. Don't worry chaps, the handily imprecise application of an enormous nuclear bomb is in order (despite the bad press, giant nuclear bombs are clearly the best way to avert apocalypses, even better than weather modification rays).

Shockwave: Countdown to Disaster. Achy breaky earthyquaky armageddon in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... with added volcanoes. Hell storm device, tunnelling into the earth. There's only way to stop it. Get diggin' Kate. Geophysicists are better than weathermen. Though if in doubt, grab both.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 July, 2020, 12:41:10 pm
I've met people in Uganda and Nigeria who are sure everyone (OK, everyone male, women obviously are different) in the western world is having gay sex all the time.

https://youtu.be/RKnMwyUm-nM

(Somewhat NSFW, in case that is of concern for anyone right now)

After watching that, the next topic on the "unread" list seemed to be right in context

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=116382.0
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2020, 12:59:20 pm
We have been diving deep into the Syfy movie back catalogue. It's a tsunami of made-for-tv goodness, an avalanche of curious pleasure – I'm squeezing a couple of near apocalypses into every weekend. We all should.

Stonadoes the other night, imagine a tornado (strictly speaking these were waterspouts, but you know, dramatic licence) but with stones. Giant rocks from the sky. Hola! It blew the best bit early when some jackass making a sexist joke was promptly crushed by the actual Plymouth Rock. Running short on rocks, they reverted to science, with frozen ozone (missing an opportunity to brand this Frozone). Fortunately, our heroic weathermen (yes, yes, YES!) had a weather modification ray and apocalypse averted. Phew.

Apocalypse Pompeii. Vesuvius is getting ready to pop. Americans on holiday. Stupid kids. Fretting Mom. Go-get-em Dad. Just add lava.

Descent (Luke Perry, they put him underground, that's where he's been). The ring of fire erupts. Secret government conspiracy. Oh noes. Don't worry chaps, the handily imprecise application of an enormous nuclear bomb is in order (despite the bad press, giant nuclear bombs are clearly the best way to avert apocalypses, even better than weather modification rays).

Shockwave: Countdown to Disaster. Achy breaky earthyquaky armageddon in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... with added volcanoes. Hell storm device, tunnelling into the earth. There's only way to stop it. Get diggin' Kate. Geophysicists are better than weathermen. Though if in doubt, grab both.

Those all sound brilliant, but I'm sworn off watching anything with that ends in -nado.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 July, 2020, 08:21:55 pm
I think I forgot to mention Dark Storm 'armageddon is on the horizon' (I really was having a good weekend). This was brilliant for more reasons than I can adequately enumerate, but I'm not letting that stop me because inadequacy would be my middle name, if I had one, which I don't.

First, it featured an evil satellite. How do I know it was bad. It had a red light on the end, that's how you tell. Can it manipulate the weather? Oh, it surely can. That's the STORM. You can't have a proper apocalypse without a storm. OK, earthquakes and volcanoes work too. Possibly giant beetles.

But dark, what makes it's dark, ian? you so reasonably ask. Let me tell you.

Dark matter, that's what. Some spiffly scientists whinge that it's undetectable. Not so, I saw it at the weekend, conjured up by cheap special effects made on a Commodore Amiga. Anyway, they put the dark matter in the satellite, because you're not going to keep it in the fridge, and everyone needs a dark matter-filled weather manipulation satellite (red light, don't forget it). It's certainly on my birthday list. But oops, an orbital bolt punctures it and ought it starts to leak, a steamer of darkest matter. That's going to be a problem somewhat worse than bike oil on the carpet.

Now the downside of frothing about with dark matter is that it's a bit messy, so if you're the lead scientist, well, you might get exposed. It's a risk factor in a movie like this. Now, I imagine at this point I have you enticed, and you may be thinking what more? The lead scientist. Two precious words. Take a moment. Make sure you're seated. Stephen Baldwin. A genuine Baldwin. Filled with dark matter.

So, Stephen Baldwin with weather manipulation powers. Come on, I can't be the only one who's had that dream. Denial ain't just a river in Egypt, baby.

It gets better (don't argue, it might not seem possible given the description so far, but hang on). It's not fair to say Stephen 'Chunky' Balwin can't act since he mostly seemed so baked that he didn't know he was in a movie. But the scriptwriters weren't fazed, the made it clear that he was suffering the effects of a surfeit of dark matter and not an excess of prescription medication and cheap scotch. All good then.

And when Chunky Baldwin and a wonky satellite go to weather war? You know the score.

It wasn't all good, there was a sex scene (putting Chunky on top was inadvisable I feel) that ended sparkly. No really, it did, in a cloud of sparkles. It's actually hard to describe and trust me, I have some expertise in sex scenes. That's not the bad thing, I'm sure we've all wanted a sparkly ending. The disappointment was that my wife and I both shouted (I hesitate to say ejaculated, but it's the word for the job) "DARK MATTER BABY!!!!!"

There was, alas, no dark matter baby. That would have been the sequel to end all sequels.

I'm already looking forward to this weekend, though I am disappointed to find Shark in Venice is not yet available on Prime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 31 July, 2020, 09:02:32 pm
And thusly the weekend. I sense a looming apocalypse. Or it might just be the bulk of a Chunky Baldwin blocking out the sun. I hope he doesn't give me sparkly babies.

I've not had this much fun as the time I watched all the Nic Cage films (I'm told there are new ones, I really want to see the Color Out of Space on account that Cthulhu is Finestre's second cousin twice removed).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 31 July, 2020, 09:13:32 pm
Blade runner 20wotsaname. Mmm ok ish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 31 July, 2020, 10:55:15 pm
Knives Out.

I really enjoyed that. And when I turned down getting another drink because I thought we were nearly at the end I found we were only an hour it and I was soengrossed the time had flown by  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Well worth a watch and for those that have Amazon Prime it has just become available to watch for 'free'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 01 August, 2020, 08:04:42 am
Started watching Babel yesterday, but it was too late, I was too tired adn couldn't keep it straight in what passes for my BRANES so gave up and went to grumble about the temperature in the bedroom
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 August, 2020, 10:58:18 am
I've not had this much fun as the time I watched all the Nic Cage films (I'm told there are new ones, I really want to see the Color Out of Space on account that Cthulhu is Finestre's second cousin twice removed).

I had to check this, because Cthulhu doesn’t appear in the book, but it seems he's made it into the film :thumbsup:  Also, Terrible Things happen to some alpacas.  I'm not sure L.P. Hovercraft would have recognised an alpaca, but he certainly wouldn’t have put one in Arkham.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 01 August, 2020, 08:13:09 pm
Unhinged.

It was shocking to see how much weight Russell Crowe has put on. Gladiator?  Not these days, pal.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 August, 2020, 10:14:23 am
There are actors who wax and wane as the part demands, but Crowe doesn't look like one of them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 02 August, 2020, 05:26:18 pm
Book of Eli (again)  I really like that film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: numbnuts on 02 August, 2020, 05:52:10 pm
The Bucket List  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 August, 2020, 08:25:54 pm
I've not had this much fun as the time I watched all the Nic Cage films (I'm told there are new ones, I really want to see the Color Out of Space on account that Cthulhu is Finestre's second cousin twice removed).

I had to check this, because Cthulhu doesn’t appear in the book, but it seems he's made it into the film :thumbsup:  Also, Terrible Things happen to some alpacas.  I'm not sure L.P. Hovercraft would have recognised an alpaca, but he certainly wouldn’t have put one in Arkham.

True enough he doesn't. I used to live in a spooky bit of New England (I put the noise in the Quiet Corner). Never did find Arkham.

Anyway, the movie in question doesn't appear to have turned up on a streaming service near me yet. It's bound to feature Mr Cage going suitably unhinged as only he can as the mysterious happenings take their toll.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 August, 2020, 09:55:08 pm
More goodness at the weekend. Earthstorm, Chunky Baldwin was back (looking less chunky and less stoned, but terrible, terrible hair). Cynics may have called it a rip-off of Armageddon, but whatever. Asteroid smacks into the moon, oh noes, moon rock is pelting the Earth and the moon itself is losing mass, adjusting its orbit, and threatening to pull itself apart and trounce the Earth. For several milliseconds it came perilously close to science, but then they saved themselves by declaring the best way to stop the moon breaking in half was magnetism.

Anyway, it's catastrophe in the making, and by now you to know how we avert a catastrophe. Say it with me people, say it with me: nuclear bombs. On the Moon. It's always nuclear bombs. But not just plain old nuclear bombs, these were magnetic nuclear bombs. Chunky Baldwin the roughneck demolitions expert willing to turn his hand to a bit of lunar nuclearing. The female lead had entrancing freckles.

Seattle Superstorm. The title really sums it up. The ever-dependably silly US military blasts a UFO that isn't a UFO that is threatening to fall on the Earth. So it falls on the Earth. A chunk of lands in the Seattle harbour, fuming away. Some splendid off-kilter chemistry is invoked (chemistry has got a lot better since my A level, for sure). And Russians. Pesky bickering teenage kids (who all look about 30, but they age differently over there). Global disaster is aversion takes a different track via heavy water. Disappointing lack of nuclear bombs, but you can't have everything. Kids solve their differences (in case you were worrying).

Geo-Disaster. Actually, this one went all out with an apocalyptic checklist. Volcanoes. Check. Earthquakes. Check. Storms. Check. Arguing teenage kids. Check. Mega-twister. Check. Oh, and dark matter. Which pierced the Earth like a bullet causing the aforementioned problems. Other than the kids, who were for once, plausibly teenage enough for you to want to keep clear of Prince Andrew.

I keep finding these movies. They're gloriously addictive. I think 500mph Storm may be next.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 August, 2020, 12:24:04 am
I'm kind of sad that I lost interest in cheesy disaster movies when I realised I was living through one, and unfortunately this one doesn't appear to have been written by Russell T Davies[1].  Since I'm far too old to be a bickering teenager, and my freckles fall somewhat short of entrancing, I'm left with being some sort of redshirt-lesbian-hacker-scientist cliche, and we all know what their chances of survival are.  I suppose if there's a submarine I might make it to the second act, but I've been trying to avoid those on account of all the gruesome dismemberment headlines.  Maybe I should get a dog?


[1] Obviously if it were, I'd be busy saving the world with little more than a snarky comment and a yo-yo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 August, 2020, 07:26:30 am
I'm kind of sad that I lost interest in cheesy disaster movies when I realised I was living through one, and unfortunately this one doesn't appear to have been written by Russell T Davies[1].  Since I'm far too old to be a bickering teenager, and my freckles fall somewhat short of entrancing, I'm left with being some sort of redshirt-lesbian-hacker-scientist cliche, and we all know what their chances of survival are.  I suppose if there's a submarine I might make it to the second act, but I've been trying to avoid those on account of all the gruesome dismemberment headlines.  Maybe I should get a dog?


[1] Obviously if it were, I'd be busy saving the world with little more than a snarky comment and a yo-yo.

POTD

Erm, have you tried making some snarky comments and swinging a yo-yo? Might be just what we need.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 04 August, 2020, 07:49:43 am
Darkest Hour.

An enjoyable romp through the beginnings of the Second World War, following Gary Oldman as he squeezed into a Churchill suit. It was interesting that Churchill’s failings were more than hinted at, although not in a way as strong as Black Lives Matter.

As I watched him at the Despatch Box I was minded to think what a nincompoop popinjay we have as Prime Minister today.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 04 August, 2020, 08:00:35 am
Olympus Has Fallen. Basically: Die Hard.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 August, 2020, 08:30:38 am
I keep finding these movies. They're gloriously addictive. I think 500mph Storm may be next.

One of J. G. Ballard's disaster novels was called The Wind From Nowhere. It involved a 500 mph wind, but this ain't that. 2.2/10 on Imdb, probably for spelling the title correctly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 August, 2020, 09:46:28 am
I keep finding these movies. They're gloriously addictive. I think 500mph Storm may be next.

Isn't that a standard winter breeze on Lewis?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 04 August, 2020, 12:06:01 pm
I'm kind of sad that I lost interest in cheesy disaster movies when I realised I was living through one, and unfortunately this one doesn't appear to have been written by Russell T Davies[1].  Since I'm far too old to be a bickering teenager, and my freckles fall somewhat short of entrancing, I'm left with being some sort of redshirt-lesbian-hacker-scientist cliche, and we all know what their chances of survival are.  I suppose if there's a submarine I might make it to the second act, but I've been trying to avoid those on account of all the gruesome dismemberment headlines.  Maybe I should get a dog?


[1] Obviously if it were, I'd be busy saving the world with little more than a snarky comment and a yo-yo.

POTD

Erm, have you tried making some snarky comments and swinging a yo-yo? Might be just what we need.

Kim is actually Paul Hewitt in disguise?  Who knew?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 04 August, 2020, 12:13:27 pm
Knives Out.

I really enjoyed that. And when I turned down getting another drink because I thought we were nearly at the end I found we were only an hour it and I was soengrossed the time had flown by  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Well worth a watch and for those that have Amazon Prime it has just become available to watch for 'free'.

I enjoyed that as well. Not least Daniel Craig's accent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 August, 2020, 07:54:22 am
Gainsbourg (Vie Héroique). Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 August, 2020, 08:08:07 pm
Joker.
Phoenix was brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 09 August, 2020, 10:13:10 pm
Being John Malkovich.

Haven't seen it for years. I had remembered it was bonkers. I forgot just how bonkers.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 10 August, 2020, 12:00:05 am
Joker.
Phoenix was brilliant.

That's up next, although I did go to see it when it came out.  For contrast I re-watched the Chrisopher Nolan Batman films over the last week or so.  I'd forgotten how good Heath Ledger was in the Dark Knight, and how daft the Christian Bale Bat-Voice was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 10 August, 2020, 09:19:16 pm
My disaster-quest is ongoing (a week's holiday meant we packed in a near-apocalypse every night).

That said, we came close to our match twice. They say you don't really learn kung-fu till you've been spent several years being trained by the ninja monks of a remote inaccessible Nepalese mountain top monestry. Disaster-questing is a bit like that. I learned from watching the works of Nic Cage and reading Dan Brown (sadly, I've still not finished Inferno, but one day, one day...). Basically, I have case-hardened myself. I have to warn you, do not attempt a disaster-quest until you have adequately prepared. The human mind is not simply ready for this level of near-apocalyptically poor acting, scripting and special effects.

Super-Cyclone started well, it stars Ming-Na who everyone should know in the awesome Agent May from Agents of SHIELD. She's a meteorologist, of course, because as explained, if you're approaching an apocalypse then the key people to have on hand are meteorologists or seismologists. And a nuclear bomb, though fortunately this one was solved with sodium iodide nano-flakes. I confess the plot of this one merged in my brain with 500 MPH Storm. They mostly seem to revolve around people being chased around a parking lot in SoCal by a poorly rendered twister. I dunno, maybe leaving the parking lot would have improved matters. More so, given most of the filming was on evidently summer days under of a vault of flawless blue sky. Basically, those killer storms were confined to the parking lot. Also, the film-making belated noted that cyclones aren't a big feature of LA, so had to use radar imagery from Florida. So perhaps the storm had taken time out to go on vacation. Notably, the storm was never where the filming was and was forever minutes from destroying LA despite having already destroyed it. It seemed a bit unsure of itself. Have I destroyed LA yet? Anyone remember?

Ming-Na's main acting face portrayed the desperation of an actor who had recently received a large bill (and not from their agent).

Fire Twister, took an alternative take, because we're bored with weather and meteorologists (as if). So how about a petroleum engineer and some enviro-hippies, along with a conspiration from Big Oil? Hola! Intelligent fuel catches fire and runs amok through LA. They'd saved themselves the issue of dealing with sunny days and made some good use of wildfire footage. Big bomb saves the day!

Meteor Apocalypse was a bit easier on the brain and did what it said. Toxic meteor not only makes big splody holes in things but poisons the world's water supply. It could happen. Or, if you're American, you can simply rely on corrupt politicians and incompetence to do the poisoning of your water supplies for you.

Storm Cell was a Twister-lite, featured a meteorologist and no nuclear bombs. But the 'teenage' step-daughter was OK in the end, which is what you want with errant step-children (really, these movies have it in for the kids, who admittedly mostly seemed to have reached their early 30s of their teenage years). Frankly, giant storms are the only way they win.

I was missing a good old fashioned earthquake after all that weather. I was worried that San Andreas fault had joined the super-cyclone in Florida. Fortunately, it hadn't as San Andreas Quake proved. Anyone know a good seismologist with a laptop and a theory?

Then, well, it had all got a bit mundane with twisters both firey and wet and earthquakes, I wanted a bit more out-of-this-world so Earthtastrophe fitted the bill. What if the Earth fell through a wormhole? It's a big worry of mine for a while, you don't know what those scientists are up to. People are worried about 5G weaponised bats. Shit, priotise people, prioritise. At any moment they could bowl us through a wormhole to some kind of dystopian future where humanity is only clinging on, disasters aplenty. Fortunately, they reverse it with more science. Is science bad? I just don't know. Bonus points for the title and having the perpetually bemused Leo from Charmed in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 10 August, 2020, 09:44:03 pm
Not quite the going theme Ian but have you seen either Rubber or Wrong?

Because I think we're due a rewatch of both but doubt my review could do them the justice you would. I did really enjoy them though.

Or, it you want a really odd evening try The Thingy: Confessions of a Teenage Placenta. That one was odd enough that I don't think I lost any understanding by falling asleep for the middle twenty minutes. I'll concede I'm not in a rush to rewatch that one mind. There's only so many times one needs to see someone breast feeding a dog! :jurek:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 August, 2020, 09:35:43 am
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.  No more need be said.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jurek on 11 August, 2020, 09:38:29 am
Watched Where Eagles Dare last night.
Broadsword calling Danny Boy.......
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 August, 2020, 10:04:35 am
Greyhound

We watched it because it was free and also it has Tom Hanks, pre-Covid. A gripping tale of an Atlantic convoy, with a lot of walking about and people staring at Tom Hanks. Some technical goofs, but at least they didn’t capture an Enigma machine.

Watch it if you can.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 August, 2020, 07:10:30 pm
Not quite the going theme Ian but have you seen either Rubber or Wrong?

Because I think we're due a rewatch of both but doubt my review could do them the justice you would. I did really enjoy them though.

Or, it you want a really odd evening try The Thingy: Confessions of a Teenage Placenta. That one was odd enough that I don't think I lost any understanding by falling asleep for the middle twenty minutes. I'll concede I'm not in a rush to rewatch that one mind. There's only so many times one needs to see someone breast feeding a dog! :jurek:

I have seen Rubber, if its the homicidal tyre one, but it was some time ago.

I do like the way people go online to make poor reviews of these movies. What precisely were they expecting? Citizen Kane?

Actually, the best thing about 500 MPH Storm was the fact that it started with a sequence involving a balloon festival and a sudden giant tornado. At which point the family sensibly landed their balloon, left everyone else spinning towards their doom and drove home to make a sandwich. Which the 14-going-on-30 son didn't even want. Teenagers, eh?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 August, 2020, 09:20:15 pm
I am quite intrigued that the same studios who make these impressive movies also do 'mockbusters' – basically the take a Hollywood blockbuster and remake it for less than the catering bill of the original.

They've done one about Hobbits that 'involves evil dragon-riding cannibals who enslave a race of pygmies, played by actual Cambodian little people.'

Honestly, that has to be a significant improvement on The Hobbit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 August, 2020, 07:58:27 am
Then there's this... https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047960/?ref_=vi_tr_lt_tt_38
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 August, 2020, 06:52:50 am
but at least they didn’t capture an Enigma machine.

It got pretty close! Uboat engaing in surface combat with destroyers!. The silly taunting over the radio!. The near-miss with the freighter despite them having a radar good enough to spot a submarine. Captain not being aware of the amount of depthcharges spent.  Sure, the overall premise was decent,but unnecessary drama was added.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 August, 2020, 09:27:24 pm
Laibach: A Film From Slovenia.  Fuckin' weirdos…
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 August, 2020, 12:15:51 am
but at least they didn’t capture an Enigma machine.

It got pretty close! Uboat engaing in surface combat with destroyers!. The silly taunting over the radio!. The near-miss with the freighter despite them having a radar good enough to spot a submarine. Captain not being aware of the amount of depthcharges spent.  Sure, the overall premise was decent,but unnecessary drama was added.

Yes, but apart from those bits...  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pumpkin on 18 August, 2020, 02:23:32 pm
found myself watching Das Boot recently. Now that is a film that captured the atmosphere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 19 August, 2020, 02:42:02 pm
Nostalgia met boredom last night, and I watched Full Metal Jacket.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 19 August, 2020, 03:34:48 pm
The Kill Team (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6196936/)
Based on a true story of out of control activity in Afghanistan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 August, 2020, 06:21:20 pm
"Birds of Prey"...just as you thought that DC couldn't screw things up even more.....It's filmed well, though. (Gotta say something nice)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 August, 2020, 11:06:51 am
After the awful Suicide Squad (did anyone actually like it?), I'd rather saw off my own feet than watch a follow-up.

I think I owe everyone an update on my Syfy movie disaster-quest, but later, dear reader.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 August, 2020, 08:16:32 pm
To fair, at this point, I'm operating at a level of destruction that's it must be difficult for you, dear reader, to comprehend. I realised I shortchanged San Andreas Quake and failed to answer the key question of what made it more awesome than a 10.0 Earthquake, itself a Richter-clenching, sphinter-shaking hullabaloo of literal seismic proportions. How do you go beyond that? With a 12.7, that's how. Oh and a hippopotamus. Honestly, all I remember is the hippo and if you'd seen it, you would too. High scores all round from the sway-o-vision™ school of bad acting. But I really should have mentioned the hippo. Apologies.

Lightning. Sadly neglected to a bit part so far in the numerous megatwisters and supercyclones. But it gets a proper outing in Deadly Voltage. I know, I know, it's the current that kills you, but you try arguing with 'reverse proton flow.'

Super-Eruption. It's eruptin' time back at Yellowstone, this time we need to the handy skills of a couple of park rangers, evidently all the meteorologists and seismologists are busy nuclear bombing their ways out of other potential apocalypses. Still, gotta love a good park ranger uniform. I know I trust a good uniform. Also bonus points, for the first review I glanced at on Amazon declaring against this movie's 'feminist propaganda.' Quenching volcanoes is man's work, I tell you.

You know happens when you mix sea water and tectonic plates? Age of Ice, that's what. This one was a bit special. I'm not sure if it benefited or was made worse by the fact they edited it with a Magimix.

Tornadoes are a bit meh. I mean, so what, they're only really terrifying if you're a barn (the barn always gets it). But do you know where there are no barns? NYC, that's where. So NYC Tornado Terror ramped things up, multiple tornadoes forming in an urban space with no barns to sate them. I'm actually impressed with the subversive insertion of climate change into these movies, I mean it's not just a theory to these people. Possibly it's part of that feminist proganda. Oh and sentient ball lightening. Now that's deadly voltage. I'm taking off one point and then adding two for the terrible lip-synching that by end meant it seemed like they were doing each other's lines.

Earthfall is apocalyps-epic, Earth is knocked out of orbit. Yellowstone barfing up a couple of century's worth of lumpy magma is nothing compared to that. Tornadoes. That's Weather Channel-grade inclemency. Now they had a great plan to blast the Earth back using a huge natural gas deposit (some excellent foreshadowing from the intro scene). Sadly, they'd exhausted the $5 special effects budget before we got to see that, so the viewer is asked to take it on trust that it worked. Super plan, though, it's what I would have done.

I mentioned that I'm on the hunt for mockbusters to salt my disastereering. Independence Day-saster, well, come on. That title. This one turned out to be disappointing in that it really wasn't as bad as the title promised and actually improved on the original. Better than Emmerlich might not be an aspirational goal. But anyway, this was oddly life affirming. Enough that I had to go and get myself another beer and contemplate whether or not these movies are rewiring my brain like a cheap electrician in a hurry.

San Andreas Mega-Quake. I'm not sure where this one chalked up on the Richter Scale. I confess, I'm no seismologist, but I didn't think you'd need to sway if you were, well, in a helicopter a hundred or so metres above the quake, no matter how mega it might be. And they say movies aren't educational.

Unhelpfully tag-lined 'I hope you can swim' (because really, you're going to need a boat), Oceans Rising featured just that. And a boat. But really, if you going to predict a watery apocalypse, invest in a better ark rather than a superannuated leisure boat that didn't look seaworthy enough to manage two locks of the Grand Union Canal. Still, kudos for sailing it from NY to Switzerland. Look, sometimes you need a large hadron collider. Occasionally you might need two. Anyway, as arks go, it was like Noah opting to get a second-hand blow-up dinghy from Craigslist. (Incidentally, this was Noah's first plan, till it went wrong and he bought the 'lifelike' and perpetually surprised Blow-Up Brenda by mistake. God was angry but then God was always angry back then. But the second-hand Blow-Up Brenda really brough a new dimension to the phrase 'pre-loved'. This story isn't documented in most versions of the Bible, which is a shame. I can loan anyone interested my unabridged copy that has all the interesting bits kept in).

What spoils Christmas more than Uncle Bill vomiting on the turkey and grandma wetting the sofa? An Icetastrophe. Self-replicating ice crystal from space. Smart chick (see feminist propanga above, gets in a rather brilliant 'it's a meteorite' after one meteor-reference too far). Male lead had an excellent chin. But you know, it's been age since there were any decent freckles. Honestly, this one was quite good, and yes, Santa got iced. Literally. I came close to punching the sky, but that might precipitated a dangerous weather phenomenon, so I settled for a small 'yeh!'

And finally for this episode, Poseidon Rex because dinosaurs have been neglected so far and early that day a small screaming child had run past us screaming 'pterodactyl!' followed by her mother, in chase, who briefly explained 'she's scared by them.' I'm older than five and I'm still scared of them. We checked Peaslake quite carefully and found no saurian menaces. Possibly it had flown off. We did stumble across an actual pterodactyl movie later (featuring Coolio) but we'd already started this one (so that's on the watchlist, come on dinosaurs and rappers). This one easily surfed over into the so bad it's implausibly good boundary. It was actually fraught to pause for a drink, at any moment that beer might mega-erupt out of your nose. I'm not sure I can do better than the description provided.

Quote
Forced to pay off his debt to the murderous Caribbean crime lord, Tariq, instead, the American scuba-diver and treasure hunter, Jackson Slate, wakes up from its deep hibernation a massive, T-Rex-like sauroid off the coast of Belize.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 24 August, 2020, 08:42:31 pm
Menashe, set in Borough Park, Brooklyn, among the ultra-orthodox Jewish community, and in Yiddish. Melancholy but charming
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 August, 2020, 09:46:17 pm
In RL, tornadoes are magnetically attracted to trailer parks.  This may serve as evidence for the non-existence of god.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 25 August, 2020, 09:40:49 am
In RL, tornadoes are magnetically attracted to trailer parks.  This may serve as evidence for the non-existence of god.

I like the way they always appear on the news in front of their devasted homes to thank God for sparing them and settling on the middle ground of simply ruining their lives.

I did see a board outside a church the other day that pointed out that Jesus doesn't do social distancing ('He's always by your side'). So I've reported Him to the authorities.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 August, 2020, 02:01:55 pm
In RL, tornadoes are magnetically attracted to trailer parks.  This may serve as evidence for the non-existence of god.

Witness the statement of an old friend* of mine from the forests of les Landes, viz: "in storms down here, trees only fall on tourists".

* all my friends are old. Damn. :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 29 August, 2020, 03:32:26 pm
T2. Very enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 30 August, 2020, 06:02:37 am
"Tenet". It's interestimg, but ultimately fails to work.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 August, 2020, 09:04:19 am
The Dark Knight Rises, and I'm still wondering why. First half: 3/10, second half 4/10.  Portentous crap score 10/10.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 August, 2020, 09:31:02 pm
Sticking to the Christopher Nolan theme, they* were talking on the radio the other day about how it was 10 years since Inception came out, and the way they were talking about it made me want to watch it again. And it just happened to be on telly last night, so I did.

It really is very silly, isn't it? But in a mostly enjoyable way.

I do fancy Tenet, based on a glimpse of the trailer. No idea what it's about but I suspect it would probably be better to keep it that way until I actually do see it.

I don't think I've ever watched Dark Knight Rises. I'd had my fill after the first two.



*Ben thingy and Robbie wotsit standing in for Kermode and Mayo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 31 August, 2020, 12:17:53 am
It's impossible to 'review' Tenet without giving it away. I do wish that Nolan would make a straight up action/thriller, because the first hour or so is quite good and he's clearly one of the best craftsmen around today.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 01 September, 2020, 03:52:58 pm
Sticking to the Christopher Nolan theme, they* were talking on the radio the other day about how it was 10 years since Inception came out, and the way they were talking about it made me want to watch it again. And it just happened to be on telly last night, so I did.

It really is very silly, isn't it? But in a mostly enjoyable way.

I do fancy Tenet, based on a glimpse of the trailer. No idea what it's about but I suspect it would probably be better to keep it that way until I actually do see it.

I don't think I've ever watched Dark Knight Rises. I'd had my fill after the first two.



*Ben thingy and Robbie wotsit standing in for Kermode and Mayo.

What was really silly about Inception was all the people debating
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 September, 2020, 10:49:57 am
Airplane vs Volcano. Shortchanged on the title, there are loads of volcanoes. What happens when the pilot is killed and locks the plane in a circle inside a ring of volcanoes? Drama, that's what. The engines fall off, there's a madman locked in the toilet, and someone put the chap from Superman (not the movie) in charge. He's got a backstory, stares at a picture of his family on the dashboard with a look that could be sadness. Or he could have been wrestling with an uncomfortable intestinal issue. What drives him to sacrifice himself for his fellow passengers? Who knows, they didn't say. Look at the picture Dean, look at the picture. Much calamity as what looks like fifty out of the ten passengers die. Everyone else survives, except from Dean-o and the madman in the loo.

Arctic Apocalypse. It's cold outside. So cold even the wolves are anosmic (handy for hiding from them). I'm not actually sure it was a wolf, I think they spray-painted a normal dog. Everything is given a bit more of naturistic appeal by shooting the movie on what seems to have been an early model iPhone. There are some cynics who may claim that you can't render proper CGI with Microsoft Paint. They're right. Enjoyably awful even by the standards set so far.

War of the Worlds 2. This one wasn't directed by Spielberg unless he was having a laugh. The acting was splendidly bad, or they were really good and acting acting poorly. You never know with actors. It could have been a project. This could have been enjoyably awful but settled on being dull because nothing excitingly stupid happened. I liked the fact that The Science Lady (a feature of these movies that I support) had a southern drawl (back at ya, yankees) and she'd say something nonsensical and someone would pause for a moment and say 'Victoria sure knows what she's talking about.' Like, I say, I think this one may have been an Experiment Acting Project and we were its unwilling victims. This is why I always check my wardrobes for Shia LeBeouf.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 September, 2020, 12:16:35 pm
Airplane vs Volcano.

If it doesn't feature the line "It's a big hill with lava, but that's not important right now" I'm not interested.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 02 September, 2020, 12:43:56 pm
The Revenant. I thought it would be a bit miserable and it was. Beautifully filmed and acted though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 02 September, 2020, 12:54:49 pm
Airplane vs Volcano.

If it doesn't feature the line "It's a big hill with lava, but that's not important right now" I'm not interested.

It sadly didn't, but there were standouts, like when the madman in the loo threatened the plane with a drinks miniature. Or when he escaped the plane mid-air in an inflatable life raft. The inexplicably angry-in-every-scene colonel. Save people, I don't have time to save people! The runaway drinks cart. The volcanoes were really bit players in this drama. What with Dean-o having to fly a plane that was locked on autopilot because the pilots were killed by volcanic debris that had somehow materialized in the cockpit. Is there a volcanologist on the plane? Fortunately, yes. Jet fighters vs. volcanoes. Boo-yah! It also contained an educational component. Life lesson: no matter how much of a good idea it seems, don't try to fix a clogged airplane engine in flight with a hammer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 September, 2020, 05:09:48 pm
Went The Day Well? on old codgers'Talking Pictures TV yesterday evening. Made in 1942, based on a short story by Graham Greene, it's a surprisingly violent tale of disguised German paratroopers taking over a village and holding the occupants hostage. Jack Higgins used it as inspiration for the very similar The Eagle Has Landed. The church, where much of the action takes place,later went on to star in The Vicar of Dibley.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 September, 2020, 07:43:05 pm
Storm Seekers. This once promised Darryl Hannah, a bonafide movie star. It was hard to tell, it wasn't clear if she'd not exactly aged like fine wine or lost an argument with a plastic surgeon. For plus points, she's a meteorologist in charge of flying a plane through a hurricane. Huzzah. Hurricanes and aeroplanes. Of course, fatuous fathead director of the weather service won't take Darryl's advice about the unfolding windy climate calamity. They never do. The pilot's eyes get fried by the exploding electrics at a crucial point and a nearby reporter has to fly the plane (or rather just push the stick), despite the perfectly serviceable co-pilot sitting next to him. Everyone who isn't on the ground defers to Darryl, though she doesn't appear to know anything about flying aeroplanes through hurricanes. All the elements were there, but they failed to line up into something bad enough to be entertaining. Oh, and despite everything, it seems Jacksonville got destroyed but by then the movie was over. Sorry, Jacksonville. Basically this movie wasn't bad enough to be good.

Alien Showdown. After that soggy disappointment, I figured a mockbuster was called for. This one appealed, it seemed to be Predator vs Cowboys vs Aliens, and that promised a person in a cheap rubber monster suit, one of my top movie things. Get popcorn. It didn't disappoint. This movie was awesomely bad on every possible dimension. The editing, the script, the acting, the sfx, the score. It was bingo-winning bad, they got every box. Now it was the Predator, just not a very scary one (possibly he had a dim cousin), and it appears from the constant need to shake its head, to suffer from swimmer's ear. It also stomped. THUD THUD THUD. Absolutely no good for sneaking up on someone. Despite having a nifty gatling-type laser gun, the alien couldn't even shoot a cowboy, I don't think he could have even shot his own foot. This was not a scary alien. It gloriously disturbing at one point – the predator stopped to admire a nubile young lady stripping off to undertake the wild west bathing experience. I honestly thought I'd stumbled into genre of alien vs cowgirl porn. I consider myself liberal, but for god's sake, even I've got bounds. I was relieved when the predator settled for killing her. It was better for everyone. Also, I'm no expert on wild west medical technology, but I feel sure that no one back then had quite that level of pneumatic augmentation.

That was the wild west portion. So far, so good. But it segued back and forth to the present day where a scientist who wasn't very good at any kind of science was trying to stop the predator inviting all his friends back and there was a danger they'd learned to shoot in the meantime. No mention of whether he intended to send a warning about swimmer's ear. Imagine the embarrassment of a galactic invasion brought short by a blocked ear canal. Future scientist had smaller breasts. I mentioned this, not just because I'm foul minded, but because the director made sure I knew in a scene where snoozing future scientist was gradually exposed as her blanket was pulled away. By a Grey (yes, alien fans, an actual Grey, did I not mention that?). So we've moved on from lecherous perv predators to gratuitous gazing Greys. Well, they do traditionally zip around the galaxy on a mission to probe the orifices of small town Americans, so possibly we should be surprised. Although in this move, the Greys (spendid rendered as either puppets or a very small person in a rubber suit, please please please let it be the latter) are the good aliens who when they aren't spanking themselves off to semi-naked scientists are looking out for a mankind threatened by imminent doom from the sky. Fortunately it all came together and the world was saved. Other than the cowboy of course, who spent most of the movie dead, which saved us from his peculiar take on acting.

Absolutely, spendidly awful, and it more than made up for Storm Seekers. Once is enough though, I honestly could not watch this movie again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 September, 2020, 11:00:32 am
A Million Ways To Die In The West.  A corny send-up of every Western cliché you could think of, plus Charlize Theron's dimples (and the rest of her). Fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 09 September, 2020, 08:25:09 pm
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/04/behold-dune-an-exclusive-look-at-timothee-chalamet-zendaya-oscar-isaac (https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/04/behold-dune-an-exclusive-look-at-timothee-chalamet-zendaya-oscar-isaac)


Some pics from the upcoming remake of Dune.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9xhJrPXop4&feature=emb_logo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9xhJrPXop4&feature=emb_logo)


First preview.


I must not fear.... that they'll mess it up.      Visuals look OK.  Not keen on the armour, but in a blade based culture it makes sense.  They only seem to use shields once ?    Just watched it again.


https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/09/denis-villeneuves-dune-trailer-explained
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 09 September, 2020, 08:56:37 pm
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/04/behold-dune-an-exclusive-look-at-timothee-chalamet-zendaya-oscar-isaac (https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/04/behold-dune-an-exclusive-look-at-timothee-chalamet-zendaya-oscar-isaac)


Some pics from the upcoming remake of Dune.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9xhJrPXop4&feature=emb_logo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9xhJrPXop4&feature=emb_logo)


First preview.


I must not fear.... that they'll mess it up.      Visuals look OK.  Not keen on the armour, but in a blade based culture it makes sense.  They only seem to use shields once ?    Just watched it again.


https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/09/denis-villeneuves-dune-trailer-explained

Looks promising. Proper ornithopters! :thumbsup:

The shields in the Villeneuve version are more subtle than the blocky effect in the Lynch film, but that's advances in CGI for you - plus if memory serves, the shield effect was fairly close-fitting in the books.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 09 September, 2020, 09:05:40 pm
Ooh thanks for the heads up I didn't know about this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 September, 2020, 09:30:47 am
I've watched the trailer. It looks promising.

Some of the casting is terrific. Momoa as Idaho is good, as is Charlotte Rampling as the mother superior.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 10 September, 2020, 06:00:08 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjLijCWt76o


Dune Cast Q&A with Stephen Colbert.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 September, 2020, 09:23:08 pm
Villeneuve

Ugh! I wasn't a huge fan of Blade Runner 2049, I must say.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 13 September, 2020, 08:33:36 am
"Midway".  The Emmerich version. It's so bad that it's almost good. The man is clueless. How does he keep getting work?.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 13 September, 2020, 03:01:29 pm
Le Mans 66. Much historical automotive bling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 14 September, 2020, 08:03:38 am
Sully (on iPlayer)

Yeah, it's pretty good, worth watching.  The investigation board is a bit 'Hollywood baddie' (they even got Randall Flagg on there!).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 14 September, 2020, 08:56:19 am
Sully (on iPlayer)

Yeah, it's pretty good, worth watching.  The investigation board is a bit 'Hollywood baddie' (they even got Randall Flagg on there!).

yes, mildly worthwhile for the flight and glide sequence, but somewhat overdid the "let's blame the pilot" bit.

For my part, last night was Vanilla Sky, quite why I subjected myself to all of that, having watched the first hour of it is beyond me. I think I should write to Tom the magic midget asking if Scientology can give me back those three hours.  It can do anything else
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 September, 2020, 10:28:13 am
Pandemic, which we thought was more disaster cheese, but actually turned out to be a two-episode mini-series from 2007 and wasn't entirely awful. Some hokey science sure (the virus as little gremlins under the microscope was a bit special) but that take home from this was that Hollywood screenwriters in the mid-00s knew more about viral pandemics than the world's governments in 2020.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 16 September, 2020, 10:54:39 am
I think the tagline 'Bond on acid' sums it up nicely, but I really enjoyed Tenet. OK, I figure the central plot tenet (see what I did there) was difficult to do, but it sort of worked in the mix if you didn't think about it too hard. That sentence won't make sense unless you've seen it.

The actions scenes are well done, it's a bit Bourne-esque old school, which is a good thing. Some people don't like the Nolan turn-up-the-volume-to-11 soundtracks, but I do, so ner.

Everyone seemed to be asking each other this on the way out of the cinema, so the answer is:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 September, 2020, 06:15:38 pm
I think the tagline 'Bond on acid' sums it up nicely

I once watched Dr No after dropping a tab and I never want to repeat that experience again - especially not the machete-wielding nazi unicorns on tricycles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 18 September, 2020, 08:04:21 am
Ian, re 'Alien Showdown'

Can I recommend 'Princess of Mars', available on Channel 5 catch up? It is really, really in the running for ticking all your shite boxes.

Meanwhile, I have just watched this classic. Is that John Cleese in there?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkxW-nB0nNU&ab_channel=DafyddHumphreys
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 18 September, 2020, 08:59:46 am
Ronni Ancona had the best description of Culloden I've ever heard, back in prehistoric times when QI was still worth watching:

Quote
The Battle of Culloden is quite complicated, because it was basically an Italian fop with a Polish accent with a bunch of Highlanders, some Irish, a few French, fighting some Scottish low-landers, English, led by a fat German from Hanover.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: thebicyclist on 18 September, 2020, 10:05:06 am
The last film I watched was Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. It's really strange and you look for the meaning, but there is none (I suppose). But I think it has a clear message.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: telstarbox on 20 September, 2020, 01:48:13 pm
Border (currently on All 4). A very unusual Swedish film, but I thought completely without clichés. It's by the same writer as Let The Right One In.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 21 September, 2020, 08:11:04 am
I, Tonya, on iPlayer.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 September, 2020, 10:37:20 am
Failed again to find disaster-cheese, watched something called The ReZort, which turned out to Hollywood fluff. Wasn't any better than the Syfy stuff though other than some marginally better acting.

Plot, erm. There's been a global war against zombies (why bother, we could just build more shopping malls for them), humanity is victorious, but they've kept an island full of them so people can go shoot them. What could go wrong if you land a group of central casting stereotypes in the middle of them? The usual stuff. Infinite ammo, the moody good guy (who survives, presumably because the focus groups in the early screenings said so). A plot twist telegraphed so far back that it was received in the mid-1980s. People with zero knowledge of the existence of this movie know how it ends.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 21 September, 2020, 07:29:39 pm
The Public.   Excellent.   Homeless people staging a winter sit-in in Cincinati library clash with city officials.  Great ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 September, 2020, 10:12:24 am
An interesting and thoughtful exploration of time travel and existentialism. Oh yes, Bill & Ted Face the Music. I didn't know this existed till I saw the trailer ahead of Tenet last week.

I confess, I was a bit scared, obviously, Bill & Ted is a foundational landmark of modern cinema and these latter year reboots often fraught. Anyway, I found it most awesome. Obviously Keanu and Alex weren't in it for the money, they seemed to be having fun. Anyway, you know the deal, there's time travel, there's even teenaged Bill & Ted-lettes, obviously princesses. Music reunites the world and saves reality. You don't need to know the why.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 September, 2020, 02:22:48 pm
An interesting and thoughtful exploration of time travel and existentialism. Oh yes, Bill & Ted Face the Music. I didn't know this existed till I saw the trailer ahead of Tenet last week.

I confess, I was a bit scared, obviously, Bill & Ted is a foundational landmark of modern cinema and these latter year reboots often fraught. Anyway, I found it most awesome. Obviously Keanu and Alex weren't in it for the money, they seemed to be having fun. Anyway, you know the deal, there's time travel, there's even teenaged Bill & Ted-lettes, obviously princesses. Music reunites the world and saves reality. You don't need to know the why Wyld Stallyns.

FTFY :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 23 September, 2020, 03:11:51 pm
The Public.   Excellent.   Homeless people staging a winter sit-in in Cincinati library clash with city officials.  Great ending.

They teach the officials to read?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 September, 2020, 06:19:08 pm
An interesting and thoughtful exploration of time travel and existentialism. Oh yes, Bill & Ted Face the Music. I didn't know this existed till I saw the trailer ahead of Tenet last week.

I confess, I was a bit scared, obviously, Bill & Ted is a foundational landmark of modern cinema and these latter year reboots often fraught. Anyway, I found it most awesome. Obviously Keanu and Alex weren't in it for the money, they seemed to be having fun. Anyway, you know the deal, there's time travel, there's even teenaged Bill & Ted-lettes, obviously princesses. Music reunites the world and saves reality. You don't need to know the why.
Bodacious!

I guess some foundational landmarks of modern cinema have staying power.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 September, 2020, 10:14:18 am
I enjoyed it. It, of course, didn't do anything that the earlier two films didn't, but it's hardly an intellectual adventure.

Some people online are annoyed (surely not!) that the movie has women in it. Actually I did notice that their sons changed to daughters, but honestly, annoyed men of the internet, it's not real it's a movie. I'd imagine Beethoven would have been a lot more perturbed to be kidnapped in the phone booth and Jimi Hendrix would have been too off his head on heroin to notice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PeterM on 24 September, 2020, 09:26:58 pm
Bacurau.

A slow-burner set in a remote Brazilian village.  Plays with multiple genre tropes so for a long time you're not quite sure what kind of film you're watching. An excellent one, it turns out.

Some parallels with Parasite, perhaps.  It certainly doesn't hold back...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 25 September, 2020, 11:10:34 am
Sweetheart

Young woman washes up on a desert island. A bad thing lives in the water nearby. Stuff ensues.

A bit meh.

Not improved by the fact that she forgot/ lost her discs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 28 September, 2020, 11:54:59 am
The Gentlemen - I don't usually fancy gangster films, but I remember this getting good reviews earlier and it was on our list to go and see at the cinema. Then lockdown.  Its on Prime just now for free and I really enjoyed it. No gritty realism, its just a really good story which unfolds and keeps you guessing as it goes along.  My wife found out its not easy to follow if your on your phone/laptop at the same time but its easily worth it. Great story line and acting. Hugh Grant didn't play Hugh Grant and he was great too. Not gratuitously violent, its probably the language that got it its rating.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 September, 2020, 12:19:12 pm
Ice Cold in Alex on Old Git TV Saturday afternnon.

Still brilliant. I knew most of the words.

Quote
Don't just stand there like a Hype Park floozy wondering how she's going to get through the winter!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 September, 2020, 06:43:17 pm
Ice Cold in Alex on Old Git TV Saturday afternnon.

Still brilliant. I knew most of the words.

Quote
Don't just stand there like a Hype Park floozy wondering how she's going to get through the winter!

That's the first Ww2 movie with a Land rover, I believe?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 September, 2020, 07:41:09 pm
This weekend's disaster-fest line-up.

Ferocious Planet. I enjoyed this one, it's what happens if you put Irish folk in charge of interdimensional travel. O the craic! Involved the fantastic line 'don't poke the alien.' And no, really, don't. Featured that chap from Stargate Atlantis who's always good value. Don't say I don't have my Syfy casting knowledge chops. Female lead's stylish choice of heels paid off (to be fair, no one arrived at work that day expecting transdimensional travel, but the lesson I feel, is don't take your day at at the office for granted). Well you trying pulling someone out of quicksand in flats, dig in those heels and pull. The weird thing about this movie was that no ones' clothes got dirty, despite the gore, quickstand, general dirt, and sweat. Pristine (you might be dead, but there's no laundry). That was more mysterious than transdimensional travel. Also, the secret of cold fusion revealed. Use stream water and refrigerant (ammonia) from monster eggs. Sure you have to purify it by running it through a piece of tissue first.

5th Passenger. A bunch of Star Trek bit-part players get stuck in a lifepod with an alien. A hungry alien. I also quite enjoyed this one, and the twist was pleasingly well done. Admittedly, I've been stuck in worse carriages of the last train home (aka The Vomit Comet – come on Syfy, The Vomit Comet is movie concept gold, call my agent for details).

Fearing I've strayed beyond the disaster domain, we switched track to Metal Tornado. What if, say, you invertantly lost a bunch of wildly spinning magnetic energy while downloading the power from a solar flare. It's been a worry of mine for a while. And well, magnetism. Sucking up everything that's metal (aluminium, I demand you surrender to the pull) into a swirling metallic maelstrom. Bonus points for the free-range chainsaw. I cannot be the only person who sees storm chaser footage of a tornado and thinks thank god that's not metal. Also, I think the film crew must be thanked for the way they always Americanize these Canadian productions. They must runaround tearing down the Maple Leafs. If only the Americans found out The Truth.

And finally, Tornado Warning. Basically every meteorologist in American has invented an early warning system that works perfectly until the first test in front of the bigwigs, were it duly fails and discredits the creator, forcing them into LOFO-TV-5 obscuring and state college teaching positions. But at the end, it pays dividends, the bigwigs eat a big slice of humble pie, and it saves a town and a couple of wayward teenagers (who are typically cast in their late twenties). I think this one lacked teenagers, but a town and it's dullard mayor were saved. If only someone could invent – maybe a discredited seismologist has already – an earthquake early warning system!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 28 September, 2020, 11:31:33 pm
Motherless Brooklyn. 1950s PI movie with Ed Norton as a Tourette's suffering Dick. Also features Bruce Willis not being John McLane and brothers Alec Baldwin and Willem Defoe. At least one of them is a bad guy.
Gets a  :thumbsup: from me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 September, 2020, 09:09:37 am
Motherless Brooklyn. 1950s PI movie with Ed Norton as a Tourette's suffering Dick. Also features Bruce Willis not being John McLane and brothers Alec Baldwin and Willem Defoe. At least one of them is a bad guy.
Gets a  :thumbsup: from me.

Good book, too.  I saw the film trailer before I read it, then 'saw' Ed Norton as Lionel as I was reading it. Perfect casting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 11 October, 2020, 06:18:48 pm
Invasion Planet Earth

The basic storyline concept is quite good, and the script isn't too bad, but unfortunately for a film that was apparently 17 years in the making, some of the special effects are really of ludicrously poor quality and other than the lead parts, a lot of the acting is cheesy in the extreme. To be fair, it was apparently made on a very tight budget, but unfortunately I think they cut too many corners.

The title itself seems like a poor choice, although the title used during production "The Kaleidoscope Man" would have been worse. I'm sure someone could have come up with a better title, something a little more original and clever. I can see where they were going with the title, but it smacks too much of trying to attract the "Independence Day" type of crowd, which probably means that marketing types won out in choosing it.

Trailer (YouTube) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okNzOq0R8yE)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 11 October, 2020, 09:28:59 pm
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/04/behold-dune-an-exclusive-look-at-timothee-chalamet-zendaya-oscar-isaac (https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/04/behold-dune-an-exclusive-look-at-timothee-chalamet-zendaya-oscar-isaac)


Some pics from the upcoming remake of Dune.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9xhJrPXop4&feature=emb_logo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9xhJrPXop4&feature=emb_logo)


First preview.


I must not fear.... that they'll mess it up.      Visuals look OK.  Not keen on the armour, but in a blade based culture it makes sense.  They only seem to use shields once ?    Just watched it again.


https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/09/denis-villeneuves-dune-trailer-explained (https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/09/denis-villeneuves-dune-trailer-explained)


Release now postponed until October next year.  :(   


https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/10/11/paul-atreides-led-a-jihad-not-a-crusade-heres-why-that-matters/


An essay on the use of words & language in Dune, and on the Sufi origins of the religious background. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 02 November, 2020, 11:27:02 pm
Seeing the story about the Russian Sausage King earlier gave me flashbacks to an old BBC thing called "The Mushroom Picker", with a lead role for Nigel Terry (as Kostya, "The man with the meat"),  whom most people will recall as Arthur in "Excalibur".  This prompted me to finally watch "The Lion In Winter" , in which he play Prince John.


Wow!  The Ultimate Family Christmas Movie.    Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard, John, Geoffrey & Phillip II of France all stuck in a castle together.  Daggers drawn.


Magnificent cast & good visuals.    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_in_Winter_(1968_film)   Highly recommended. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 03 November, 2020, 06:36:13 am
The Quiet Place, I knew what was going to happen in the end, but reasonably entertaining

Hidden Figures far more entertaining, plus the historical context. Watched because I remembered reading the story a while back on some anniversary or another. Only spoiled by KC.

THE ReZort was wonderfully silly turbo trainer fodder. Humanoids From The Deep next
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nobby on 03 November, 2020, 06:43:46 am
The Warlord - Charlton Heston it's going to be a long lockdown if I can't find better dvd's than this!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 03 November, 2020, 09:15:23 am
Burt Lancaster, The Train.  Be warned if you are a railway enthusiast, it has train crash footage - they must have had quite a bit of old rolling stock surplus to requirements.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 03 November, 2020, 03:20:57 pm
Odd Man Out

My second favourite film (The first being The Third Man, also by Carol Reed).

The fabulous lighting and Belfast-in-the-snow settings effortlessly ride above the bug-eyed Robert Newton being Long John Silver in a great-coat.  Excellent support of James Mason from a lot of Abbey Theatre Players and a typically tight-lipped performance from William Hartnell years before he became the first Doctor Who.

Just superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 November, 2020, 03:35:06 pm
The recent reimagining of The Invisible Man starring that woman off The Handmaids Tale.

Not a patch on the real Invisible Man but still watchable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 03 November, 2020, 04:08:08 pm
The recent reimagining of The Invisible Man starring that woman off The Handmaids Tale.

Not a patch on the real Invisible Man but still watchable.

I haven't seen it   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 03 November, 2020, 04:22:48 pm
The recent reimagining of The Invisible Man starring that woman off The Handmaids Tale.

Not a patch on the real Invisible Man but still watchable.

I haven't seen it   ;D
https://images.app.goo.gl/GvFvcHsjgw3wUVS76
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Arellcat on 07 November, 2020, 06:56:43 pm
You know happens when you mix sea water and tectonic plates? Age of Ice, that's what. This one was a bit special. I'm not sure if it benefited or was made worse by the fact they edited it with a Magimix.

I once found Age of Ice on DVD at my work's book swap shelf and gave it a whirl.  There are some fims that are so bad they become a cult thing, and there are some films that are so bad you want to chop up the DVD into tiny pieces, put them into a lead-lined box and throw it into the sea.  I can't think of a single redeeming feature of the film, quite honestly, except the fact that it ended.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: simonp on 07 November, 2020, 07:01:21 pm
Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 07 November, 2020, 09:25:58 pm
You know happens when you mix sea water and tectonic plates? Age of Ice, that's what. This one was a bit special. I'm not sure if it benefited or was made worse by the fact they edited it with a Magimix.

I once found Age of Ice on DVD at my work's book swap shelf and gave it a whirl.  There are some fims that are so bad they become a cult thing, and there are some films that are so bad you want to chop up the DVD into tiny pieces, put them into a lead-lined box and throw it into the sea.  I can't think of a single redeeming feature of the film, quite honestly, except the fact that it ended.  :)

I was just about to flip my table as I thought you were talking about "Ice Age".....I have never seen Age of Ice and probably shouldn't  :D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 07 November, 2020, 11:03:19 pm
Richard Jewell a Clint Eastwood directed film about the security guard who discovered the Centenial Park bomb in Atlanta in the run up to the Olympics and his subsequent ordeal as the prime suspect.

Well worth a watch. Gives an idea of how conniving and underhand some investigations can become if the portrayal is accurate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 08 November, 2020, 02:37:42 pm
Just watched The Core. Amazingly bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 November, 2020, 04:57:00 am
One of the streaming services here (Crave) got all the Bond movies, so just watched Goldfinger.  So much better than most of the newer ones.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 November, 2020, 08:03:35 am
Netflix France has got all or most of the Jean-Paul Belmondo films. Most of them are his look-I'm-a-stuntman efforts and not worth watching, but a couple of nights ago we watched Stavisky, which is based on the story of a real 1930s con-man, and well worth the two hours.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 11 November, 2020, 11:05:07 pm
A United Kingdom (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3387266/)   The story of King Seretse Khama of Botswana and how his loving but controversial marriage to a British white woman, Ruth Williams, put his kingdom into political and diplomatic turmoil.  Another great chapter of Great British History.
Excellent. Apart from Nicolas lyndhurst who I thought was pretty crap
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 12 November, 2020, 04:54:18 pm
You know happens when you mix sea water and tectonic plates? Age of Ice, that's what. This one was a bit special. I'm not sure if it benefited or was made worse by the fact they edited it with a Magimix.

I once found Age of Ice on DVD at my work's book swap shelf and gave it a whirl.  There are some fims that are so bad they become a cult thing, and there are some films that are so bad you want to chop up the DVD into tiny pieces, put them into a lead-lined box and throw it into the sea.  I can't think of a single redeeming feature of the film, quite honestly, except the fact that it ended.  :)

 ;D ;D ;D

"Cold Skin", a quirky horror film on C4 catch-up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 15 November, 2020, 04:31:31 pm
Lucy In The Sky starring the delightful Natalie Portman wot I like, as an Astronaut who goes a bit wibble on her return home from that there ISS.

Loosely based on actual events.

Space and Natalie Portman. Whats not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 November, 2020, 04:35:57 pm
Space and Natalie Portman. Whats not to like?

The Phantom Menace, obviously.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 15 November, 2020, 04:39:10 pm
Space and Natalie Portman. Whats not to like?

The Phantom Menace, obviously.
;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 November, 2020, 05:59:54 pm
Space and Natalie Portman. Whats not to like?

The Phantom Menace, obviously.

Kim pwns teh Internetz!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 15 November, 2020, 07:04:08 pm
Space and Natalie Portman. Whats not to like?

The Phantom Menace, obviously.

Recently re-watched the first trilogy. While it obviously has serious issues, the underlying story is easily the strongest of the 3, benefitting from actually having been written as a trilogy and I couldn't help thinking that if any Star Wars movies needed to be re-made, the first 3 are prime candidates :D

On a similar note, I also just re-watched Rise of Skywalker and I still think it's good. (For a Star Wars movie)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 16 November, 2020, 05:48:12 am
I needed a 90' film for a turbo session so looked on the dvd shelves and found The Ghost and Mrs Muir. Mrs PC told me it was a lovely film and it was!

I was expecting it to be set in a Scottish castle which it wasn't, and now have a new favourite phrase, "perfumed parlour snake"!  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 16 November, 2020, 09:11:29 pm
White Riot

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8351520/

The story of Rock Against Racism, back when I was at Uni.

Watch it. If you think things are bad now....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 November, 2020, 09:20:48 pm
The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Which we thought we had watched, but we hadn't.

Very laughy and will have to watch it again to pick up more subtle nuances.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 17 November, 2020, 04:00:31 pm
That is such a brilliant film that.

Last film I watched was Flight of the Navigator. It is utterly brilliant nostalgia with brilliant sound design.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 17 November, 2020, 04:19:19 pm
That is such a brilliant film that.

Last film I watched was Flight of the Navigator. It is utterly brilliant nostalgia with brilliant sound design.

With a rather fresh-faced Sarah Jessica Parker
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Valiant on 18 November, 2020, 12:27:41 pm
That is such a brilliant film that.

Last film I watched was Flight of the Navigator. It is utterly brilliant nostalgia with brilliant sound design.

With a rather fresh-faced Sarah Jessica Parker

Indeed
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 18 November, 2020, 01:43:40 pm
I needed a 90' film for a turbo session so looked on the dvd shelves and found The Ghost and Mrs Muir. Mrs PC told me it was a lovely film and it was!

I was expecting it to be set in a Scottish castle which it wasn't, and now have a new favourite phrase, "perfumed parlour snake"!  ;D
Thank Mrs C for the recommendation. That was indeed lovely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 18 November, 2020, 02:42:43 pm
Deadpool again. Just as entertaining the second time round.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 22 November, 2020, 10:30:41 pm
One flew over the Cuckoo's nest.

No less distressing to watch 45 years later; the acting no less outstanding.

I was waaaay too young to watch it when it was released (I was 15, it was an 18), so I came to it somewhat belatedly.

Oh my - they all look so YOUNG now!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 22 November, 2020, 10:36:44 pm
North By Northwest. Sixty-one years young and still fabulous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 22 November, 2020, 10:55:49 pm
We watched Fishermans's Friends last night.

A Local Hero for this century.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 November, 2020, 10:45:55 am
Finally caught up The Color Out of Space. Nicolas Cage and HP Lovecraft. It took a while for Our Nic to do his trademark bonkers thing, but it was worth it. Bonus points for mutant alpacas. Fewer point for the location, which looked nothing like New England, and generally being a bit dull, shortchanged on the brooding otherworldly menace.

We are still doing the disaster-quest, though we've had to turn it down to one per weekend, our mental health was suffering under the onslaught of terrible apocalypses and we kept stumbling on occasional ones that 'weren't actually too bad' – we were never sure if they weren't actually too bad, or if we'd been cinematically re-calibrated. Life as an awfulophile isn't without its risks.

We hit one head-on this weekend – Countdown: Armageddon (IMDB has it as Jerusalem). It quickly turned out it was a Christian movie (but hey, on the Nic Cage riff, who doesn't love Left Behind). To be fair, this made Left Behind (by any traditional measure, one of the worst movies ever made) look like coherent movie making (watch it, you'll feel dirty but good). Christian movies are like Christian rock. Practically no one sells their soul to Jesus for a guitar and if you do, you are doing it wrong, it's all wholesome campfire sing-a-longs rather than lines of coke the length of the Great Wall of China, stadia full of nubile groupies, and RAAAAAAWK. Absolutely no one is going to salute you, and that's a fact. They'll kick you in the nuts and tell you to stop the bloody Jesus-a-wauling.

Anyway, Christian movies are just as shit as Christian rock. This is axiomatic. This once was special because not one single scene made any sense. A confused-looking lead trying to find her little girl (abdusted from a LA toilet by, I think, god – yes, I know, holy pedobear, batman). Who turned up in Jerasalem. Don't ask why, no one knows, but that's where apocalypses happen, so get on the plane. And the plane scene. Special. It was a movie of special moments. They were lined up, squeezed out one after the other. You could almost hear the splash after each. There was a Timotei angel a pointless wander around the desert as the movie stumbled into further comprehensibility. You will like the fact that the agency of the Anti-Christ was the EU and anti-christ was the head of the EU, sorry, New World Order.

It didn't really have an ending. She got her daughter back (in a, I suppose, literal deus ex machina) and there were some quotes from Revelations, just in case you'd missed the only comprehensible bit of the plot – it's a Christian apocalypse movie – in which case, trust me, you're going to be at the back of the queue to get raptured, if you can find a queue, you'll probably end up getting the last sausage roll from Greggs after a twenty minute wait rather than an eternal afterlife in Heaven. Which, if they've showing stuff like this on whatever passes for a streaming service Uptown, you're better off taking the down escalator.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 November, 2020, 10:55:03 am
Actually, I forgot to add this (https://www.wish.com/product/5ba44688236cce377bb52685?hide_login_modal=true&from_ad=goog_shopping&_display_country_code=GB&_force_currency_code=GBP&pid=googleadwords_int&c=%7BcampaignId%7D&ad_cid=5ba44688236cce377bb52685&ad_cc=GB&ad_curr=GBP&ad_price=11.00&campaign_id=6493229882&exclude_install=true&gclid=CjwKCAiA2O39BRBjEiwApB2IkhWoBRIW2zipuPoGzJRZXxjjpxOMOygFM0vSKELHzUlZx4hB1atwiRoCQ68QAvD_BwE&share=web) to the early part of my review.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 November, 2020, 12:13:10 pm
The latest BBC film review had TV's Mark Commode saying some spectacularly rude things about Skyfire.  It sounds delightfully terrible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 23 November, 2020, 08:48:53 pm
The latest BBC film review had TV's Mark Commode saying some spectacularly rude things about Skyfire.  It sounds delightfully terrible.
The interview with Jason [Hello to] Isaacs was hilarious. I can't imagine being able to keep a straight face acting with him on a film like that.
They did make it sound quite fun - Jurassic Sparks** meets Michael Bentine's Potty Time*, apparently.

*Younger readers should ask Mr Larrington
** VERY Younger readers ... probably should be in bed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 28 November, 2020, 01:16:25 pm
White Riot

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8351520/

The story of Rock Against Racism, back when I was at Uni.

Watch it. If you think things are bad now....

That looks interesting, ordered.

Recently watched Here to be Heard: The Story of The Slits which is excellent, if a little sad.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4706292/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 30 November, 2020, 10:54:26 pm
As a Poliakoff box set arrived last week I've just watched "Caught On A Train".  Ostende to Linz with Peggy Ashcroft as the fellow passenger from Hell.  I saw this when it was broadcast in 1980, and once since.  Good stuff.  I think his shorter work is best.  I still remember Tim Curry in "City Sugar (1978)" and "Close My Eyes" is a disturbing favourite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 December, 2020, 01:09:48 pm
As a Poliakoff box set arrived last week I've just watched "Caught On A Train".  Ostende to Linz with Peggy Ashcroft as the fellow passenger from Hell.

I refused to watch Poliakoff for years after seeing that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 December, 2020, 01:09:35 pm
Mank, with Gary Oldman being Mankiewicz and Charles Dance being Tywin Lannister Hearst.  Very enjoyable, with a couple of good belly-laughs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 06 December, 2020, 02:05:35 pm
Last night I made Mr Smith watch Top Hat.

Today I delighted him with my rendition of Isn't This A Lovely Day (To Be Caught In The Rain). It's a gift that keeps on giving.

(as an aside, I was struck again how much Fred Astaire looks like the boy Wilky)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 06 December, 2020, 03:04:31 pm
The Hunt A film about a group of Elite who take a bunch of nobodies and dump them in that there Furrin and then use them as sporting targets.

Some deliciously dark humourm in there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 06 December, 2020, 10:21:19 pm
Mank, with Gary Oldman being Mankiewicz and Charles Dance being Tywin Lannister Hearst.  Very enjoyable, with a couple of good belly-laughs.

On my to-watch list for this week.
Gratuitous funfact: Gary Oldman is younger than Gary Numan
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 06 December, 2020, 10:45:50 pm
Noelle. Other half wanted to watch something Christmassy. I enjoyed it, a bit like Elf. I laughed out loud quite a few times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 11 December, 2020, 08:57:48 am
As a Poliakoff box set arrived last week I've just watched "Caught On A Train".  Ostende to Linz with Peggy Ashcroft as the fellow passenger from Hell.

I refused to watch Poliakoff for years after seeing that.


Carrying on my Poliakoff season I mentioned I was watching "Perfect Strangers" to a friend, who's husband is a chemistry professor.  She asked if I had seen a chemist called Poliakoff who has a Youtube channel.  I checked & they are brothers!


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Poliakoff



"Stephen Poliakoff lives in London and is married to fellow scriptwriter Sandy Welch, with whom he has two children. He was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list 2007.[41]


His brother, Sir Martyn Poliakoff, a research chemist and lecturer, is a Fellow of the Royal Society,[42] being, until November 2016, its Foreign Secretary and vice-president.[43] He is also the presenter of a YouTube educational series on chemistry, The Periodic Table of Videos.[44]"



Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 11 December, 2020, 09:40:00 am
One of the original and best nutty professors, along with the late John Salthouse, who used to go round blowing things up and shooting candles through doors, etc. for the edification of the public.

I bet they don't do lectures like those any more.  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 11 December, 2020, 01:00:24 pm
Carrying on my Poliakoff season...

Carry On Poliakoff! I would watch that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 December, 2020, 06:14:43 pm
Carrying on my Poliakoff season...

Carry On Poliakoff! I would watch that.

Carry On Pinter, on the other hand…
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 11 December, 2020, 07:14:38 pm
Carry On Peckinpah? :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 December, 2020, 09:02:38 pm
Carry On Peckinpah? :demon:

That’d last about nine hours because 2/3 of it would be in slomo.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 12 December, 2020, 11:54:51 pm
Carrying on my Poliakoff season...

Carry On Poliakoff! I would watch that.

Carry On Pinter, on the other hand…
ITYM Carry on...













...Pinter, on the other hand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 13 December, 2020, 03:25:22 pm
"A Christmas Carol" in the 1984 version with George C Scott.  I was to be prepared to be disappointed, being a devotee of the Alastair Sim version.  But it was terrific.  Scott was a great actor and in this he showed great respect for his predecessor.  Shrewsbury provided a wonderful setting, tying the film in in my mind with audax and Yr Elenydd - the hardship and scenery without leaving the fireside!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 13 December, 2020, 10:19:10 pm
We watched Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark again the other night. It has stood the test of time quite well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 14 December, 2020, 09:23:02 am
High Society. No, not the K-Drama version, the 1956 Louie, Bing, Frank & Princess Grace.

I'll get him crooning before the end of the year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 December, 2020, 10:45:21 am
The Valhalla Murders on Netflux. Icelandic krimi, not a patch on Trapped. You work out who was probably behind it at around 40% through and the background "music" wasn't so much as score as a nasty gash.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 December, 2020, 12:08:53 pm
The Shape Of Water.  Very good although I felt as if I was watching a mixup of Amelie and Premium Rush (Michael Shannon essentially playing the same bastard).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 21 December, 2020, 04:28:56 pm
Blinded By The Light (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8266310/)

Brilliant, feelgood film with a singalong soundtrack and with very funny bits and very sad bits.  (I couldn't stop myself namechecking all the cars!)

"In England in 1987, a teenager from an Asian family learns to live his life, understand his family and find his own voice through the music of American rock star Bruce Springsteen."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 21 December, 2020, 07:15:36 pm
I was disappointed by "The Shape Of Water" - I thought they over hollywoodized it.  They needed to make it 15% edgier and at least 10% Kookier.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 21 December, 2020, 08:49:13 pm
“Shoplifters” a slice of Japanese cinema verite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 25 December, 2020, 02:38:09 pm
Currently, Some Like It Hot. Before that, Singing in the Rain. Double bill of champions…
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 25 December, 2020, 03:08:03 pm
Being really up to date, we watched The Hurt Locker the other evening. I quite liked it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: cygnet on 26 December, 2020, 09:53:39 pm
The Italian Job (Michael Caine version)
On re-watching it appears quite brexit-tastic, but with some lines/shots I've maybe missed previously or over-analysed this time E.g. ( I paraphrase) "We need a man who can fix the Turing Turin computer"
And was the rather prominent cul-de-sac sign outside the cemetery just a 'dead end" pun?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 27 December, 2020, 07:38:25 am
While we’ve got the 30 day Amazon Prime trial, Knives Out.  Most enjoyable!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 December, 2020, 08:59:12 am
Pappilon, the remake. I mean, it's not that bad, but it doesn't try anything new at all and seems entirely pointless, considering how good the McQueen version is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2020, 09:26:05 am
Under the Skin. A small story, might have been by David Lynch but isn't. Netflix gives most of the plot away in their blurb, otherwise it would have been mystifying rather than boring (despite the eye candy).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 27 December, 2020, 11:26:07 am
HER. Complete and utter drivel, so much do we only managed 2/3rds of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2020, 10:14:49 am
The Midnight Sky. Predictable touchy-feely crap larded with more errors than my dogs' spelling homework, made all the worse by the fact that they got some bits that are usually ignored in other SF films right* and so obviously knew what they were doing wrong but reckoned that the punters wouldn't notice. Thus insulting predictable touchy-feely crap.  So why did I watch it? MrsT - she who got a masters in medicinal chemistry at the age of 68 - liked it.  :facepalm: And to be honest, I enjoyed hooting at the mistakes.

*
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2020, 01:18:16 pm
The Midnight Sky.

It was daft and very pretty.  And while they'd made a similar level of effort on trying to make the space hardware look right, it didn't fall into the same setting-itself-up-to-be-hard-SF-and-failing trap as Away (which, for all its space ridiculousness, did a much better job of the touchy-feely crap, at least among the sensible characters, who were for some reason all on earth).


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2020, 02:15:40 pm
The Midnight Sky.

It was daft and very pretty.  And while they'd made a similar level of effort on trying to make the space hardware look right, it didn't fall into the same setting-itself-up-to-be-hard-SF-and-failing trap as Away (which, for all its space ridiculousness, did a much better job of the touchy-feely crap, at least among the sensible characters, who were for some reason all on earth).


(click to show/hide)
(click to show/hide)

Ah, to hell with it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 28 December, 2020, 03:33:47 pm


The Midnight Sky.

It was daft and very pretty.  And while they'd made a similar level of effort on trying to make the space hardware look right, it didn't fall into the same setting-itself-up-to-be-hard-SF-and-failing trap as Away (which, for all its space ridiculousness, did a much better job of the touchy-feely crap, at least among the sensible characters, who were for some reason all on earth).


(click to show/hide)
(click to show/hide)

Ah, to hell with it.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2020, 04:17:03 pm
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2020, 05:12:05 pm
(click to show/hide)

Soft science fiction? Might as well bring in Harry Potter.  The interiors were nice, though - only one octagonal corridor on the spaceship is worthy of an Oscar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 31 December, 2020, 07:20:12 am
Making the most of having Amazon Prime, we knocked out A Star Is Born ("mumble f*ckin' mumble") over the course of a few nights.  Not the jolliest of stories...

Now enjoying the Oscar-tastic Parasite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 January, 2021, 07:37:39 am
"This Is Spinal Tap".  I know every line but I still cried with laughter at "Shit Sandwich", "I think mine would look better in Dubly", etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 01 January, 2021, 09:52:47 am
Another one here trying to find escapist nonsense on Prime and Netflix.
Last night it was Ghost in the Shell with Scarlett Johansson frequently appearing in a pink catsuit - the appearance of which was somewhat disconcerting.
Pans out pretty much how you'd expect in a videogamey sort of way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 01 January, 2021, 09:58:15 am

It was daft and very pretty.  And while they'd made a similar level of effort on trying to make the space hardware look right, it didn't fall into the same setting-itself-up-to-be-hard-SF-and-failing trap as Away (which, for all its space ridiculousness, did a much better job of the touchy-feely crap, at least among the sensible characters, who were for some reason all on earth).


It was really weird. I partly watched as a part of a "For Your Consideration" awards thing, where they're pushing it to get a nomination for best VFX and a lot of it, is really bad.
 And the space hardware: Interiors were minimal design of  voronoi-lattices on top of corrugated sheets, while the exteriors were really detailed and current tech like. I was also initially thrown off by the spacewalk. "They look really CG" I thought, but why would someone do that?...but they were!.  Especially since they used ILM's LED stage thing, which should have made it easy(ish) to just shoot the actors for real.

Anyway, the whole thing just struck me as an awards vehicle. "Here's George Clooney looking solemn after attempting to save the world. Isn't he great!!"
Took me 3 tries to get through and I probably didn't give it the attention the story deserved, but meh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 01 January, 2021, 11:26:39 am
We discovered, last week, that the way to keep me awake after 9pm is to watch a film.

As Mrs T wanted me to be awake for midnight last night we watched "Charlie's Angels" (2019 version) followed by "Knives Out" which was enjoyable but predictable in an Agatha Christie style. James Bond can't do accents!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 January, 2021, 12:20:41 pm
Our New Years Eve cheesy disaster movie was Oceans Rising (2017)

As the name fails to suggest, it's mostly a rip-off of The Core, with a boat trip (Texas to Geneva, via New York, in order to collide hardons and create *two* black holes) instead of the unobtanium-plated drill craft adventures.  Notable for some gratuitous framing to avoid costly sets and locations, horrendous acting, and technobabble that puts Star Trek to shame.

Good to know that the NOAA space weather task force control centre (or whatever it was) has working ISDN in 2017, anyway.  And that a PhD in SCIENCE means you can decode road signs in un-American units.  And bonus points for avoiding the cliche of saving the day with unclear weapons.

It was shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 January, 2021, 03:13:38 pm
We watched Parasite yesterday too. Strange segue from farce to dark and not funny anymore...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 January, 2021, 03:55:54 pm
We're re-watching the Smileys - the real ones, not the back-of-the-cornflakes-box cardboard model with Gary Oldman.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 01 January, 2021, 03:59:39 pm
Austin Powers- International man of wossname.

 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 01 January, 2021, 04:21:24 pm
We watched Kursk last night. Bubble person was under the impression it had a happy ending. Jeez Louise. What an end to the year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 January, 2021, 04:57:17 pm
Two men went to war

Never heard of it but the description was that it was a heartwarming nearly true tale. Which it was. Started a bit slow, but ended well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 January, 2021, 08:39:16 pm
The Boat. Trying to stumble into another episode of our disaster-quest, but again a misstep into an actual movie. Basically, a man gets trapped in a toilet on an abandoned yacht. There are some other things.

Actually, quite good. It's a trimmed-down version of Triangle, which I also really enjoyed.

I'm hoping for a proper shit film tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 January, 2021, 10:42:48 pm
A Gift from Bob

Not a pink hat, but a Christmas themed film by Bob the Street Cat, sadly his last.

I liked it but it had a kitteh in it, so what's not to like?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 02 January, 2021, 07:23:11 am
On German Prime we watched a film called T34 about a Russian tank crew and their battle against an German tank commander. It was much better than we thought, even funny in places, although the unnecessary love interest was a bit of a time-waste. If it’s available on UK Prime then I’d say it was worth it for a bIt of escapism and some good tank warfare scenes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2021, 10:17:17 am
Von Ryan's Express (again), possibly my favourite fictional war film.  Sinatra had the wisdom to change the ending to ensure there could never be a crappy sequel.  The over-excitable Italian train driver is good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 02 January, 2021, 04:56:32 pm
War Games yesterday on some TV channel or other. Hollywood OS at its finest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 02 January, 2021, 06:03:49 pm
Tenet.

I enjoy films that that you get more out of on a second watch.   ;)  Tenet is a tad inacessible in the earlier parts of the film, as things gradually become 'clearer' - I guess that's part of it all anyway.   Definitely don't watch if you're tired.  Funny that Robert Pattinson didn't understand it, while he was actually in filming.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 02 January, 2021, 06:49:18 pm
Cold War

Polish film with several layered story lines, set (obv.) in the years following WW2.

If you are happy with subtitles, B/W*, folk music, jazz, then I highly recommend this.



* - this film has the best black and white I've seen on any film made post-1965, it's truly gorgeous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 03 January, 2021, 01:50:12 pm
Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey.

Needs no other explanation
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 03 January, 2021, 01:56:49 pm
Lot of bogus journeys going on!  It's Sunday afternoon; traffic outside our house is nose-to-tail with people taking "only necessary" trips.  It's usually much quieter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 03 January, 2021, 03:08:15 pm
Cold War

Polish film with several layered story lines, set (obv.) in the years following WW2.

If you are happy with subtitles, B/W*, folk music, jazz, then I highly recommend this.



* - this film has the best black and white I've seen on any film made post-1965, it's truly gorgeous.


A very good film. I saw it a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 03 January, 2021, 06:01:04 pm
Lot of bogus journeys going on!  It's Sunday afternoon; traffic outside our house is nose-to-tail with people taking "only necessary" trips.  It's usually much quieter.
I see what you did there  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 January, 2021, 11:22:19 pm
Something about potato pies and book clubs, with Lily Allen in it.

It was very sad in parts and she never sang any of her hits, so I’ve popped it in the “must watch again sometime” bin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 04 January, 2021, 07:48:24 am
We watched Parasite yesterday too. Strange segue from farce to dark and not funny anymore...
Because of parenting and second-fix plumbing responsibilities, we only watch half an hour or so each evening, so finished Parasite yesterday!  Dark indeed!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 04 January, 2021, 08:01:42 am
Started on Marvel from scratch again.  J insisting we do them chronologically so we did the excellent Captain Marvel second.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 04 January, 2021, 08:34:18 am
Something about potato pies and book clubs, with Lily Allen in it.

It was very sad in parts and she never sang any of her hits, so I’ve popped it in the “must watch again sometime” bin.

Even as a book it was tosh. I daren't try the film- too eyebrow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 04 January, 2021, 10:52:51 am
Finally, another proper disaster-quester. Sink Hole.

Utterly awful in that strange compelling way many of these movies are. Start with a hilarious hot hair balloon versus powerlines in what must have been the worst ever attempt to protest against fracking. Three people in a balloon with a small sign who promptly crash. Fracking, yes, town-destroying sinkholes, you know the score, but trust me they didn't have the special effects budget. There's a bad guy running the fracking operation and, bless, Eric Roberts as the corrupt sheriff who promptly forgets he's corrupt.

Cue school bus full of American teenage stereotypes. Except they're never teenagers in films like this, they're usually in their late twenties, which they were, and it makes it all the more peculiar. When one of the 'teenagers' asks another why she's not in her uniform the correct answer should have been 'because I'm 28 and it would be uncomfortably weird.' The most annoying 'kids' at least die quickly from acute stupid. It's still not quick enough.

So, kids down a hole, oh noes. How do we save them? Not with anything fancy like ropes and helicopters, no no no. Remember that hot air balloon? Fortunately, our lead character is still dragging it around hitched to the back of her truck (why? – this is precisely why, you never know when you'll need an emergency hot air balloon).

So, our heroine pilots her hot hair balloon into the sinkhole. I'll confess that I don't know much about the practical mechanics of hot air balloon operation but I don't think they work like that. Anyway, there are only two kids left, stupidity is a killer, so she loads them into her balloon but wait, hold on, didn't she crash this very balloon into the powerlines? Yes she did. Did she fix it? No. It's leaking and – oh thrice no – it's run out of gas. It's too heavy to get out of the hole. Who's going to get left behind? (They could just get rid of the clearly visible sandbags.)

It turns out this little drama is resolved by simply having the balloon emerge unexplained with all still aboard. I felt a bit cheated by this, it's basically like everyone sat around and couldn't figure out a way out of this particular dilemma so opted not to bother. If there was an explanation, it ended up on the cutting room floor.

So yes, it's a terrible thing. The annoying teenagers were a standout, 'jocks' really do say 'dweeb' in movies like this and they at least had the sense to die through satisfying outbreaks of stupid. The plot was anaemic and nonsensical but featured a hot air balloon and the sort of terrible CGI that I love. The lead actress could, at least, actually act and acting is never a given in movies like this. We all have bills to pay.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 January, 2021, 11:29:21 am
Generic American teens (rich, spoilt, bitchy, perfect hair and teeth) are vital to all disaster and horror films.  They're the equivalent of green-blooded zombies in shoot-em-up computer games: they allow an engagingly high body count because no-one cares when they get eaten/crushed/minced/chainsawed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 January, 2021, 12:34:19 pm
Generic American teens (rich, spoilt, bitchy, perfect hair and teeth) are vital to all disaster and horror films.  They're the equivalent of green-blooded zombies in shoot-em-up computer games: they allow an engagingly high body count because no-one cares when they get eaten/crushed/minced/chainsawed.

So true.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 04 January, 2021, 01:05:57 pm
I had a long Zwift ride to do on Sunday so I watched This (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7104578/).
It was every bit as bad as you think it would be. Also, the Ozzies have noticeably yellower teeth than the USAnians. Eeeewww.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 04 January, 2021, 05:49:14 pm
 Ill met by moonlight (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ill_Met_by_Moonlight_(film)) chosen by running time to match my 3x25' turbo session.

Not particularly fast paced so easy to keep up with the story line even when the going was got tough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 04 January, 2021, 06:25:48 pm
Something about potato pies and book clubs, with Lily Allen in it.

It was very sad in parts and she never sang any of her hits, so I’ve popped it in the “must watch again sometime” bin.

Even as a book it was tosh. I daren't try the film- too eyebrow.
A bit too Roger Moore-y?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rob on 05 January, 2021, 09:34:56 am
Started on Marvel from scratch again.  J insisting we do them chronologically so we did the excellent Captain Marvel second.

First Iron man enjoyable, Iron Man 2 a bit meh.

Thor last night still excellent.   Kenneth Branagh direction adds the right amount of thesp.

Avengers tonight.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 05 January, 2021, 10:58:54 am
Thor last night still excellent.

Agreed.

The Long Shot with Charlize Theron and Seth Rogan, lighthearted feelgood rom-com. Very good. A bit slow to start and I was close to switching off but last 2/3's were excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 January, 2021, 11:16:39 am
Fell off the end of the Smileys last night. Feeling bereft. :(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 January, 2021, 06:51:02 am
Raiders Of The Lost Ark, a complete waste of 2 hours because Channel 4 cut the bit where the Nazi melts.  Bastards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 09 January, 2021, 11:57:47 am
Raiders Of The Lost Ark, a complete waste of 2 hours because Channel 4 cut the bit where the Nazi melts.  Bastards.
I expect they neutered the propellor incident too. Heartless bastards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 09 January, 2021, 01:51:35 pm
Dredd.
Lots of gore.
Pretty much what you expect really.
Beer required.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 January, 2021, 02:21:06 pm
Le Magnifique, probably the funniest flim Jean-Paul Belmondo ever made. The Man from Acapulco in English but I bet it's not half as funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 09 January, 2021, 03:00:43 pm
Insurrection

starring D J Trump and a cast of idiots.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 09 January, 2021, 03:08:51 pm
Insurrection

staring D J Trump and a cast of idiots.
I'm waiting for the sequel, screenplay by John Grisham with Mr T as The Cellmate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 09 January, 2021, 03:41:09 pm
The Painted Bird (2019)

Arty B/W Czech film about a jewish boy trying to find his way home from an unnamed E. European location in the closing stages of WW2, after his aunt (guardian) dies and he accidentally burns her and the house to the ground. Features a man being eaten alive by rats, a woman having sex with a goat, paedophilia by members of Catholic Church, and a ferret being burnt alive. There were probably other horrific scenes but I fell asleep in the middle. The cinematography is awesome.

Apparently audiences walked out of cinemas. It's not clear whether that was because of the demanding content (it's not actually very graphic) or because it's three hours long with about ten words of dialogue throughout (the boy never speaks).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 09 January, 2021, 03:54:32 pm
An American Pickle (2020)

A mediocre US comedian plays himself and his own Grandfather as a European Jew with a dodgy beard and even more dodgy accent, who by some freak accident was preserved in a pickle barrel so they are now the same age. Various childish hilarity ensues. Avoid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 09 January, 2021, 03:55:52 pm
Dredd.
Lots of gore.
Pretty much what you expect really.
Beer required.

Hope it was either the Stallone one or the recent remake, not the god awful 2012 version that is currently on Netflix
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 09 January, 2021, 04:03:45 pm
Le Magnifique, probably the funniest flim Jean-Paul Belmondo ever made. The Man from Acapulco in English but I bet it's not half as funny.

That sounds interesting - I've put in a request on Cinema Paradiso for them to try and get hold of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 09 January, 2021, 11:06:19 pm
Dredd.
Lots of gore.
Pretty much what you expect really.
Beer required.

Hope it was either the Stallone one or the recent remake, not the god awful 2012 version that is currently on Netflix
2012 I'm afraid - hence the beer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 January, 2021, 11:20:44 pm
Four funerals and a wedding.

This was a whirlwind tour of religious celebrations of death. The film was 6 hours long, which under the circumstances was a blessing.

This riproaring dirge of darkness was briefly enthused by a marriage between an aristocratic simpleton and a duck. It is a masterpiece. I hadn’t noticed it was raining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 09 January, 2021, 11:28:35 pm
Dredd.
Lots of gore.
Pretty much what you expect really.
Beer required.

Hope it was either the Stallone one or the recent remake, not the god awful 2012 version that is currently on Netflix
What is wrong with the 2012 Karl Urban as Dredd version? Far superior to the Stallone Dredd.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 January, 2021, 09:47:40 am
Le Magnifique, probably the funniest flim Jean-Paul Belmondo ever made. The Man from Acapulco in English but I bet it's not half as funny.

That sounds interesting - I've put in a request on Cinema Paradiso for them to try and get hold of it.

Remembering some of the scenes I'm chuckling right now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 10 January, 2021, 04:19:59 pm
Le Magnifique, probably the funniest flim Jean-Paul Belmondo ever made. The Man from Acapulco in English but I bet it's not half as funny.

That sounds interesting - I've put in a request on Cinema Paradiso for them to try and get hold of it.

Remembering some of the scenes I'm chuckling right now.

Wow, they've found it, hopefully they'll send it tomorrow!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 10 January, 2021, 09:40:20 pm
Peanut Butter Falcon. Feel-good fluff. Perfect.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 10 January, 2021, 10:42:00 pm
Yeh, we liked that one too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 12 January, 2021, 04:05:36 pm
The Towering Inferno.  Richard Chamberlain deserves a stickier end.  OJ Simpson manages not to stab the cat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 January, 2021, 06:29:03 am
Wonder Woman 84. I've taken 2 breaks already. It's long and boring.
Edit: Finished it.  It's 2 hour 30 mins running time and is about 1 hour 45 too long.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 January, 2021, 09:06:06 am
Dogma. Alan Rickman as the METATRON is delightful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PaulF on 16 January, 2021, 09:13:32 am
After almost a year I engaged with my son’s home schooling and watched Batman Returns with him.

The soundtrack is one of the set works for his A Level music.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 16 January, 2021, 09:16:34 am
Wonder Woman (2017) over a period of four days.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 16 January, 2021, 12:51:14 pm
Peanut Butter Falcon. Feel-good fluff. Perfect.
Based on the reviews here, think I'll be watching 'Falcon before any Wonder-Woman films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 16 January, 2021, 10:35:12 pm
Dead Mans Shoes https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419677/ with a and partially by that Paddy Consadine.
Deliciously dark and humorous.
A Citroen 2CV Diane for fuck sake :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 17 January, 2021, 12:20:17 am
The Gentlemen.

Guy Ritchie does drugs.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 17 January, 2021, 02:47:55 am
The Gentlemen.

Guy Ritchie does drugs.

Did he ever stop?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 17 January, 2021, 11:31:36 am
The Gentlemen.

Guy Ritchie does drugs.

Did he ever stop?

Revolver would make a pretty good case for that supposition.  ;D

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolver_(2005_film)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 17 January, 2021, 04:32:01 pm
“Lady Bird”, an gentle and amusing coming of age film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 January, 2021, 09:52:45 pm
The recent remake of "The Philadelphia Experiment".  The CGI was really, really terrible and the characters were mostly one-dimensional but somehow I stuck with it to the end.  Nice twist.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 18 January, 2021, 12:40:07 am
The Gentlemen.

Guy Ritchie does drugs.

Did he ever stop?

Revolver would make a pretty good case for that supposition.  ;D

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolver_(2005_film)

Huh, A Besson produced Statham film I haven't seen?!?..I'll have to rectify that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 24 January, 2021, 01:58:49 am
The Shawshank Redemption.

Never seen it before. Astonishing, can’t believe I’ve missed it for so long.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 24 January, 2021, 10:10:01 am
Weird film week (not a deliberate choice, just the films that came up)...

First off The Killing of a Sacred Deer featuring Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell and Barry Keoghan. Heart surgeon accidentally kills man by conducting operation after a few drinks, man's son seeks retribution. So far sounds like standard Hollywood stuff. But the director is the guy who did Lobster and the story is based on Greek myths, including Greek-God-like powers. Well-made film, as you'd expect, but the plot didn't really hold together.

Next up Vivarium with Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg. Young couple get trapped in a vast empty new-build suburban estate, where they are required to bring up a child that arrives in a cardboard box and grows very quickly. Like a cuckoo, as the opening scenes make clear. Overlong for the substance it contains, but thought-provoking.

Lastly Rent-A-Pal low-budget indie with non-famous actors. Lonely 40-year-old man caring for his senile mother descends into psychosis after making friends with a guy on a self-help VHS tape he randomly picks up from a dating agency. Very well done. Resists the expected plot devices, and all the better for it. Not a great film by any means but worth the watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 25 January, 2021, 03:49:38 pm
The Shawshank Redemption.

Never seen it before. Astonishing, can’t believe I’ve missed it for so long.

And, astonishingly, missed out on the best picture Oscar that year to.... Forrest Gump  :facepalm:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 25 January, 2021, 09:07:48 pm
Ah, Forrest Gump is a great film, but The Shawshank Redemption is something else.

The Stephen King novella is good, too.  In my head, I had Morgan Freeman's voice narrating every word to me  ;D  It comes as part of a collection of short stories, Different Seasons, which are all excellent.  The Body was made into the wonderful Stand By Me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 25 January, 2021, 10:15:33 pm
Parasite

Finally.

Engaging. Wierd. Dark.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 January, 2021, 08:18:21 am
The Stephen King novella is good, too.  In my head, I had Morgan Freeman's voice narrating every word to me  ;D  It comes as part of a collection of short stories, Different Seasons, which are all excellent.  The Body was made into the wonderful Stand By Me.

Stephen King is a superb storyteller, even without the weird bollocks.  The first ~100 pages of 'Salem's Lot are devoid of anything creepy but they're such a good story without that you don't miss it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 26 January, 2021, 10:19:46 am
Agreed; my favourite King novel is Dolores Claiborne.  Apart from the visions at the time of the eclipse, there's nothing supernatural at all, and it's just a great story.  See also: Misery.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 30 January, 2021, 01:51:22 pm
The Gentlemen.

Guy Ritchie does drugs.
Saw this last week. I really enjoyed it!

It's not exactly ambitious - it's just more "Lock Stock ..." stuff, but with everything up a notch; tighter, more stylish, more Matthew Mahogany. Without Hugh Grant it's probably just shiny and watchable. He takes it into jolly good entertainment territory. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 January, 2021, 01:55:53 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 30 January, 2021, 07:21:34 pm
+1.  I've watched it twice !   As well as Hugh Grant, I also thought Colin Farrell was brilliant
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 January, 2021, 11:50:49 pm
JoJo Rabbit.

Started off great, then tailed off.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 31 January, 2021, 11:15:36 am
The Shawshank Redemption.

Never seen it before. Astonishing, can’t believe I’ve missed it for so long.

And, astonishingly, missed out on the best picture Oscar that year to.... Forrest Gump  :facepalm:
Many excellent films missed out on oscars and many second rate films coined them in.  They’re not really about art, but rather about Hollywood self congratulation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 31 January, 2021, 08:37:38 pm
For the first time in 30-odd years, The Neverending Story (with the boys, obvs).  Generally a crock of shit, but with a classic bit of Giorgio Moroder that brought back some 1980s F1 nostalgia (the Ivory Tower Theme).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 01 February, 2021, 08:49:16 am
Situation Hopeless... But Not Serious (A comedy war film).

Staring: Alec Guinness (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000027/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm), Mike Connors (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0175528/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm), Robert Redford (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000602/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 February, 2021, 09:11:25 am
Philophobia

A locally produced and filmed film, with a lot of recognisable locations. A coming of age film set at exam time in summer (so probably more of a history film...)

Maybe a bit long, but beautifully filmed and angst-ridden.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 01 February, 2021, 09:15:49 am
The Gentlemen.

Guy Ritchie does drugs.
Saw this last week. I really enjoyed it!

It's not exactly ambitious - it's just more "Lock Stock ..." stuff, but with everything up a notch; tighter, more stylish, more Matthew Mahogany. Without Hugh Grant it's probably just shiny and watchable. He takes it into jolly good entertainment territory. :)

Watched this last night. Actually it was pretty gripping. Hugh Grant was amazing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 06 February, 2021, 02:09:02 pm
The Dig

True story of the Sutton Hoo excavation in Suffolk in 1939.    Slow.  Ralph fiennes was very good in it though and as usual for Netflix, beautifully shot and produced.   Worth a watch but not as good as the hype IMHO

(Ken stott was also good)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 February, 2021, 02:35:29 pm
Watched that before the hype and enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 February, 2021, 06:45:59 pm
TV's Mark Commode was somewhat scathing about the fictitious romantic sub-plot with the fictional RAF pilot, though.

Professor Larrington was afforded a sneak preview by the nice people of Netflix, which was not helped by her intertube connection repeatedly falling over at crucial points in the story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 February, 2021, 06:50:22 am
Dude, Where's My Car?

I last saw it 19 years ago.   It was worse than I remembered.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 February, 2021, 09:10:39 am
TV's Mark Commode was somewhat scathing about the fictitious romantic sub-plot with the fictional RAF pilot, though.

Professor Larrington was afforded a sneak preview by the nice people of Netflix, which was not helped by her intertube connection repeatedly falling over at crucial points in the story.

They're never happy unless they can scathe something. That bit did ring a bit false, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 07 February, 2021, 09:21:54 am
Watched Fight Club again the other day. Hadn't realised it was 20 years since I last saw it.  Originally I avoided it, because foolishly I assumed, being a Brad Pitt film, that it was going to be shite, and I remember watching it in stunned disbelief at how good it was. It was just as good watching it again two decades later.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 14 February, 2021, 11:27:03 am
Finally got around to watching Parasite. No doubt we missed a lot of cultural subtleties and references, and the tone was a bit uneven, but enjoyable none the less.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 February, 2021, 03:13:32 pm
Seven Days in May, a 1964 film about an attempted military coup in the US. Apparently JFK read the book in 1962 and pushed for it to be filmed. It's OK in a 1964-ish way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 February, 2021, 09:03:33 pm
Finally got around to watching Parasite. No doubt we missed a lot of cultural subtleties and references, and the tone was a bit uneven, but enjoyable none the less.

If you liked it try Oldboy. Not the remake but the 2003 version
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 14 February, 2021, 09:05:12 pm
Tenet

Half-way through. So far so good, but the dialogue is fast, every sentence is crucial and the sound is shit.

EDIT: Finished. That was great :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 February, 2021, 08:01:36 pm
The Human Centipede

Merely mentioning the title will invoke a particular member of yacf...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 February, 2021, 08:16:57 pm
Hunter Killer

Far-fetched nonsense, about as realistic as Star Wars.  I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 February, 2021, 08:18:29 pm
^as if by magic
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 February, 2021, 08:37:10 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 February, 2021, 09:10:34 pm
Stump the Guesser

A marvellous 20 minute short that looks like a mixture of early Soviet cinema, Jeunet and Caro, and Eraserhead. Cinema of the absurd. Loved it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 February, 2021, 12:39:55 am
TV's Mark Commode was waxing lyrical about that ^^^^ on his slot on BBC News 24 this evening, as well as the director of same in general.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 21 February, 2021, 07:54:03 am
It's on MUBI, if you want to watch it. MUBI is a streaming service for arthouse cinema as well as some mainstream stuff.

It reminded me very much of City of Lost Children (which, if you haven't seen it is superb)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 February, 2021, 10:07:55 am
2012.  MrsT had never seen it. I warned her that it was a load of bollocks, and afterwards she agreed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: darkpoint on 26 February, 2021, 05:02:45 pm
Space Sweepers

Mad low budget Asian Sci-Fi film, way better than some Hollywood offerings.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 28 February, 2021, 06:56:59 am
^^ Yeah, that was actually quite good!
Reasonable budget,actually of ~$25million, so while still 'low' by Hollywood stnadards, it was sizable by Korean standards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 28 February, 2021, 08:17:34 am
This week I had a couple of days off so had the chance to catch up on films I know I have seen but can't recollect seeing.

So I watched, in order:
Avengers: Infinity Wars
Avengers: End Game
Kingsman

I feel like I have managed to fill a black hole in my memory now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 February, 2021, 08:18:19 am
Space Sweepers

Mad low budget Asian Sci-Fi film, way better than some Hollywood offerings.

I've tried to watch that several times, but couldn't stand it for more than 10 minutes.  Maybe it gets better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 March, 2021, 08:33:14 am
Space Sweepers

Mad low budget Asian Sci-Fi film, way better than some Hollywood offerings.
Started it last night. So far, so good.

More plot than 80% of hollywood. More depth to the characters.
Might switch to subtitles though, the american accents are bloody annoying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 March, 2021, 09:23:04 am
Yeah, I don't like dubbed films. I'd rather hear the originals.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 March, 2021, 01:29:54 pm
The lip pattern on dubs breaks my brain.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 March, 2021, 02:30:43 pm
When France Info broadcasts an interview with someone furrin they overdub it in French but the furrin remains audible. It's not soooo bad when furrin = Korean or such, but when furrin = English my bump of language herniates.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 March, 2021, 03:32:53 pm
When France Info broadcasts an interview with someone furrin they overdub it in French but the furrin remains audible. It's not soooo bad when furrin = Korean or such, but when furrin = English my bump of language herniates.
Watched a bit of a Bond film on French TV some time ago.
It's just not right when Sean Connery has a tenor French voice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 March, 2021, 05:11:52 pm
When France Info broadcasts an interview with someone furrin they overdub it in French but the furrin remains audible. It's not soooo bad when furrin = Korean or such, but when furrin = English my bump of language herniates.
Watched a bit of a Bond film on French TV some time ago.
It's just not right when Sean Connery has a tenor French voice.

I can relate to this. Back when I lived in France, I found the most disconcerting thing about dubbed programmes was when I was familiar with the original - if you know what the person on screen should sound like, it's hard to reconcile that with a different voice.

Saved By The Bell (Sauvés Par Le Gong) was popular over there at the time. Amazingly, they found an actor to dub Screech whose voice was even more annoying than Dustin Diamond.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 March, 2021, 05:22:59 pm
I confess I can't do subtitles, god knows if I wanted words, I'd read a book. They're full of words.

I can handle dubbing until I notice the lips. It's the same with sync issues. Once you notice they're out of sync you can't unnotice and soon that's the only thing you notice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 March, 2021, 06:12:58 pm
When France Info broadcasts an interview with someone furrin they overdub it in French but the furrin remains audible. It's not soooo bad when furrin = Korean or such, but when furrin = English my bump of language herniates.
Watched a bit of a Bond film on French TV some time ago.
It's just not right when Sean Connery has a tenor French voice.

Eddie Izzard used to do a routine about how his routines featuring Shir Shean (and James Mason as God) didn’t work on a French audience because the latter doesn’t shound like Shir Shean in France.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 03 March, 2021, 06:59:03 pm
I confess I can't do subtitles, god knows if I wanted words, I'd read a book. They're full of words.

I can handle dubbing until I notice the lips. It's the same with sync issues. Once you notice they're out of sync you can't unnotice and soon that's the only thing you notice.
The 1-inch high barrier.
(as some foreign johnny recently put it)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 03 March, 2021, 07:50:54 pm
I confess I can't do subtitles, god knows if I wanted words, I'd read a book. They're full of words.

I can handle dubbing until I notice the lips. It's the same with sync issues. Once you notice they're out of sync you can't unnotice and soon that's the only thing you notice.

Some Eastern European countries do this thing where a guy speaks what the actors are saying. There's no attempt to sync or have an actor that sounds anything like the person on screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 March, 2021, 06:34:54 am
Wait until your hearing starts to go, then you'll need subtitles for English.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 04 March, 2021, 08:02:08 am
I already do for films where they mumble or have a Southern US drawl or the director thinks it's great to mingle the dialogue with loud ambient noise.

English [CC] often also includes the lyrics - I've never been able to follow song lyrics on first hearing - but can get a bit much (as a hearing person) when it fills the screen with [muffled snigger] [grunting] [mournful piano music in the distance] etc.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 March, 2021, 08:23:15 am
Le Coup de Torchon, a 1981 film about a complacent and somewhat pathetic flic in 1938 Central Africa.  It's in French with only French subtitles so it's probably not on Netflics in the UK, which is a pity because it's bloody good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 March, 2021, 08:26:28 am
I already do for films where they mumble or have a Southern US drawl or the director thinks it's great to mingle the dialogue with loud ambient noise.

English [CC] often also includes the lyrics - I've never been able to follow song lyrics on first hearing - but can get a bit much (as a hearing person) when it fills the screen with [muffled snigger] [grunting] [mournful piano music in the distance] etc.

We started one a while back where the subtitles were in large white upper case on a black background.  With two people talking most of the screen was covered.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 04 March, 2021, 08:33:58 am
Wait until your hearing starts to go, then you'll need subtitles for English.

Indeed.

Now all we need is subtitling to move into the 21st century and allow users to format the text and background as they prefer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 March, 2021, 10:31:19 am
I already do for films where they mumble or have a Southern US drawl or the director thinks it's great to mingle the dialogue with loud ambient noise.

English [CC] often also includes the lyrics - I've never been able to follow song lyrics on first hearing - but can get a bit much (as a hearing person) when it fills the screen with [muffled snigger] [grunting] [mournful piano music in the distance] etc.

We started one a while back where the subtitles were in large white upper case on a black background.  With two people talking most of the screen was covered.

I watched some documentary about the survivors of the Uruguayan rugby team plane crash in the Andes.  Many interviews at the crash site conducted, natch, in Spanish.  Eng. subtitles provided in a grey so light as to be practically indistinguishable from white.  A feature of the High Andes is that they are covered with SNO
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 March, 2021, 12:28:23 pm
Now all we need is subtitling to move into the 21st century and allow users to format the text and background as they prefer.

This sort of thing (and availability of subtitles in general, tbh) is encouraging piracy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 05 March, 2021, 03:56:38 pm
Not really watched (but definitely going to track down) but caught a glimpse of the B & W masterpiece "Hindle Wakes".  Just as I switched to it, there was a 30sec sequence which included a 2-6-4 Stanier Tank, a 2-seater Allard coupe and a Blackpool balloon tram.  I think there's a plot as well.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 06 March, 2021, 02:22:43 pm
So that's Jojo Rabbit, 1917 and David Copperfield in the last few weeks. I'm on a roll. Probably Parasite next.

Well it took nearly a year but we got round to Parasite last week. Very good but I sometimes struggle with lurches between comedy and tragedy, and I was shocked when it took that abrupt turn. But it's been a week and I'm still finding myself thinking back to it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 06 March, 2021, 10:24:54 pm
Alien Nation.

I've not seen this since it came out about 30-odd years ago.  It hasn't aged well, but it was and remains a surprisingly watchable 1980's formula buddy-cop movie with all the required tropes: Irascible detective, institutional speciesism, Terence Stamp as the bad guy, terrible one-liners. It's a nearly good bad movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 06 March, 2021, 11:02:39 pm
Agree with all the comments on subtitles (some programs are just mumbly), but Kim, why are user selected subtitle settings encouraging piracy?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 06 March, 2021, 11:25:53 pm
Started watching Life of Pi.

After 20 minutes I turned it off through sheer boredom.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 March, 2021, 12:32:43 am
Agree with all the comments on subtitles (some programs are just mumbly), but Kim, why are user selected subtitle settings encouraging piracy?

Because if you watch a programme on television or iPlayer or Netflix or the Channel 4 thing or whatever, the subtitles are frequently absent[1] and often shit.  Complaining to the provider usually earns you a stock response and at best a refund on the rental of the film.

Meanwhile, if you pirate the programme, you can load it and a .srt file into your video player of choice, where you have full control of the font, colours, synchronisation, position[2], two subtitles tracks at the same time[3], etc.  And you don't have to sit through the shitverts.  Thanks to the proliferation of FOREIGNS in ABROAD, pirate .srt files are readily available for most things that are worth watching, though the quality of the transcription and/or translation can sometimes be a bit dubious.

After a few iterations of trying to do things properly, you start to get the fuckits and go straight to what's most likely to work.


[1] The particularly bastardly broadcaster trick is to provide subs for the first few episodes of a series and then give up.
[2] As an owner of a 5:4 monitor, I like to use a player that can render the subtitles in the letterbox area, so they aren't overlapping the video.
[3] Postman Piers does this with English at the top of the screen and Polish at the bottom for his partner.  Or possibly vice-versa.  Genius!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 09 March, 2021, 01:27:18 am
Well, that was a cheese fest. The Seventh Son, a ripping yarn of swords and sorcery. Well, ok a diverting 90 minutes when I should really have gone to bed.

Further to the above discussion wrt subtitles, as long as they text is on screen at the same time as the orator of said words, I’m happy; I certainly couldn’t tell you if they were lip sync’d. We’ve virtually stopped watching ITV content because the iteration of the Samsung ITV Player app that my TV supports doesn’t offer subs and we watch nearly everything on catch up, Netflix or Prime these days. It pisses me off big time when the BBC just bundles ‘live’ subs on iPlayer with All4 being the most consistent in serving usable subtitles. Netflix is still streets ahead of Prime, and on the rare occasion they have published content without subtitles, they usually add them within a week or so. All in my anecdotal experience of course, as I haven’t don’t a formal set of tests.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 March, 2021, 04:19:40 pm
Vivement Dimanche, directed by François Truffaut. Utter crap despite having a good cast. Bailed out half-way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 10 March, 2021, 11:50:58 pm
Space Sweepers

Just watched this.  On the basis that you can usually judge the tone of a science fiction film by the aesthetics of its spacecraft, put this down as two hours of absolutely top-notch greebling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 March, 2021, 10:27:11 am
Taken 2.  The series deteriorates as it progresses, so it's not *quite* shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 March, 2021, 08:47:29 pm
Run Silent, Run Deep.  I do like submarine films.  Das Boot is the pinnacle, of course, but this one is pretty good, even the effects.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 March, 2021, 08:59:20 pm
Taken 2.  The series deteriorates as it progresses, so it's not *quite* shit.

I believe Liam said of Taken 3 that losing your family once was awful, twice terrible, and three times: really bad parenting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 11 March, 2021, 10:32:40 pm
Cheapish sale at Asda "Jojo Rabbit"

Patchy at first, but good, and then there is a sudden switch (no spoilers). I laughed and wept.

Bloody good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 12 March, 2021, 03:16:20 pm
The Dig on Netflix.
I can see how some think it a bit twee but I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 13 March, 2021, 10:24:19 am
A friend has drawn this to my attention & I've not seen it mentioned here.    Trailer.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkklZNE9S-g


https://vimeo.com/ondemand/motherload/293884562   Full film £5.95




MOTHERLOAD is a crowdsourced documentary about our cultural shift toward isolation and disconnection, what this means for the future of the planet, and how life on a cargo bike could be an antidote.
Filmmaker Liz Canning cycled everywhere until she had twins in 2008. Hauling babies via car was not only unsustainable but took the freedom and adventure out of life, and Liz felt trapped. She Googled “family bike” and uncovered a global movement of people replacing cars with cargo bikes: long-frame bicycles designed for carrying passengers and heavy loads. Liz set out to learn more, and MOTHERLOAD was born.
As Liz meets cargo bike inventors, riders and advocates all over the world, she contemplates the increasing tension between modern life and our hunter-gatherer DNA. She discovers the history, and potential future, of the bicycle as the “ultimate social revolutionizer.” When characters in the film encounter cultural resistance—in particular, bikelash focused on women and mothers--MOTHERLOAD draws connections to the struggle of cyclist Suffragettes and women's seemingly endless fight for bodily autonomy. 
Liz’s experiences as a cyclist, a mother, and in the making of MOTHERLOAD, reveal that sustainability is not necessarily about compromise and sacrifice, and there are few things more empowering, in an age of consumption, than the ability to create everything from what seems to be nothing.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Lots of kids LOVE this movie, but, a heads up-- there are a few brief images involving violence (a newspaper photo and a couple shots of zombies). There are also bits of adult language in the bikelash scene. We offer a censored version (in which this brief adult language is bleeped out) here:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Socks on 18 March, 2021, 07:44:42 pm
Peterloo (on all4 i-player.). Directed by Mike Leigh, great cast including Maxine Peak, Rory Kinnear, Philip Jackson and many other quality actors. 

If you haven't seen this film it is worth watching.  And look out for any differences or similarities with what is happening 200 years later.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 20 March, 2021, 03:45:42 pm
The Dam Busters.  It really doesn't need remaking.  Besides the infamous dog issue, CGI Lancasters will look shit compared to real ones.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 March, 2021, 05:31:09 pm
The Dam Busters.  It really doesn't need remaking.

They already did:  It's called Star Wars. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNdb03Hw18M)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 20 March, 2021, 10:33:50 pm
An article on Michael Caine's suits https://clothesonfilm.com/take-me-to-my-tailor-michael-caine-in-the-italian-job/33309/   led me to watching "The Italian Job" , which I don't think I've seen in 40 years.  Very enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 20 March, 2021, 11:45:00 pm
Galaxy Quest.

Again.

It's very silly but rather good fun.
Plus, well, Sigourney Weaver.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TheLurker on 21 March, 2021, 07:57:35 am
Angels One Five.  Mainly because Hurricanes.  Oh, so many lovely Hurricanes.  Such a pity about all the acting in between.  :)

And the child who said, "CGI Lancasters" can do 1,000 lines, "I must not pollute the discourse of civilised society with profane language, nor must I upset my elders and betters by airing vile heresies."   And take a week's detention.  Harrumph!

It's a shame really, given the potential for the tech. but I've yet to see decent CGI flying sequences. There's an aerial equivalent of the uncanny valley about those I have seen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 21 March, 2021, 10:59:46 am
CGI can be brilliant, but it needs to be done by people who understand the subject. Most CGI aircraft scenes are wrecked because the modeller (or the director) didn't understand physics.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TheLurker on 21 March, 2021, 01:54:33 pm
Quote from: TimC
...CGI aircraft scenes are wrecked because the modeller (or the director) didn't understand physics.
Or, if they have got a grasp of (most of) the physics the concept of Vne and, "Oh!  Where did the wings go!?" is foreign to them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 March, 2021, 09:16:48 pm
It's a shame really, given the potential for the tech. but I've yet to see decent CGI flying sequences. There's an aerial equivalent of the uncanny valley about those I have seen.

See also: CGI spacecraft, and how any attempt at realistic physics is striking by its rarity.  (I'll accept some degree of handwaving for fictional propulsion systems, but if your spaceship is propelled by some mysterious blue light coming out the back, then it still ought to be accelerating in the appropriate direction.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 March, 2021, 09:33:06 pm
It's a shame really, given the potential for the tech. but I've yet to see decent CGI flying sequences. There's an aerial equivalent of the uncanny valley about those I have seen.

See also: CGI spacecraft, and how any attempt at realistic physics is striking by its rarity.  (I'll accept some degree of handwaving for fictional propulsion systems, but if your spaceship is propelled by some mysterious blue light coming out the back, then it still ought to be accelerating in the appropriate direction.)

What's that, you say?  WW2-stylee dogfighting?  In space?  Isaac Newton?  Never 'eard of 'im!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 March, 2021, 10:05:29 pm
It's a shame really, given the potential for the tech. but I've yet to see decent CGI flying sequences. There's an aerial equivalent of the uncanny valley about those I have seen.

See also: CGI spacecraft, and how any attempt at realistic physics is striking by its rarity.  (I'll accept some degree of handwaving for fictional propulsion systems, but if your spaceship is propelled by some mysterious blue light coming out the back, then it still ought to be accelerating in the appropriate direction.)

What's that, you say?  WW2-stylee dogfighting?  In space?  Isaac Newton?  Never 'eard of 'im!

CGI aerodynamics only work properly in a vacuum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fuzzy on 21 March, 2021, 11:17:24 pm
It's a shame really, given the potential for the tech. but I've yet to see decent CGI flying sequences. There's an aerial equivalent of the uncanny valley about those I have seen.

See also: CGI spacecraft, and how any attempt at realistic physics is striking by its rarity.  (I'll accept some degree of handwaving for fictional propulsion systems, but if your spaceship is propelled by some mysterious blue light coming out the back, then it still ought to be accelerating in the appropriate direction.)
Don't forget that the mysterious blue propulsion system might be facing fo'ard and therfore be a mysterious blue anti propulsion system a'la The Expanse.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 21 March, 2021, 11:51:37 pm
It's a shame really, given the potential for the tech. but I've yet to see decent CGI flying sequences. There's an aerial equivalent of the uncanny valley about those I have seen.

See also: CGI spacecraft, and how any attempt at realistic physics is striking by its rarity.  (I'll accept some degree of handwaving for fictional propulsion systems, but if your spaceship is propelled by some mysterious blue light coming out the back, then it still ought to be accelerating in the appropriate direction.)
Don't forget that the mysterious blue propulsion system might be facing fo'ard and therfore be a mysterious blue anti propulsion system a'la The Expanse.

I think that's actually the ship flying "backwards" after rotating around one axis so that the main engine can be used to decelerate.

AKA "Flip and burn".

See also the human spacecraft in Babylon 5 festooned with thrusters for attitude control, the Starfury fighters in particular.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 22 March, 2021, 12:00:30 am
Hostiles.
I like a good western and this was quite good.  A bit too long though, and too many scenes trying to make Christian Bale seem moody and magnificent, I thought some scenes where he wouldn't reply or speak were pretty crap. But it was a good story and great scenery.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 22 March, 2021, 12:07:22 am
It's a shame really, given the potential for the tech. but I've yet to see decent CGI flying sequences. There's an aerial equivalent of the uncanny valley about those I have seen.

See also: CGI spacecraft, and how any attempt at realistic physics is striking by its rarity.  (I'll accept some degree of handwaving for fictional propulsion systems, but if your spaceship is propelled by some mysterious blue light coming out the back, then it still ought to be accelerating in the appropriate direction.)
Don't forget that the mysterious blue propulsion system might be facing fo'ard and therfore be a mysterious blue anti propulsion system a'la The Expanse.

As I say, accelerating in the appropriate direction.  B5 and The Expanse are notable for trying to get it right.  If you want to change the velocity of a spacecraft quickly, you point the big engine in the opposite direction to the one you want to accelerate in.

(Does *anything* get orbital mechanics right, vis speeding up to move to a higher orbit in order to fall behind the thing you're trying to rendezvous with, and vice-versa?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 22 March, 2021, 09:39:08 am
I shall mention this yet again: the scene in whichever shite Mars film it was with Tom Hanks, where they have to move across a gap while in orbit, and he gets stranded halfway because he, er, runs out of fuel and therefore stops moving...

Mysterious blue light drive MAY be a Bussard ramjet, and therefore would come out of the 'front' (in direction of travel)whichever attitude the craft had, even in 'flip and burn'
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 22 March, 2021, 09:28:35 pm
CGI can be brilliant, but it needs to be done by people who understand the subject. Most CGI aircraft scenes are wrecked because the modeller (or the director) didn't understand physics.

Oh they do..they just don't care...along with 98.5% of the audience.
Making realistic aerial combat sequences would make quite boring cinema. The distances and speeds of anything beyond WW1 makes it very hard to fit in the camera in a presentable manner.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 March, 2021, 01:04:31 am
Crank with Jason Statham.

It's not good, but that doesn't mean don't watch it! It is a barking vehicle for Stathem, with a thin plot and some action.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 23 March, 2021, 08:01:13 am
I shall mention this yet again: the scene in whichever shite Mars film it was with Tom Hanks, where they have to move across a gap while in orbit, and he gets stranded halfway because he, er, runs out of fuel and therefore stops moving...


Is this a good time to mention the GI Joe film where the baddies autodestruct measures blew up the ice shelf overlaying their undersea lair, and icebergs the size of houses came raining down... :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 24 March, 2021, 08:50:23 pm
"Justice League" The Snyder Cut. Definitely a better movie. Pacing is much much better and less random.I still, though, dislike the superhero movies where they have to defeat apocalyptic events and near-god like opponents. Marvel fell down the same path.

As an example, Crave then suggested I should watch "Batman Begins" afterwards, which I did...and it's just so much better than any of the newer Marvel/DC stuff. It kinda fell apart after Captain America 2, when they had to keep scaling up the spectacle.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 28 March, 2021, 01:08:06 pm
talking about parts of the ISS:
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 March, 2021, 01:16:32 pm
talking about parts of the ISS:
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

Yeah, but they're a lot smaller than the rotating arm with the living quarters of the fictional spacecraft I was comparing them to.

(Yes, I appreciate that mass is more important than volume, and that there's an argument for that mass being useful living/lab space instead of a lump of flywheel, but my only real point was that you don't need counter-rotating sections on your spacecraft to do artificial gravity.  It's not a helicopter.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hubner on 28 March, 2021, 01:48:19 pm
25th Hour.

Spike Lee, Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Brian Cox, but it's very slow, boring, has no sympathetic characters. Nothing much happens in the plot, some scenes were just ridiculous, that would only exist in movie-land. The opening credits with static shots of New York at night lasting 5 minutes sums up the rest of the film. I watched most of it at 2 or 3 times the normal speed.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 March, 2021, 01:51:25 pm
Six minutes to midnight

Bland, easy watching. Undemanding.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 29 March, 2021, 08:17:59 am
"Arctic" with Mads Mikkelsen. Quite good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 29 March, 2021, 01:12:35 pm
Switch - pretty dire rom com with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. Surprised we persisted with it till the end, says more for our laziness and thinking its got to get better than the quality of the film. If this pops up on your recommendations, give it a miss.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: tiermat on 29 March, 2021, 01:29:03 pm
Military Wives Think Brassed Off but women and army rather than miners and mines.

I enjoyed it, Mrs T said "well that was really emotional"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 30 March, 2021, 11:44:06 pm
Mike Leigh's Peterloo, Channel 4 catch up

As a socialist, enough said. Just need to take some time to calm myself.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 31 March, 2021, 01:09:28 pm
Terminator 2.  What an epic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 31 March, 2021, 01:51:44 pm
Cinema Paradiso

That was a great film. We've never seen it before and it has been on my list for a long time. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 31 March, 2021, 04:19:34 pm
The Hijackers. A 1963 British film about a gang who hijack goods lorries and duff up their drivers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 April, 2021, 11:07:33 pm
Bicycle thieves.

Sorry, no.

Waited years to watch this, and was accordingly disappointed. Should have waited longer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 03 April, 2021, 11:13:35 pm
Cinema Paradiso

That was a great film. We've never seen it before and it has been on my list for a long time. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

J, I think I mentioned this a couple of months ago but it might have been somewhere else.  Glad you think it as good as I do!  Wirh direction and photography like that, you don't need a plot.  And the child actor was terrific.  I think it's practically all he did.  Phillipe Noiret was his usual brilliant self, n'est-ce pas?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 03 April, 2021, 11:30:30 pm
Bicycle thieves.

Sorry, no.

Waited years to watch this, and was accordingly disappointed. Should have waited longer.

I'm not sure what you were expecting, but it's a truly great film, in my opinion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 03 April, 2021, 11:32:46 pm
The Men Who Stare At Goats.

Nothing on broadcast telly, this was suggested. My initial reaction was 'surely there must be something else?'. In the end we watched it and it was fun, I thoroughly enjoyed it.,
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 03 April, 2021, 11:35:22 pm
Parasite

Brilliant, different. It's at least 3 films rolled into one, and it works. A major plus is the way that the central character is a (very nice) piece of architecture.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 04 April, 2021, 12:12:41 am
"Cold Pursuit"

Oh no, another Liam Neeson revenge movie?. Well, sorta. Super dark humour and quite entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 06 April, 2021, 09:01:10 pm
Channel 4 catch up, 'Overlord'. Oh dear me.

Where to start with the failings of this shite zombie flick?

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 06 April, 2021, 11:57:10 pm
Wonder Woman 1984 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfM7_JLk-84)

Not quite as good as some of the other DC Extended Universe films, but certainly good escapism with a moderately original variation on the "crazy nutter taking over the world" concept.

I still don't understand why this Wonder Woman speaks English with an accent, but is apparently fluent in any language that she needs. ::-)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 07 April, 2021, 06:22:23 pm
Bicycle thieves.

Sorry, no.

Waited years to watch this, and was accordingly disappointed. Should have waited longer.

I'm not sure what you were expecting, but it's a truly great film, in my opinion.

I could see why it has a high rating, but for me it meandered too much, didn't develop the characters and ended flatly. Maybe I shall have to watch it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 07 April, 2021, 06:25:07 pm
Edie

Quite enjoyed this, it certainly was beautifully filmed and the two main protagonists developed as the film progressed. There isn't much of a story to it, but it engaged.

Sheila Hancock did actually climb the mountain, which is more than I have. It's on my list of things to do before I am 84...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 09 April, 2021, 11:47:47 pm
Escape from Pretoria - Excellent prison escape story in South Africa by anti-apartheid protestors. (leaflet bombers).  I'm not a fan of Daniel Radcliffe but he was very good in this.  A super tense story. Free on Prime and highly recommended.

Edited on further reflection
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 12 April, 2021, 09:24:56 am
People, Places, Things - Australian independent comedy about a graphic novellist who gets divorced and coping with his ex and his daughters. Very good.  Netflix.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 April, 2021, 01:55:50 pm
Blade Runner 2049, a right crock of pretentious boring shit. Hard staying awake at times, and after a while I stopped trying. MrsT watched all of it. :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 April, 2021, 06:16:40 pm
Blade Runner 2049, a right crock of pretentious boring shit. Hard staying awake at times, and after a while I stopped trying. MrsT watched all of it. :o

Yea and verily, it was indeed a tedious bucket of wank.  Miss von Brandenburg insisted on dragging me to the cinema to see it.  Money back please.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 16 April, 2021, 09:22:03 pm
Honestly, I think it might still be playing. Did it end, or did people just give up and go home?

Last weekend, on a return to form, we had Ice Sharks. Sharks that could cut through arctic ice with their fins, plunging our plucky team of polar researchers into the chilly depths...

Very good stuff. Not sure we'll top it this weekend, but I've started drinking just in case.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 16 April, 2021, 09:49:52 pm
A Sunday in Hull Hell (not  for the first time).  It's a Danish documentary about Paris-Roubaix in 1976.  The music is terrific and mostly the photography does all the story-telling.  It's from the era when all the top riders still did many of the classics.  Now the Tour de France and teams' approach  to the season has scotched all that.  God, those blokes were hard; Merckx, de Vlaeminck, Moser, Maertens, Godefroot..... .  Please watch it, it's terrific as a film, never mind the cycling.  And it might re-vitalise those of you who are losing your mojo - just the fantastic idea of being on a bike!

Peter

(It's on Yer Tube)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jurek on 16 April, 2021, 10:02:16 pm
Blade Runner 2049, a right crock of pretentious boring shit. Hard staying awake at times, and after a while I stopped trying. MrsT watched all of it. :o
I failed to stay awake.
iMax Waterloo ticket prices as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 16 April, 2021, 11:41:34 pm
I quite liked Blade Runner 2049, enough to watch it twice.

But, I suspect I gave it some leeway for my love of the first film and, more importantly, the book.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 April, 2021, 08:17:52 am
I quite liked Blade Runner 2049, enough to watch it twice.

But, I suspect I gave it some leeway for my love of the first film and, more importantly, the book.

The real film was the reason we "watched" it right through.

Never understood why Ridley Scott called the androids replicants.  Maybe because the Star Wars wankers had used the term for robots.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Chris S on 17 April, 2021, 11:23:20 pm
Philadelphia

Godammit. Pass the kleenex.

As I obsverved elsewhere on social media this evening, this film was instrumental in the realignment of my previously homophobic and racist views of the world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 17 April, 2021, 11:57:17 pm
Bohemian Rhapsody

Kleenex here too, please.

I felt that this was probably very honest, and portrayed personal troubles that nowadays would only exist privately, not culturally.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 April, 2021, 11:11:35 am
1917.  Reasonably engaging but the river bit was rather far-fetched.  Not nasty enough, really; despite the corpses and rats, it's fairly sanitised.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 19 April, 2021, 12:12:46 pm
Crimson Peak

Enjoyable tosh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 19 April, 2021, 09:26:54 pm
1917.  Reasonably engaging but the river bit was rather far-fetched.  Not nasty enough, really; despite the corpses and rats, it's fairly sanitised.

I did find one bit of that cut deep
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 19 April, 2021, 09:37:15 pm
Gangster No.1  Malcolm McDowell doing hammy psycho & Paul Bettany doing a younger & nastier version.   Some unorthodox use of hammer & chisel.   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 02 May, 2021, 05:31:24 pm
A complete load of hokum called 'Hunter Killer', preceded by 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle'

I actually enjoyed the Jumanji, because it was silly, and Dwayne Johnson actually managed to approach a form of acting. It links to the other film, because the character played by Johnson had a vis=do-game strength of being able to 'smoulder'.

Hunter Killer had smouldering from all sides, as it was that sort of testosterone heavy bollocks. An opening scene. set in 'Scotland', was hilarious.
1. If you are stalking deer, having your mobile turned on is a silly thing to do.
2. Getting reception in that part of Scotland is not going to happen.
3. Hunting with a bow is illegal in the UK.
4. I wasn't aware that Scotland had a breeding population of wapiti (the erroneously-named American 'elk')

I ended up watching it purely for the outright silliness, just like the Jumanji film. I suspect one of the films wasn't actually meant to be silly, though
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 03 May, 2021, 07:01:28 pm
Last night, in a state of boredom, I braved the used litter tray that is Channel 5's catch-up film selection, and found a turkey so bad it would have given Mr B Matthews nightmares. It was so bad it couldn't even manage to be funny. It was just shite.

Warbirds. Oh god.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1047544/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 May, 2021, 10:42:58 pm
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Not seen it before, amazingly. Quite fun at the beginning thinking, ‘that looks familiar’. It was, as the location was The Arches National Park.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 May, 2021, 10:03:33 am
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Not seen it before, amazingly. Quite fun at the beginning thinking, ‘that looks familiar’. It was, as the location was The Arches National Park.

We started watching that and bailed after 15 minutes.  We last watched it with the kids, when it came out. Much more fun back then.

NF's crop of B films is a bit bleh just now. Stowaway was OK, albeit suffering from an excess of artistic licence, but otherwise they're bombarding us with a slough of 1960s films de boulevard (films that didn't make much of an effort since people usually watched them to pass an hour of two in the afternoon with a good lunch inside them) with Alain Delon and Jacques Tati.

Arches National Park was where they filmed the intro to A Million Ways to Die in the West: same landmarks, but everything in that film was a tilt at clichés. Great fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 04 May, 2021, 10:09:13 am
Part of The Fugitive on ITV t'other evening.  Hadn't seen it since the 90s.  Cracking fillum.
"Your fugitive's name is Dr Richard Kimble!"

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Steph on 04 May, 2021, 10:15:52 am
Part of The Fugitive on ITV t'other evening.  Hadn't seen it since the 90s.  Cracking fillum.
"Your fugitive's name is Dr Richard Kimble!"

"I'm innocent!"

"I don't care!"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 May, 2021, 09:26:21 pm
A trio of Norwegian disaster movies (The Tunnel, The Wave, and Quake). I know, subtitles might make me into one of the smart kids. OK, unlikely.

Beards, sensible clothing, and a Whole Lotta Ingrid. Dangerous place Norway. A colleague of mine got bitten by a bug in Oslo and swelled up like the Hindenburg. I had to take her to a hospital where a number of bearded doctors and ones likely called Ingrid pronounced 'well, that is rather unusual.' Don't knowingly undertreat a German, my scandic chums, she's like a poorly medicated Godzilla.

One thing that I did learn from the subtitles though was the Norwegian word for 'shit' is 'fuck.' Either or the subtitlers were scared to chomp down on a proper swear.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 May, 2021, 12:55:09 am
Most Nog swearing seems to revolve around hell and the devil.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 08 May, 2021, 12:06:57 am
Prompted by a random thing on Twitter I've just watched "La Cabina" again.    Reminds be of the time I got stuck in a coffin sized lift at Smethwick Galton Bridge station, balancing a fully loaded tourer on it's rear wheel.


https://vimeo.com/99467331

https://the-artifice.com/la-cabina/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 08 May, 2021, 12:19:11 pm
Doppelgänger (now more commonly known as Journey to the Far Side of the Sun)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doppelg%C3%A4nger_(1969_film)

Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's first live-action production, it was a flop at the box office, but apparently has something of a cult following today.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 May, 2021, 03:14:37 pm
Prompted by a random thing on Twitter I've just watched "La Cabina" again.    Reminds be of the time I got stuck in a coffin sized lift at Smethwick Galton Bridge station, balancing a fully loaded tourer on it's rear wheel.


https://vimeo.com/99467331

https://the-artifice.com/la-cabina/

Made 3 years before Franco died.  I wonder if it's a veiled analogy to people "disappearing".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 09 May, 2021, 03:33:59 pm
MIB International. Total trash, but light enough for a Saturday night of disengagement. It lacks the novelty of the first film, but not having Will Smith in it might be considered as an improvement.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 May, 2021, 11:16:42 am
Crip Camp


A lot of footage and raw feelings. Rollercoaster film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 16 May, 2021, 11:41:04 am
The Upside

With Bryan Cranston. Quite amusing film, worth watching. Would probably need to watch again to get any meaning in it...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 16 May, 2021, 11:46:32 am
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Not seen it before, amazingly. Quite fun at the beginning thinking, ‘that looks familiar’. It was, as the location was The Arches National Park.

Also the Treasury, in Petra, Jordan, where I woz about a decade after filming

(https://www.movieworldmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Indiana-Jones-and-the-Last-Crusade-The-Holy-Grail-Temple-7-movieworldmap.com_-650x500.jpg)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 May, 2021, 01:05:54 pm
Went into Netflux last night hoping to see Birdman again, but alas it has flown. :(

Brilliant film - think I'll get the DVD.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 16 May, 2021, 01:38:03 pm
Birdman is available on Amazon Prime if you have access.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 May, 2021, 02:06:17 pm
Ta but nah, haven't got Prime.  Mind you, Netflux's selection is so crap these days we just switch...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nobby on 17 May, 2021, 04:43:15 pm
Brothers in Arms - Turkish Special Forces battle against I cannot remember who.
Battle scenes were good but the jumping back and forward in time was overdone.
Not as good as 'Mosul' which is my yardstick for foreign warry films with subtitles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 17 May, 2021, 07:10:28 pm
Breach Low budget sci-fi with Bruce Willis. Mildly entertaining, but really also quite bad. VFX budget was probably a tenner and a cup of tea.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 May, 2021, 04:35:17 am
Zack Snyders "Army of the Dead". Better than I expected, but I also had very low expectations. Some pretty good set pieces and jokes, but it's a bit long and a rather silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 May, 2021, 09:37:25 am
Zack Snyders "Army of the Dead". Better than I expected, but I also had very low expectations. Some pretty good set pieces and jokes, but it's a bit long and a rather silly.

I didn't really it was him till the opening credits. It wasn't so bad, but he still can't pace a movie and it dissolved into the usual slow drudgery at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 25 May, 2021, 08:43:55 pm
Moneyball

It’s good, isn’t it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 25 May, 2021, 09:48:43 pm
Not heard of it.  Is it about the Premier League?!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 25 May, 2021, 10:12:29 pm
Not heard of it.  Is it about the Premier League?!

American Rounders.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 26 May, 2021, 12:51:41 am
Ha!  Closer than I thought!
Title: Nomadland
Post by: nobby on 28 May, 2021, 08:15:05 am
I hope I haven't missed a dedicated place for films.
Anyone seen Nomadland?

I waited weeks for it to hit the small screen and when it happened I was slightly disappointed.
Frances McDormand was excellent as usual, the cinematography was wonderful but it was too much a documentary of an American way of life, for my taste. For me, the film didn't flow at 24fps and was more a flip book look at lives.
The sort of film I can watch without an open book on my lap but that I am unlikely watch again in the near future.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nobby on 30 May, 2021, 10:00:22 pm
Just watched The Drop for the umpteenth time.
Very good indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 31 May, 2021, 07:40:37 pm
Stalingrad.

Having just finished Jonathan Dimbleby’s Barbarossa, I believe events earlier in the conflict would have made an even greater film. They couldn’t call it that of course.

Unfortunately the Eastern front is of far less interest to  transatlantic filmgoers than their own ancestors’ experiences.

Stalingrad is nonetheless a great depiction of the horror from the German perspective.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 01 June, 2021, 12:10:44 am
Queen and Slim: Badlands meets Thelma & Louise with the underground railroad in reverse. Worthy, but could have been better.

Wildlife: I'm a fan of Richard Ford, so this was always going to be of interest. The casting, the performances, the direction and the cinematography combine to create an understated gem.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 01 June, 2021, 12:51:40 am
Just watched The Drop for the umpteenth time.
Very good indeed.

Never seen it before, or even heard of it, after you mentioned it, i watched it tonight. Very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 01 June, 2021, 09:52:15 am
Stalingrad.

Having just finished Jonathan Dimbleby’s Barbarossa, I believe events earlier in the conflict would have made an even greater film. They couldn’t call it that of course.

Unfortunately the Eastern front is of far less interest to  transatlantic filmgoers than their own ancestors’ experiences.

Stalingrad is nonetheless a great depiction of the horror from the German perspective.

I've always thought Kursk would make a great film but as you say no USA or UK involvement so even though it would be epic and its as important as D-Day or Midway it will probably never be done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 June, 2021, 11:56:46 am
Siberia.

The blurb claimed it was some John-Wickish action feature featuring our man himself, Lord Keanu of Reeves.

It wasn't. Oh it so really wasn't.

It could be branded a 'sexy' 'thriller' though it succeeded in neither. If you want to see Keanu banging a random Russian woman with all the passion of a bored man hammering nails into wood, you're in the right place. Why, who the fuck knows, he doesn't seem to know either. I'm not normally the sort of person to say 'too much sex' but good god, put it away.

As to the thriller part, you won't care. Something to do with diamonds and the ubiquitous Borises of the Russian mob. Nothing bothered to make much, if any sense. I have no idea why he was in Russia, who he was, or for that matter, why he was keeping Molly Ringwald at home.

Avoid like you would a STI – at least with that you might have excuseably enjoyed the prelude to the wait at the clinic. This movie is just clinic.
Title: Re: Nomadland
Post by: Rod Marton on 01 June, 2021, 12:12:13 pm
I hope I haven't missed a dedicated place for films.
Anyone seen Nomadland?

I waited weeks for it to hit the small screen and when it happened I was slightly disappointed.
Frances McDormand was excellent as usual, the cinematography was wonderful but it was too much a documentary of an American way of life, for my taste. For me, the film didn't flow at 24fps and was more a flip book look at lives.
The sort of film I can watch without an open book on my lap but that I am unlikely watch again in the near future.

Yes.

I enjoyed it, but your criticisms are quite valid. It is a film without a narrative, all that really changes is your understanding of the main character. But effective nonetheless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 01 June, 2021, 12:27:14 pm
Effie Gray

A biopic about Effie Gray who married and divorced John Ruskin. It's shot beautifully and very oppressive like their marriage. I enjoyed it.
Emma Thompson wrote it and has a bit part as Efffie's understanding older friend.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 June, 2021, 03:52:13 pm
Started watching It on Netflux, baled after 15 minutes. Very poor. It felt as if they'd turned the book into a checklist and were rushing to cover all the points as fast as they could. The 1990 TV series was far better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nobby on 28 June, 2021, 02:26:12 pm
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
A very British film and all the more lovely for it. :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 June, 2021, 02:35:47 pm
Just watched the trailer. Now it's on the list.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 28 June, 2021, 02:40:29 pm
Wish Dragon. Animation. Pleasant entertainment. I enjoyed it once I got into it (I was having a bad attack of not wanting to watch a film).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 July, 2021, 07:33:09 pm
I've not watched it yet, but any film with the tagline 'these hijackers planned for everything... except the vampire who is secretly on the plane' is getting me excited.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 01 July, 2021, 07:48:05 pm
I've not watched it yet, but any film with the tagline 'these hijackers planned for everything... except the vampire who is secretly on the plane' is getting me excited.

This sounds like potentially the best film ever made. What is it?

Last night, I was browsing the offerings on the box and under “feel-good films” they had Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, so I watched that. Still makes me laugh. A lot.

Shocking disregard for the rules of continuity though. Which would annoy me if it weren’t so thoroughly and joyously entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 July, 2021, 08:05:37 pm
Blood Red Sky, says my email from Netflix.

They'll probably mess it up like Snakes on a Plane, of course, but I still think that's the best tagline ever.

The weird thing is that if you ever listen right to the end of the safety briefing they tell you precisely what to do should your seatmate turn out to be a vampire mid-flight. But no one in the entire history of flying, has ever paid attention to the end of those briefings. Even the Wright brothers were "ok, whatever, we get it, crash into water, blow into the tube, can we take off now?"

"Shouldn't we tell them about the vampires, Martha?" Plane takes off.
"They'll just have to figure it out."
"We didn't warn about high heels on the slide either."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 03 July, 2021, 04:33:25 am
"The Tomorrow War"

This is a great example of what happens when you let lead actors also be executive producers...and it's not good.
I thought it was bad until the 3rd act....where it just became hilarious. Sorta a mix up of Alien, Predator, The Hobbit and Michael Bay, all fit into telling what most would spend a whole movie on, in about 25 minutes. (And it still feels long).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 July, 2021, 09:39:47 am
There’s a reason why this kind of film is released mid-summer….
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 03 July, 2021, 06:43:43 pm
Just watched the trailer. Now it's on the list.
It's pants, don't bother.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 July, 2021, 06:46:02 pm
I watched it. Cannot remember anything about it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SpaceBadger on 03 July, 2021, 07:12:13 pm
Star Trek 2 - The Wrath of Khan, on TV last night.

Classic Shatner! Apparently any odd numbered Star Trek film is crap, but I can't vouch for that. Number 2 ticked the boxes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 03 July, 2021, 07:15:38 pm
Got excited for a while, thought it was The Forever War...

Which involves sort of time travel and a war with an insectoid race iircc. May have started off as that but they couldn't get the rights, whatev...

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 July, 2021, 09:42:06 pm
I'm looking forward to the The Tomorrow War – saw it advertised last night but it was too close to my bedtime to squeeze it in. I sort of hope it's awful but in a good way.

Ended up watching something called Coherence which, if you put aside the dodgy quantum physics*, was quite well and cleverly done.

*no one gets that Shrödinger's Cat isn't about the bloody cat being alive or dead, it's about the fact you can't say if the radioactive atom has decayed or not without looking.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 July, 2021, 10:42:17 am
*no one gets that Shrödinger's Cat isn't about the bloody cat being alive or dead, it's about the fact you can't say if the radioactive atom has decayed or not without looking.

Like the state of Schrödinger's shorts at the end of PBP, although that's more to do with the phases of matter than quantum physics.

Can't remember where I originally saw Coherence, but I liked it to the extent of buying the DVD. A bit hokey at the start but fun afterwards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 July, 2021, 10:23:34 am
Last night, I was browsing the offerings on the box and under “feel-good films” they had Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, so I watched that. Still makes me laugh. A lot.

Followed this up by watching Bill & Ted Face The Music yesterday.

Christ, it's bad. Really bad. Even worse than I feared it would be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 05 July, 2021, 05:58:01 pm
Can't remember whether it's been mentioned, and I'm not checking 190 pages, but we saw Yesterday on TV (yesterday!) It's about a failing singer who is in a cycle accident (see the connection there?  :) ) and wakes up in a world where the Beatles never existed. So he "writes" all their songs and becomes famous.

Good, light-hearted fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 July, 2021, 06:45:12 pm
"The Tomorrow War"

This is a great example of what happens when you let lead actors also be executive producers...and it's not good.
I thought it was bad until the 3rd act....where it just became hilarious. Sorta a mix up of Alien, Predator, The Hobbit and Michael Bay, all fit into telling what most would spend a whole movie on, in about 25 minutes. (And it still feels long).

I quite enjoyed it in the end. The plot made negative sense since the first half of the movie was spent getting something they didn't evidently didn't need and trying to do something that didn't need to be done. And army recruitment goes downhill in the future. I'm to this day never sure why they're willing to spend hundreds of millions on a movie but get the janitor to write the story on his break.

Blowing up aliens is always fun though, especially with the magic guns that don't run out of bullets.

In other news, I enjoyed Bill & Ted Face The Music and I don't care who knows it. Admittedly, that and Tenet are the only movies I'd seen in the last umpteen months.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andy W on 05 July, 2021, 07:35:51 pm
Sink The Bismark (1960) Easy Sunday afternoon lolling on the sofa, scrolling through the myriad of anything to watch and so I watched the above end to end.  Was fascinated by the clipped  RP accents. The past truly is another country. I was born in 1961 and do remember very posh teachers and clergy rolling their research. The stereotypical German Commander of the fleet. First film I've bothered to  watch in years.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Andy W on 05 July, 2021, 07:37:25 pm
Oops, their r's.  Bloody predictve text
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 05 July, 2021, 10:35:29 pm
The 39 Steps.

The second one. It was enjoyable fun.

A rollicking rampage through hay fields and sensibilities. With Sid James.

The best bit was on the Forth Bridge, where I could say “That all looks so familiar, I’ve walked across there!”
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 July, 2021, 10:33:09 am
Rewatched over two days: Jumanji and the much more recent sequel, both very clever and quite funny.  For sheer craziness the first one is the better, but the second does pretty well.  Hope Netflux will get the second sequel soon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 July, 2021, 09:12:14 pm
I'm braving the local cinema next week to see Black Widow, which apparently isn't a documentary about spiders.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 July, 2021, 10:09:17 pm
It’s about a Scottish insurance company?

I have been watching The Bourne Legacy(2012). It’s been upstaged by real life.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 July, 2021, 11:49:42 pm
The 39 Steps

The one with that bloke from Spooks in it.

A rollicking rampage with quite poor CGI and no Forth Bridge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nobby on 10 July, 2021, 07:27:35 am
Gone Baby Gone with Casey Affleck and Morgan Freeman among the usual stable of Netflix actors.
Good story and nicely filmed. I'm not keen on moral dilemmas worked out at the ends of films - I'd prefer a shoot out - but a good film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 July, 2021, 08:21:25 am
Paul, for probably the 10th time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 July, 2021, 03:50:10 am
Monster Hunters. A movie by Paul W.S. Anderson featuring....wait for it....I mean, seriously, you wont be able to guess....alright then! Milla Jovovich!
(And Tony Jaa!) Quite silly, but well executed and I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 13 July, 2021, 08:20:17 am
Gregory's Girl on iPlayer.  I'd not seen it before - brilliantly encapsulates the awkwardness of teenagerhood.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 July, 2021, 10:48:59 am
Black Widow. I enjoyed it, started with some Bournesque turns and a good old-fashioned car chase. The third act was the usual Marvel bombast and could have been a rehash of the last time something big fell out of the sky, but it was well choreographed and breathtakingly done.

Excellent casting choices, the sister is good, we need more sarcastic superheroes. It was also a nice flip, and long overdue in 2021, to see a superhero movie with a token male character and he was amusingly not so super.

The only downside was that the big bad wasn't very big or bad, though I suppose after Thanos, ordinary villains are going to struggle.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 19 July, 2021, 11:16:19 am
Mad Max. I’d forgotten just how amateur it is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 July, 2021, 11:28:13 am
They just used a handycam on the streets of the London Borough of Croydon. Not many people know it's a documentary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 19 July, 2021, 11:31:40 am
Not Earl's Court, then?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 19 July, 2021, 11:42:12 am
Mad Max. I’d forgotten just how amateur it is.

The original? I wouldn't call it amateur. Low-budget, yes.

Last time I watched it, I remember thinking how well it had stood the test of time. Shame it had all got so very, very silly by Beyond Thunderdome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 July, 2021, 09:40:09 pm
Blood Red Sky, says my email from Netflix.

They'll probably mess it up like Snakes on a Plane, of course, but I still think that's the best tagline ever.

The weird thing is that if you ever listen right to the end of the safety briefing they tell you precisely what to do should your seatmate turn out to be a vampire mid-flight. But no one in the entire history of flying, has ever paid attention to the end of those briefings. Even the Wright brothers were "ok, whatever, we get it, crash into water, blow into the tube, can we take off now?"

"Shouldn't we tell them about the vampires, Martha?" Plane takes off.
"They'll just have to figure it out."
"We didn't warn about high heels on the slide either."

Saw it yesterday. Not as bad as it could have been and not as good as it should have been. A serviceable little horror. I would have done it differently, but that's the story of my unfulfilled life, and the fact my brain has a vampire for a room-mate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 31 July, 2021, 12:38:34 pm
What a Way to Go! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_a_Way_to_Go!)

I'd never heard of this before, but it's a remarkably good film, and a very enjoyable (slightly) black comedy. For a film that starred a huge number of famous celebrities, namely Shirley MacLaine, Paul Newman, Robert Mitchum, Dean Martin, Gene Kelly, Bob Cummings and Dick Van Dyke, it's quite surprising that it seems to have almost disappeared. Admittedly it was made in 1964, but plenty of films from that era and before, are still very well known.

The trailer really does the film a disservice, but I guess that we're now used to far better trailers. It manages to include many of the important points, in a way that looks rather boring and unimaginative. The film is actually quite clever, with several genres spoofed within tiny subplots, and most of the cast have stirling performances, with maybe just a little bit too much cheese on some occasions.

Shirley MacLaine wears a lot of dresses, and this film was amongst one of the 35 Oscar nominations that Edith Head had for Best Costume Design (she won eight of them!). Apparently Edith Head is often considered to be one of the inspirations for Edna Mode in the two Incredibles films.

Trailer on YouTube : What a Way to Go! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDhl7HRY8Dk)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Gattopardo on 31 July, 2021, 10:31:48 pm
Watched Willys Wonderland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v27rfaoB2Y

Actually quite entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 01 August, 2021, 11:30:44 pm
Zack Snyder's recut of Justice League.

Oh.

I'm so glad that I've seen what is apparently the better version. I dread to think how awful the theatrical cut was, when this one - the whole bum-numbing 4 bloody hours of it - was just achingly dreadful. I know superhero films aren't art, but usually they are at least vaguely entertaining and occasionally have the saving grace of being funny. This managed to be both not-art and not-entertaining, as well as managing to hit the hat trick by being not-funny.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 07 August, 2021, 08:49:09 am
The Green Knight..(In a real cinema!!)

While I knew it wouldn't be mainstream, it was still a lot...different!. Still not sure if it was good or not, but certainly a breath of fresh air.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 August, 2021, 04:55:17 pm
Blood Red Sky, says my email from Netflix.

They'll probably mess it up like Snakes on a Plane, of course, but I still think that's the best tagline ever.

The weird thing is that if you ever listen right to the end of the safety briefing they tell you precisely what to do should your seatmate turn out to be a vampire mid-flight. But no one in the entire history of flying, has ever paid attention to the end of those briefings. Even the Wright brothers were "ok, whatever, we get it, crash into water, blow into the tube, can we take off now?"

"Shouldn't we tell them about the vampires, Martha?" Plane takes off.
"They'll just have to figure it out."
"We didn't warn about high heels on the slide either."

Saw it yesterday. Not as bad as it could have been and not as good as it should have been. A serviceable little horror. I would have done it differently, but that's the story of my unfulfilled life, and the fact my brain has a vampire for a room-mate.

Being a little hard of hearing, I've been watching this with closed captions.

(click to show/hide)

Exit me, cackling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 15 August, 2021, 09:17:20 pm
Monsters of Man.

Military AI robots int jungle.  Pretty violent, with some familiar cliches, but a fair bit better than expected (~55% on Rotten Tomatoes) - develops some decent tension.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 August, 2021, 08:23:50 pm
Mel Brooks' The Producers.  It's slow in places but I laughed like a drain at the "Springtime For Hitler" routine.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 18 August, 2021, 12:01:38 am
"and Germany"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 August, 2021, 10:34:58 am
The Suicide Squad, a remake of the first one which suffered greatly under the burden of not being very good. It's an improvement, cast in a more Deadpool mode. Entertaining enough, if by the book, you could see the end from the beginning, but if you've ever wanted to see a man with polka dot-related superpowers fight a giant alien starfish, you're in the honey.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 August, 2021, 12:07:19 pm
"The Mauritanian"

".. a 2021 legal drama film based on the true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian man who was held for fourteen years (from 2002 to 2016) without charge in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, a United States military prison. "

Jodie  Foster at her best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nobby on 19 August, 2021, 09:53:33 pm
Green Book - excellent film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nick H. on 19 August, 2021, 10:56:46 pm
Inseminoid. British space horror. One of the worst films ever made. It's an Alien ripoff, made 2 years later. Chiselhurst caves are the alien planet. Judy Geeson has her personal space invaded by something hideous. The wardrobe was sourced in ten minutes from a motorbike shop, with accessories from B&Q. It's on Pirate Bay. Only 800MB, so I could probably send it around as an email attachment?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 27 August, 2021, 01:58:33 pm
A Quiet Place II

Very good.  Prequel & sequel.  I think better that the first, and that was good too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 27 August, 2021, 04:31:00 pm
Silence, a Martin Scorsese film based on a novel by Shūsaku Endō about Jesuit missionaries in Japan in the 17th century. Was on BBC4 last night (26th August). The novel itself was based on historical research.

Quite harrowing to watch, but reinforces my personal rejection of religions in general.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nobby on 27 August, 2021, 04:39:52 pm
The Missing - Cate Blanchette and Tommy Lee Jones
Not too bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 04 September, 2021, 11:38:51 pm
CODA (2021)

Broadly agree with the reviews:  Director gets a cookie.  Could have done with a less cliched plot.

I thought Troy Kotsur was excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 September, 2021, 08:10:04 am
Poltergeist. 40 years on, still a load of shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 September, 2021, 10:14:01 am
Go towards the light, Carrie-Ann. Look crazy lady, a minute ago you told me not to, so make your mind up.

I always quite enjoyed Poltergeist. Slow by today's standards, of course, and – of course, a healthy reminder not to build your housing estates on an Indian burial ground if there's a flood plain available nearby.

Watched Boss Level on That Amazon, it sounded not so great from the blurb, but my curry was getting cold, actually turned out to be really very good. Sort of Groundhog Day meets the Edge of Tomorrow versus John Wick. Frank Grillo, a usual stalwart of low budget and straight-to-cable actioneers, splendidly deadpans and one-lines his way through, people get killed in many creative and bloody ways, and the situation sort of gets bloody resolved. Left me with a big smile pasted on my face. I had to explain 'boss level' to my wife though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 September, 2021, 09:52:59 am
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Not so big on the martial arts thing, but I gave this one a punt.

I dunno how Marvel do their casting, but they get it right every time, excellent. The plot was a bit exposition heavy, the usual toil of origin movies, but the fights were well done and the action paced, and they resisted any urge to stick a western actor in the mix (and kept with subtitles for a fair part of the movie). Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but there's one section, where Ben Kingsley reprises his role as the pretend terrorist, where honestly, I laughed so hard I cried. That alone was worth the entry price. How anyone kept a straight face during that scene, I have no idea.

Obviously, if you don't like Marvel superhero-ey things, you won't like it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 September, 2021, 10:14:14 am
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Not so big on the martial arts thing, but I gave this one a punt.

I dunno how Marvel do their casting, but they get it right every time, excellent. The plot was a bit exposition heavy, the usual toil of origin movies, but the fights were well done and the action paced, and they resisted any urge to stick a western actor in the mix (and kept with subtitles for a fair part of the movie). Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but there's one section, where Ben Kingsley reprises his role as the pretend terrorist, where honestly, I laughed so hard I cried. That alone was worth the entry price. How anyone kept a straight face during that scene, I have no idea.

Obviously, if you don't like Marvel superhero-ey things, you won't like it.
I watched this with my son - first time in cinema for a really long time.

Felt a bit 'meh'. Maybe I'm becoming jaded to blockbuster films. 'Teh big evil' didn't have much of a build up or impact tbh.

Casting was again, inspired. Michelle Yeoh kind of phoned in her performance though. Ben seemed to enjoy himself.

The sidekick was used very well for comedic effect and exposition.


LAst night I watched Blood Red Sky on my phone. Yeah, I know. Ignoring the dubbing/lipsynch issues, it was pretty decent. Good characters and not entirely clear how it would end until the last few minutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 September, 2021, 10:22:12 am
It's a valid point the big evil was a bit of shoo-in, but yeah, it was an origin story. The humour carried it, and yes, Katy (the side-kick) was one of the best things in the movie.

I think Michele Yeoh is contractually obliged to appear in any and every movie with Chinese characters, though for a change she wasn't the token Asian character.

I will never think of Planet of the Apes the same again after that scene though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 September, 2021, 10:39:19 am
LAst night I watched Blood Red Sky on my phone. Yeah, I know. Ignoring the dubbing/lipsynch issues, it was pretty decent. Good characters and not entirely clear how it would end until the last few minutes.

I watched that a couple of weeks back, but when they began talking about doing something or other with a
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and ICBA watching the rest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 September, 2021, 10:49:42 am
LAst night I watched Blood Red Sky on my phone. Yeah, I know. Ignoring the dubbing/lipsynch issues, it was pretty decent. Good characters and not entirely clear how it would end until the last few minutes.

I watched that a couple of weeks back, but when they began talking about doing something or other with a
(click to show/hide)
and ICBA watching the rest.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 September, 2021, 09:54:21 am
The Suicide Squad

Much, much, much better than the previous attempt. Some good humour, occasionally very dark.  Margo Robbie gets to flesh out Quinn a lot more, which is good. Multiple good performances, actually.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 11 September, 2021, 09:11:02 pm
Eaten by Lions

We haven't had TV for a month due to the Bilsdale transmitter burning down. Yesterday a temporary transmitter restored some channels and this came up on BBC 4. A smashing British comedy with lush cinematography that looks like something from an American indie film form the 70s.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 September, 2021, 08:06:14 am
Netflux's Kate, mostly because the plot reminded me of a 1950s film called D.O.A., which used exactly the same device but, being a noir hard-boiled-detective flick, was much more subtle.  Kate was OK if you can tolerate yakuza, gore, martial farts and lots of bang-bang-you're-dead long enough to find out what happened.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 12 September, 2021, 10:35:35 am
21 Grams.  Free on prime just now and we’ll worth a watch.  I thought it was superb
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 13 September, 2021, 07:41:55 pm
Perfect Strangers. A film of Deep Purple (Gillan, Paice, Glover, Lord and Blackmore) in concert in Melbourne in 1984. By God, Blackmore was good!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 September, 2021, 09:58:59 pm
Anyone seen the People Just Do Nothing film yet?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 September, 2021, 02:31:19 pm
Castle in the Sky.  Dunno why we never saw this with the kids when it came out: son might have been a bit too pimply yoof for it but it would have suited our daughter perfectly.  Anyway, now that there's nobody around to ask us why we're watching a kiddie flick we watched it last night and really enjoyed it.

Duh. Maybe it's a perfect second-childhood flick.  :o  Oh well, it was fun anyway. Pass the Complan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 30 September, 2021, 04:09:18 pm
Summer of Soul.

Obviously the music is fabulous, but the whole story of how it happened and how it was forgotten is quite a thing. And lordy, the outfits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 02 October, 2021, 03:41:45 am
Bondjamesbond is mildly entertaining, though could have borne being an hour shorter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 02 October, 2021, 03:08:16 pm
Emperor Of The North

Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin chew the scenery as railway thug and hobo, respectively.  But the real stars were the steam locomotives.  I don't think anyone made engines as beautifully ugly (therefore easier to maintain) than whoever built for the Americans. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 October, 2021, 08:04:06 am
Black Widow. Kinda poor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 October, 2021, 11:30:05 am
I quite enjoyed Black Widow, though it felt like it should have come out far earlier in the franchise. It was a nice step back from the usual Marvel bombast which requires the levelling of entire cities and the occasional planet these days.

No Time to Die. Entertaining enough, but I never really got the buzz about Bond. Other than the branding, it could have been any other action movie. Things go boom. Cars get chased. They never quite seem sure what to do with Bond.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 October, 2021, 03:39:46 pm
The original Bond was a ruthless womanizer, and such were Hollywood tropes of the time that a wee pile of clothes and dreamy muzak were enough to suggest that the DEED had been done.  As Craig moved in so did PC, Respect and all the other baggage, so to get the sex he had to fall in Luv, which meant strictly one wenching per flim.  The plot no longer knew which way to turn.

Speaking of tropes, so frequently do the newly love-stricken pair realize their undying lust just as they come in the door that in this household "Quick! To the kitchen!" has become a trope of our very own.  Speed the day a misplaced santoku detesticles the male lead before he can trip the QR skewer on his jock strap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 October, 2021, 04:45:44 pm
That's the problem, he's supposed to be a cad. But they can't run with that, in case it upsets people on Twitter, and the result makes you feel a bit, well, moralized. At least he's still allowed the martinis. I doubt the next one will be.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 October, 2021, 06:47:53 pm
I quite enjoyed Black Widow, though it felt like it should have come out far earlier in the franchise. It was a nice step back from the usual Marvel bombast which requires the levelling of entire cities and the occasional planet these days.

Not really. The set pieces were still silly and overdone and there was never any point where the protagonists really felt in danger or that you had doubt that they would succeed. There was also some *really* bad VFX, but I assume these are mostly from the usual last minute changes from Marvel. ("Hey, you know that thing that you spend the last 3 months on and are supposed to finish next week. Weeeeeeell, we got a few changes and we still need it next week.")

MCU is in dire need of a reboot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 08 October, 2021, 08:35:51 pm
Origin stories are never going to be fraught, tbh, which is why they're often a bit tedious. I didn't notice the special effects, but I've recently moved my movie watching from the Imax to the local-ish Everyman which, in comparison, is just a big tv.

The MCU might need a creative reboot, but I suspect they're happy with the money they're bringing in. We'll probably get bored with them at some point and bring back, erm, Westerns or some such. I dunno, what is the next genre? There's actually an entire catalogue of Jennifer Aniston romcoms that only I know about, because there's a special alternative universe I used to go to on flights that featured them. Trust me, there are at least seven of them – I've checked – that don't exist in this universe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 October, 2021, 01:01:21 pm
Bondjamesbond is mildly entertaining, though could have borne being an hour shorter.

Funny that: an NZ friend said it was soooo good she was gong back to see it again.  I haven't seen it but I suspect you're right.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 13 October, 2021, 11:12:04 am
Bond.

Had a fun discussion with friends afterwards about what actions would be considered a war crime or a crime against humanity.

It's a long film, I had to go for a pee in the middle of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 13 October, 2021, 11:16:39 pm
Well I 1 didn’t expect that Mr Bond.

An enjoyable and diverting enough 3 hours and mostly in keeping with the Bond I grew up,with, though the PC aspects can be a bit in your face.

Next up is Dune, which I’m trying to decide whether to go on opening night, or leave it a week or to to quieten down a bit. I’m looking forward to it, because let’s face it, it really can’t be as bad as the first attempt…

1. No, I’m not sure how I managed to avoid spoilers either, but quite without trying I managed to.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 19 October, 2021, 12:12:59 am
Dune !   Ortnithopters !  Good ornithopters !  Sandworms !  Fremen !  Deserts !  Sandstorms! Heighliners!  Visually impressive.  Gets a lot of stuff right. 

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 October, 2021, 09:23:36 am
Dune !   Ortnithopters !  Good ornithopters !  Sandworms !  Fremen !  Deserts !  Sandstorms! Heighliners!  Visually impressive.  Gets a lot of stuff right. 

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 19 October, 2021, 09:52:14 am
Have you managed to get the sand out of everything yet?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bobb on 20 October, 2021, 11:57:56 pm
I saw Bond tonight. It's as good as any modern Bond I suppose. I don't get why he went to so much trouble to ship various Astons all over the world only to leave by other means though!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 21 October, 2021, 12:12:27 am
Dune !   Ortnithopters !  Good ornithopters !  Sandworms !  Fremen !  Deserts !  Sandstorms! Heighliners!  Visually impressive.  Gets a lot of stuff right. 

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If they get the green light for part two, most of this should be sorted. It might show up in 2024... Villeneuve deliberately cut out certain scenes & Feyd. 'There were certainly broad-stroke decisions that were made, just to find the most dynamic way to tell the story. We had to shovel some things into Part Two for the mental sanity of everybody'.
(FFS man, include the fight with the Atreides slave on Giedi Prime. That would be brilliant).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 21 October, 2021, 01:11:19 pm
Dune !   Ortnithopters !  Good ornithopters !  Sandworms !  Fremen !  Deserts !  Sandstorms! Heighliners!  Visually impressive.  Gets a lot of stuff right. 

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I saw it in Imax this morning. I would add that whilst it's definitely not the book, is is a good film of the book, and the sound (vox Vs M&E) balance seemed much better in the Imax than in my local Vue, but that may be an Imax thing as I've heard that said before.
Yes some stuff's missing, and like the LOTR adaptation some expected words end up in unexpected mouths, but overall I'd say it's a good adaptation.

I wouldn't mind seeing the 5-hour version, and if they do  LOTR-style extended disc I'll no doubt buy it.

In the end though, the pictures in the book are always going to be better!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 October, 2021, 02:35:20 pm
Oh god, there's a part 2.

This should be banned. You have one movie. Just fucking do it in one movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 21 October, 2021, 02:59:07 pm
Dune !   Ortnithopters !  Good ornithopters !  Sandworms !  Fremen !  Deserts !  Sandstorms! Heighliners!  Visually impressive.  Gets a lot of stuff right. 

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I saw it in Imax this morning. I would add that whilst it's definitely not the book, is is a good film of the book, and the sound (vox Vs M&E) balance seemed much better in the Imax than in my local Vue, but that may be an Imax thing as I've heard that said before.
Yes some stuff's missing, and like the LOTR adaptation some expected words end up in unexpected mouths, but overall I'd say it's a good adaptation.

I wouldn't mind seeing the 5-hour version, and if they do  LOTR-style extended disc I'll no doubt buy it.

In the end though, the pictures in the book are always going to be better!


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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 21 October, 2021, 03:26:06 pm
(Snipped for length)

All true, but as a mainstream film most of those nuances can only go in an extended version for fans. c.f. Saruman in LOTR.  You have to make some parts accessible, or you're reliant on pleasing only the people who've already read the book. You can get bogged down in exposition, (and there are moments when I thought it might) or you can do page-on-screen fan service. The mainstream needs to be somewhere in the middle.

As for splitting it into multiple films, it was first published as two serial stories anyway. My edition of the novel is 500+ pages, and is itself split into 3 'books' so I'd quite happily have accepted a 3-parter, even without thinking of doing Dune Messiah or Children of Dune.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 21 October, 2021, 04:07:40 pm
Oh god, there's a part 2.

This should be banned. You have one movie. Just fucking do it in one movie.
Part 2, 3 etc and a TV series too. Milk it for what it's worth, just look at the space family feud that's been going on for years. Remember that there is money to be maid in that celluloid and not to forget the merch \o/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 October, 2021, 04:18:14 pm
I did read the book, it was OK, and I'm going to buck the trend and say there was enough material for a single film. Did we not learn anything? The following books were rapidly diminishing returns.

It doesn't have to replicate the book. Annoy the nerds, it's a fun sport.

Anyway, I'm off to see it at the weekend, though I'm not so sure my wife will like that kind of stuff. Which means I'll have to see Dear Evan Hansen in return. It's almost like she doesn't know that musicals make you gay.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 October, 2021, 05:07:31 pm
I reckon a musical version of Dune could work.  Doesn't really matter if it's low-budget student theatre or Bollywood epic, as long as it has worms and chorus lines.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 21 October, 2021, 05:15:50 pm
and sand lots of sand
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 October, 2021, 06:28:14 pm
I reckon a musical version of Dune could work.  Doesn't really matter if it's low-budget student theatre or Bollywood epic, as long as it has worms and chorus lines.

Singing worms.

I like that idea.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: graculus on 21 October, 2021, 07:41:48 pm
Isn't 'a jump to the left and then a step to the right' how you avoid attracting worms when out on the desert?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Croft on 21 October, 2021, 07:51:16 pm
Oh god, there's a part 2.

This should be banned. You have one movie. Just fucking do it in one movie.

Lest we forget, one word: Sting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 October, 2021, 09:38:32 pm
Lest we forget, one word: Sting.

This will also be a compulsory feature of the musical version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 22 October, 2021, 06:17:07 pm
I’ve skipped over the above posts because I’m going to see it next week with a Meerkat Movies ticket and wish to avoid any accidental spoilers1. I read the books back in the day and really looked forward to the last film. Like many, I was bitterly disappointed with it both as an adaptation and as a film in its own right. I’m probably going to reread the books after I’ve seen this one.

1. Given that I’ve read the books and seen the pervious film, spoilers would be difficult, but hey, why risk it  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 October, 2021, 08:40:55 pm
Venom whatever this one is, like the last one, it's basically a mismatched buddy cop-style movie, but doesn't really make it, that only works if there's sparky dialogue and it doesn't really spark as much as lightly tingle.

Oh, entertaining enough in a splody fashion and you get Woody Harrelson hamming it up in yet another fright wig, which is always good value, but like the first one, it felt a bit like an opportunity missed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 22 October, 2021, 11:14:49 pm
I reckon a musical version of Dune could work.  Doesn't really matter if it's low-budget student theatre or Bollywood epic, as long as it has worms and chorus lines.
'Sand!!!', featuring the classics 'I'm So Thirsty I Could Kill You For The Water', 'If the Stillsuit Fits (Wear It Or Die)', 'Oh Blimey That's A Big Worm', 'Keep Your Hand In The Box', and 'Nick Nack Paddywack Kwisatz Haderach'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 October, 2021, 08:36:18 am
Couple of episodes of Lupin, which isn't bad at all for that sort of thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 October, 2021, 09:42:45 am
"The Last Duel". I knew it had received mixed reviews, but still wasn't expecting it to be this boring.
The colour grading was a crime against humanity (or at least a declaration of war against greens), along with underexposed lifted blacks.
Story was interesting, I suppose, but way too long and a little gimmicky. Sure, nice nod to "Me Too", but even that was a bit weak.
I then got thinking, that maybe Ridley Scott isn't all that great. Sure, due to Blade Runner,The Duelist & Alien, he's always been high on my list but of 56 director credits, there's only 13 I think that's worthwhile...and there's some real stinkers in there too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Vernon on 23 October, 2021, 10:04:10 am
and sand lots of sand
... and the starry skies above.
Don't fence me in....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 23 October, 2021, 12:06:12 pm
"The Last Duel". I knew it had received mixed reviews, but still wasn't expecting it to be this boring.
The colour grading was a crime against humanity (or at least a declaration of war against greens), along with underexposed lifted blacks.
Story was interesting, I suppose, but way too long and a little gimmicky. Sure, nice nod to "Me Too", but even that was a bit weak.
I then got thinking, that maybe Ridley Scott isn't all that great. Sure, due to Blade Runner,The Duelist & Alien, he's always been high on my list but of 56 director credits, there's only 13 I think that's worthwhile...and there's some real stinkers in there too.

Did you see Prometheus and whatever the forgettable follow-up was? My cat could make better movies than those.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 23 October, 2021, 12:49:05 pm
Dracula, the 1974 TV version with Jack Palance.  Shot in England, it even mentions St.Ockton-on-Tees and Darlington by name, though I'm pretty sure the "relevant" shots are of somewhere else!  It's a worthy companion to Christopher Lee's and Gary Oldman's versions.  Anything with JP in is worth watching for the face alone.  The train that hit it was a complete write-off.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 23 October, 2021, 02:43:52 pm
Ridley Scott's output is very patchy.
Whilst Alien and Blade Runner are very good, most of the rest are very variable: Gladiator's ok, Robin Hood is very average, the Martian quite good.  I laughed like a drain at Prometheus, which means I enjoyed it, but not for any of the good reasons, and I didn't bother with the one after that.  I saw the one about the French vinyard, and the only thing I remember about it is that there's an off screen miaow from a cat which sent mine absolutely ballistic looking for it.

Looking at the IMDB list, I've seen most of them and in some cases thought they were directed by someone else, and have left a more or less indelible blank.  I thought Black Rain was by his late brother!

It would appear that 2 decent films in a short period cements your reputation for eternity.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 23 October, 2021, 07:41:45 pm
If the 2 decent films were Odd Man Out and The Third Man that would be justified!  (Carol Reed did much more than that, fortunately.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 October, 2021, 09:50:42 pm
Dune. I mostly remember the earlier version which I don't remember as being too bad, Sting-apart, so I'm not sure what this version brought to the table.

My wife's snoring told me what she thought about it, it's not a date-night movie. Long and a bit dull unless you like extended, panning shots of deserts - it's the same guy who did the Bladerunner reprise isn't it? - replace smog with sand. The story did always suffer by killing off most of the interesting characters early on and never really replacing them with anyone memorable. I always never really understood in an age where people can zip between the stars in giant spaceships why they fight battle hand-to-hand with knives. I'm sure there's a reason, but I doubt it's a very good one.

Maybe it's intentional, I don't know, but there's nothing otherworldly about the setting, it's just a desert like the ones on Earth, I expect a bit more extreme from my an alien planet than what looks like a package holiday to Tunisia. It was so hot that they had to close giant shields, but the rest of the time they wandered around without bothering with even factor-15.

Yes, it's a two-parter, knowledge which I came to late. I'm not sure I'll bother with the second, it's a bit of a nerd-tickler. Unless it's a musical.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 October, 2021, 10:16:09 pm
Currentpy watching Human Traffic, not sure how it's taken so long, unless I was far too pished at the time I did see it to remember...

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 24 October, 2021, 11:03:13 pm
I'll probably watch 2021 Dune on TV at some point (haven't been to the cinema in years) but TBH I think it looks like a misfire, overall. Lynch's version was a bonkers mess, but it was a gorgeous looking bonkers mess with some spot-on casting. This one…hmm. Kyle MacLachlan seems a far better fit as Paul than Mr Chalamet. Rebecca Ferguson's too young to be his mum.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 24 October, 2021, 11:23:11 pm
BondJamesBond.

Didn't think it was long.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 25 October, 2021, 12:12:46 am
Currentpy watching Human Traffic, not sure how it's taken so long, unless I was far too pished at the time I did see it to remember...

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What surprized me is how much younger Danny dyre was than the rest of the cast, looked it too.


Need to get 24hr party people watched before I cancel prime in a few days...

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 October, 2021, 07:59:27 am
Dune...
Yes, it's a two-parter, knowledge which I came to late. I'm not sure I'll bother with the second, it's a bit of a nerd-tickler. Unless it's a musical.

Sandworms singing "Feed me, Seymour!"  I'd go to that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 October, 2021, 11:52:31 am
Need to get 24hr party people watched before I cancel prime in a few days...

I wouldn't bother.  I slept through most of that in the uni cinema when I was a PSO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 October, 2021, 07:42:59 am
HEAT

Not finished it in one sitting (gosh what a long film, nearly 3 hours). Huge cast, including a very young Natalie Portman.

Enjoying it. Great performances from most, although some phone it in (Henry Rollins for one, although he doesn't really have much to work with).

Finished film last night.

That was good. Couldn't guess the ending until the last 30s. Producers note, that is how you make a film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 26 October, 2021, 08:30:45 am
I'll probably watch 2021 Dune on TV at some point (haven't been to the cinema in years) but TBH I think it looks like a misfire, overall. Lynch's version was a bonkers mess, but it was a gorgeous looking bonkers mess with some spot-on casting. This one…hmm. Kyle MacLachlan seems a far better fit as Paul than Mr Chalamet. Rebecca Ferguson's too young to be his mum.

I'd disagree. Yeah, I'm a bit nerdy fan but the boy actually looks like a boy- that scrawny too tall for his bulk early teens thing.
The casting is at least as good in this one as Lynch's, I'd say better (no Sting, for a start). Lots of what was described upthread as missing would fit much better in a part 2.

I liked it a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 26 October, 2021, 09:36:17 am
 :thumbsup:

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 26 October, 2021, 09:36:28 am
I took the boys (12 & 14) to see Dune last night not really knowing how it would go down with them (or me for that matter), but it got a thumbs up all round. Not 10/10, but they both enjoyed it.

I thought it was a little slow in parts, but everything else worked well.

… I always never really understood in an age where people can zip between the stars in giant spaceships why they fight battle hand-to-hand with knives. I'm sure there's a reason, but I doubt it's a very good one.

Could it be because of the shields? Maybe projectiles wouldn’t penetrate?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 October, 2021, 10:40:02 am
Nah, it's because even in books you get more mileage out of a sword/knife fight than phasers at 5 paces.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 October, 2021, 01:12:23 pm
I took the boys (12 & 14) to see Dune last night not really knowing how it would go down with them (or me for that matter), but it got a thumbs up all round. Not 10/10, but they both enjoyed it.

I thought it was a little slow in parts, but everything else worked well.

… I always never really understood in an age where people can zip between the stars in giant spaceships why they fight battle hand-to-hand with knives. I'm sure there's a reason, but I doubt it's a very good one.

Could it be because of the shields? Maybe projectiles wouldn’t penetrate?

In the books there are guns - just slow projectiles with poison usually.

The personal shields block anything moving fast. A quick arrow would be stopped, so would a fast-swung club.

Extensive use is made of poison gas and slow-projectile guns.

Lasers interact with the shields causing huge explosions; this is used as a trap in some circumstances, to force the attackers to turn their shields off.

The slow projectile guns make them easier to dodge, so it is realistic to close distance to 'knife fighting' ranges. I'd rather have a spear . . .
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 26 October, 2021, 03:22:39 pm
(small snip)
The slow projectile guns make them easier to dodge, so it is realistic to close distance to 'knife fighting' ranges. I'd rather have a spear . . .

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 26 October, 2021, 11:18:25 pm
https://variety.com/2021/film/news/dune-part-2-sequel-1235094974/ (https://variety.com/2021/film/news/dune-part-2-sequel-1235094974/)


Part 2 looks to be on the cards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 October, 2021, 08:15:14 am
Dune Industries Inc® produced enough sequels to keep them going until 2040.  Herbert lost me at n°2.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 October, 2021, 09:33:14 am
Dune: Closer to the book than I expected. Awesome set/production design. A bit slow. A bit too much Zimmer. 8/10.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 October, 2021, 09:40:51 am
Unlikely I'll get to see this in the cinema.

Nerd facting. I've just remembered that the fremen don't use suspensors or shields (same tech) because they attract worms (and drive them to a frenzy). So the use of lasers as a booby trap is a particularly fremen tactic that works for them when fighting off-worlders.

The only city is behind a range of mountains called the Shield wall. The only place on Arrakis where worms can't go.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 27 October, 2021, 09:47:55 am
Unlikely I'll get to see this in the cinema.

Nerd facting. I've just remembered that the fremen don't use suspensors or shields (same tech) because they attract worms (and drive them to a frenzy). So the use of lasers as a booby trap is a particularly fremen tactic that works for them when fighting off-worlders.

The only city is behind a range of mountains called the Shield wall. The only place on Arrakis where worms can't go.


Also the regular sandstorms generate static charges which will short out a shield.  I don't think the shield/lasgun effect is mentioned in the film, but in the book it's Duncan Idaho or Gurney Halleck who leaves one as a booby trap. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 27 October, 2021, 12:09:09 pm
I took the boys (12 & 14) to see Dune last night not really knowing how it would go down with them (or me for that matter), but it got a thumbs up all round. Not 10/10, but they both enjoyed it.

I thought it was a little slow in parts, but everything else worked well.

… I always never really understood in an age where people can zip between the stars in giant spaceships why they fight battle hand-to-hand with knives. I'm sure there's a reason, but I doubt it's a very good one.

Could it be because of the shields? Maybe projectiles wouldn’t penetrate?

In the books there are guns - just slow projectiles with poison usually.

The personal shields block anything moving fast. A quick arrow would be stopped, so would a fast-swung club.

Extensive use is made of poison gas and slow-projectile guns.

Lasers interact with the shields causing huge explosions; this is used as a trap in some circumstances, to force the attackers to turn their shields off.

The slow projectile guns make them easier to dodge, so it is realistic to close distance to 'knife fighting' ranges. I'd rather have a spear . . .

You've got a spaceship. Drop a rock on them from space. I believe it's the approved method.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 27 October, 2021, 01:58:31 pm
Dune Industries Inc® produced enough sequels to keep them going until 2040.  Herbert lost me at n°2.

The only sequels are Dune Messiah through to Chapterhouse Dune - the prequels and sequels perpetrated by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson do not exist. Like the Star Wars prequel trilogy*, they are just a mass hallucination. ;)


* Though to be fair to Star Wars Episodes 1-3, they don't look that bad set against Episodes 7-9. :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 October, 2021, 02:13:30 pm
You've got a spaceship. Drop a rock on them from space. I believe it's the approved method.

Denizens of the Scary Devil Monastery will be familiar with the Orbital Anvil Delivery System, and the delta-v requirements for de-orbiting heavy objects.

Of course, if your spaceship isn't actually in orbit, but is merely hanging propulsively outside the atmosphere like a Death Star, you have no such problems.  (But keep an eye on that reactor, otherwise you might end up causing an ewok extinction event.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 27 October, 2021, 03:00:24 pm
Need to get 24hr party people watched before I cancel prime in a few days...

I wouldn't bother.  I slept through most of that in the uni cinema when I was a PSO.
Meh it was alright, but I was convinced I was watching Alan partridge.

I've also failed to cancel prime in time so trawled the "included with prime" section to make sure to get my 8 quid worth.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 27 October, 2021, 03:04:15 pm
… I always never really understood in an age where people can zip between the stars in giant spaceships why they fight battle hand-to-hand with knives. I'm sure there's a reason, but I doubt it's a very good one.

The tradition SF answer for knives and swords etc is precisely because they are zipping between the stars in giant spaceships. You really wouldn't want to punch a hole in the hull or damage some vital bit of machinery with a high kinetic energy projectile.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 October, 2021, 05:42:17 pm
… I always never really understood in an age where people can zip between the stars in giant spaceships why they fight battle hand-to-hand with knives. I'm sure there's a reason, but I doubt it's a very good one.

The tradition SF answer for knives and swords etc is precisely because they are zipping between the stars in giant spaceships. You really wouldn't want to punch a hole in the hull or damage some vital bit of machinery with a high kinetic energy projectile.

Meanwhile, while high kinetic energy projectiles would be an eminently suitable way for spaceship A to attack spaceship B, this is frowned upon in favour of getting all the spaceships neatly lined up with minimal relative velocity, and then dogfighting with I-can't-believe-it's-not-laser-beams.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 October, 2021, 07:55:55 pm
… I always never really understood in an age where people can zip between the stars in giant spaceships why they fight battle hand-to-hand with knives. I'm sure there's a reason, but I doubt it's a very good one.

The tradition SF answer for knives and swords etc is precisely because they are zipping between the stars in giant spaceships. You really wouldn't want to punch a hole in the hull or damage some vital bit of machinery with a high kinetic energy projectile.

Meanwhile, while high kinetic energy projectiles would be an eminently suitable way for spaceship A to attack spaceship B, this is frowned upon in favour of getting all the spaceships neatly lined up with minimal relative velocity, and then dogfighting with I-can't-believe-it's-not-laser-beams.

For a more refreshing read, try the bobverse books (although some parts of those really irritate me).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 October, 2021, 08:08:12 pm
Should this be split into a Dune:Nerd thread?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 27 October, 2021, 11:02:04 pm
Well I both really enjoyed that and at the same time felt a bit let down. It’s nearly 40 years since I read the books and in my minds eye I had the full story arc with the film covering perhaps the first 10 to 15 percent of the whole. That said, the original book is by far the best part of the story and I thought the film was very true to its source material. Bonus nerd points were earned for recognising direct quotes from the book.

Roll on Dune pt2
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 October, 2021, 08:24:06 am
Speaking of nerds: https://theconversation.com/dune-we-simulated-the-desert-planet-of-arrakis-to-see-if-humans-could-survive-there-170181

"3 weeks on a huge supercomputer".  That's going to look good on someone's budget.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 28 October, 2021, 08:29:33 am
Unlikely I'll get to see this in the cinema.

Nerd facting. I've just remembered that the fremen don't use suspensors or shields (same tech) because they attract worms (and drive them to a frenzy). So the use of lasers as a booby trap is a particularly fremen tactic that works for them when fighting off-worlders.

The only city is behind a range of mountains called the Shield wall. The only place on Arrakis where worms can't go.



Also the regular sandstorms generate static charges which will short out a shield.  I don't think the shield/lasgun effect is mentioned in the film, but in the book it's Duncan Idaho or Gurney Halleck who leaves one as a booby trap.

I thought Paul planted the booby trap shield to bring the worms through the shield wall of Arrakeen when they take it back from the Harkonnens?
We'll see that in Part II.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 28 October, 2021, 09:03:58 am
Finally watched "The Death of Stalin" last night. Its really good. Loved Jason Isaacs as a blunt northern Georgy Zhukov.
Its a black comedy but Simon Russell Beale's portrayal of Beria is genuinely creepy and frightening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 October, 2021, 09:12:07 am
Unlikely I'll get to see this in the cinema.

Nerd facting. I've just remembered that the fremen don't use suspensors or shields (same tech) because they attract worms (and drive them to a frenzy). So the use of lasers as a booby trap is a particularly fremen tactic that works for them when fighting off-worlders.

The only city is behind a range of mountains called the Shield wall. The only place on Arrakis where worms can't go.



Also the regular sandstorms generate static charges which will short out a shield.  I don't think the shield/lasgun effect is mentioned in the film, but in the book it's Duncan Idaho or Gurney Halleck who leaves one as a booby trap.

I thought Paul planted the booby trap shield to bring the worms through the shield wall of Arrakeen when they take it back from the Harkonnens?
We'll see that in Part II.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 October, 2021, 10:10:43 pm
Seriously, nerdballers, none of the Dune story makes any sense. I know the laws of nerballerdom demand you try and impose logic with preposterous explanations – in fact there's a theory that the entire internet was invented for this very purpose – but absolutely nothing in Dune makes any sense. It didn't when I read it as a teenager and it doesn't now. The entire plot is nonsensical. Life will be easier if you make an accommodation with this fundamental truth. Nonsense is the mind killer.

I feel David Lynch, no stranger to things making no sense, ran with this. Or rather walked, since even he seemed to be forced into endless exposition and inner monologues in some vain attempt to make it intelligible to laypeople.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 29 October, 2021, 12:36:14 am
Hang the heretic & pour his water upon the sand.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 October, 2021, 08:24:08 am
Hang the heretic & pour his water upon the sand.

<starts tying the rope and building the scaffold>


On another topic, last night I watched 1917.

Decent. Conveys atmosphere well.
Some bits were overdone. The whole waterfall sequence was just silly and not necessary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 October, 2021, 10:10:03 am
Apollo 13

That is a masterpiece of filmmaking.

Even though I knew the outcome, the tension in the film was irresistible. 

I was very curious about how they created the free-fall scenes. They 'did it for real', renting the vomit comet from NASA and filming in sections lasting seconds. Must have been absolutely exhausting.

There is a feeling of reality to the scenes that would be very very difficult to achieve with CGI.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 30 October, 2021, 01:47:26 pm
One of the best cinematic explanations of engineering problem solving, too:

"Make this fit into the hole designed for this, using nothing but that."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 October, 2021, 02:01:22 pm
One of the best cinematic explanations of engineering problem solving, too:

"Make this fit into the hole designed for this, using nothing but that."

That scene was dramatic licence, but still one of the best bits in the film.


Quote from: https://historycollection.jsc.nasa.gov/JSCHistoryPortal/history/oral_histories/MattinglyTK/MattinglyTK_11-6-01.htm
In the movie, Ed [Robert E.] Smylie’s—there’s this really neat scene where they’ve got a tableful of stuff and he dumps a bag on the table, and he says, “Figure something out.” Well, the real world is better than that. The real world is that we had had a simulation, and I think it was on Apollo 8, I believe, where the sim sup had jammed one of the cabin fans with a screw that floated loose. I think they had broken some electrical connections or done something of that ilk. The conclusion, you know, the simulations were done with the rule that the simulation may be four hours, but it’s not over until everything is under control. So sometimes those things got to be rather lengthy simulations.

The solution that they came up with was that they could make a way to use the vacuum cleaner in the command module with some plastic bags cut up and taped to the lithium hydroxide cartridges and blow through it with a vacuum cleaner. So, having discovered it, they said, “Okay, it’s time for beer.”

Well, on 13, someone says, “You remember what we did on that sim? Who did that?” So in nothing short, Joe [Joseph P.] Kerwin showed up, and we talked about “How did you build that bag and what did you do?”

Oh, it was easy. Solving that problem took an hour, maybe two. Because it’s real now, they made him build a demonstration model, so that took another thirty minutes. Then “How are we going to tell these guys in the cockpit?” And the answer was, if you just said go tape your lithium canisters to the suit hose, that’s probably all they had to say, but they proved it all out and had to show it to all the management that it would work. Of course it worked like a gem.


Ob-xkcd (https://xkcd.com/1536/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 30 October, 2021, 02:39:59 pm
One of the best cinematic explanations of engineering problem solving, too:

"Make this fit into the hole designed for this, using nothing but that."

That scene was dramatic licence, but still one of the best bits in the film.

Oh, I know.  But having spent much time in a BBC regional station, fed on table scraps and throwaway bits from That London, and re-using R/WOP'd kit in desperate attempts to make telly without it costing any more money, it describes pretty much every solution we had to find through the whole of the 1990's!

IIRC, the whole LEM-as-a-lifeboat thing had been tested in the simulator as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 31 October, 2021, 12:07:29 am
I do like that film, but really REALLY cringed when some numpty at work decided that it would be a good idea to use the film as an example of operational excellence and problem solving.

 Thus they create a whole company wide educational presentation around it. I’m not sure just how quickly it was pointed out to the (probably newbie MBA twit) that in the past we used to run fully redundant hot swappable production systems with unit test models, integrations test models and full production test models for all in house developed software, but these had been slimmed down and rationalised in cost cutting measures implemented by former newbie MBA twits.

 The programme of educational presentations quietly went away.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 31 October, 2021, 08:01:05 am
Saw Dune last night with the kids.

Apart from a miscast Mamoa as Duncan Idaho it was just about perfect.

I came out feeling quite emotional

It has always annoyed Mrs Manotea that the lead character is named Paul. 'Nuff said 😎
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 01 November, 2021, 05:17:22 am
Saw Dune yesterday on Imax, it was OK.

What I didn't realise until recently was that someone I was at Uni with who now works at JPL named the "sand" dune features on Titan after places in the book!
 https://eos.org/geofizz/dune-universe-inspires-titans-nomenclature (https://eos.org/geofizz/dune-universe-inspires-titans-nomenclature)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 01 November, 2021, 08:00:50 am
The Quatermass Xperiment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 November, 2021, 10:12:11 am
The Quatermass Xperiment.

Good old Hammer horror.  Just looked it up: Brian Donlevy, who played Quatermass, was in Pershing's expedition against Pancho Villa. :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 November, 2021, 03:45:04 pm
A Nightmare On Elm Street (the original, not some crappy remake)
  I still laughed when Johnny Depp got sucked into the bed and at the ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 November, 2021, 01:33:43 pm
Saw Dune, was underwhelmed.  Lots of moody colour-cast concrete, battle scenes where I was expecting Jar Jar to secure victory by tripping over a droid, and a plot that seemed like it was about to get started in the last 20 minutes.  The ornithopters were good, though, and they delivered on the worms by giving the sand vagina from Return of The Jedi[1] the full Tremors[1] treatment.  Notable absence of 80s rock stars.


[1] Watching either of these would be a more enjoyable use of your time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 November, 2021, 03:07:20 pm
Plot that seemed like it was about to get started in the last 20 minutes sums it up.

Otherwise it's three hours of some people moving to another planet to replace some other people who are, for some reason, angry with the first people. Then they come back and invade the planet they've just vacated and kill those people. Because, well, because. There's also sand and, as pointed out, coloured toned concrete.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 07 November, 2021, 08:29:15 am
The Cruel Sea yesterday afternoon on TV.

I think despite having caught bits of it a hundred times since my childhood that this is the first time I have watched it through from beginning to end. Made in 1953 but I think it stands up well.
To be honest I don't think it could be made now, yes the special effects would be better but apart from jumping into the North Atlantic as a ship sinks there aren't actually that many. In fact really not a lot happens, no over the top heroics or massive battles. Five years of plodding back and forth across the Atlantic with an occasional diversion to Gibraltar or Russia. Sometimes they get to drop a few depth charges but we don't see the sub except once mainly convey ships explode in the distance as the only evidence that a sub is there. Not enough action or storyline to get made these days.
The film is a study in grinding relentless work and stress in horrible circumstances. Surprisingly little jingoism considering when it was made as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Croft on 07 November, 2021, 03:08:41 pm
Plot that seemed like it was about to get started in the last 20 minutes sums it up.

Otherwise it's three hours of some people moving to another planet to replace some other people who are, for some reason, angry with the first people. Then they come back and invade the planet they've just vacated and kill those people. Because, well, because. There's also sand and, as pointed out, coloured toned concrete.

I've just learned of the (failed) attempt by Alejandro Jodorowsky to make a 14 hour version (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodorowsky%27s_Dune) in the 1970s. Be grateful for small (3 hour) mercies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 November, 2021, 07:00:34 pm
Eternals. It felt a bit like it, it was the first time in a Marvel movie where I found myself checking my watch. Not awful, but does the world need yet another bunch of superheroes (with obligatory exposition-heavy backstories)? Disney seem to think so, and I suppose they got my money, so they may be right. Probably the weakest of the canon. You know the deal, the usual bunch with the usual random powers (who decides who gets what power, why don't they just have all the powers, am I think about this so much?) save the world from the usual big bad (what's my motivation, erm, big CGI budget?)

Fairly high on the meh-o-meter. Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek were criminally underused, we may be ready for the gay kiss, but we're not yet ready for older women in leading roles.

They seem to be stuck in a situation where they want to do something different with the genre but with exactly the same formula.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 November, 2021, 08:26:00 am
The Cruel Sea yesterday afternoon on TV.

I think despite having caught bits of it a hundred times since my childhood that this is the first time I have watched it through from beginning to end. Made in 1953 but I think it stands up well.
To be honest I don't think it could be made now, yes the special effects would be better but apart from jumping into the North Atlantic as a ship sinks there aren't actually that many. In fact really not a lot happens, no over the top heroics or massive battles. Five years of plodding back and forth across the Atlantic with an occasional diversion to Gibraltar or Russia. Sometimes they get to drop a few depth charges but we don't see the sub except once mainly convey ships explode in the distance as the only evidence that a sub is there. Not enough action or storyline to get made these days.
The film is a study in grinding relentless work and stress in horrible circumstances. Surprisingly little jingoism considering when it was made as well.

Did it include them dropping depth charges when the water is full of sailors from a sunken ship?

I've read the book several times and that part always stayed with me. The utter horror of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 08 November, 2021, 08:42:56 am
Plot that seemed like it was about to get started in the last 20 minutes sums it up.

Otherwise it's three hours of some people moving to another planet to replace some other people who are, for some reason, angry with the first people. Then they come back and invade the planet they've just vacated and kill those people. Because, well, because. There's also sand and, as pointed out, coloured toned concrete.

I've just learned of the (failed) attempt by Alejandro Jodorowsky to make a 14 hour version (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodorowsky%27s_Dune) in the 1970s. Be grateful for small (3 hour) mercies.
AIUI the David Lynch version was also ridiculously long to start with and had to be edited so much for cinematic release that the plot was, quite literally, lost.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 November, 2021, 08:55:44 am
Plot that seemed like it was about to get started in the last 20 minutes sums it up.

Otherwise it's three hours of some people moving to another planet to replace some other people who are, for some reason, angry with the first people. Then they come back and invade the planet they've just vacated and kill those people. Because, well, because. There's also sand and, as pointed out, coloured toned concrete.

I've just learned of the (failed) attempt by Alejandro Jodorowsky to make a 14 hour version (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodorowsky%27s_Dune) in the 1970s. Be grateful for small (3 hour) mercies.
AIUI the David Lynch version was also ridiculously long to start with and had to be edited so much for cinematic release that the plot was, quite literally, lost.

Same thing happened to Wim Wenders' Until the End of the World, which always manages to send me to sleep anyway with the last narrated bit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 08 November, 2021, 09:00:40 am
The Cruel Sea yesterday afternoon on TV.

I think despite having caught bits of it a hundred times since my childhood that this is the first time I have watched it through from beginning to end. Made in 1953 but I think it stands up well.
To be honest I don't think it could be made now, yes the special effects would be better but apart from jumping into the North Atlantic as a ship sinks there aren't actually that many. In fact really not a lot happens, no over the top heroics or massive battles. Five years of plodding back and forth across the Atlantic with an occasional diversion to Gibraltar or Russia. Sometimes they get to drop a few depth charges but we don't see the sub except once mainly convey ships explode in the distance as the only evidence that a sub is there. Not enough action or storyline to get made these days.
The film is a study in grinding relentless work and stress in horrible circumstances. Surprisingly little jingoism considering when it was made as well.

Did it include them dropping depth charges when the water is full of sailors from a sunken ship?

I've read the book several times and that part always stayed with me. The utter horror of it.

Yes it did. When they get to port the captain gets absolutely plastered as he is finding it hard to live with what he knew was necessary but awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 November, 2021, 10:22:43 am
I started watching 'The harder the fall'.

Lasted less than 10 minutes.

All style (well, clothes), gun twirling and no story. No atmosphere, no build.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 10 November, 2021, 08:12:13 pm
Dune. I knew nothing about it other than what I had read on this thread...
It was OK. Quite slow. Mr fimm says that is the director's style. I guess we will go and see part 2.
First time in a cinema since before the pandemic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 November, 2021, 08:19:38 pm
I started watching 'The harder the fall'.

Lasted less than 10 minutes.

All style (well, clothes), gun twirling and no story. No atmosphere, no build.

I got through it. As you said, all style, no substance. (And yeah, it got worse).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 November, 2021, 10:30:37 pm
I started watching 'The harder the fall'.

Lasted less than 10 minutes.

All style (well, clothes), gun twirling and no story. No atmosphere, no build.

I got through it. As you said, all style, no substance. (And yeah, it got worse).

In my 10 minutes, I just felt that every character was a slightly different version of the same person, trying to show that they were in fact the best dressed version with the best gun twirling skills.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 14 November, 2021, 10:12:37 am
The Battle of the Bulge

What's going on with all these WWII films on TV at the moment? Its like a Sunday afternoon in the mid 70s ?

Anyway I loved this when I saw it as a kid. Re watching it now its absolutely awful. Historically inaccurate to a ludicrous degree. So there is this famous last ditch German offensive that takes place in the forested hilly border between France, Germany and Belgium in the worst winter in years oh and its famously foggy for almost all of it. I have a brilliant idea lets film it in open country in Spain in glorious weather.

Apparently Eisenhower was so incensed he came out of retirement to give a press conference saying exactly how crap he thought the film was.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 November, 2021, 12:12:24 pm
The tomorrow war

Action popcorn film. Switch your brain off and it's fairly enjoyable, just incredibly predictable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 November, 2021, 09:09:29 am
I started watching 'The harder the fall'.

Lasted less than 10 minutes.

All style (well, clothes), gun twirling and no story. No atmosphere, no build.

I got through it. As you said, all style, no substance. (And yeah, it got worse).

In my 10 minutes, I just felt that every character was a slightly different version of the same person, trying to show that they were in fact the best dressed version with the best gun twirling skills.

Also had a go at that. Got through around 45 mins of it in 3 goes, then gave up.

Also tried Warlock on YouTube, having read and enjoyed the book. Again, got through ~45 mins. It's a good story, but Henry Fonda, Anthony Quinn and Richard Widmark can't be anyone but Henry Fonda, Anthony Quinn and Richard Widmark, and the1950s makeup makes all the women appear to be carved out of soap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 15 November, 2021, 11:06:33 pm
Argo - True story of the smuggling of US embassy workers out of Iran. Superb
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 16 November, 2021, 12:16:12 am
Dune (1984)

This was barakta's fault.

It's one of those films I'd only seen bits of, and missed the important perspective you gain from seeing the whole thing in one go.  Namely that it's a boring version of the Flash Gordon film, clearly aimed at a gay rubber fetish audience.  These worms have foreskins!

Tragic absence of Brian Blessed as Stilgar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 November, 2021, 05:11:21 am
Tragic absence of Brian Blessed as Stilgar.

OTOH Sting
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 16 November, 2021, 09:32:36 am
I honestly quite liked Sting in the original Dune, he pretty much fitted the role. It indeed was all pretty much joyfully high camp rather than the plodding endless lingering scenery-scraping of the new version.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 November, 2021, 10:35:56 am
I honestly quite liked Sting in the original Dune, he pretty much fitted the role. It indeed was all pretty much joyfully high camp rather than the plodding endless lingering scenery-scraping of the new version.
Haven't seen the new version, but I agree about Sting.

My big gripe about the 84 version was about them ditching the politics in favour of inventing the 'weirding weapons'. Utterly stupid and completely ruined the storyline.

Not spoilers, but exposition
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 16 November, 2021, 11:23:03 am
Tragic absence of Brian Blessed as Stilgar.

OTOH Sting

I can't help feeling that casting decision was made because Bowie was unavailable due to excessive drug consumption.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 16 November, 2021, 11:57:14 am
Tragic absence of Brian Blessed as Stilgar.

OTOH Sting

I can't help feeling that casting decision was made because Bowie was unavailable due to excessive drug consumption.
And I think Timmy Mallet was already signed up for a panto.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 16 November, 2021, 12:40:04 pm
Tragic absence of Brian Blessed as Stilgar.

OTOH Sting

I can't help feeling that casting decision was made because Bowie was unavailable due to excessive drug consumption.

Nah, Sting was a better fit for Feyd in the Lynch flick than Bowie - OTOH, ISTR Jean "Mœbius" Giraud's concept art for the Jodorowsky Dune project showed Feyd as being androgynous bordering on feminine, which is where Bowie, given some of his stage personae, might have worked (and it's actually one the least "out there" costume concepts that Mœbius produced).

<tappity tappity>

https://www.sci-fi-o-rama.com/2008/11/13/mobieus-jodorowskys-dune-1/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 November, 2021, 09:49:42 am
They Shall Not Grow Old, Peter Jackson's WW1 documentary.  Not all that much of it was actually colourised.  The main thing I learnt was that there was a huge sense of anticlimax when the war ended, and soldiers did not enjoy returning  home.  In fact, a lot of them actually seemed to enjoy the whole experience, despite the rats, mud, stench and risk of imminent death.  I suppose life for the proles was grimmer back then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 November, 2021, 10:29:33 am
Nah, Sting was a better fit for Feyd in the Lynch flick than Bowie

I think I would agree with this. Although, tbh, my perception of the character is based on the film (which I have seen many times) rather than the book (which I read once when I was 14). Anyway, Sting has a suitably deranged air that seems to fit the character.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, he's actually pretty good at playing massive bellends - he's also quite good in Quadrophenia (not much acting required for this one, to be fair) and Brimstone & Treacle (not a great date film - DAMHIKT).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 November, 2021, 10:37:26 am
They Shall Not Grow Old, Peter Jackson's WW1 documentary.  Not all that much of it was actually colourised.  The main thing I learnt was that there was a huge sense of anticlimax when the war ended, and soldiers did not enjoy returning  home.  In fact, a lot of them actually seemed to enjoy the whole experience, despite the rats, mud, stench and risk of imminent death.  I suppose life for the proles was grimmer back then.

It is worth reading Seigfried Sassoon's books.
The impression you get from films is that the troops were mired in stinking mud trenches, eaten alive by rats, starving, for months on end without relief.

Reality; the trenches were foul. Troops were rotated in an out of the trenches at frequent intervals. One of the main duties of officers was ensuring that their troops got fed, washed and cared for away from the trenches. Seigfried felt that he had abandoned this duty, 'his' troops, which was the main motivator for him returning to active duty.

Post WWII, my grandfather was reluctant to leave the Army and only left because his wife insisted. He was a clerk and, although posted to France for years, I don't think he ever fired a gun at someone.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 17 November, 2021, 10:56:46 am
Nah, Sting was a better fit for Feyd in the Lynch flick than Bowie

I think I would agree with this. Although, tbh, my perception of the character is based on the film (which I have seen many times) rather than the book (which I read once when I was 14). Anyway, Sting has a suitably deranged air that seems to fit the character.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, he's actually pretty good at playing massive bellends - he's also quite good in Quadrophenia (not much acting required for this one, to be fair) and Brimstone & Treacle (not a great date film - DAMHIKT).


He was pretty good in "Stormy Monday" as well, playing a nightclub owner duelling it out with Tommy Lee Jones.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78p2WBZAams
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 17 November, 2021, 11:18:19 am
Yes, Andrew, I've been trying to recall the name of that for sometime, though I know the song well enough!  I was wanting to put in a good word for Sting, who was nasty enough in that.  James Cosmo was terrific, too, and portrayed his "change in circumstances" in his brief, violent interview with Sting's character really well, I thought.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 November, 2021, 12:07:21 pm
I don't know Stormy Monday but it looks interesting. I'll put it on the list.

Mind you, acting alongside Sean Bean is enough to make anyone look good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 November, 2021, 12:10:16 pm
I can't say I've ever followed the career of Sting, but why does everyone hate him? What did he do? I'm asking so I don't make the same mistake and dent my unalloyed popularity.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 November, 2021, 12:16:11 pm
I can't say I've ever followed the career of Sting, but why does everyone hate him? What did he do?

He earned me a B at GCSE German.

A couple of days before the exam, I found myself procrastinating by means of watching a left-on[1] telly which happened to be showing a documentary about Sting and The Police.  In what can only be described as blind luck, the Reading section of the exam paper consisted of a lengthy interview with Sting, and I discovered that I already knew most of the answers.


[1] If you switched off televisions my parents would think you had schizophrenia.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 November, 2021, 12:18:38 pm
I like to think that somewhere out there's a degree in Applied Stingology.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 November, 2021, 12:46:06 pm
I can't say I've ever followed the career of Sting, but why does everyone hate him? What did he do? I'm asking so I don't make the same mistake and dent my unalloyed popularity.

He calls himself Sting. That's only marginally less twattish than calling yourself The Edge.

Seriously though, hate is too strong a word for it. He's just a bit of a twat. I think a lot of that comes from having a very high opinion of himself and not caring what other people think, so he will do self-indulgent rich person things like spend all day practising tantric sex and writing albums of lute music, and then talk about it at length in interviews, as if he's normal.

To be fair, he's actually a pretty talented chap.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 November, 2021, 12:48:18 pm
I can't say I've ever followed the career of Sting, but why does everyone hate him? What did he do? I'm asking so I don't make the same mistake and dent my unalloyed popularity.

Played a lute with malice aforethought.

IIRC the name was bestowed on him by the Smalls he taught in his previous job, due to his inordinate fondness for a black'n'yellow stripy jumper
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 November, 2021, 01:05:37 pm
I don't know, I fancy spending my days indulged in tantric sex (tbh, I'm not choosy) and lute-playing (I'd draw the line at banjo).

I need a cool mono-name though. Maybe The Business.

Sting does sound a bit twattish, admittedly. The Rock made the mono-name cool though.  Though if I were called Dwayne, I'd take that route too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 November, 2021, 01:14:33 pm
I don't hate Sting. He's just a bit irritatingly up himself.

Yes, Ian, you need a different name.

I've been doing duolingo Gaelidgh for a bit. 'Iain' features quite a bit.

'Tha Iain dona.'

'Chan eil Iain snog.'

Really, if I had that reputation, I'd consider changing my name.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 17 November, 2021, 09:08:08 pm
"Shang-Chi and the 10 rings". First Marvel movie in ages I actually enjoyed. They also clearly tried very hard not to whitewash it, which was nice, although it is decidedly banana-asian in places, which I guess is reasonable. The set-pieces are still too big and more tones down martials pieces would have been better, but I'll take it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 17 November, 2021, 09:30:21 pm
I don't hate Sting. He's just a bit irritatingly up himself.

Yes, Ian, you need a different name.

I've been doing duolingo Gaelidgh for a bit. 'Iain' features quite a bit.

'Tha Iain dona.'

'Chan eil Iain snog.'

Really, if I had that reputation, I'd consider changing my name.

Cycloptic ians are the best, never trust anyone with an unnecessary vowel movement (which I married a Clare and not a Claire). Iains are typically Scottish and the lack of sunlight gives them stimpy brains.

But yes, I think I want to be The Business. Stingier than Sting, Edgier than The Edge. I want a theme that plays when I walk into a room. Maybe Ready for It...

I see myself as becoming the human equivalent of a motivational poster.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 November, 2021, 09:35:12 pm
1.Telling everyone about his tantric sex with Trudie.

2.Calling an album "The Dream Of The Blue Turtles".

Apart from those, he's ok.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 November, 2021, 06:20:03 pm
Started watching Wonder Woman 1984 last night. Christ, it’s dull. Lasted about half an hour before deciding that sleep would be more entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TheLurker on 18 November, 2021, 07:09:49 pm
Quote from: ian
I see myself as becoming the human equivalent of a motivational poster.
Isn't that on a par with aspiring to be Deputy Chief Clerk in Accounts Receivable?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hatler on 18 November, 2021, 07:11:56 pm
Feeling crap and having an empty house on Saturday resulted in my loafing on the sofa and watching an ITV4 triple bill; Battle of the Bulge, Where Eagles Dare and The Fury.

Haven't seen the first since I was about 10, the second for about 20/30 years and the last one ever.

Fascinating progression of cinematic and acting techniques.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 November, 2021, 07:52:43 pm
Cycloptic ians are the best

I like Magic Ians best. They can do card tricks an everyfink.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 18 November, 2021, 10:05:13 pm
Quote from: ian
I see myself as becoming the human equivalent of a motivational poster.
Isn't that on a par with aspiring to be Deputy Chief Clerk in Accounts Receivable?

Steady on with your unbridled aspiration.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 November, 2021, 09:11:00 am
Feeling crap and having an empty house on Saturday resulted in my loafing on the sofa and watching an ITV4 triple bill; Battle of the Bulge, Where Eagles Dare and The Fury.

Haven't seen the first since I was about 10, the second for about 20/30 years and the last one ever.

Fascinating progression of cinematic and acting techniques.
All three interesting films. I'd class the middle one as a spy thriller that happens to take place during a war.
Fury is a moderately decent war film, not glamorising war.
Long time since I've seen them.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 November, 2021, 04:58:32 am
"Heat".

My physio referred to it today and I couldn't remember the scene he talked about. I mean, it's an iconic Michael Mann film, surely I've watched it.
Found it on Prime and errhh, no, never seen it before. Now I have and it's good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 November, 2021, 07:41:34 am
"Heat".

My physio referred to it today and I couldn't remember the scene he talked about. I mean, it's an iconic Michael Mann film, surely I've watched it.
Found it on Prime and errhh, no, never seen it before. Now I have and it's good.

It was a favourite of the Inlaw Paw.  Al Pacino in his bawling period.  I rarely managed to stay awake all the way through.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 25 November, 2021, 07:46:54 am
It is, at least, memorable. I can remember the entire plot and many scenes.

Contrast that Pacino film where he plays a detective in Alaska. (Insomnia?) I can't remember any of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 November, 2021, 08:42:54 am
Yeah, Pacino is borderline annoying in it.  It's probably one of the most understated roles De Niro has done.
The cinematography is really good. Very few can get away with that much use of close-ups and then of course, the obligatory night time helicopter flights.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 25 November, 2021, 08:57:14 am
Feeling crap and having an empty house on Saturday resulted in my loafing on the sofa and watching an ITV4 triple bill; Battle of the Bulge, Where Eagles Dare and The Fury.

Haven't seen the first since I was about 10, the second for about 20/30 years and the last one ever.

Fascinating progression of cinematic and acting techniques.
All three interesting films. I'd class the middle one as a spy thriller that happens to take place during a war.
Fury is a moderately decent war film, not glamorising war.
Long time since I've seen them.

Don't bother re watching Battle of the Bulge its rubbish, almost no redeeming features. Fury is quite good. Its too long since I have seen Where Eagles Dare to comment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 25 November, 2021, 08:59:57 am
I can't say I've ever followed the career of Sting, but why does everyone hate him? What did he do?

He earned me a B at GCSE German.

A couple of days before the exam, I found myself procrastinating by means of watching a left-on[1] telly which happened to be showing a documentary about Sting and The Police.  In what can only be described as blind luck, the Reading section of the exam paper consisted of a lengthy interview with Sting, and I discovered that I already knew most of the answers.


[1] If you switched off televisions my parents would think you had schizophrenia.
Not the expected sting in the tale.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 28 November, 2021, 09:26:34 pm
Sonic the Hedgehog.

And, whilst it wasn't high art by any means, I found it rather enjoyable. I think Detective Pikachu (which we watched last week) was the better film of the two but this was much better than I anticipated/feared.

Twill (Quill?) do for a lazy Sunday evening at any rate.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 29 November, 2021, 09:58:56 am
Rewatched Captain Marvel as an antidote to the very dull Eternals. Definitely one of the better ones.

After spending about an hour trying to figure out how to install the Disney+ app (not actually difficult, once you figure out where they hide apps, which are squirrelled away in some suboption under LG Content).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spindrift1 on 29 November, 2021, 04:05:24 pm
Quote
Where Eagles Dare

Clint's highest body count.

Burton took a percentage instead of his fee and it was MGM's biggest film of the year.


A Castle For Christmas

American writer Brooke Shields wants to buy a castle from non-threatening Scotch Duke Cary Elwes. They start off hating each other then..

Not as bad as a flesh-eating disease.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 December, 2021, 04:15:45 pm
The Power of the Dog

Starring Sherlock Holmes, Peter Parker's luv interest and that fleshy guy who won't go away.

Scenery's great, photography Oscar-level, acting good. Story's pretty good too but

(click to show/hide)

I enjoyed it, but I'm not sure I'd watch it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 02 December, 2021, 05:21:11 pm
Bulletproof (that's the UK name, it is called the Queen Vic, or something like that, in the US)

A first night out for a rookie cop and a seasoned one. Effortless watching and some exploding heads.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 04 December, 2021, 10:59:49 pm
The Italian Jobbie

This was, apparently, a remake of an old film.

A long time ago in management training I was taught to ask: How, What, When, Who, Where, Why.

This film could have been improved with some basic management training,
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 December, 2021, 08:18:09 am
The Italian Jobbie

This was, apparently, a remake of an old film.

A long time ago in management training I was taught to ask: How, What, When, Who, Where, Why.

This film could have been improved with some basic management training,

Mark Wahlberg playing Michael Caine is like Jason Statham playing Alec Guinness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 December, 2021, 11:44:05 am
The Italian Jobbie

This was, apparently, a remake of an old film.

A long time ago in management training I was taught to ask: How, What, When, Who, Where, Why.

This film could have been improved with some basic management training,

Yeah, I saw that a while back, I think the only connection was that they had Minis. The rest of it, other than The Stath™ of course, was entirely unmemorable.

Red Notice on Netflix. Cost a billion dollars or somesuch, but trust me, it didn't show. OK, it was only ever going to be a popcorn muncher, but it could have been a good one. The result was bland and endlessly derivative, the Ryan Reynold schtick really starts to wear, and the result is just lazy. It's like they paid top dollar for all the ingredients of a blockbuster but didn't bother to read the recipe and just threw them in a pot because you know, like, whatever.

Independence Day – blimey is it really that old – which was a proper blockbuster and far more fun. I don't care that didn't have the correct USB to interface with a mothership. In for one invasion, we went for the belated sequel which I didn't remember as any good, but actually this time around it was quite enjoyable.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 December, 2021, 11:47:55 am
The Italian Jobbie

This was, apparently, a remake of an old film.

A long time ago in management training I was taught to ask: How, What, When, Who, Where, Why.

This film could have been improved with some basic management training,

Yeah, I saw that a while back, I think the only connection was that they had Minis. The rest of it, other than The Stath™ of course, was entirely unmemorable.

With another title and the removal of the BIGI product placement it would have made a half-decent heist flick, though admittedly I only watched it on an æroplane, which means an immediate drop in standards of 76.4%.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 06 December, 2021, 01:09:53 pm
Summer of Soul.

Obviously the music is fabulous, but the whole story of how it happened and how it was forgotten is quite a thing. And lordy, the outfits.

We finally watched this as I lay about exhausted from baking.

It was the dogs doo-dahs. Awesome.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 December, 2021, 01:13:09 pm
With another title and the removal of the BIGI product placement it would have made a half-decent heist flick, though admittedly I only watched it on an æroplane, which means an immediate drop in standards of 76.4%.

I enjoy a good heist, and can confirm - by merit of having forgotten all the details (other than the afore-mentioned product-placement) in the years since I watched it - that it was only a mediocre one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 06 December, 2021, 06:36:37 pm
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible

Nims Purja's incredible mountain climbing project.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 06 December, 2021, 07:58:50 pm
Garage People a slice of cinema verite set in the man caves of the Kola peninsular. Fascinating. Probably available on iPlayer.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 December, 2021, 04:48:25 pm
Monsieur Klein. Excellent 1976 film with Alain Delon as a rich WW2 profiteer in Paris who falls foul of ID theft. On Netflix but maybe not in UK.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsieur_Klein
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 09 December, 2021, 03:54:15 am
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible

Nims Purja's incredible mountain climbing project.   :thumbsup:

I enjoyed this. I followed it up with "Dawn Wall" which is even better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 December, 2021, 10:10:25 am
Taxi Driver, mostly because we hadn't watched it for 30-odd years.  Old Travis could've done with therapy.

Anyway, that's enough of 1970s films for now - the music is like a visit to my 1950s dentist. "Open wide, this won't hurt me a bit."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 09 December, 2021, 04:11:51 pm
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible

Nims Purja's incredible mountain climbing project.   :thumbsup:

I enjoyed this. I followed it up with "Dawn Wall" which is even better.

Yes, Dawn wall is great.   Re. 14 peaks, to some extent a single film is always going to struggle to some extent to do climbing the 14x 8000+m peaks justice.  Mind boggling record "first to reach the summits of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu in a time period of 48 hours."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SoreTween on 09 December, 2021, 10:34:55 pm
Ghostbusters: Afterlife Great fun and very respectfully done.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 December, 2021, 09:03:18 am
Dune

I enjoyed it. There was a part in the first third that started to drag slightly; I wanted them to get on with the action (too many Marvel movies).

Comparing it to the Lynch travesty version, this is altogether grittier. Sandworms, you will be pleased to hear, are intimidatingly huge.  The ornothopters are absolutely brilliant, look entirely feasible machines.
They managed to communicate the politics of Dune without labouring on.

The only miscasting casting (for me) was Thufir Hawat. Didn't convey the calculating detachment expected of a Mentat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 December, 2021, 09:38:28 am
Velvet Buzzsaw again - 3rd or 4th time. The most delightful horror film ever made.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 10 December, 2021, 12:26:10 pm
Going to watch Life Is Beautiful on Prime sometime over the weekend if we can find time.  Bloody love that film.  Pass the Kleenex.  :'(
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 December, 2021, 01:59:33 am
The Suicide Squad While it certainly has it's moments, it's monumentally stupid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 December, 2021, 09:49:28 pm
Currently watching Nic roeg 1971 Glastonbury fayre
2 things stand out to me
1. The music's shite
2. There's next to no one there



Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 December, 2021, 10:39:09 pm
Airplane.


Apart from the stereotypes, and the archaic placement shots, there are about 15 jokes.

This could have been done in a 20 min sketch show.

Plus... when did a 4 engine jet plane ever sound like a prop one?!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hatler on 11 December, 2021, 11:02:03 pm
We sat and watched that (for the first time in about 30 years) with the kids about five years ago. Needless to say it fell very flat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 December, 2021, 11:39:25 pm
Tremors 5: Bloodlines

Exactly as bad as, but somehow slightly more watchable, than I expected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 12 December, 2021, 11:40:24 am
wow I didn't know that there was a #5, the first one was a classic
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 December, 2021, 02:16:17 pm
That the one with Kevin "Streaky" Bacon and A. Nother
(click to show/hide)
Classic indeed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 December, 2021, 05:35:02 pm
That the one with Kevin "Streaky" Bacon and A. Nother
(click to show/hide)
Classic indeed.

That's the one.  Much better sandworm movie than any version of Dune.

The sequels are mostly notable for the way the characters have learned from the first film and adopt appropriate graboid-fighting tactics (IIRC the extremely satisfying opening scene of the second one involves a radio controlled car and dynamite).  Naturally the silliness escalates accordingly, so it's a good thing their opening gambit wasn't a shark-infested tornado.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TheLurker on 12 December, 2021, 06:46:18 pm
Quote from: Jaded
Airplane.

....there are about 15 jokes.
...Plus... when did a 4 engine jet plane ever sound like a prop one?!
I think that may have been the 16th joke.   Dreadful film, never been able to watch more than a handful of minutes before tuning to another channel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 12 December, 2021, 07:09:32 pm
Airplane.


Apart from the stereotypes, and the archaic placement shots, there are about 15 jokes.

This could have been done in a 20 min sketch show.

Plus... when did a 4 engine jet plane ever sound like a prop one?!

When it's a film-set prop one?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 12 December, 2021, 07:12:16 pm
The Power of the Dog
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 12 December, 2021, 11:52:16 pm
Tremors 6: A Cold Day in Hell

Much less classy Arctic re-hash of the previous film.  This may be the only time in cinema history that South Africa has stood in as a filming location for Canada (they blamed the lack of snow on climate change).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 13 December, 2021, 06:28:52 am
Conan The Barbarian.

I've never watched this before. Suffice to say, I've still not watched All of it. Mr Smith almost cheered when I finally said "no, enough. I cannot watch any more of this"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: nicknack on 13 December, 2021, 10:17:24 am
Airplane.


Apart from the stereotypes, and the archaic placement shots, there are about 15 jokes.

This could have been done in a 20 min sketch show.

Plus... when did a 4 engine jet plane ever sound like a prop one?!
Still one of my favouritist fillums.

Yes, I know I'm shallow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 December, 2021, 02:11:33 pm
Conan The Barbarian.

I've never watched this before. Suffice to say, I've still not watched All of it. Mr Smith almost cheered when I finally said "no, enough. I cannot watch any more of this"

Which one? Arnie or Momoa?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 13 December, 2021, 02:20:13 pm
The Arnie one is a classic. Quite funny in places too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 13 December, 2021, 03:08:53 pm
Arnie. It was hysterical (ly bad)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 13 December, 2021, 04:39:10 pm
Arnie. It was hysterical (ly bad)

Yes but its a really really good bad film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 13 December, 2021, 07:24:37 pm
Yeah, the original Conan is awesome!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 December, 2021, 11:15:49 pm
Tremors 7: Shrieker Island

Jurassic park with a hint of 'Nam.  OMG they killed Burt!  (Does this mean they can stop making Tremors movies now?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 14 December, 2021, 11:17:02 pm
what a #7 !!!

Now I got 6 movies to watch, can't keep up
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geraldc on 17 December, 2021, 11:25:04 pm
Spider-Man No Way Home. Haven't seen a cinema so busy for a 9.30am showing before.

Enjoyed it
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 December, 2021, 11:39:23 pm
No Time To Die

I had low expectations, and was pleasantly surprised.  Could have been about an hour shorter.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hatler on 18 December, 2021, 10:48:46 am
There'll be a whole slew of prequels surely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 18 December, 2021, 03:38:00 pm
No Time To Die

I had low expectations, and was pleasantly surprised.  Could have been about an hour shorter.

OMG they 
That is not sporting 👎

(And I've already seen it).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 December, 2021, 04:19:22 pm
GPWM, soiler tags added.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Efrogwr on 18 December, 2021, 04:55:13 pm
West Side Story (the new one).

Some bits seemed a bit clunky, but overall it was good. The music was vey well done, the acting was plausible and the dance routines were superb.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 December, 2021, 11:50:10 am
A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas, still the best Xmas film  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 December, 2021, 12:10:46 pm
Only in a parallel universe where the first two “Die Hard” movies never got made.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 December, 2021, 02:22:43 pm
Mortal Engines, because MrsT didn't know what steampunk meant (IKYN). No, she's not in a coma, she just doesn't pay much attention to that sort of thing.

Apart from that: ripping CGI, the CG dialogue wasn't so great but at least nobody got tasked.  But you knew all that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 December, 2021, 03:30:53 pm
MrsT didn't know what steampunk meant (IKYN). No, she's not in a coma, she just doesn't pay much attention to that sort of thing.

(http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/wp-content/gallery/sydney-padua039s-cartoon-lovelace-and-babbage/lovelacebabbage2.gif) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thrilling_Adventures_of_Lovelace_and_Babbage)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 21 December, 2021, 04:02:17 pm
The "normal" image of punk isn't the same as the punk that is in steampunk and when I see steampunk I rarely see steam. oh well, never mind, it's rather fun to look at :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 December, 2021, 05:05:42 pm
The "normal" image of punk isn't the same as the punk that is in steampunk and when I see steampunk I rarely see steam. oh well, never mind, it's rather fun to look at :)

Isn't the term steampunk (and all subsequent technology-punks (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberpunk_derivatives)) derived from 'cyberpunk', which wasn't really punk either, but you can at least see how they got there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 December, 2021, 05:14:27 pm
The "normal" image of punk isn't the same as the punk that is in steampunk and when I see steampunk I rarely see steam. oh well, never mind, it's rather fun to look at :)

No, I don't see where the Sex Pistols meet H.G.Wells either.  Rock is rather the antithesis of steampunk, which needs something like Pomp & Circumstance as background music.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 21 December, 2021, 05:49:41 pm
The "normal" image of punk isn't the same as the punk that is in steampunk and when I see steampunk I rarely see steam. oh well, never mind, it's rather fun to look at :)

Isn't the term steampunk (and all subsequent technology-punks (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberpunk_derivatives)) derived from 'cyberpunk', which wasn't really punk either, but you can at least see how they got there.

Considering the dystopian futures usually depicted in $technology-punk, it could be argued that the "punk" part stems more from the nihilism rather than the raucous music or spiky-haired aesthetic sensibilities of the punk scene.

Arguably, any $technology-punk sub-genre where the tech-level is lower than what the reader is living in really ought to be considered to be retrofuturism, but then again, "steampunk" is less of a mouthful and sounds more edgy than "Victorian Retrofuturism", and you'd probably struggle to get anyone to run with "1930s-1940s retrofuturism" instead of "dieselpunk".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 December, 2021, 05:51:03 pm
Regardless, it's probably time to repost this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFCuE5rHbPA
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 21 December, 2021, 06:27:31 pm
The "normal" image of punk isn't the same as the punk that is in steampunk and when I see steampunk I rarely see steam. oh well, never mind, it's rather fun to look at :)
https://youtu.be/A732Cuuo2tI
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 22 December, 2021, 09:06:14 am
Escape From Pretoria, which is quite exciting  :thumbsup:.  Lots of Clammy Hand Moments.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 December, 2021, 09:46:28 am
Braved the omicron to see Spider-Man No Way Home.

Very enjoyable, I won't spoil it. Better by an order of magnitude than the drudging Eternals and the lacklustre Venom sequel.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 December, 2021, 11:01:57 am
I'd pay to see* a version where the pretty girl actually does go splat at the bottom of the cliff** and the beasties from beyond hammer the superheroes into the ground before laying waste to the planet and handing the keys of supreme power to Priti Patel.

* Lie, but I'd probably watch it on Netflux.
** I take it she didn't
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 22 December, 2021, 11:21:29 am
I'd pay to see* a version where the pretty girl actually does go splat at the bottom of the cliff** and the beasties from beyond hammer the superheroes into the ground before laying waste to the planet and handing the keys of supreme power to Priti Patel.

* Lie, but I'd probably watch it on Netflux.
** I take it she didn't



(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 22 December, 2021, 09:59:44 pm
Cosmos. (2019)  Three astronomers discover...   
Surprisingly good, for what is apparently a no budget film. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 December, 2021, 10:08:01 pm
Cosmos. (2019)  Three astronomers discover...   
Surprisingly good, for what is apparently a no budget film.

If this the same movie, I tried to watch this and gave up after about 30 minutes of three men sitting in a car and absolutely nothing happening.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 22 December, 2021, 10:40:12 pm
Cosmos. (2019)  Three astronomers discover...   
Surprisingly good, for what is apparently a no budget film.

If this the same movie, I tried to watch this and gave up after about 30 minutes of three men sitting in a car and absolutely nothing happening.

Yes, takes a while to lift off, but you know something's gonna happen...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: perpetual dan on 22 December, 2021, 10:49:32 pm
Last night we re-watched Spider Man and the Spiderverse, which is great fun .
Tonight we had the new Bond. Impressive that it’s taken this long for a child to show up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 December, 2021, 05:55:11 am
Braved the omicron to see Spider-Man No Way Home.

Very enjoyable, I won't spoil it. Better by an order of magnitude than the drudging Eternals and the lacklustre Venom sequel.

You even got a different ending than the US release...because we weren't done yet when they shipped out the international release!.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 December, 2021, 08:20:15 am
I'd pay to see* a version where the pretty girl actually does go splat at the bottom of the cliff** and the beasties from beyond hammer the superheroes into the ground before laying waste to the planet and handing the keys of supreme power to Priti Patel.

* Lie, but I'd probably watch it on Netflux.
** I take it she didn't



(click to show/hide)

Aww gee.  I suppose the clue's in the title.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 December, 2021, 08:58:25 am
"No Time to Die"
Best Bond movie in ages. Really enjoyed that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 December, 2021, 04:26:00 pm
The Battle Of The River Plate, which I haven't seen for years.  Anthony Quayle hams it up to the max and Peter Finch plays the "good German" who never gives the Roman salute and is generally nice to everyone.  They omit the fact that he shot himself on top of a big swastika flag a couple of days later, just like Kessler from Secret Army.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 24 December, 2021, 08:29:00 pm
But Kessler survived for a poorly received sequel.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv   


I've vague memories of "Secret Army" being something my parents watched, but can't remember much about it.   My main memory of the sequel was that John , from "The Tomorrow People" was in it. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 24 December, 2021, 08:36:10 pm
The Battle Of The River Plate, which I haven't seen for years.  Anthony Quayle hams it up to the max and Peter Finch plays the "good German" who never gives the Roman salute and is generally nice to everyone. 

Not their best, but anything by Powell/Pressburger is usually worth a view.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 24 December, 2021, 09:15:03 pm
We finished The Muppet Christmas Carol about an hour ago and we're about to start The Princess Bride.

Christmas Eve tradition for the last few years being maintained.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 24 December, 2021, 09:32:16 pm
You know what's about to happen at The Asbestos Palace (once the duck curry is done, eta 11 pm, but we have beer so I'm in no hurry).

Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker.

There is no better Christmas message than that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 24 December, 2021, 11:43:16 pm
Rock and Roll's Greatest Failure - Otway the Movie.  Great movie, had me laughing :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 December, 2021, 06:34:42 am
Trying to get through the Matrix Resurrection.  It's basically one big repeat of the first movie. (More so than Force Awakens).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 December, 2021, 10:25:26 pm
Something about a matrix.  It seemed strangely familiar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 December, 2021, 11:05:11 pm
Finished 3rd act. It's trash. Poorly lit, so-so camera work, terrible acting/directing. Some decent action set pieces. It was more of a second funeral than a resurrection. Glad I didn't have to pay for this.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 26 December, 2021, 07:59:31 am
The Quiller Memorandum.
I'd recorded it off of Talking Pictured TV the other day, and we watched it Christmas Day evening.
Enjoyable, lightweight and very 1960s spy story. Just right for the night.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 December, 2021, 08:16:04 am
But Kessler survived for a poorly received sequel.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv   


I've vague memories of "Secret Army" being something my parents watched, but can't remember much about it.   My main memory of the sequel was that John , from "The Tomorrow People" was in it.
Yes, Kessler escapes at the end of Secret Army with the help of his mistress.

The problem with Secret Army these days is that most people will have seen its direct parody ('Allo 'Allo) first.  When Secret Army first came out, it was watch-from-behind-the-sofa stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 December, 2021, 08:25:42 am
The Battle Of The River Plate, which I haven't seen for years.  Anthony Quayle hams it up to the max and Peter Finch plays the "good German" who never gives the Roman salute and is generally nice to everyone.  They omit the fact that he shot himself on top of a big swastika flag a couple of days later, just like Kessler from Secret Army.

Only Roman if you believe C18 French painters. OTOH US schoolchildren did use it, in the religious ceremony of saluting the flag.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellamy_salute
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 26 December, 2021, 08:21:24 pm
The Trip, on Netflix.

A nice, serene film about a Norwegian couple spending a weekend in their lakeside log cabin.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 December, 2021, 11:26:19 pm
A Bobcat named Street, again

Still enjoyed it, second time around.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 26 December, 2021, 11:35:09 pm
The Battle Of The River Plate, which I haven't seen for years.  Anthony Quayle hams it up to the max and Peter Finch plays the "good German" who never gives the Roman salute and is generally nice to everyone.  They omit the fact that he shot himself on top of a big swastika flag a couple of days later, just like Kessler from Secret Army.

Only Roman if you believe C18 French painters. OTOH US schoolchildren did use it, in the religious ceremony of saluting the flag.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellamy_salute
The Olympics had a similar salute, the French team got a rousing reception for doing it in 1936.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 December, 2021, 07:30:44 am
No Time To Die.  Not impressed.  Weak plot, hopeless villain (Rami Malek wasted here), too many revelations that will need to be fixed in the next reboot.

It started well and went downhill quite quickly.  Still, Q has one of the best examples of HollywoodOS I've seen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 27 December, 2021, 10:01:58 am
Not a film, the HBO mini-series Chernobyl.
Superb viewing.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 27 December, 2021, 05:34:36 pm
Spider-Man - no way home.

It whiled away a couple of hours on a wet bank holiday Monday in a pleasant enough fashion.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 28 December, 2021, 12:52:58 am
But Kessler survived for a poorly received sequel.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv)   


I've vague memories of "Secret Army" being something my parents watched, but can't remember much about it.   My main memory of the sequel was that John , from "The Tomorrow People" was in it.
Yes, Kessler escapes at the end of Secret Army with the help of his mistress.

The problem with Secret Army these days is that most people will have seen its direct parody ('Allo 'Allo) first.  When Secret Army first came out, it was watch-from-behind-the-sofa stuff.


Just watched the first 3 episodes back to back.  That's good stuff. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 28 December, 2021, 07:08:46 am
"Don't look up". I quite enjoyed this. All far too believable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2021, 09:39:11 am
Half of The Admirable Crichton.  1957, with Kenny More not being a WW2 pilot for once, but with me baling out halfway with corn overload. Any more and I'd have had a foie gras.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 28 December, 2021, 11:18:26 am
We finished The Muppet Christmas Carol about an hour ago and we're about to start The Princess Bride.

Christmas Eve tradition for the last few years being maintained.
Last movie I saw (at the cinema!) sing along muppet Christmas carol.  Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2021, 01:25:38 pm
"Don't look up". I quite enjoyed this. All far too believable.

Whatched this last night.  While completely unsubtle it was less cringeworthy-slapstick than I anticipated, mildly funny and wholly depressing.  I assume it's getting such bad reviews because the reviews are written by journalists.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 29 December, 2021, 05:26:48 am
"Don't look up". I quite enjoyed this. All far too believable.

Whatched this last night.  While completely unsubtle it was less cringeworthy-slapstick than I anticipated, mildly funny and wholly depressing.  I assume it's getting such bad reviews because the reviews are written by journalists.

Yeah, I was a bit surprised by the Guardian's review. Must have hit a sore spot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 29 December, 2021, 06:14:18 am
Fire Maidens of Outer Space, commonly considered the worst sci-fi ever made.  ::-)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 29 December, 2021, 08:12:51 am
West Side Story (recorded on my Tivo box and watched over three days).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 29 December, 2021, 02:40:50 pm
Fire Maidens of Outer Space, commonly considered the worst sci-fi ever made.  ::-)

Amazingly, the cheapest price that I can find it for, on optical media, is over £20. There's clearly a demand for bad science-fiction, but I'm really not that curious!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 29 December, 2021, 02:55:33 pm
The Apartment (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcslkrBMLGc)

Described on Wikipedia as a Romantic Comedy, but at best it's a Romantic Dark Comedy. It's not a film I'd come across before, probably because of its age, it was made over 60 years ago, but it's impressive and won many awards, including five Oscars (Best Motion Picture, Best Director, Best Story & Screenplay, Best Art Direction, and Best Film Editing).

It's a relatively feel good film, but very dark in many places, mostly alleviated by Jack Lemmon's light comedy style, and definitely worth watching. The quality of the Bluray restoration is very good (2018 disc), Fred MacMurray is also impressive, and whilst Shirley MacLaine does a good job, her character seems a little simplistic. The cinematography and music is quite excellent, and the story has elements such as adultery and suicide, which are very adult by modern standards, and were probably a lot more outrageous when the film was originally released.

(The trailer, doesn't really do justice to the film).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 December, 2021, 02:57:40 pm
Had a bit of an  Agatha Christie marathon yesterday as they were all on TV.

Witness for the Prosecution
Death on the Nile
Evil Under the Sun
Murder on the Orient Express (the newish one with Kenneth Branagh)

I had never seen Witness for the Prosecution before, it's really good Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Socks on 29 December, 2021, 03:15:42 pm
Watched the the best ever Carry On film, for the umpteenth time.  Never fails to amuse

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 December, 2021, 03:27:51 pm
Watched the the best ever Carry On film, for the umpteenth time.  Never fails to amuse

(click to show/hide)
Kenneth Williams was brilliant as the Khazi.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 December, 2021, 03:36:00 pm
The back end of The Admirable Crichton. Not as bad as I expected - quite OK, in fact, for 1957.  Noticed that K. More, for all he was the heart-throb of the age, was positively weedy compared to actors these days.  Quite comforting, when I regard my own thready biceps.

Don't Look Up. Wanted to strangle some of the characters so I suppose the message got across.  Thought the Graun crit was churlish, IOW up to editorial standards. Should be compulsory viewing for journalists & [w]anchors everywhere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 29 December, 2021, 03:51:19 pm
Been working our way through the Avengers series in chronological story order. We got about 20 to go, so it might take a wee bit of popcorn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 29 December, 2021, 04:54:09 pm
The Apartment (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcslkrBMLGc)
One of my favourite films. Seen it many times.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 29 December, 2021, 06:31:40 pm
Watched the the best ever Carry On film, for the umpteenth time.  Never fails to amuse

(click to show/hide)
The Dining Scene (under fire) may be my favourite comedy scene ever.

But do you think it's better than Screaming? I'm not sure ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Socks on 29 December, 2021, 06:42:10 pm
Do you mind if I smoke ...

Overall I vote for the Khyber because of all the silly names and taking the piss out of simple minded British Empire patriotism.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 29 December, 2021, 06:58:48 pm
Went The Day Well?
Made, and set,  in 1942, it tells the tale of German paratroops, disguised as British Army sappers, taking over a village.

Remarkably blood thirsty and pretty amazing given the date it was made, we get to see a very young Thora Hird, Janette Scott (her daughter, playing her daughter) and Patricia Hayes. The village church, where a lot of the action takes place, found fame in later life in The Vicar of Dibley. 

Based on a short story by Graham Greene, the parallels between it and The Eagle Has Landed are very strong. IMDB claims it inspired Jack Higgins to write his book which was then made into the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 29 December, 2021, 09:35:47 pm
Fire Maidens of Outer Space, commonly considered the worst sci-fi ever made.  ::-)

Amazingly, the cheapest price that I can find it for, on optical media, is over £20. There's clearly a demand for bad science-fiction, but I'm really not that curious!

I saw it when flicking through the TV guide so put it on record but missed the first 10 minutes so when I watched it this morning it didn't have the bit I wanted to see so found it on you tube and watched the beginning.

£20 was probably the production budget.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 29 December, 2021, 09:39:11 pm
Watched the the best ever Carry On film, for the umpteenth time.  Never fails to amuse

(click to show/hide)
The Dining Scene (under fire) may be my favourite comedy scene ever.

But do you think it's better than Screaming? I'm not sure ...

I would have said Carry On Screaming but you best me to it. Not seen the Khyber for a very long time though so that's my job for tomorrow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 29 December, 2021, 09:53:08 pm
Do you people have no sense of tradition?  You're not supposed to watch Carry On films until 2am on New Year's Day.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 December, 2021, 08:12:52 am
Warriors of Heaven and Earth. Chinese western set in western China. Romp. Swords, bandits, rockets, things that go voomf, delightfully bad baddies and good goodies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 December, 2021, 08:36:17 am
Do you mind if I smoke ...

Overall I vote for the Khyber because of all the silly names and taking the piss out of simple minded British Empire patriotism.

(click to show/hide)
It'll be banned one day because of the brownface, I expect.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Paul on 30 December, 2021, 09:07:15 am
Watched the the best ever Carry On film, for the umpteenth time.  Never fails to amuse

(click to show/hide)
The Dining Scene (under fire) may be my favourite comedy scene ever.

But do you think it's better than Screaming? I'm not sure ...
I refer to the dining scene regularly. In fact, the pictures of Johnson and staff 'working late' in the garden of no 10 was my most recent opportunity.

But Screaming is the better film, by far, imo.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 30 December, 2021, 12:05:58 pm
Do you mind if I smoke ...

Overall I vote for the Khyber because of all the silly names and taking the piss out of simple minded British Empire patriotism.

(click to show/hide)
Can't remember which one it was in but the character name I remeber most is Musapha Leek probably follow that camel?

I'd need to rewatch but Khyber certainly has the final scenes.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 30 December, 2021, 12:13:47 pm
I might re-watch Monte Carlo or Bust to see Peter Cook and Dudley Moor as British officers from the empire.
(with Terry Thomas and Eric Sykes on top form too)

"Don't fret Barrington, any fool can see we're British   ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 30 December, 2021, 01:18:56 pm
David Tennant in "..80 Days" (a current BBC television programme) is totally nailing the crazy English courageous twit role.

I think he has a future in Carry On films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 30 December, 2021, 01:21:42 pm
Dudley Moor
... would be an excellent comedy character name.  (A keen hill-walker from the Black Country perhaps?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 30 December, 2021, 01:40:02 pm
Memory: The Origins of Alien.

A documentary about one of my favourite movies.

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/memory-the-origins-of-alien
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 30 December, 2021, 02:07:26 pm
The Apartment (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcslkrBMLGc)
The one about three men who combine their funds to be able to keep a mistress?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 30 December, 2021, 07:14:41 pm
The King's Man. Very odd, a complete tonal mess. It's like they wanted to make it in the goofy alt-Bond style of the two predecessors but bottled out and made a fairly dull – and in a few places, quite preachy – action caper with a couple of scenes that felt like they were from an entirely different movie. Also far too long. I wouldn't bother, if you liked the predecessors – which were OK popcorn fodder – you're going for fifteen minutes of what you expected and about two hours of forgettable action capering. Credit to the cast though, who were good, and soldiered through the wavering tone of the movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ashaman42 on 30 December, 2021, 11:30:56 pm
"Don't look up". I quite enjoyed this. All far too believable.

Whatched this last night.  While completely unsubtle it was less cringeworthy-slapstick than I anticipated, mildly funny and wholly depressing.  I assume it's getting such bad reviews because the reviews are written by journalists.

Watched it just now. Found it a bit dull overall. Plenty of decently funny and/or enjoyable moments but could easily have been forty five minutes, if not a full hour, shorter and not really have lost anything.

Shame.

But yes, far too believable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 December, 2021, 11:42:07 pm
I've come to expect that all new films are about 45 minutes too long.  When you're watching at home on your fucking big television™ you can pause whenever you want for a bladder-break.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: hatler on 31 December, 2021, 10:13:31 am
Tried watching The Power of the Dog last night. Gave up. Too dull.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 31 December, 2021, 12:00:25 pm
The Return of the Pink Panther

Peter Sellers - genius.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 31 December, 2021, 12:41:06 pm
Genius indeed.  Is that the one with "I kneow when is wrong with telefern!"?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 31 December, 2021, 01:09:44 pm
Oh yes, and the Minkey  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 31 December, 2021, 05:48:39 pm
Minky has passed into our family argot, as I expect it has with you.  It's emphasised by the fact that there is a firm called Minky, which makes cleaning materials, only 50 yards from our house!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 31 December, 2021, 11:14:36 pm
The Act of Killing

I've known about this film since its release in 2013, but have resisted seeing it up until now.  Watching it, and recognising many of the locations from a stay in Northern Sumatra in '94, and recognising if not the actual people involved but certainly their peers is eerie beyond comfort.

It is a very difficult film to watch but it is absolutely remarkable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: perpetual dan on 01 January, 2022, 10:07:28 am
Miss Dan the Younger and I watched Hot Fuzz last night. Which was fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 January, 2022, 10:45:19 am
The Lost Daughter.  Not bad.  I wanted to see Gainsbourg (vie héroïque) again but Netflix has dumped it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 01 January, 2022, 04:58:06 pm
Serge you right!  I think his life was possibly more erotique than heroique, mais je ne suis pas sur!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 January, 2022, 06:59:31 pm
Matrix Ressurection. It probably deserves the bad reviews and I went in with low expectations. To be fair, there are seeds of a good movie in the first half which if they'd let take root and grow could have made for an excellent off-kilter reprise. But then it pivots into the usual action territory and it's a bit of a rehash. There are some good set-pieces, admittedly, but there's nothing behind them and whereas the original did them with a unique and now much-copied if rarely rivalled style, this time around rather than creating something new, it's copying itself.

Really a lost opportunity and a reminder that the big studios simply won't take chances and probably wouldn't make the Matrix now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 01 January, 2022, 07:33:42 pm
I'm putting more of the blame on Lana Wachowski and not so much the studio. I think this was a vanity project (She even added her wife, with zero previous credits, as exec producer).
It's poorly lit, poorly edited, often poorly directed/acted and some really badly conceived VFX, all which points at bad directing/producing, rather than studio meddling.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2022, 07:36:59 pm
That's sad, if a little predictable.

(The trailer really sucked me in!)

I'll stick to John Wick films - they do exactly what they say on the tin, and do it well!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 January, 2022, 07:39:21 pm
No idea on the technical merits – certain scenes looked a bit odd, I wasn't sure if that was on purpose, but if they'd run with the idea that Mr Anderson sticks with the blue pill and chasing extracurricular activities with Tiffany, they could have conjured up another classic, but they didn't.

WB, I have this movie written in my head. Call me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 January, 2022, 08:14:24 pm
Four Weddings and a Funeral, for the umpteenth time.

The plot still makes no sense.  Carrie is obviously an incorrigible strumpet and any red-blooded male would have jumped on Kristin Scott-Thomas instead*.  As long as she agreed not to smoke in the house.

*and, I am reliably informed, many red-blooded females
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 01 January, 2022, 11:43:22 pm
Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets. 
The book was better.
The book was not good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2022, 08:08:28 am
Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets. 
The book was better.
The book was not good.

+1. I found most of the books instantly forgettable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 January, 2022, 08:11:44 am
A thing called Collateral Beauty, persuaded that with such a pricey cast it must be worth watching. Humph. Going to need a good dose of something low-brow to clear away the schlock.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2022, 08:25:23 am
Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets. 
The book was better.
The book was not good.
Quote
Of course! Phoenix tears have healing powers
is probably the worst-delivered line in the series.  Rupert Grint is the only one that can vaguely act, from the children.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: bhoot on 02 January, 2022, 09:34:57 am
"Some like it hot" - for the first time!
Found it whilst scrolling on iplayer looking for some entertainment, great choice, very funny (and an interesting comparison between the "yachts" of the rich then and the ugly oligarch things that come to Canary Wharf)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 02 January, 2022, 09:46:25 am
Quote
Of course! Phoenix tears have healing powers
is probably the worst-delivered line in the series.  Rupert Grint is the only one that can vaguely act, from the children.
I think that's a shame. We enjoyed the series of films, and the books before them, which were part of our children growing up. Whilst I've had no real interest in most of the other things that the actors have gone on to do, their continued prominence suggests that others disagree with your assessment. There have been plenty of child actors who have disappeared afterwards to suggest that a career cannot be sustained just on early success.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2022, 09:55:42 am
Well, some of them have improved as adults.  Emma Watson in the original series is so wooden that you could make a sideboard from her  ;D

The adults' acting in the series is generally very good.  I never thought Ralph Fiennes was quite nasty enough.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 02 January, 2022, 10:17:06 am
The original Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - 1931

Somehow never seen this before and expectations were low, but it was really rather entertaining.  Marvellous over-acting (as of the early talkie period), terrific directing and camerawork and even the special effects stand up remarkably well.  Peppered with Hollywood cockerney dialogue which is always amusing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 02 January, 2022, 10:42:36 am
Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets. 
The book was better.
The book was not good.

+1. I found most of the books instantly forgettable.
+1 I never understood the success really, the books are really not that well written although the the scenarios are novel.  There are many others, such as the Moon of Gomrath (Garner) which are a better read.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 02 January, 2022, 10:52:48 am
Ya'll clearly didn't read it while being 13 ;)

But what do I know I've never read it, just watched some of the movies, ok for escapism, brain turned off entertainment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 02 January, 2022, 12:02:31 pm
There are many others, such as the Moon of Gomrath (Garner) which are a better read.
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen was a local novel for us when we were growing up. But my wife has just reread The Moon of Gomrath and not got into it this time. It's funny how a book/film/whatever can be better one time around than another.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 02 January, 2022, 04:37:39 pm
Quote
Of course! Phoenix tears have healing powers
is probably the worst-delivered line in the series.  Rupert Grint is the only one that can vaguely act, from the children.
Not sure if its the delivery/acting or the selection of what to focus on in the films and what to drop.  For example in the film Harry finds the diary, reads it once, then it's gone.  Why would he get upset?  The film is not a telling of a story, it's a series of summarised scenes in some sort of order, they don't hang together well or develop ... anything.
The line you mention does stand out, but I think it's because of the disjointed storytelling rather than bad acting.
Ya'll clearly didn't read it while being 13 ;)
I'm still reading it to #1 son (just turned 12), we are on Deathly Hallows.  It does help socialise him as he doesn't care for sports/football so he needs to know enough Harry Potter to talk to the other crowd.  That said, he does query plot holes and inconsistencies.  He's also not a fan of the film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 02 January, 2022, 04:46:46 pm
"Some like it hot" - for the first time!
Found it whilst scrolling on iplayer looking for some entertainment, great choice, very funny (and an interesting comparison between the "yachts" of the rich then and the ugly oligarch things that come to Canary Wharf)
Happy New Year!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TheLurker on 02 January, 2022, 05:29:18 pm
Gave up trying to watch The Eagle has Landed an hour or so ago.  Mr. Sutherland's acting and not terribly convincing* Irish accent repeatedly pulled the rug out from under my willing suspension of disbelief. 


*May contain traces of understatement.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 02 January, 2022, 05:42:17 pm
I started watching The Ipcress File which preceded it on BBC 2.

I couldn't believe just how staggeringly bad it was. When I saw it first in late 70s as a kid it seemed incredible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 02 January, 2022, 05:45:01 pm
Oh that can't have been as much a let-down as I had, when I saw the original, proper, Batman series as an adult and realised that my childhood heroes had been hamming it up all along :-[
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2022, 05:53:23 pm
I started watching The Ipcress File which preceded it on BBC 2.

I couldn't believe just how staggeringly bad it was. When I saw it first in late 70s as a kid it seemed incredible.
Saw it years ago.  Embarrassingly poor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2022, 08:32:46 pm
I started watching The Ipcress File which preceded it on BBC 2.

I couldn't believe just how staggeringly bad it was. When I saw it first in late 70s as a kid it seemed incredible.
Saw it years ago.  Embarrassingly poor.

They obviously didn’t have the budget to shoot the bits of the book set at a USAnian A-bomb test on a Pacific island, even in the BBC gravel pit.  See also “Horse Under Water and why we didn’t make that one at all on account of it being set mostly in Portugal”.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 03 January, 2022, 12:01:58 am
Fury

Entertaining war movie trying not to be hokum and looking for realism. Spent not an insignificant amount of time pondering plotholes and technical errors.

Fun, nonetheless.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 04 January, 2022, 02:34:28 pm
Gave up trying to watch The Eagle has Landed an hour or so ago.  Mr. Sutherland's acting and not terribly convincing* Irish accent repeatedly pulled the rug out from under my willing suspension of disbelief. 


*May contain traces of understatement.

You want to hear something worse?  I've read the sequels to the book. The 'love interest' of Sutherland's character is stated to be 13.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 January, 2022, 12:37:49 am
Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Reasonably satisfying, if entirely predictable, piece of fan-wank.  Clearly a labour of love by the writers, and manages to hit the same tone of played-straight comedy that made the original film work so well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 05 January, 2022, 11:19:42 pm
Blade runner 2049.  What is the cinematic equivalent of “word soup”? 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 05 January, 2022, 11:32:43 pm
A Good Liar

A Good Vehicle for two of the Uk's most revered actors, Helen Mirren and Sir Ian McKellen.

Pick holes.
Complain.
Other stuff.

Or, just watch it and enjoy a film.  :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 06 January, 2022, 09:31:56 am
Don't Look Up. As said, it's a sort of satire that tries to dance in size ten platform boots, not exactly a vehicle of subtle, razor-sharp wit. Also far too long and spent much of that running time hammering the obvious points over and over. On the other side, in the wake of a dismal COP26 where we agreed and made binding commitments to not give a shit, it's terrifyingly on point.

With a far sharper script and a 90-minute running time, it could have been brilliant and terrifying.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 January, 2022, 10:17:10 am
Most of MrsT's FB running group are American, and most of them didn't notice the satire or even link the film to climate change. Meanwhile they are yammering on about how they're going to do N marathons in M countries this year.  One pair last year did one at Machu Picchu "before it's spoilt".
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 06 January, 2022, 12:43:44 pm
Yes; for a while I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a satire of COVID-19, before it became more obviously about climate change.  I wouldn't be surprised that people missed it entirely.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ham on 06 January, 2022, 05:08:42 pm

With a far sharper script and a 90-minute running time, it could have been brilliant and terrifying.

I don't think Netflix have editors on the payroll.

Mark Rylance as proto-Jobs was the standout character for me, but then I'd turn up to hear him read through a telephone directory.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 06 January, 2022, 05:10:08 pm
Don't Look Up. As said, it's a sort of satire that tries to dance in size ten platform boots, not exactly a vehicle of subtle, razor-sharp wit.

With a far sharper script and a 90-minute running time, it could have been brilliant and terrifying.
I think it was aimed at a fairly un observant, US, audience, as opposed to you poxy left wing elite types.  Like most films, unfortunately.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 06 January, 2022, 06:55:40 pm
Mark Rylance as proto-Jobs was the standout character for me, but then I'd turn up to hear him read through a telephone directory.

Fair.

(He almost saved that odd spy court drama a couple of years back. Can't be arsed to google it, a 6/10 film I'd say ...)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 06 January, 2022, 10:14:36 pm
1987 The Fourth Protocol where Michael Caine saves East Anglia from Peirce Brosnan
A comforting old style spy story where the bad guys are bad, and the good guy is sweary Michael Caine.
Such yarns make me pine for the Soviet Union, at least you knew where you were with their nukes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 08 January, 2022, 01:59:28 pm
The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard. 

Load of carp.  Gave up after a while, there's only so much of this drivel one can take. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 08 January, 2022, 02:08:15 pm
But did you make sure to watch The Hitman's Bodyguard first?

Not sure it it would have helped with adding more drivel or ...

:)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 08 January, 2022, 02:20:31 pm
The Gentlemen, on Netflix.

A Guy Ritchie film that I had seen before. Not too bad actually, even though I know its fashionable to hate Ritchie. Hugh Grant is great as a creepy lechy private investigator.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 08 January, 2022, 04:30:57 pm
But did you make sure to watch The Hitman's Bodyguard first?

Not sure it it would have helped with adding more drivel or ...

:)

Actually thought HmsBdg was not too bad/ watchable.  Gary Oldman's good value.  Wondering if RR has any decent non-wisecracker roles.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 08 January, 2022, 04:50:58 pm

With a far sharper script and a 90-minute running time, it could have been brilliant and terrifying.

I don't think Netflix have editors on the payroll.

Mark Rylance as proto-Jobs was the standout character for me, but then I'd turn up to hear him read through a telephone directory.

I watched Don't Look Up the day before yesterday. Frankly, it wasn't funny and I don't think it made its point strongly enough. There were one or two good performances, but I never felt that the film really got its teeth into the absurdity of modern - particularly US - life in a way that would penetrate the skulls of those who don't yet get it. There's no point in ridiculing the idiots if they don't get that they're being ridiculed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 08 January, 2022, 11:49:26 pm
Yes; for a while I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a satire of COVID-19, before it became more obviously about climate change.  I wouldn't be surprised that people missed it entirely.
I have already seen people on FB that I know who have fallen into the cults trap state that it's brilliant...

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 09 January, 2022, 01:46:33 am
Ready Player One while I did basic but slow computer fixin.

I'm not sure who the film is aimed at - too many 90s references for kids, but too much digital animation for anyone from the 90s I would have thought.  Prob too grown up for young kids but too simple for older kids.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 09 January, 2022, 07:00:31 am
I watched it too - also thought ‘meh’.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 January, 2022, 08:15:14 am
ISTR baling out of that some time last year.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 10 January, 2022, 09:46:54 am
With a bit of thought I think that they were aiming at a Pixar/Muppets sort of film that could be enjoyed in a different way by adults and kids; but the kids need to be that little bit older so I expect that they will be confused by all the references they don't get and the movie is too jarry for adults to watch it for the in jokes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 11 January, 2022, 09:02:14 pm
"After Love"
BFI Player
Great, suspenseful, poignant. Would thoroughly recommend. But does it pass the Bechdel test?

"Boiling Point"
Prime Video
Expensive, but judged worth it in our household at least. Is Stephen Graham ubiquitous because he's good? Didn't even notice the one-take, look no cuts jive...


Sent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 12 January, 2022, 12:14:36 am
I watched Under Siege last night.

I've seen it before and it was just as good this time!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 12 January, 2022, 10:11:43 am
Safety to Nome on prime. Fatbiking the Iditarod- stunning photography captures the scenery, isolation and endurance really well.   What an adventure !
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 12 January, 2022, 11:41:01 am
Don't Look Up. As said, it's a sort of satire that tries to dance in size ten platform boots, not exactly a vehicle of subtle, razor-sharp wit. Also far too long and spent much of that running time hammering the obvious points over and over. On the other side, in the wake of a dismal COP26 where we agreed and made binding commitments to not give a shit, it's terrifyingly on point.

With a far sharper script and a 90-minute running time, it could have been brilliant and terrifying.

A bit more like "The Age of Stupid" perhaps? A bit dated now - it was made in 2009, but sobering.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00pft7f
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 15 January, 2022, 02:55:07 pm
Ready Player One while I did basic but slow computer fixin.

I'm not sure who the film is aimed at - too many 90s references for kids, but too much digital animation for anyone from the 90s I would have thought.  Prob too grown up for young kids but too simple for older kids.

I quite enjoyed it, but I'm willing to suspend a lot of my disbelief for a simple storyline where the main characters in the film have a happy ending. :)

I'm also a big kid, who watches a lot of films as pure escapism. ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 15 January, 2022, 03:09:42 pm
Starship Troopers (1997) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPYuV_jGk7M)

I just watched this again, after watching a YouTube video by "Knowing Better" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSg6eOmgvW8), and I was curious to see it once more, and compare it to my memories if the last time I read the book (which I probably need to do again too!)

It's a curious film. Initially it is very clearly aimed at the teen US audience with the main characters being jocks and the popular people at a USA type school. After that, it becomes a much more space battle type of film, probably playing on the era of many shoot-em-up science fiction films, that started with Star Wars. What I find particularly weird is that whilst Paul Verhoeven, and others involved in it, state quite clearly that it's anti-fascist, the characters and the storyline pretty much say that their culture actually works. Whilst plenty of people die, ultimately it's all "for the greater good", and the film ends with all of the warrior types, and even the 'faux SS' with Neil Patrick Harris, having demonstrated that they were in the right, and all their justifications are valid.

It's rather hard to see how this is meant to show fascism as being bad, when it appears to demonstrate the exact opposite. I find it a little uncomfortable to watch, although the cinematography and relatively early CGI special effects are more impressive.

I've never seen any of the sequels, so wonder in which direction they go. I suspect they're just more shooting baddies and succeeding, rather than any better or further consideration of the background culture.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 15 January, 2022, 06:37:50 pm
I'm with you Tim. Total failure of tone. What a terrible contrast with his brilliant RoboCop (10 years earlier).

What an amazingly erratic director: Basic Instinct, Total Recall, then Showgirls - which is pure hetero soft-porn, with no saving graces.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 January, 2022, 09:31:38 pm
I've only ever seen Neil Patrick Harris playing "Neil Patrick Harris" in the Harold & Kumar films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 January, 2022, 09:54:03 pm
The Gentlemen. I always figure I should dislike those mockney hammed up gangster movies and for the first five minutes I did, but I confess I quite enjoyed it in the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 16 January, 2022, 01:30:30 am
It's rather hard to see how this is meant to show fascism as being bad, when it appears to demonstrate the exact opposite. I find it a little uncomfortable to watch, although the cinematography and relatively early CGI special effects are more impressive.
Idunno, they slide into a news report about how humans started the war and are actually the bad guys and the victory at the end is "causing fear in the enemy".  They don't say that the Fascist system doesn't work, but they make it clear that they are the bad guys and that horrible things happen to people in that society, due to the way the society functions.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 16 January, 2022, 05:01:12 am
It's rather hard to see how this is meant to show fascism as being bad, when it appears to demonstrate the exact opposite. I find it a little uncomfortable to watch, although the cinematography and relatively early CGI special effects are more impressive.
Idunno, they slide into a news report about how humans started the war and are actually the bad guys and the victory at the end is "causing fear in the enemy".  They don't say that the Fascist system doesn't work, but they make it clear that they are the bad guys and that horrible things happen to people in that society, due to the way the society functions.

The right wing libertarians hate it because it shows Heinleins *brilliant* society in a bad light, so I think it's safe to say that Verhoeven got it exactly right.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 16 January, 2022, 06:41:59 am
Ring of Spies. A 1966 British film about civil servants selling naval secrets to an American
who passes the details to the Russians.




It starred Bernard Lee. Yes, the chap who played M in some of the early James Bond films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 January, 2022, 10:23:05 am
Over two or three nights, a Luxembugular krimi called Capitani, presented as a serial with a dozen short episodes totalling >3 hours.  Chiefly interesting for linguistic comparisons of Alsacien and Lëtzebuergesch dialects. Story was run-of-the-mill.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 January, 2022, 08:27:55 am
"Don't look up"

I'd seen a couple of clips, so no end-of-film major plot shockers.

I didn't think that the acting was that bad. Some decent emotional impact.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 January, 2022, 12:50:15 pm
"Don't look up"

I'd seen a couple of clips, so no end-of-film major plot shockers.

I didn't think that the acting was that bad. Some decent emotional impact.

The acting was what carried the film, tbh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 22 January, 2022, 09:56:59 am
Barry Lyndon. Another one I never got around to see until now. 3rd act was a little flat, otherwise amazing and utterly beautiful.
What really struck me, watching the credits, was how small the crew was. Easily a 10th of the size that we would need to make a similar movie today.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 January, 2022, 05:01:13 pm
Munich: The Edge of War. Amateur-spy drama stitched around Chamberlain being gulled by Hitler in 1938.  Not bad, but left a sense of foreboding re Biden, Putin and Ukraine.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 25 January, 2022, 09:05:38 pm
The Father Really very good. Much better than its précis would suggest. But a bit scary (as a non-horror film) for anyone the wrong side of 50.
Title: Re: What was the last film you w
Post by: Beardy on 29 January, 2022, 09:31:02 pm
Ad Astra. Pretentious of being 2001:A Space Odyssey but more of a 2001:Extra Lite.

It had an odd sense of scientific truth with explosions and gun shots in space being totally silent, yet allowing a man to climb aboard a rocket as it was lifting off, with no apparent I’ll effects on said man. It then used a post stage separation acceleration to take out the bad guys (but not our hero!)

Even the central premise was poor explained. I’m not sure quite how it got 4 ½ stars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 January, 2022, 11:05:20 am
The Woman in the Window. Felt like a nasty reboot of Rear Window with pharmaceutical misery thrown in. Nearly baled halfway, stuck around to see which way they'd finish it.

Daft bit: she drops a BFO Canon SLR with a BFO lens on it and it still works perfectly a couple of scenes later.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PeterM on 30 January, 2022, 10:44:28 pm
The Tragedy of Macbeth.  Mesmerising!
Title: Re: What was the last film you w
Post by: Jakob on 31 January, 2022, 07:22:07 am
I’m not sure quite how it got 4 ½ stars.

Because it was seen as a Brad Pitt Oscar vehicle, so had a lot of 'serious' marketing behind it.
The whole production was an absolute mess.
Title: Re: What was the last film you w
Post by: ian on 31 January, 2022, 10:32:18 am
I’m not sure quite how it got 4 ½ stars.

Because it was seen as a Brad Pitt Oscar vehicle, so had a lot of 'serious' marketing behind it.
The whole production was an absolute mess.

I saw it. I can't remember a single thing about it other than the fact I definitely saw it and it starred Brad Pitt and, probably, some other people who I can't remember. Probably not a recommendation.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Karla on 31 January, 2022, 01:14:22 pm
The Big Short.  Christian Bale was playing a fund manager and it made me nervous: I could never quite ditch the idea that he was about to go full Pat Bateman. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 05 February, 2022, 04:03:56 pm
A Thor movie with #1 son (the one on iPlayer atm).  Lots of fight scenes, some chase scenes, a sliver of plot and USAnian attempt at humour.  The sort of movie you'd think was put together by an AI.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Efrogwr on 13 February, 2022, 12:16:16 am
Belfast.

Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 February, 2022, 11:19:41 am
The Prestige.

Slightly spoiled by the 'magic of Tesla' crap, but well produced and acted. Enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Slave To The Viking on 13 February, 2022, 03:40:15 pm
Grease.

One of our regular family movie nights, my turn to pick and it turned out we had a 9 year old, a 10 year old and a 41 year old who hadn't seen it. Regardless of how much anybody may or may not have been likely to enjoy it, I felt a responsibility to ensure they were aware of certain cultural references before allowing them back out into the real world.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: drossall on 13 February, 2022, 08:51:11 pm
Blue Streak. Silly but fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 14 February, 2022, 08:59:23 am
Encanto.  Very enjoyable.  Room was a tiny bit dusty at the end.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 14 February, 2022, 01:56:53 pm
Belfast.

Excellent.
Really? I thought it was shallow pretentious self-indulgence.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 February, 2022, 02:14:09 pm
Sing 2. Sadly again spoiled by implausibility, I don't think lions can actually play the guitar.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 February, 2022, 12:02:24 am
Juggernaut (1974)

An important cultural reference that I was only aware of via a derivative episode of MacGyver.  It was delightfully 70s.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 February, 2022, 08:17:09 am
Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Bigbug.  Thought at first it was going to be crap but it ended up being bloody funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 17 February, 2022, 07:34:27 am
Dune  (again).  Still a bit slow, but also still very good. Looking forward to pt 2.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 17 February, 2022, 12:01:16 pm
Battleship. 2012.  Well, it's alien invasion, rammed with cliches, but quite entertaining.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 17 February, 2022, 08:47:18 pm

Uncharted
Erm, no. My disbelief did not remain unsuspended. Way too much bending of the laws of physics, biology... Common sense?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 20 February, 2022, 02:27:15 pm
Last Night I watched Vengeance Is Mine and Nobody

Very similar, both involve an unlikely guy becoming a surprisingly adept drug-gang-killer, managing to kill all the bad guys while suffering a few knife wounds. But one is a big budget Hollywood film with famous people in and the other is a relatively unknown British film. The British one is substantially better in so many ways.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 February, 2022, 02:39:20 pm
Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Bigbug.  Thought at first it was going to be crap but it ended up being bloody funny.

Ah, I'm a massive fan of Jeunet and Caro. I'll have to look this up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 February, 2022, 06:31:07 pm
So far, so shite...

25 minutes in. French women shouting. I'll give it 10 more minutes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 20 February, 2022, 07:44:59 pm
"The Third Man" again.  Wonderful photography & a superb cast. A happy ending would have spoilt it. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 20 February, 2022, 07:46:10 pm
So far, so shite...

25 minutes in. French women shouting. I'll give it 10 more minutes.

Yeah, not for me. French slapstick humour, with lots of clichéd shouting neurotic women
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 February, 2022, 10:55:01 am
So far, so shite...

25 minutes in. French women shouting. I'll give it 10 more minutes.

Yeah, not for me. French slapstick humour, with lots of clichéd shouting neurotic women

Too bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Feanor on 21 February, 2022, 01:54:51 pm
Shell.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_(film)

Slightly uncomfortable viewing. Felt a bit like a big-sky cinematography US movie with a Ry Cooder soundtrack transplanted to the Scottish Highlands.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 21 February, 2022, 03:28:25 pm
So far, so shite...

25 minutes in. French women shouting. I'll give it 10 more minutes.

Yeah, not for me. French slapstick humour, with lots of clichéd shouting neurotic women

Too bad.

Yeah, not my thing. All other Jeunet films have been fantastic. Have you seen MicMacs?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 February, 2022, 04:25:52 pm
So far, so shite...

25 minutes in. French women shouting. I'll give it 10 more minutes.

Yeah, not for me. French slapstick humour, with lots of clichéd shouting neurotic women

Too bad.

Yeah, not my thing. All other Jeunet films have been fantastic. Have you seen MicMacs?

No - I haven't seen many, just the ones with Audrey Tatou, Amélie Poulain and Un Long Dimanche de Fiançailles.

Just watched the trailer for Micmacs. Looks like fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 21 February, 2022, 04:30:43 pm
Definitely worth a watch.

City of Lost Children is stunning, but it is a lot heavier and needs focus.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 21 February, 2022, 04:40:02 pm
Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Bigbug.  Thought at first it was going to be crap but it ended up being bloody funny.

Ah, I'm a massive fan of Jeunet and Caro. I'll have to look this up.

Tried to hang in but gave up. The SFX and characters were boring and annoying in equal measures....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 February, 2022, 05:15:53 pm
Definitely worth a watch.

City of Lost Children is stunning, but it is a lot heavier and needs focus.

We missed out of a lot of French films while the Inlaw Paw was living with us. He didn't enjoy reading subtitles and we didn't enjoy films dubbed into English, so we largely ignored French cinema. We have a lot of catching-up to do.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 February, 2022, 05:42:34 pm
So far, so shite...

25 minutes in. French women shouting. I'll give it 10 more minutes.

Yeah, not for me. French slapstick humour, with lots of clichéd shouting neurotic women

Too bad.

Yeah, not my thing. All other Jeunet films have been fantastic. Have you seen MicMacs?

Love MicMacs.

Very french. A film filled with slapstick that is quite dark.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Redlight on 21 February, 2022, 08:45:36 pm
"The Third Man" again.  Wonderful photography & a superb cast. A happy ending would have spoilt it.

Possibly my favourite film. I'd seen it on TV as a kid but it was only when I saw it in the cinema that I appreciated how brilliantly shot it was. It's basically a western, set in Europe. Brilliant stuff.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 04 March, 2022, 09:25:34 pm

Uncharted
Erm, no. My disbelief did not remain unsuspended. Way too much bending of the laws of physics, biology... Common sense?

It was awful wasn't it? I didn't realize it was a video game franchise movie, but as the genre expectations go, it limboed under them with delectable ease. Mostly carried by Tom Holland being Tom Holland. I saw it a week ago and I've already forgotten 95% of it.

Someone suggested I go see The Batman (the definite article) tomorrow. Why not, I think, I can go and then grab a curry with friends afterwards. Just glanced at the running time...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 05 March, 2022, 10:42:30 pm
Bill and Ted, Face the Music.  I hoped that it wouldn't tarnish the legacy of the previous movies, not being crap would have been a positive outcome, half decent above expectation.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 March, 2022, 02:21:58 pm
A brilliant Belgian (I assume) documentary called Ni Juge, Ni Soumise, anglicized as So Help Me God which is a bit beside the point. Stars a real Belgian investigating magistrate confronted with a succession of (mostly) thickos who shouldn't be out without a collar & lead.  Had us chortling.

Here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5501158/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 March, 2022, 11:25:20 am
The Batman.

In the quest for darker and darker, the franchise has gone complete emo, there's even eyeliner now. I have no idea how this fits into the Justice League universe or whatever, but I suspect no one does at this point, they just wanted to do another Batman movie.

I sort of expected to dislike it, but it's actually not too bad. There's a very gritty Gotham, a late 80s era NYC, besieged with crime that the Batman isn't doing much about. Did I mention dark and gritty? I think it rains in every scene. Even indoors. There's no comic relief. Admittedly, the problem I always have, is at the end of each very serious scene a voice in the back of my head says but he's a man who dresses as a bat, ian. This is, I suspect, Batman's most tragic failing. He's a man who dresses as a bat.

It's longer than some geological ages, so train your bladder or be prepared to re-use your popcorn bucket (make sure you've finished the popcorn first). They pack a lot in, admittedly, but there are a lot of those long drawn out moody scenes (he's a man who dressed as a bat, ian). Plus it ends, then ends some, then ends, a sort of rolling bladder teaser that's intended to make you leak a little.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 07 March, 2022, 01:00:54 pm
The rot set in with Tim Burton making Batman dark.  The Adam West series was the pinnacle of batman perfection (at no point did we risk forgetting that he was a man dressed as a bat), and anything that isn't Lego-based satire is doomed to pointlessness.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 09 March, 2022, 11:05:22 pm
The Way Way Back

Great comedy from the makers of Little Miss Sunshine, and its as good. Some very cool bike content too. Highly recommended
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 09 March, 2022, 11:16:09 pm
You Only Live Twice

Apart from the slowness, the lack of CGI and the era related inappropriateness, it was a good evening's watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 March, 2022, 01:16:20 pm
La Reine Margot with Isabelle Adjani looking gormless as usual and Daniel Auteuil looking lost without Yves Montand.  150 minutes of Catholics carving up Huguenots, bludde & stiffs everywhere.  I fell asleep a couple of times, MrsT enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 12 March, 2022, 10:49:44 am
The Batman. It had it's moments, but could easily have been an hour shorter. Also not enough batmanning. Opening scene on the underground station was so promising...
Nolan's first 2 are still the best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 12 March, 2022, 12:55:43 pm
The great muppet caper.  I forgot John Cleese’s involvement.

I really struggle with endless reboots of comic-based stories.  It’s not Shakespeare, you don’t need to keep retelling the origin of Batman/Spider-Man/aqua man again and again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 13 March, 2022, 12:34:13 am
The Equalizer (the American version with Denzial Washington in it)

It was a bit more intelligent than I was expecting, but mostly the crash bank whollop I needed this evening.

FSVO intelligent obv.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 13 March, 2022, 01:50:53 pm
Scraping the bottom of Netflux's barrel (or v.v.) a Danish thing hight Terribly Happy that promised little and delivered quite a lot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Canardly on 13 March, 2022, 02:04:06 pm
Monte Walsh. Tom Selleck. The book by Jack Shaefer has been out of print for ages. One of those books you read when young, which stays with you.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 20 March, 2022, 03:07:45 pm
Casablanca.  A story about refugees fleeing war.  Seems sadly appropriate.   Brilliant film.  I must dig out some more old B&W stuff. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 20 March, 2022, 10:52:12 pm
Don't look up (Netflix)

An enjoyable satirical disaster movie!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 March, 2022, 08:38:51 am
Black Crab

Well, that was a bit depressing.

Worth watching just to get some of the feeling of what it is like in a war zone. Would class this one as anti-war porn.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 March, 2022, 10:00:29 am
Had a nibble at that ^^^^ one the other day, thought what the hell it's just another action film & baled.  Maybe I'll watch it now.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 March, 2022, 09:03:06 pm
Just shoved John frankeheimers grand prix on its been a while.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 March, 2022, 09:59:13 pm
Hadn't appreciated on first viewing that all of the characters were played by actors of the characters nationality.

Or that Graham Hill and Jo bonnier were joined at the hip.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 01 April, 2022, 10:54:40 pm
But Kessler survived for a poorly received sequel.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv)   


I've vague memories of "Secret Army" being something my parents watched, but can't remember much about it.   My main memory of the sequel was that John , from "The Tomorrow People" was in it.
Yes, Kessler escapes at the end of Secret Army with the help of his mistress.

The problem with Secret Army these days is that most people will have seen its direct parody ('Allo 'Allo) first.  When Secret Army first came out, it was watch-from-behind-the-sofa stuff.


Just watched the first 3 episodes back to back.  That's good stuff.


Well,  I've just finished watching all 3 series of "Secret Army" , including the un-broadcast final episode (which was crap).


Very good TV,  well worthy of your time if you've not seen it.   Good acting from all the cast & good scripts.  I had to look up some of the stories to see that they'd been based on real events. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 09 April, 2022, 11:31:25 pm
Fantastic Beasts #1.  Not in any way good, one of those films shot 50% in the dark with lots of muttering.  Not anywhere near as bad as a Marvel movie though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 10 April, 2022, 05:28:09 pm
Wings of Desire on Amazon Prime. Bloody brilliant and very very strange. Set when I was a yoof and bomb sites were still a thing in European cities.

Oh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 10 April, 2022, 09:39:31 pm
Joe Bell   Wouldn't seek out Mark Wahlberg movies but this is very good (not an easy watch at times) True story of a guy promoting an anti-bullying message after his gay son killed himself as a result of bullying. On Prime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 10 April, 2022, 11:26:12 pm
Scraping the bottom of Netflux's barrel (or v.v.) a Danish thing hight Terribly Happy that promised little and delivered quite a lot.
Just watched the trailer, weird is what southern Jutland is known for, that's coming from someone who grew up in the northern part :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 11 April, 2022, 12:13:51 am
Fisherman's Friends (a second viewing, on account of seeing the band last Friday)

Cornwall does Local Hero.

Rip-roaring, bawdy fun, with copious sex scenes, monstrous peril and more than enough gratuitous violence.

On the plus side, we enjoyed spotting the real members of the band in their cameos in the film  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 April, 2022, 08:46:38 am
Scraping the bottom of Netflux's barrel (or v.v.) a Danish thing hight Terribly Happy that promised little and delivered quite a lot.
Just watched the trailer, weird is what southern Jutland is known for, that's coming from someone who grew up in the northern part :)

I dunno: I used to visit Kolding quite a lot on business and really enjoyed it - friendly people & good food.

Come to think of it, I was driving from there to Copenhagen when Chernobyl popped.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 April, 2022, 09:02:17 am
Diamonds Are Forever.  Not quite as shite as I remembered it.  A bit homophobic for today's tastes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: woollypigs on 11 April, 2022, 09:19:57 am
Scraping the bottom of Netflux's barrel (or v.v.) a Danish thing hight Terribly Happy that promised little and delivered quite a lot.
Just watched the trailer, weird is what southern Jutland is known for, that's coming from someone who grew up in the northern part :)

I dunno: I used to visit Kolding quite a lot on business and really enjoyed it - friendly people & good food.

Come to think of it, I was driving from there to Copenhagen when Chernobyl popped.
Ah that's the east side and there's plenty of "south" below of Kolding and west of Jutland :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 16 April, 2022, 06:35:12 am
whiplash on the beeb last night, I thought I'd give it half an hour and I was hooked. Pretty obvious thematically,and not a lot of depth of characterisation but the music kept me watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 April, 2022, 08:54:51 pm
Live In Tilburg.  Two hours of songs about getting drunk and stealing ships from hairy pirate metal bozos Alestorm.  Plus Kristóf the tour manager going crowd-surfing in a rubber dinghy.  This Unit hereby endorses this product, service or sentiment.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Manotea on 16 April, 2022, 09:16:05 pm
Black Crab

Well, that was a bit depressing.

Worth watching just to get some of the feeling of what it is like in a war zone. Would class this one as anti-war porn.
  felt like two wasted hours of my life...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ElyDave on 16 April, 2022, 09:46:09 pm
Black Crab

Well, that was a bit depressing.

Worth watching just to get some of the feeling of what it is like in a war zone. Would class this one as anti-war porn.
  felt like two wasted hours of my life...

I'll take it off my turbo trainer "shit to watch" list then. I do post-ironic crap, but this sounds a step too far
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: orienteer on 19 April, 2022, 04:03:50 pm
Oscar winning "Drive my Car" last night, using BFI rental. Best I've seen within living memory.

Three hours, really good film about relationships in Japanese society. Long time since I saw a film in which smoking is portrayed!  Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, which I've read, the basic plot has been considerably expanded.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 April, 2022, 04:53:05 pm
Nightmare Alley. Like so many modern films, too, too long. The plot is contrived and the plot blatantly telegraphed, which in a tighter, shorter film might have worked, but in the extended take, you're left to unpick the plot contrivances while waiting for the obvious to finally get around to happening.

It's well photographed and cast, but it's the usual feat of squeezing a 90-minute film into the better part of two and a half hours.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: robgul on 19 April, 2022, 10:00:36 pm
A rare (for me) visit to the cinema to see Operation Mincemeat - entertaining but a bit too over the top on the love interest when compared with the book . . .  nevertheless enjoyable with an all-star cast.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 April, 2022, 11:50:47 am
Death on the Nile, Kenneth Brannagh version
Verdict; very pretty, but mostly terrible acting, over the top and histrionic. That will be the director's fault then. Letitia White and Emma Mackey were good.

Rebecca, the modern 2020 version
Verdict; good. Visually excellent with brilliant performance from Kristen Scott Thomas as Mrs Danvers.
(click to show/hide)

Incidentally, if you consider Daphne Du Maurier a lightweight romantic novelist, I suggest you read Julius and I'll Never Be Young Again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pedal Castro on 24 April, 2022, 01:36:48 pm
American Flyers.

I could remember the key scenes so well but had no recollection of the conflict between mother and Marcus, or even that there was a mother involved at all...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 April, 2022, 03:32:00 pm
Having recently succumbed to the allure of Amazon Prime, we're watching American Gods.  Read the book too long ago to remember anything, except (arse) how it ends. Enjoying it all the same.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 April, 2022, 11:32:32 pm
Iris

Preceded by a fascinating talk with Q&A by the director.

At the end of the viewing the venue blew dust into all the attendees eyes...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 April, 2022, 09:01:24 am
MrsT & I finally crawled out of the second series of American Gods wondering why TF we'd not baled sooner.  I don't think there was a single episode during which one of us didn't fall asleep.  Dunno how the producers managed it: the characters were good, ditto the original book, but it managed to be boring anyway.  They probably wanted to get an infinite soap out of it. Dimwits.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 May, 2022, 01:42:04 am
Yeah the second series was a long slow death of a good idea. I think we bailed half way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 May, 2022, 01:22:23 pm
MrsT & I finally crawled out of the second series of American Gods wondering why TF we'd not baled sooner.  I don't think there was a single episode during which one of us didn't fall asleep.  Dunno how the producers managed it: the characters were good, ditto the original book, but it managed to be boring anyway.  They probably wanted to get an infinite soap out of it. Dimwits.

Worth noting that Mr Gaiman disclaims any involvement in that production.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 03 May, 2022, 01:45:09 pm
"Love Is The Devil".   Daniel Craig playing George Dyer, a petty crook who became a bit of rough for artist Francis Bacon, played by Derek Jacobi.   A sad story of a relationship between 2 fairly screwed up people.  Lots of drinking in seedy Soho bars & clubs, good backing parts from Tilda Swinton & Karl Johnson.  Reading up on that milieu you could probably make a decent film about the Colony Room Club itself.  Amusingly Craig worked there as a barman in a later era to the one portrayed.


https://www.3ammagazine.com/3am/the-colony-of-outsiders-professional-bohemians-in-soho/ (https://www.3ammagazine.com/3am/the-colony-of-outsiders-professional-bohemians-in-soho/)


https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/love-is-the-devil-1998 (https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/love-is-the-devil-1998)


Edit: https://www.francis-bacon.com/paintings
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 03 May, 2022, 02:44:51 pm
MrsT & I finally crawled out of the second series of American Gods wondering why TF we'd not baled sooner.  I don't think there was a single episode during which one of us didn't fall asleep.  Dunno how the producers managed it: the characters were good, ditto the original book, but it managed to be boring anyway.  They probably wanted to get an infinite soap out of it. Dimwits.

Worth noting that Mr Gaiman disclaims any involvement in that production.
I did not know that.  Strange as Gaiman is not over-worked and likes to dabble in different style (and was/is involved in Good Omens on Prime).  My issue was that the first series was too much like the book, just with excess gore and the second series departed from the book, which made me wonder which they were trying to do, the book or not?  Either would have been preferable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 May, 2022, 03:48:28 pm
I wasn't sure what the second series was about, it seemed plot-free; making up for the absence of direction with endless meandering and soporific visuals. There is a series three apparently, the why of that, who knows.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 May, 2022, 04:14:07 pm
American Flyers.

I could remember the key scenes so well but had no recollection of the conflict between mother and Marcus, or even that there was a mother involved at all...
It has a satisfyingly nasty Russian, though, possibly the only racing cyclist to sport a beard before 2015, when every bugger grew one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 May, 2022, 05:17:25 pm
MrsT & I finally crawled out of the second series of American Gods wondering why TF we'd not baled sooner.  I don't think there was a single episode during which one of us didn't fall asleep.  Dunno how the producers managed it: the characters were good, ditto the original book, but it managed to be boring anyway.  They probably wanted to get an infinite soap out of it. Dimwits.

Worth noting that Mr Gaiman disclaims any involvement in that production.
I did not know that. Strange as Gaiman is not over-worked and likes to dabble in different style (and was/is involved in Good Omens on Prime).  My issue was that the first series was too much like the book, just with excess gore and the second series departed from the book, which made me wonder which they were trying to do, the book or not?  Either would have been preferable.

Nor yet I.  I did see the "Based on the book by..." credit but I suppose that's nothing but the truth.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 May, 2022, 10:18:25 pm
A streetcar named desire.
I read the play script a while back and I've only just got round to watching.

Contemporary reference always seems to highlight Stanley's behaviour but I remember realizng there's so much more to the story than the wife beater when I read it and seeing more now too.

Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 May, 2022, 09:52:42 am
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Actually, unlike the last view meh-worthy Marvel outings (did I mention Morbius, fucking awful dirge), this was a better deal, at least the CGI dazzled (though the actual scenes in the real universe looked a bit sub-par, not sure if that was purposeful to make the rest of it gaudier). Doctor Strange is always a bit of a hard sell as he's a loaded with being a bit of a dick (they do have the entire surgeon thing down pat), but they play on it nicely.

The downside is that it's falling into referential hell, forever recalling previous bits of the MCU (and evidently the TV side, which I've not seen, so there are a good few huh moments from anyone in the audience who also lacks an encyclopaedic knowledge of all past events). The constant need to keep drawing together a bigger and bigger (and ultimately increasingly non-sensical) universe mires everything and makes you yearn for the simpler days when it was a bunch of superheroes versus the Big Bad. Now they have to stop every 3.2 seconds to reference something in a previous film or episode (it's probably part of the algorithm that makes these movies). Possibly this tickles if you're a comic book nerd, but I find it a bit exasperating and done once or twice it might seem mildly clever, but after the n-th time it's just deflating. But it's an entertaining couple of hours.

As a plus, the forthcoming Thor movie has a very funny trailer, so that's looking promising.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 May, 2022, 05:36:58 pm
Bladerunner 2049

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 19 May, 2022, 11:55:02 pm
I agree with your review of Bladerunner.

I can't stand MCU.

Just watched Fantastic Beasts II, it's better than MCU but I felt it was significantly less good than the first one (which was not excellent itself) with pace being used to justify a total lack of plot exposition or sense.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 25 May, 2022, 12:13:52 am
"Benediction" , a biography of Siegried Sassoon.  Beautifully shot, a magnificent cast & interesting enough story.  A quick Google shows it's not an exact retelling of his life but I don't think that was the point.  Very little actual poetry, it concentrated more on the (many famous) people he knew and a string of affairs with unsuitable chaps.  This part of the film was perhaps a bit too camp & bitchy.   Not much explanation given either for his conversion to Catholicism in later life. 


It was part financed by the Beeb so will probably be on there shortly.



https://www.historyextra.com/period/first-world-war/benediction-film-movie-historian-review-siegfried-sassoon-story/


https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/may/22/benediction-review-siegfried-sassoon-biopic-terence-davies-jack-lowden
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 25 May, 2022, 06:39:15 pm
Top Gun: Maverick

Having seen the original Top Gun, one broadly knows what type of film to expect for the sequel; but flight sequences are very impressive and the story better.  Enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 25 May, 2022, 07:39:16 pm
I heard they'd completely removed all the homoeroticism, leaving a film about flying around in planes.

I mean, I'm sure the flight sequences are stunning, but that's hardly Top Gun, is it?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 May, 2022, 07:49:22 pm
Curiously, when C4 interviewed Thomas Cruise Mapother IV during last weekend’s F1 coverage they utterly failed to mention either Scientology or the homoeroticism of “Top Gun”.  Can’t think why.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 25 May, 2022, 08:03:09 pm
Not much of a
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 25 May, 2022, 09:06:45 pm
Bladerunner 2049

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I really liked the look of the film/cinematography; ended up watching it twice to try & get to grips with the plot...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 May, 2022, 08:24:52 am
Bladerunner 2049

(click to show/hide)

I really liked the look of the film/cinematography; ended up watching it twice to try & get to grips with the plot...

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 26 May, 2022, 09:32:09 am
Bladerunner 2049

(click to show/hide)

I really liked the look of the film/cinematography; ended up watching it twice to try & get to grips with the plot...

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)


Did some research; apparently...

(click to show/hide)


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 31 May, 2022, 07:55:01 pm
Top Gun : Maverick

Just got back from the cinema. It was ridiculous and every bit as awesome as the first film. Dr Beardy says it wasn’t as gay as the original and the machismo was toned back some. But the in air scenes were excellent. I won’t add spoilers, but it WAS a Tom Cruise film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 31 May, 2022, 08:24:24 pm
Once upon a time in the West

I am not sure how I haven't seen this before, but it was outstanding. It is a long film, but it didn't seem it. The cinematography, music and story telling worked to keep me engaged.

A review said that Charles Bronson had a suitably featureless expression for the filesm. Little did they know back then that was his trademark...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 June, 2022, 10:04:24 am
Top Gun : Maverick

Just got back from the cinema. It was ridiculous and every bit as awesome as the first film. Dr Beardy says it wasn’t as gay as the original and the machismo was toned back some. But the in air scenes were excellent. I won’t add spoilers, but it WAS a Tom Cruise film.

I was dragged along to this last night, mostly against my better judgement, I only remember the original as a bit of 80s cheese.

I really enjoyed it, complete and pleasingly stupid escapism.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 June, 2022, 12:41:03 am
I just watched the original for the first time in over 30 years.  Twitter thread so you don't have to (https://twitter.com/kimble4/status/1532100142928633858).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 June, 2022, 12:53:19 am
Quote
Goose would be an actual goose...

Untitled Goose Game vs. Top Gun.  Get cracking, spods!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 02 June, 2022, 12:55:15 am
Untitled Goose Game vs. Top Gun.  Get cracking, spods!

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/599/321/624.jpg) (https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/1599321-untitled-goose-game)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 June, 2022, 12:59:39 am
HONK!!1!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 June, 2022, 08:43:25 am
There ain't but one Goose and that's not it:

https://youtu.be/N_pc0BJ33cQ
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TheLurker on 02 June, 2022, 09:03:14 am
Quote from: Kim
Quote from: Mr Larrington
Untitled Goose Game vs. Top Gun.  Get cracking, spods!

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/599/321/624.jpg) (https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/1599321-untitled-goose-game)
Am I alone in thinking that "Mave" "Rick" looks nothing so much like the one of those car sun screens with the driver's and (usual) passenger's name on them that were popular some decades ago?  Not only that, but now we know what the character's eyes are called.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 11 June, 2022, 09:34:14 am
Top Gun Maverick.
I had very low expectations and it managed to break the hard deck of that. (hah!)
What an amazingly dumb movie. Sure flying scenes are cool, but that's it. It's even dumber than the original.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 June, 2022, 02:43:26 pm
Les Ripoux and Ripoux contre Ripoux. 1980s sature with Philippe Noiret & Thierry l'Hermitte as corrupt cops in Montmartre.  Great fun, and seeing the quartiers populaires of Paris again was delightful.  I once lived in that area for 6 months and loved it.  Living there long-term would probably take 10 years off your life.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 June, 2022, 02:49:56 pm
(Consults Mr Google)

Ah, thought they sounded familiar but in spite of their calling them "My New Partner" & "My New Partner II" they were Le Cop and Le Cop II when aired by the BBC a million or so years ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 24 June, 2022, 11:55:44 pm
The restored version of "Wings Of Desire" on a proper screen.  I thought I'd seen this ages ago, but no. 


Bruno Ganz as a melancholic angel, Peter Falk as Peter Falk, Nick Cave and 2 hours of wonderful photography.    Taking that beer in was a mistake though, I was crossing my legs at the end !


https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/jun/22/wings-of-desire-review-wim-wenders-elegiac-hymn-to-a-broken-cold-war-berlin (https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/jun/22/wings-of-desire-review-wim-wenders-elegiac-hymn-to-a-broken-cold-war-berlin)


https://archive.ph/YavmW
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 25 June, 2022, 10:03:00 am
(Consults Mr Google)

Ah, thought they sounded familiar but in spite of their calling them "My New Partner" & "My New Partner II" they were Le Cop and Le Cop II when aired by the BBC a million or so years ago.

There's a third one, Les Ripoux 3, set in 2003.  It's the same two leads but rather different since Noiret is long retired.  It's not as funny but quite satisfying all the same.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 05 August, 2022, 09:53:17 pm
Bullet Train. Got some mixed reviews, but I liked it, very entertaining, Brad does an amiable turn, you learn a lot about Thomas the Tank engine and an awful lot of people die.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 August, 2022, 11:50:45 pm
Top Gun: Maverick

Best to watch the flight scenes and skip through the rest of it.  Well played, Tom Cruise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SoreTween on 16 September, 2022, 01:47:11 pm
Thor: Love and thunder.
I've enjoyed all of the MCU output up to now but this was an absolute steaming pile of fetid doggy doo. Awful in every way.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 September, 2022, 01:59:05 pm
Thor: Love and thunder.
I've enjoyed all of the MCU output up to now but this was an absolute steaming pile of fetid doggy doo. Awful in every way.
:(

I hoped they'd managed to have the same humour as previous Thor movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 16 September, 2022, 03:16:42 pm
Hmm, I think I enjoyed it. Not nearly as good as Ragnorok, but that's to be expected.

A friend of mine called it a 'kiddie movie' which probably isn't far off, but it left me feeling pleasantly entertained. I should re-watch it to be sure.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 16 September, 2022, 06:14:53 pm
Kleo.  It's a German Netflix series and very violent, but it's about a Stasi assassin so why wouldn't it be?   
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 16 September, 2022, 06:31:36 pm
Fury.    Thought it was time, and yes, it was violent, but well worked and main characters developed nicely.  Filmed mainly in fields down the road, well, OK, nr Watlington.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 September, 2022, 05:15:16 pm
Finally fell off the end of Twin Peaks with a resounding huh?  I suspect everyone else who's watched it has done the same.  It's all about parallel universes and stuff, innit?  But gawd there was some crappy music in it. Dougie was fun, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 September, 2022, 03:06:45 pm
Entrapped on Netflux. Distinctly underwhelming, esp. in comparison with Trapped
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 October, 2022, 10:45:02 am
Matrix Resurrections

I was waiting over two hours for it to start… and then the final credits started rolling. What an absolute waste of time that was.

The best thing I can say about it is that I somehow managed to stay awake through it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 October, 2022, 09:41:37 am
It was pretty awful. I think I said at the time that if they'd run with it all-being-a-bit-meta idea, it might have worked, but they bottled out and rehashed the first movie, and not even very well.

I did rewatch Big & Ted Face the Music last night, and I don't care what anyone says, I still found it most excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 October, 2022, 10:13:14 am
I've been mulling over which was the worst reboot - Matrix or Bill & Ted. It's a close call, but Bill & Ted is just not very funny while Matrix is actively annoying. Especially the dragged-out section where they're discussing the reboot and telling us (over and over again) what we already know, viz Warner are only doing this to milk the franchise and let's just repeat all the bits that people liked about the first film... that's not "meta", it's just tiresome.

When that young chap said actually, he thought the sequels were better than the original... that really should have been the red flag to Keanu that there was something a bit suspect about this version of the world.

The one bit I did quite like was the Merovingian as a drunk old tramp. That was a funny touch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 October, 2022, 10:36:47 am
Batman does something or other, I forget. Begins?  MrsT said she enjoys that drivel so we watched it, and I didn't manage to fall asleep for two hours. :sick:

Going to need some better drivel tonight to make up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 October, 2022, 10:47:21 am
I chortled quite a lot at Bill & Ted Face the Music and it seemed well received when I saw it at the cinema (though it was a rare outing for a movie during the covid era, so I think the audience were happy to see anything).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 October, 2022, 12:13:19 pm
I like the theory that Matrix Resurrections is basically Lana Wachowski ending the franchise with a firm "this isn't for you" to the alt-right who've adopted the iconography of The Matrix.

Otherwise, it's just a bad movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 04 October, 2022, 07:34:04 pm
The Producers on iPlayer  :thumbup:.  I'd managed never to see it before.  It would have been even better if I didn't know the storyline beforehand...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 October, 2022, 12:29:48 pm
Blonde. Grim story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 09 October, 2022, 06:00:45 pm
I like the theory that Matrix Resurrections is basically Lana Wachowski ending the franchise with a firm "this isn't for you" to the alt-right who've adopted the iconography of The Matrix.

Otherwise, it's just a bad movie.

It was a total vanity project and looking at the exec producers credit list, it involved all her friends and family, which probably explains why it was so shit.
There's a reason why the 'Best Movie' award at the oscars goes to the producer. (And also why Lucas, Spielberg, Jackson, etc went off the deep end when they started producing their own movies).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 10 October, 2022, 09:53:02 pm
Blue Bayou

Written, directed, produced, acted by the same person would normally mean steer clear, but it was rather good if a bit flawed in places.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 10 October, 2022, 09:54:31 pm
Blonde. Grim story.

The nearly three hour run time put me off. Is it grim worth watching or just grim?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 October, 2022, 09:27:35 am
Blonde. Grim story.

The nearly three hour run time put me off. Is it grim worth watching or just grim?

Definitely worth watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 15 October, 2022, 10:20:50 am
The First of the Few on Netflux. R. J. Mitchell winning the Schneider Trophy and building the Spitfire with the help of David Niven.  Actually quite a good film. 

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 October, 2022, 06:33:37 pm
The Banshees of Inisherin

Bleaky McBleakface. Lots of laugh out loud funny bits, but overall… just grim.

In short, it’s a Martin McDonagh film.

Stunning scenery.

Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon are all magnificent.

Very highly recommended. Just don’t go for the happy ending.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SoreTween on 26 November, 2022, 09:04:46 am
Bullet train. Best silly violence romp I've seen in a long while. Most chortlesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 November, 2022, 10:26:24 am
E.T., for the first time ever. I was away on business when MrsT took the kids back when it came out here, in the dubbed French version.  This time around was the first time she'd seen it in English.

Awwwwwwwwwww.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 November, 2022, 12:36:46 pm
I found ET immensely creepy as a kid.  It's like they took 'dysfunctional middle-class family' and turned the knob up to 'USAnians at Halloween'.  What's worse, nobody else seems to see the problem with this.

But then I thought the government agent was the most relatable character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 27 November, 2022, 02:10:12 pm
I just saw the entire cast as a set of plug-in tropes and was occasionally pleased when one of the characters did something a bit unexpected, e.g. not rush to cut up ET when he(?) appeared to be dead.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 November, 2022, 07:34:08 pm
That was rather necessary for the plot, I suppose.

I must admit, I haven't seen ET since well before they CGIed the guns out of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: felstedrider on 27 November, 2022, 08:12:52 pm
My wife’s Godmother looked after J for the day when he was about 5.  She let him watch ET.  He was still crying later in the evening.

Then again, Avatar set him off as well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 November, 2022, 09:28:16 am
My wife’s Godmother looked after J for the day when he was about 5.  She let him watch ET.  He was still crying later in the evening.

Then again, Avatar set him off as well.

I let my daughter watch Godzilla when she was a bit young.

She cried buckets
"Why are they attacking Godzilla?"
"Well, it is rampaging through the city, killing people."
"It wouldn't kill me, I'd understand it."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 28 November, 2022, 12:33:03 pm
"The Worst Person in the World"

One of the best films I've seen recently.  The kind that you're thinking about a long time after (it actually crept into last night's dreams).

Blows the pants off "Banshees of Inisherin" which I thought was frankly preposterous and pretentious in equal measures (in spite of the rave reviews - so it's probably just me).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 November, 2022, 03:44:33 pm
That was rather necessary for the plot, I suppose.

I must admit, I haven't seen ET since well before they CGIed the guns out of it.

Good God, did they? Philistines.

I hope they don't get their grubby paws on She Wore A Yellow Ribbon.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 November, 2022, 05:42:02 pm
That was rather necessary for the plot, I suppose.

I must admit, I haven't seen ET since well before they CGIed the guns out of it.

Good God, did they? Philistines.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/bp/steven-spielberg-finally-admits-walkie-talkies-were-mistake-142746809.html  refers
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 November, 2022, 10:20:09 am
That was rather necessary for the plot, I suppose.

I must admit, I haven't seen ET since well before they CGIed the guns out of it.

Good God, did they? Philistines.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/bp/steven-spielberg-finally-admits-walkie-talkies-were-mistake-142746809.html  refers

OK, ta. TBH I didn't notice what the FBI blokes were carrying, it could have been doughnuts.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 01 December, 2022, 05:42:55 am
"Everything Everywhere All At Once"

10/10.  Very different.  Very nice visuals.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 03 December, 2022, 03:40:40 pm
A Man of Action  Basque anarchist bricklayer flees to Paris during
(click to show/hide)

All the more entertaining because it really happened.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 03 December, 2022, 08:08:24 pm
"Everything Everywhere All At Once"

10/10.  Very different.  Very nice visuals.

A friend recommended this to me. He wasn’t wrong. Mental but very fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 12 December, 2022, 11:49:09 am
Dead Poets Society on Amazon.  Haven't seen it for 25 years or so - still every bit as good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 12 December, 2022, 12:44:21 pm
The Man in the White Suit

A undemanding satire that I think had bits cut out (I remember Sid walking down a road and getting splashed, and it not sticking on the suit. Did I imagine that?)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 15 December, 2022, 06:48:43 am
"Everything Everywhere All At Once"

10/10.  Very different.  Very nice visuals.

A friend recommended this to me. He wasn’t wrong. Mental but very fun.

Following up on this, I was looking at the IMDB credit list and went "Why is the VFX list so short? That can't be right" and did some googling
https://www.indiewire.com/2022/04/everything-everywhere-all-at-once-visual-effects-1234716610/

5 people did the majority of the VFX. Best thing was that this came up whilst I was chatting with a friend about Barry Lyndon and how absolutely unbelievable the small crew on that movie was and they pretty much do the same thing on EEAAO.
 They deserve the VFX Oscar just based on that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 20 December, 2022, 12:02:20 am
The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic (2021) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13328824/)

From the does-exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin school of low-budget films.  The whole thing is shot as close-ups of Petri Poikolainen's face, with very shallow depth-of-field, so you have to rely on the audio for everything beyond his reactions (nod to Elisabeth Moss in The Handmaid's Tale).  Some wry humour and tense moments, I thought it was rather good.


(I'm going to make barakta watch it, but I think she'll suffer from the audio being in  a) mono  and  b) FOREIGN,  combined with a great many film references and a lack of proper SDH captions.)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 December, 2022, 02:37:12 pm
Flashdance, possibly the most 80s film ever.  How does Alex's bike never get stolen?

I'm not going to google it, but Rule 34 says there is definitely a grumble parody called Fleshdance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 21 December, 2022, 03:30:11 pm
Flashdance, possibly the most 80s film ever.  How does Alex's bike never get stolen?

I'm not going to google it, but Rule 34 says there is definitely a grumble parody called Fleshdance.

Here you go: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217494/fullcredits
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 December, 2022, 08:11:35 pm
zOMG.  I read the reviews.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 22 December, 2022, 09:08:11 am
In the Police Gazette?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 24 December, 2022, 09:17:12 am
The Glass Onion - very enjoyable.   My wife thought it was better than knives out, but for me knives out was better.   I didn’t think the characters were quite so good but the plot is very good again
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 December, 2022, 08:14:17 pm
Also Glass Onion. I didn't like it much. Nowhere near as good as the first one and if anything Daniel Craigs accent got worse?
Edward Norton phoned it in and was borderline terrible.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 December, 2022, 11:54:47 pm
North By Northwest

It was on telly yesterday afternoon and I was in the mood. Perfect way to pass a couple of hours. Great film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 27 December, 2022, 12:12:43 am
Maverick: Franchise

A song about Mexican food played in my head as I watched this. “So Nacho”.

Great fun, but would have been only five minutes long if they had just thrown four long range guided missiles down there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 27 December, 2022, 06:16:00 am
https://youtu.be/v-tU2KIAMrs?t=109
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 December, 2022, 07:13:26 am
Planes, Trains and Automobiles, thoroughly cut by Ch5.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 27 December, 2022, 03:05:58 pm
Emancipation (2022)

Grim yet somehow underwhelming, in spite of the unorthodox black-and-green colour grading.  File with Saving Private Ryan.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 27 December, 2022, 06:37:49 pm
Tunes of Glory the other day as I took a break from Christmas preparations.

Seen it many times, still rate it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 27 December, 2022, 06:44:51 pm
Planes, Trains and Automobiles, thoroughly cut by Ch5.
This is on Amazon Prime atm as well.  Jo watched it one evening a few weeks back when I was working.  I think I must have been about 10 when I last saw it.

Saw Elf for the first time this afternoon.  Very amusing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 December, 2022, 01:15:03 am
https://youtu.be/v-tU2KIAMrs?t=109

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 30 December, 2022, 11:48:18 am
The Straight Story. Nothing but up to date us. I’d been aware of it ever since it was released, but I didn’t appreciate it was based on a true story, nor that it was a David Lynch film. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

I was a bit surprised it made a loss, and it occurred to me that had it been a Coen brothers movie, or had it had Clint Eastwood as the lead (after all Gran Torino made shedloads and was deeply underwhelming) it would have been more commercially successful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2022, 04:22:32 pm
The French Dispatch

If you didn’t know beforehand, you’d know this was un film de Wes Anderson within a minute or two of it starting.

Good, but I was too tired for Wes Anderson last night. I’ll have to watch it again another day when I’m in the right frame of mind.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 01 January, 2023, 04:13:30 am
The French Dispatch

If you didn’t know beforehand, you’d know this was un film de Wes Anderson within a minute or two of it starting.

Good, but I was too tired for Wes Anderson last night. I’ll have to watch it again another day when I’m in the right frame of mind.

It's very...nice. Probably also good....but mostly, just nice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 01 January, 2023, 10:10:30 am
Lacking the energy for anything else, we watched 2 last evening.

First up was Shiva Baby, a comedy of manners set, unsurprisingly, at a Shiva. Ultra low budget, well shot, and a sparky central character. OK.

Second was Knives Out. Very enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Thor on 01 January, 2023, 01:49:06 pm
Thirteen Lives (Amazon Prime Video).  The story of the Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand.  Significant dramatic license taken, I would think, but excellent nonetheless.

Also, Witness for the Prosecution (Charles Laughton, Marlene Dietrich, Tyrone Power).  They don't make 'em like that any more.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 01 January, 2023, 08:21:12 pm
Licorice Pizza
We enjoyed a very happy couple of hours with (among its delights) Alana Haim, even if not playing guitar.

Sent from my STF-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 01 January, 2023, 08:57:35 pm
"Everything Everywhere All At Once"

10/10.  Very different.  Very nice visuals.

We watched this last night. It was silly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2023, 11:22:38 am
Planet Of The Apes (original).

A few plot holes but generally very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2023, 11:26:10 am
Omnes: MUNKEH!!1!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 02 January, 2023, 12:04:02 pm
No Time To Die Except At The End of the Film When He Dies. Can someone please terminate Purvis & Wade's scriptwriting careers? A workmanlike, functional action movie? Yes. Good Bond film? No. Largely humourless. What humour there is shows up how miserable everything else is. Dull chief villain and faceless henchmen. Five films all linked in a story arc for no good reason other than to confuse casual viewers. Clunking references to the rest of the series (the DB5…). Great Bond & supporting performances the only lights in this tunnel. And most egregious to my mind, you cast the brilliant Christoph Waltz as the greatest Bond villain of all, Blofeld…and then waste that, twice. First a lumbering shared backstory in Spectre, and then killing him off in this one. It's like trying to make a Bond movie without really liking or understanding Bond movies.....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 02 January, 2023, 01:57:29 pm
Omnes: MUNKEH!!1!

(click to show/hide)

 ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2023, 02:39:03 pm
Omnes: MUNKEH!!1!
It's gratifying to know that, in NRA gun nut Charlton Heston's long and varied career, the line for which he will be remembered is:

https://youtu.be/Cdmqn9JIuzc
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 04 January, 2023, 11:36:44 am
"Laura"

With the stunning Gene Tierney (what a sad life she had).  And I think those really were Dana Andrews's shoulders inside that suit!  Proper film noir with lots of rain and omnipresent cigarettes.  One of the best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 04 January, 2023, 08:32:22 pm
Paradox - the Neil Young/Darryl Hannah film. Bit shite but some great music.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 04 January, 2023, 10:47:13 pm
Patriot Games.

Still fun, but a good indicator of how much action films have moved on.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 05 January, 2023, 01:06:13 am
Is that the one with the printer scene?  That bit was dated before it came out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 January, 2023, 07:50:48 am
Patriot Games.

Still fun, but a good indicator of how much action films have moved on.

Isn't that the one in which Sean Bean tried to sound Irish and Harrison Turd earned the title King Leer? :sick:

Meanwhile, we watched Glass Onion last night.  Great fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 07 January, 2023, 12:23:23 am
Avatar 2. Or rather, I'm trying to work my way through it (Got an awards screener). It's pretty, but the writing and acting is very very bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 07 January, 2023, 06:14:13 am
Might as well have just watched Avatar 1, then.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 07 January, 2023, 07:34:48 pm
 :thumbsup: For Glass Onion
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 07 January, 2023, 09:59:33 pm
Brokeback Mountain - On netflix till 4th Feb.   The best film i've seen in ages.  A superb love story and stunning photography.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 January, 2023, 11:19:56 pm
Avatar 2. Or rather, I'm trying to work my way through it (Got an awards screener). It's pretty, but the writing and acting is very very bad.

My son went to the cinema to see it this afternoon. His verdict was: "It's long."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 07 January, 2023, 11:26:39 pm
Arse Bunion

Not sure what the fuss is.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 January, 2023, 10:17:04 am
Porco Rosso for the nth time.   It's our favourite Miyazaki and we know it inside out, so it didn't matter that I slept for the first half (strenuous ride followed by good dinner).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 09 January, 2023, 04:38:09 pm
Arse Bunion

Not sure what the fuss is.

Just a piss take of our betters for the amusement of us Baldricks.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 12 January, 2023, 09:26:47 am
Murphy's War.

An anti-war war film with Peter O'Toole overacting furiously.  I quite enjoyed it, especially the CGI-free action sequences.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 12 January, 2023, 09:38:57 am
Avatar 2. Or rather, I'm trying to work my way through it (Got an awards screener). It's pretty, but the writing and acting is very very bad.

My son went to the cinema to see it this afternoon. His verdict was: "It's long."

The story's pretty basic really, but actually I found it visually mesmerising & it didn't seem too long or drag much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Adam on 12 January, 2023, 09:28:29 pm
The Banshees of Inisherin.  Stunning views of old Ireland and very good performances by the cast. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 13 January, 2023, 09:11:05 pm
Watching Glass Onion.

It's a beautiful film to watch, but it's Friday night, I'm tired, I can't be arsed with the convolutions so I've just read the wiki plot synopsis instead  :facepalm:
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 January, 2023, 11:38:09 pm
Empire of Light

I had a particular reason for wanting to see this, which is that the cinema in the film is the one where I used to go as a teen in the 80s (the Dreamland IRL), albeit a few years after the film is set. Although bizarrely the closed-down half of the cinema in the film is actually the bit that was open in those days.

It’s a really well made film in every detail. Visually gorgeous. Perfect soundtrack (both the original music and the many period pop songs that feature). Olivia Colman is simply magnificent and rest of the cast are excellent too.

I was on the lookout for Sliding Doors geography but they even got that right, save a few minor details*.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended.

*
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 January, 2023, 11:49:42 am
'No time to die'

It surprised me. Didn't feel long and I thought plot was excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 January, 2023, 04:05:30 pm
'No time to die'

It surprised me. Didn't feel long and I thought plot was excellent.
I recorded it over Xmas and then realised it was so bad the first time around that I would never watch it again, so deleted the recording.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 17 January, 2023, 05:36:15 pm
Interceptors on Netflix.

Gave up a third of the way through. Too unrealistic, even within an unrealistic genre.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 22 January, 2023, 08:22:22 pm
Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. Great fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 23 January, 2023, 01:51:14 pm
For the umpteenth time, The Shawshank Redemption on iPlayer.  It's one of those films I can want to watch and rewatch without getting bored.  Helped me get through a 2hr15m Z2 turbo session  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SoreTween on 30 January, 2023, 10:09:06 pm
The Banshees of Inisherin. Fuck me that was cheerful. Do not watch if you're already suffering the black dog.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 31 January, 2023, 09:50:38 am
Empire of Light.

Beautifully acted and beautifully shot. A classic British film, and as Citoyen wrote, accompanied by a banging soundtrack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 31 January, 2023, 08:03:07 pm
A Storyville; Three Minutes: A Lengthening. The story of the last days of a Polish Jewish village, Nasielsk, extrapolated from 3 minutes of found cine film, taken in summer 1938. Fascinating and sobering.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SoreTween on 01 February, 2023, 10:56:15 pm
Black Panther - Wakanda Forever Well up there in the Marvel canon, possibly the best yet.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 02 February, 2023, 08:38:35 am
Velvet Buzzsaw, for the nth time. Quite the most delightful horror film ever produced.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 06 February, 2023, 02:10:53 pm
The Bank of Dave
(Netflix)

A bit "low budget" but well acted and a heartwarming (true) story, especially for those who hate banks (is there anyone who doesn't?).

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 06 February, 2023, 04:10:08 pm
Avatar, with fish

I'm a bit 'meh' about the whole avatar thing. The first film stank of 'white saviour' to me, with a side helping of pocahontas.

The second film has an even more simplistic storyline. Thankfully, they ditched the bloody 3D.

It is pretty.

There are multiple scenes that are hacked straight out of an old cowboys and injuns film, complete with whooping, hollern' and natives riding horses flying pterodactyls to ransack the train. There is even cowboy - injun cross-species romance. No racism here!

Well, it is pretty. They've very carefully set up an ending leading into a third film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Socks on 28 February, 2023, 09:06:44 pm
Mandibles, on the All4 app.  Surrealist nonsense, very funny and original.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 28 February, 2023, 09:13:33 pm
Black Panther - Wakanda Forever Well up there in the Marvel canon, possibly the best yet.

I was a bit underwhelmed with this one for some reason.

Saw Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania the other night. Entertaining enough, if Marvel by numbers.

While I'm not unentertained by these movies, I do wonder if the world wouldn't be a better place if they just moved on and made something else. But not until the Guardians of the Galaxy because I am looking forward to that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 01 March, 2023, 11:05:26 am
Black Panther - Wakanda Forever Well up there in the Marvel canon, possibly the best yet.

I was a bit underwhelmed with this one for some reason.

Saw Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania the other night. Entertaining enough, if Marvel by numbers.

While I'm not unentertained by these movies, I do wonder if the world wouldn't be a better place if they just moved on and made something else. But not until the Guardians of the Galaxy because I am looking forward to that.

I actually got into the Marvel movies by accident when I went to see Iron Man (after going 'who he?') in 2008(ish).
I found them amusing enough to follow most of the story arc to the end of Endgame, but that's kind of enough now.  Since they're all standard 3-act sets in the order of "1. who? 2. downside 3. boss fight" I'm all out of caring.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 01 March, 2023, 01:50:07 pm
My problem with Marvel movies is that most of them would be greatly improved if an hour or so of fight scenes was left on the cutting room floor.  This suggests that I'm missing the point of Marvel movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 01 March, 2023, 03:47:03 pm
They're probably using a secret version of chatGPT to write the scripts.  After all, originality isn't what MCU devotees expect.

(Though I might watch one of the ones with Q. Cumberpatch just to watch him try not to wince at the dialog*.)

* Marvel don't deserve a -ue.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 01 March, 2023, 08:41:52 pm
Black Panther - Wakanda Forever Well up there in the Marvel canon, possibly the best yet.

I was a bit underwhelmed with this one for some reason.

Saw Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania the other night. Entertaining enough, if Marvel by numbers.

While I'm not unentertained by these movies, I do wonder if the world wouldn't be a better place if they just moved on and made something else. But not until the Guardians of the Galaxy because I am looking forward to that.

I actually got into the Marvel movies by accident when I went to see Iron Man (after going 'who he?') in 2008(ish).
I found them amusing enough to follow most of the story arc to the end of Endgame, but that's kind of enough now.  Since they're all standard 3-act sets in the order of "1. who? 2. downside 3. boss fight" I'm all out of caring.

They're OK as popcorn movies, but since Endgame, I have a hard time remembering any of them. I think the only memorable one was The Eternals and that was because it was genuinely awful.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: slope on 07 March, 2023, 04:31:33 pm
An Elephant Sitting Still. Directed by Hu Bo, China, 2018

https://mubi.com/films/an-elephant-sitting-still

Watched all 234 minutes of it last night, rather transfixed. Never seen a film that long before.

Then read up about it afterwards. It's the only film the director Hu Bo made and he committed suicide soon after aged 29.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 07 March, 2023, 05:38:49 pm
Fall, currently showing on Netflix.

Absolutely dismal. Do not waste your time.

Sam
(Edited because the film lacks the definite article in the title)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 07 March, 2023, 05:58:11 pm
The Fall, currently showing on Netflix.

Absolutely dismal. Do not waste your time.

Sam
Was that the series with the X-files woman, or is it a separate film? I found the series very depressing. And I couldn't believe her silk shirts stayed uncreased.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ravenbait on 07 March, 2023, 06:13:13 pm
No, it's a film about two women who climb a 2000' tall decommissioned telecoms tower in the American desert without checking the bolts on the ladder.

I quite enjoyed the Gillian Anderson series to which you are referring, although it wasn't always comfortable viewing.

Sam
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 March, 2023, 07:31:47 am
Fall, currently showing on Netflix.

Absolutely dismal. Do not waste your time.

Sam
(Edited because the film lacks the definite article in the title)
I saw a youtube review of the film, which seemed to include all interesting events from the film.

For me, watching film of people going up those radio masts is like watching a horror film. I don't cope well with going up a 5m ladder.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 March, 2023, 08:14:19 am
Il Traditore, about the Cosa Nostra member Tommaso Buscetta who grassed them all up in the 80's. In Italian with French subs that were sometimes gone from the screen before I could finish reading them.  Good all the same.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 19 March, 2023, 06:50:12 pm
Everything Everywhere All At Once

Technically brilliant (editing, cinematography, FX etc) and completely full-on. Also brilliant acting by Michelle Yeoh & Jamie Lee Curtis.

But in reality I thought it was a load of bollocks  :-\.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 19 March, 2023, 08:27:07 pm
That sums up my feelings on the matter.  I believe it's canonically a homage to the "I know Kung-fu" scene from The Matrix, and it shows.

As with so many modern films with little in the way of substance, it would have benefited from being about an hour shorter.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 March, 2023, 08:52:05 am
Wakanda Forever

It is actually quite a good film. I'm surprised, Marvel has not been great on storylines of late. This was really decent.

Leticia Wright is very good, easily best character in the film. Angela Basset seems to never age and plays a queen very very well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 March, 2023, 06:56:16 am
From Here To Eternity, mainly because it was my father's favourite film.

I wasn't particularly impressed.  The plot goes nowhere, there's no redemption but there is a lot of over-acting.  The best bits were the fight scenes.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 03 April, 2023, 12:43:11 pm
Tetris (2023)

A couple of hours of cod-Russian silliness.  You can tell the visual effects team enjoyed themselves.

Not as Halt and Catch Fire as expected.

Worth it for

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 07 April, 2023, 09:28:23 am
John Wick 4.

I...

Yes.

It's bum numbing length is made up for by being a remarkably entertaining spectacle. One of the very few sequences of films where the sequels are not only better, but get betterer. ;D

Assuming you like a martial arts/gun/knife/sword thing, of course.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 07 April, 2023, 10:33:43 am
The Snitchers; A 1960s b/w (in black and white) about London's criminal underworld. Stanley Baker had previously committed a robbery and stashed away £40k. Upon his release, other crime figures and the police are on his case to find out what happened to the stolen loot. Harry Andrews  is also in the film, playing the role of a police chief superintendent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 07 April, 2023, 10:51:08 am
John Wick 4.

I...

Yes.

It's bum numbing length is made up for by being a remarkably entertaining spectacle. One of the very few sequences of films where the sequels are not only better, but get betterer. ;D

Assuming you like a martial arts/gun/knife/sword thing, of course.

Oh goodie!

Some of the reviews hadn’t been encouraging.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 07 April, 2023, 07:47:17 pm
The Big Lebowski

25th anniversary screening at the Curzon.

Such a great film. And, as it turns out, even better in a cinema full of people who love it as much as you do. It really ties the room together.

Haven’t laughed so much in ages.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 07 April, 2023, 10:00:10 pm
John Wick 4.

I...

Yes.

It's bum numbing length is made up for by being a remarkably entertaining spectacle. One of the very few sequences of films where the sequels are not only better, but get betterer. ;D

Assuming you like a martial arts/gun/knife/sword thing, of course.

Loved it. The sequence on the steps, oh my, had the cinema in sympathetic uproar.

A metric fucktonne of baddies die.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 April, 2023, 10:20:06 am
Belfast Sink.

Meh, for me.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 15 April, 2023, 08:10:12 am
Nobody 2021

Somehow Nobody passed me by, until it cropped up on Netflix very recently.  I knew nothing of the plot when I started watching so won't say anything here for those that don't either.  You know that with Bob Odenkirk at the helm you're probably in for a bit of a treat - if you like this kind of offering...  ;)  A really well done film, & pitched at the 'right level' IMO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 17 April, 2023, 08:58:46 am
Allelujah!

Bloody hell. Whole cinema in tears.

If you haven't seen it, do so.

Oddly, critics hated it.

Quote
Dame Judi Dench can’t save a film whose third act so spectacularly nosedives into “Batshit-Craziest Story Choices Ever Put On Film Hall Of Fame” territory.

Thing is, my better half has nursed in geriatric wards and nursing homes. She didn't find it 'batshit crazy' at all. The plot twist is entirely consistent with behaviour of the characters throughout.


Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Feanor on 25 April, 2023, 10:08:22 pm
The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young

An account of the crazy 100+ mile ultramarathon trail run that mostly doesnt have any actual trails.
The start is signaled with a 1 hour warning by blowing a conch shell, followed by the ceremonial lighting of a cigarette by the race org to signal the start.

When a runer pulls out (as most do), a bugle plays the Taps to anounce the end of his day.

This reminded me a wee bit of the start of the Midnight Sun 1200k, where the start was signaled by a saxophone playing us out.
Some of the competitive cameraderie reminded me of things like the 24h TT.

Only an hour, worth a watch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 April, 2023, 11:05:46 am
An account of the crazy 100+ mile ultramarathon trail run that mostly doesnt have any actual trails.
The start is signaled with a 1 hour warning by blowing a conch shell, followed by the ceremonial lighting of a cigarette by the race org to signal the start.

Reminiscent of the 314-mile Last Annual Vol State Road Race across Tennessee, which begins with all the runners (+walkers + crawlers) crossing the Mississippi by ferry and the organizer lighting a cigarette.  It is totally unsupported.  Friends of ours do it every year.  One of them sent us a pic of her doing a 1-arm plank on the Bench of Despair, 187 miles in.

https://westbrookrunning.com/tag/bench-of-despair/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 April, 2023, 08:45:46 am
The Road Dance

(BBC scotland)

Almost entirely filmed in Gearrrannan blackhouse village, and making the most of the local coastal scenery.

Very moving film, a simple story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 28 April, 2023, 09:17:21 am
I don't watch many movies but last Saturday made pizza so we kids insisted we had a movie and I had to watch. They chose the portable door. They seemed to enjoy it, I tried to sneak out but wasn't allowed. It's not very good and unlikely to make me want to watch any more films anytime soon

Shame as I googled it after watching to see if was just me who doesn't like films and people seemed to be saying the book its based on is good
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 April, 2023, 03:33:00 pm
Looks a bit like a kiddie flick, but J. W. Wells is rather good. At 70 St. Mary Axe?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 30 April, 2023, 11:16:12 pm
Mr Jones
2019. James Norton. BBC iplayer

Well done.  Background: Stalin's genocide in
(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 30 April, 2023, 11:44:15 pm
Mr Jones
2019. James Norton. BBC iplayer

Well done.  Background: Stalin's genocide in
(click to show/hide)

And to think that Walter Duranty of the New York Times was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 for his reporting about the same crime against humanity (including slandering Gareth Jones for reporting what was really happening). :facepalm:

https://www.garethjones.org/soviet_articles/duranty_revocation.htm
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 01 May, 2023, 12:05:12 am
Thanks.  Shocking that WD's PP has not been revoked still.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 01 May, 2023, 02:18:33 pm
"Far From The Madding Crowd".  The 1967 production,   I've seen this before as part of my GCE English Literature course in 1980 something.  Faithful to the novel (which I've never re-read) and beautifully shot.   It's a long film though, I ended up watching over 2 evenings.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 01 May, 2023, 02:21:08 pm
Stealth on Netflix. Amazingly bad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 03 May, 2023, 09:55:05 pm
Dune !   Ortnithopters !  Good ornithopters !  Sandworms !  Fremen !  Deserts !  Sandstorms! Heighliners!  Visually impressive.  Gets a lot of stuff right. 

(click to show/hide)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Way9Dexny3w


Ya Hya Chouhada !


Trailer for Dune Part 2. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 May, 2023, 08:08:08 am
Joker on Netflux. Brilliant.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 05 May, 2023, 09:28:14 pm
Withnail and I (again).

"I feel like a pig shat in my head."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 05 May, 2023, 11:11:45 pm
Ah, that reminds me....
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 05 May, 2023, 11:13:47 pm
Zoltan, Hound of Dracula. You can guess the rest, love Talking Pictures TV.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 06 May, 2023, 07:36:12 am
Zoltan, Hound of Dracula. You can guess the rest
"Don't go up to the old castle after dark!"

(goes up to the old castle after dark)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 11 May, 2023, 10:05:05 pm
Guardian of the Galaxy pt 3. I've been a bit down on Marvel movies lately, but this was really very awesome. It did make my wife cry though (if you've seen it, you will know why). I am made of sterner stuff, of course.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 15 May, 2023, 01:50:46 pm
Guardian of the Galaxy pt 3. I've been a bit down on Marvel movies lately, but this was really very awesome. It did make my wife cry though (if you've seen it, you will know why). I am made of sterner stuff, of course.
I was warned.
Quote
Expect to be more emotional than you expect in a Marvel Movie
I too am made of sterner stuff.

I liked it. But it was probably at least half an hour too long. IMO you can cut all that shizzle with joopjoop out no problemo.

We watched at Everyman which has super overpriced drink and food delivered to your seat. Ketchup and mayo in the dark, what can possibly go wrong?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 May, 2023, 07:27:21 pm
I'd agree they could have shaved some of the run-time to no loss, it certainly stayed into the bladder zone, more so when you have to outwait the entire credits for the inevitable post-credit scene.

As a fellow Everyman-goer, I don't want to see the auditorium with the lights fully up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 16 May, 2023, 01:08:43 pm
Ad Astra last night on Netflix. I think the plan was 'no science, no plot, no dialogue and, hence, no acting' to get in the way of the pretty CGI 'photography'. I know Brad Pitt's chops are limited, but he wasn't even given a chance! As for Apes In Space, wtf was that about? And yet it seems to have gone down well among punters on IMDB.

No wonder flat-earthers are proliferating.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 16 May, 2023, 08:54:19 pm
I did see Ad Astra in the cinema when it was released. I couldn't tell you one thing about it, not a single scantling of that movie found purchase in my memory. It's not encouraged me to watch it again.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 May, 2023, 01:21:23 pm
Is that the one with all the space-suit abuse?

Vague recollection that someone had made an effort to make the space hardware look plausible in a way that gave you inappropriate expectations.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 17 May, 2023, 01:43:28 pm
I watched the first few minutes and baled when things started going crash-bang-wallop in orbit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 May, 2023, 02:08:30 pm
Meanwhile, I re-watched the Back To The Future trilogy in 4k.

Part 1:  Totally holds up.  Spotted little details that I'd previously missed, like the 'permit' for the Doc's 'weather experiment' coming from his wallet, who Chuck Berry is and several US gallons of Pepsi.  Christopher Lloyd's facial expressions really make it.
Part 2:  Donald Trump beyond Thunderdome.  Always the weakest of the three, it doesn't get any easier.  Again, some nice little details.
Part 3:  Train good; Car bad.  Has always been my favourite, in spite of the silly ending.  Hasn't aged well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 May, 2023, 04:39:47 pm
Part 2:  Donald Trump beyond Thunderdome

 ;D

I completely agree with your assessment on all three.

Though I am mildly surprised* you've managed to miss 'CHUCK, it's your cousin Marvin BERRY' before now - even as a mid-teen when it first came out I thought that gag was laid on a bit thick.


*but who am I to judge? I'm an artist at missing these things.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 17 May, 2023, 05:08:20 pm
Is that the one with all the space-suit abuse?

Vague recollection that someone had made an effort to make the space hardware look plausible in a way that gave you inappropriate expectations.

Yep, that's the one. I had no expectations as I'd never heard of it, and watched simply for lack of anything better to do (it was that or maybe a fourth binge of Friends). It was the 'crash bang wallop' during the Lunar Pirates (wtf?) bit that made me check IMDB to see if it was intended to be a spoof. Apparently, it wasn't. The rest of the movie was watched with an ever-increasing mix of hilarity and despair. 'Plan 9 From Outer Space' has a rival, IMO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 17 May, 2023, 05:26:14 pm
Though I am mildly surprised* you've managed to miss 'CHUCK, it's your cousin Marvin BERRY' before now - even as a mid-teen when it first came out I thought that gag was laid on a bit thick.

I was musically oblivious until my later teens, so it's understandable that I'd missed the reference when it came out.  (I think I first saw it on VHS, so I was likely 9 or 10.)

Surprised I didn't clock it when we watched the DVD release[1] with Postman Piers in the early 2000s, thobut.


[1] This was notable for the excellent subtitles, where it was obvious that someone who appreciated the film had put extra effort into comic timing, telling you what the music was doing and so on.  Complete opposite of Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 18 May, 2023, 12:47:42 am
The Dark Knight. Yes, I know, two movies in two nights - it's a slow week! But unlike yesterday's unhappy discovery, this was something of a revelation. I'm not a comic-book fan, nor any kind of fantasy hero enthusiast. But (and I'm sure I'm last to this party) what a bloody great film! The characters are believably real, even if their roles aren't, and they're played by experts. I was transfixed and delighted. Ok, I'm many years too late - literally in Heath Ledger's case - but I will be happy to watch this film again. I'm not sure I'll extend the truce to the rest of the franchise - I'm not yet a convert to the DC or Marvel worlds - but it's a great reminder that good movies can transcend their origins.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 May, 2023, 12:58:51 am
Interesting.  I don't think I've seen that one, and it sounds suspiciously like a Dark Batman[1] film that's ...not terrible?


[1] Adam West is the one true Batman, and all this post-1989 gothic rubbish is a distraction.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 May, 2023, 07:20:07 am
The Dark Knight. Yes, I know, two movies in two nights - it's a slow week! But unlike yesterday's unhappy discovery, this was something of a revelation. I'm not a comic-book fan, nor any kind of fantasy hero enthusiast. But (and I'm sure I'm last to this party) what a bloody great film! The characters are believably real, even if their roles aren't, and they're played by experts. I was transfixed and delighted. Ok, I'm many years too late - literally in Heath Ledger's case - but I will be happy to watch this film again. I'm not sure I'll extend the truce to the rest of the franchise - I'm not yet a convert to the DC or Marvel worlds - but it's a great reminder that good movies can transcend their origins.
Heath Ledger delivers a truly amazing performance.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 May, 2023, 07:44:51 am
Interesting.  I don't think I've seen that one, and it sounds suspiciously like a Dark Batman[1] film that's ...not terrible?

YMMV. I found it over-long and boring. And I felt the extreme violence was problematic in a film aimed at kids (it was a 12A, as "requested" by the distributor, but really should have been a 15 at least, whereas Made In Dagenham which came out a couple of years later was a 15 because of one instance of a naughty word. The BBFC are cowards.  ::-) ).

ETA: further reading - a weaselly justification of the decision, with spoilers: https://www.bbfc.co.uk/education/case-studies/the-dark-knight
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 May, 2023, 09:31:04 am
Interesting.  I don't think I've seen that one, and it sounds suspiciously like a Dark Batman[1] film that's ...not terrible?

YMMV. I found it over-long and boring. And I felt the extreme violence was problematic in a film aimed at kids (it was a 12A, as "requested" by the distributor, but really should have been a 15 at least, whereas Made In Dagenham which came out a couple of years later was a 15 because of one instance of a naughty word. The BBFC are cowards.  ::-) ).

ETA: further reading - a weaselly justification of the decision, with spoilers: https://www.bbfc.co.uk/education/case-studies/the-dark-knight
I actually wrote in and objected to The Dark Knight being a 12A.

Felt that the pencil scene was particularly gruesome.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 18 May, 2023, 09:55:05 am
I actually wrote in and objected to The Dark Knight being a 12A.

Felt that the pencil scene was particularly gruesome.

I didn't write in but the pencil scene had me considering it.

I took my 10yo to see it in the cinema. Error of judgment on my part, perhaps, but I felt the classification didn't help me make an informed decision, which is surely what it's for.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimC on 18 May, 2023, 02:27:55 pm
I never looked at the classification, but I am surprised it was a 12A.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 May, 2023, 01:15:56 pm
Paris, Texas.  Saw when it came out, dubbed into Deutsch, didn't much like it. The Vim Vendor has never been a favourite of mine, but MrsT had never seen it so I got ready to sleep for a couple of hours and hit the button. Surprise: it was fascinating.  Dunno if it would stand seeing again, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 23 May, 2023, 08:48:52 am
Yesterday evening, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. So nailbitingly edge-of-the-seat that
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 24 May, 2023, 11:41:56 pm
As I grow older my attention span has waned, it's rare that I can watch something though in one go.  Tonights film managed this.  Ridley Scott's "The Duellists".  I've seen bits of it before, but think this was the first time I've seen it in toto.    Beautifully shot & a great cast. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 May, 2023, 11:22:03 am
Last night, "Le Bon et les Méchants" by Claude Lelouche, about Parisian crooks before, during and after WW2, starring Citroën Tractions Avants and various other actors.  Lovely film.  It was made in 1976 in B/W - i.e. 8 years after Kubrick's 2001 - so WTF did Amazon feel obliged to sepia-tint it? Idiots.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 May, 2023, 12:28:22 pm
'Nobody'

Ridiculous, over the top violent action movie. Does what it ways on the tin. Some really good performances.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 29 May, 2023, 03:55:15 pm
'Nobody'

Ridiculous, over the top violent action movie. Does what it ways on the tin. Some really good performances.

Ah, one of those full of “gratuitous violence and unnecessary nudity”?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 May, 2023, 10:54:10 am
'Nobody'

Ridiculous, over the top violent action movie. Does what it ways on the tin. Some really good performances.

Ah, one of those full of “gratuitous violence and unnecessary nudity”?

No nudity, no gratuitous sex scenes. Not made by HBO

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 30 May, 2023, 11:34:37 am
Time Travellers.

A 1960s (colour) sci-fi film about a group of scientists who create a time-travel portal into the
future. They couldn't helps themselves and enter into it and........
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 30 May, 2023, 12:40:19 pm
'Nobody'

Ridiculous, over the top violent action movie. Does what it ways on the tin. Some really good performances.

Watched this last night. Wasn't disappointed.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 05 June, 2023, 12:48:40 pm
"In Bruges", which I hadn't seen before, despite visiting Bruges about 4 times. 


Very amusing & well done,  lovely camerawork which reminded me of my own visits. Great acting. The only sour note was the reason for their visit.  Child accidentally shot during a hit job being a recent occurrence in Liverpool.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 08 June, 2023, 07:37:11 am
The Covenant (2023) with Jake Gyllenhaal. 

About US forces Afghanistan / interpreters.  Probably one of Guy Ritchie's best offerings, well crafted, good performances - JG very often seems to be good value.  On Prime.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 08 June, 2023, 07:45:36 am
Ad Astra last night on Netflix. I think the plan was 'no science, no plot, no dialogue and, hence, no acting' to get in the way of the pretty CGI 'photography'. I know Brad Pitt's chops are limited, but he wasn't even given a chance! As for Apes In Space, wtf was that about? And yet it seems to have gone down well among punters on IMDB.

No wonder flat-earthers are proliferating.

I watched Ad Astra with miniao a while back, and she thought it was one of the worst sci-fis she'd seen.  Throughout the whole film she kept moaning about the Brad Pitt character self narration, and that nothing happened except for
(click to show/hide)
... ;D  Interestingly the director 'disowned' this narration saying that he had no control, and it was added latter by the studio...  I actually quite liked the bleak emptiness vibe and the visuals - narration didn't really bother me - soundtrack quite good too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 June, 2023, 08:44:34 am
I tried to watch Ad Astra a couple of times but the "science" and above all the emetic dialogue drove me out.  :sick: :sick: :sick:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 08 June, 2023, 05:19:14 pm
I tried to watch Ad Astra a couple of times but the "science" and above all the emetic dialogue drove me out.  :sick: :sick: :sick:

With most scifi there's a reasonable 'suspension of disbelief' to be applied...  People have gone on about the way BP was able to access the neptune bound rocket - didn't bother me.  Interstellar's pretty good - just don't dwell too much on the 'science' of travelling through dimensions...   ;)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 June, 2023, 08:25:03 am
I liked Interstellar, even with the extradimensional hi-jinks.  What I didn't like so much was that they needed a BFO Saturn-style launch to reach their interstellar transit craft, but once on one of the Earth-sized planets they reached they only needed a titchy shuttle to land and rejoin the main ship again. Oops. None too sure about those solid clouds, either.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 09 June, 2023, 09:22:22 pm
I liked Interstellar, even with the extradimensional hi-jinks.  What I didn't like so much was that they needed a BFO Saturn-style launch to reach their interstellar transit craft, but once on one of the Earth-sized planets they reached they only needed a titchy shuttle to land and rejoin the main ship again. Oops. None too sure about those solid clouds, either.

That's always bugged me. Huge launch and then, thereafter, hopping from planet to planet on a teeny ship.

Also, that they didn't really know how agriculture works.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 19 June, 2023, 04:31:26 pm
Extraction 2. Well, put it on mostly as background noise, but man, the Russo brothers have completely lost the plot.
Absolute trash.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 June, 2023, 05:28:04 pm
Extraction 2. Well, put it on mostly as background noise, but man, the Russo brothers have completely lost the plot.
Absolute trash.
Assumed it would be. Cash check for Hemsworth.

I half-like the first film.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 19 June, 2023, 08:43:44 pm
Yeah, first one wasn't *terrible* and I was entertained. This one tries to revive the Stallone/Arnold style of action with heaps of over-ambitious CGI. Similar with their Citadel tv series...I got to about ep 3 before I gave up.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 19 June, 2023, 08:46:05 pm
Is that the one where (apparently, I've not seen it) he takes cover from a helicopter filled with machine-gun-happy bad guys by hiding behind a ladder?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 20 June, 2023, 11:23:20 am
A bit of classic 70s Eastwood: The Eiger Sanction on iPlayer.  Very much 'of its time', but really rather enjoyable.  I think it might be one of those films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, where nothing would have turned out much different without any involvement from the main protagonist.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 20 June, 2023, 01:13:26 pm
I liked Interstellar, even with the extradimensional hi-jinks.  What I didn't like so much was that they needed a BFO Saturn-style launch to reach their interstellar transit craft, but once on one of the Earth-sized planets they reached they only needed a titchy shuttle to land and rejoin the main ship again. Oops. None too sure about those solid clouds, either.

That's always bugged me. Huge launch and then, thereafter, hopping from planet to planet on a teeny ship.

Also, that they didn't really know how agriculture works.

And, apparently the g-force necessary to produce a time dilation of 7yrs: 1hour would be ~100 000g - so arguably the crew would not be wading about looking at gigantic tidal waves.   Most sci-fi littered with 'errors' :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 20 June, 2023, 04:12:34 pm

And, apparently the g-force necessary to produce a time dilation of 7yrs: 1hour would be ~100 000g - so arguably the crew would not be wading about looking at gigantic tidal waves.   Most sci-fi littered with 'errors' :)
Hmmm? it's velocity, not acceleration that causes time dilation, no?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 20 June, 2023, 06:45:22 pm
Don't know.

But according to Bard...  ;D

Quote
Both velocity and acceleration can cause time dilation. However, acceleration is the more fundamental cause of time dilation.

Time dilation due to velocity is known as special relativistic time dilation. It is caused by the fact that the speed of light is the same for all observers, regardless of their motion. This means that if an observer is moving at a high velocity, the light from a distant object will take longer to reach them, which will cause the observer to perceive the time at the distant object to be slower.

Time dilation due to acceleration is known as general relativistic time dilation. It is caused by the curvature of spacetime caused by gravity. The stronger the gravitational field, the more spacetime is curved, and the slower time will pass.

In general, the amount of time dilation is proportional to the square of the velocity or acceleration. This means that the faster you are moving or the stronger the gravitational field, the more time dilation will occur.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 20 June, 2023, 09:57:33 pm
A bit of classic 70s Eastwood: The Eiger Sanction on iPlayer.  Very much 'of its time', but really rather enjoyable.  I think it might be one of those films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, where nothing would have turned out much different without any involvement from the main protagonist.

I wasn't too many days off this many days old when I found out that Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones, but the dastardly CBS network wouldn't let him out of his Magnum, PI contract. A blow to moustaches everywhere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 20 June, 2023, 10:09:57 pm
Mulholland Drive.  Almost normal for about 90 minutes (if you pass over the dwarf and the hobo monster), then it goes full Lynch.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 21 June, 2023, 08:32:56 pm
I appear to be on a Graham Greene kick.    Last week I watched Michael Caine in "The Quiet American" which was pretty faithful to the novel & well done by everyone.  Caine can act when he bothers, and this was one of his better performances. 


The other night was "Our Man in Havana" with Alec Guinness & Noel Coward.  I've not read the book but the film was amusing & the direction by Carol Reed good.  I was pleased to note that Mr Guinness maintained Standards by wearing his vest under a shirt in the tropical heat. 


I suspect the scene in which Hawthorne (Coward) hustles Guinness into the gents for a secret meeting may have caused knowing sniggers in the 1959 audience...


The LRB has just reviewed a new biography of Coward here.  https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v45/n13/rosemary-hill/mushroom-cameo
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 June, 2023, 09:18:53 pm
Jean Vigo's L'Atalante, 1934. qv. Merci Ham.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 June, 2023, 10:05:46 am
Asteroid City

Very good in places but tries the patience of even a confirmed Wes Anderson fan. I felt much the same about The French Dispatch. I suspect we will look one day back on his career and say he peaked with Grand Budapest Hotel.

Gratuitously making Scarlett Johansson get her kit off was a bit cringey. Felt out of kilter with the rest of the film.

After seeing the trailer last night, I am definitely up for the Barbie film when it comes out. Looks amazing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 June, 2023, 10:06:32 am
Mulholland Drive.  Almost normal for about 90 minutes (if you pass over the dwarf and the hobo monster), then it goes full Lynch.

One of my all-time favourite films. If you thought the first 90 minutes were "normal", you weren't paying attention.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 June, 2023, 10:14:58 am
Mulholland Drive.  Almost normal for about 90 minutes (if you pass over the dwarf and the hobo monster), then it goes full Lynch.

One of my all-time favourite films. If you thought the first 90 minutes were "normal", you weren't paying attention.

Ditto.  Just the quality of the colour and the expression on Naomi Watts' and her companions' faces tip you off.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 June, 2023, 10:18:17 am
We've been watching Season 6 of Black Mirror, which has been as nasty as ever, bar the last episode.  The one with astronauts, Beyond the Sea, was scientifically inane into the bargain. The music was good, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 26 June, 2023, 11:24:24 am
Mulholland Drive.  Almost normal for about 90 minutes (if you pass over the dwarf and the hobo monster), then it goes full Lynch.

One of my all-time favourite films. If you thought the first 90 minutes were "normal", you weren't paying attention.

Ditto.  Just the quality of the colour and the expression on Naomi Watts' and her companions' faces tip you off.

To be honest, it was familiarity with David Lynch's previous work that tipped me off.  ;D

But yeah, stellar performance by Naomi Watts. So good that it's easy to misread that opening section as hammy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 08 July, 2023, 06:17:22 pm
"The Northman"

It was.....interesting. I now understand why it fared so badly at the box office. I think we need that kind of movies from time to time, but it's definitely not a mainstream movie.
 Also appeared to be mostly correct with the historical situations and environment, which was, considering the current glut of Viking-era TV series that don't appear to care too much.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 09 July, 2023, 08:22:57 am
Jaws. You may have heard of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 10 July, 2023, 09:04:12 pm
Dungeons and Dragons.

It was....good?!?. Very pleasantly surprised.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 10 July, 2023, 10:06:42 pm
The Out-Laws

Watched it cos it had a bunch of top actors in it. And the production was pretty slick for the first five minutes. Hackneyed plot, but lots of money spent so should be watchable.

What a load of childish shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 10 July, 2023, 11:16:20 pm
The Out-Laws

Watched it cos it had a bunch of top actors in it. And the production was pretty slick for the first five minutes. Hackneyed plot, but lots of money spent so should be watchable.

What a load of childish shit.

Looks at actors list.

Recognises 2. One of which might be Bond, James Bond?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 23 July, 2023, 07:57:17 am
Rain Man (on iPlayer), while smashing out 2 hours of Z2 in Zwift.  Never seen it before.  Very enjoyable, if rather uncomfortable at times.  Interesting views on autism just 35 years ago.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: perpetual dan on 23 July, 2023, 10:54:47 am
Our Hobby is Depeche Mode

I enjoyed it, with moments that were variously touching, funny and straight up odd. Helps if you like the music and are in the mood for a low budget social documentary.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 July, 2023, 02:30:29 pm
Has anyone done Barbenheimer yet?  And in which order?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 24 July, 2023, 03:06:28 pm
The Critical Drinker on Barbie*:  https://youtu.be/7J7aJtGphVs  I won't be watching it.  Will probably watch Oppie when it reaches one of the streamers.

* A name I can never read or hear without mentally putting Klaus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaus_Barbie) in front of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 July, 2023, 04:23:09 pm
Noted USAnian bellend Ben Shapiro, 39, has been doing his nut over “Barbie”: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ben-shapiro-barbie_n_64bd596ae4b0ad7b75f94794  People are pointing, and laughing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 July, 2023, 05:08:32 pm
I would far rather see Barbie than Oppenheimer. The latter sounds grim. It's also three hours long and there are very few movies that truly justify that kind of running time.

Certainly not into the idea of doing the double.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 July, 2023, 07:10:03 pm
I would far rather see Barbie than Oppenheimer. The latter sounds grim. It's also three hours long and there are very few movies that truly justify that kind of running time.

Certainly not into the idea of doing the double.
Friends who have seen Oppy say it feels much, much shorter and reckon they will be going back for a second watching.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 July, 2023, 07:54:21 pm
Has anyone done Barbenheimer yet?  And in which order?

ZOMG, this is A Thing :o C4 is running a piece on it right now!

Edit: and one of the blokes they interviewed has possession of Bobb's hat, but the thief was only on screen for a second or two.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 July, 2023, 09:07:11 pm
The Guardian did Barbenheimer and was traumatised.  The Swindon Adver did Oppenbarbie and enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 24 July, 2023, 10:53:33 pm
Is Barbenheimer something other than the documentary Tank Girl?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 25 July, 2023, 12:24:16 pm
Oppenheimer

Yes, long @ 3hrs, but very good, with an amazing cast.  Intense & thought provoking - I knew the basics but good to chew on the details & dilemmas surrounding the project.  Sometimes I felt I needed subtitles - but could just be my hearing.  There is a lot of 'people talking in rooms' as some critics have said, but a fascinating story.  ETA.  Would like watch it again, in the fullness of time.


[*Possible 'spoilers'*] 
Christopher Nolan Breaks Down ‘Oppenheimer’ With Professor Brian Cox
https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/film/a44575529/christopher-nolan-oppenheimer-interview/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 25 July, 2023, 02:13:49 pm
Has anyone done Barbenheimer yet?  And in which order?

Booked for this weekend. A combination of godawful weather in the sunlituplands/northernpowerhouse and a reluctance on my part to commit, meant no seats for either available last weekend.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 25 July, 2023, 02:53:57 pm
Seen Oppenheimer,; Barbie, no way!

Agree with this:

Oppenheimer

Yes, long @ 3hrs, but very good, with an amazing cast.  Intense & thought provoking - I knew the basics but good to chew on the details & dilemmas surrounding the project.  Sometimes I felt I needed subtitles - but could just be my hearing.  There is a lot of 'people talking in rooms' as some critics have said, but a fascinating story.  ETA.  Would like watch it again, in the fullness of time.


[*Possible 'spoilers'*] 
Christopher Nolan Breaks Down ‘Oppenheimer’ With Professor Brian Cox
https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/film/a44575529/christopher-nolan-oppenheimer-interview/

It could have been much more in-your-face grim but thankfully it's more subtle than that. Subtitles would be good in parts as andyoxon says.  I would hope that there will be subtitles eventually. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 31 July, 2023, 06:45:02 am
Beavis And Butt-Head Do The Universe.

Very good - lots of classic B&B references including Cornholio (of course), full cavity searches, and even Mr "mmkay" Van Driessen.  For "Office Space" fans, Mike Judge has re-employed Stephen Root and Gary Cole to do some of the voices.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 31 July, 2023, 01:37:50 pm
It could have been much more in-your-face grim but thankfully it's more subtle than that. Subtitles would be good in parts as andyoxon says.  I would hope that there will be subtitles eventually.

PSA:  https://www.yourlocalcinema.com/oppenheimer.html  (And for completeness, https://www.yourlocalcinema.com/barbie.html )

Note that with subtitled screenings at non-arthouse cinemas, there's always a risk that they'll forget to turn them on, or turn them off mid-showing due to a random complaint from a hearing person who bought a ticket to a subtitled screening and then got upset when there were words on the screen.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 31 July, 2023, 01:54:57 pm
Miniao (& mrsao) did Oppenbarbie, I stuck with OppenOnly. Miniao gave Oppen 7/10 & Barbie 4/10.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 31 July, 2023, 02:06:14 pm
Has anyone done Barbenheimer yet?  And in which order?

Booked for this weekend. A combination of godawful weather in the sunlituplands/northernpowerhouse and a reluctance on my part to commit, meant no seats for either available last weekend.
Plumped for just Barbie, in the end.

We laughed a lot. It's not a kids film. Ken is the best character.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: slope on 02 August, 2023, 09:53:10 pm
Of Time and the City

A 2008 film by Terence Davies.

"is a heartfelt and even ecstatic study of Liverpool, the home town of his 1950s boyhood. The movie is brashly emotional and sentimental - sometimes angry, more often hilarious. Nothing has given me more pleasure"

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/oct/31/of-time-and-the-city

Available on https://mubi.com/en/films/of-time-and-the-city/player

Worth it for every single frame of the visuals alone - according to Slope🤗
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 04 August, 2023, 04:30:49 pm
Subtitles would be good in parts as andyoxon says.  I would hope that there will be subtitles eventually.

As mentioned in this story, it's a common problem with Christopher Nolan's films:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/bbc-news-jane-hill-slams-30628403
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Duckfoot1606 on 04 August, 2023, 04:49:13 pm
Oppenheimer.

Echo all of the comments above, does anyone else remember the TV drama series on the same topic starring Sam Waterson from 1980?

A
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 August, 2023, 05:03:37 pm
Sink the Bismarck!  Not bad for CGI-free 1960, with all the usual suspects from Kenneth More on down.  A lot of the footage used real Swordfishes and a lot was shot aboard real ships. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 04 August, 2023, 05:04:48 pm
Subtitles would be good in parts as andyoxon says.  I would hope that there will be subtitles eventually.

As mentioned in this story, it's a common problem with Christopher Nolan's films:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/bbc-news-jane-hill-slams-30628403

'parently... wrt to Oppendialogue
Quote
However, some of the movie's dialogue portions are difficult to discern.   Nolan tells Insider that he doesn't have his actors come back after filming and do additional dialogue recordings in the film's post-production, known in the business as ADR.

"I like to use the performance that was given in the moment rather than the actor revoice it later," Nolan said. "Which is an artistic choice that some people disagree with, and that's their right."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 05 August, 2023, 10:02:38 am
Oppenheimer.

Echo all of the comments above, does anyone else remember the TV drama series on the same topic starring Sam Waterson from 1980?

A

Yes, and we found it on that there YouTube and downloaded it (before the Beeb cotton on and have it removed) for upcoming viewing.  The bits I had a quick look at reminded me of the old Tinker Tailor - it'll be slow compared with modern drama, but I remember it as being very good at the time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 05 August, 2023, 08:38:02 pm
Top Gun - Maverick.  It does what it sets out to do, i.e. replicate the first film very well.  Utterly ludicrous throughout, but that's expected.  Funny that they never mention the name of the hostile nation that refines uranium and still has F-14s and give it a snowy coastline to try and avoid a fatwa  ;D

There are many Star Wars references - the canyon attack, the small target ("less than 3 metres" - it was 2 metres on the Death Star), and the enemy pilots' obscured features.  Mind you, Star Wars borrows from 633 Squadron in many respects of the final attack.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Beardy on 05 August, 2023, 09:01:37 pm
Started to watch the third of the last trilogy of Star Wars last night. We had to stop watching it within 30 minutes, and we only wanted that long because we left it on while I searched for something else. It just lacked a coherent story. Not in a ‘it’ll take a while to get going’ sort of way, as it jumped all over the place. No, each section of the scene setting cuts lacked any attraction. It wasn’t that the acting was bad, though the players didn’t seem that interested in their roles, it just lacked any redeeming features at all. The set design and CGI lacked any shape, the story was dogged and trite. In short, it was tripe.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 05 August, 2023, 10:12:16 pm
The Last Rider - Greg Lemond comeback in 1989. Great film changed my opinion of Greg Lemond (and Laurent Fignon)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 07 August, 2023, 10:19:41 am
Started to watch the third of the last trilogy of Star Wars last night. We had to stop watching it within 30 minutes, and we only wanted that long because we left it on while I searched for something else. It just lacked a coherent story. Not in a ‘it’ll take a while to get going’ sort of way, as it jumped all over the place. No, each section of the scene setting cuts lacked any attraction. It wasn’t that the acting was bad, though the players didn’t seem that interested in their roles, it just lacked any redeeming features at all. The set design and CGI lacked any shape, the story was dogged and trite. In short, it was tripe.
It was a turkey.  Ironic, because the preceding film was quite good.  (Literally) Resurrecting characters is usually an indication that a franchise has nuked the fridge.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 08 August, 2023, 09:54:55 pm
The Last Rider - Greg Lemond comeback in 1989. Great film changed my opinion of Greg Lemond (and Laurent Fignon)
Saw that at DCA on Friday, having read "we were young and care free" I was kind of aware of how fignon was, and I preferred lemond when I watched the large 80s tours as a kid tbh.

Having Delgado view as well I think really helped tell the story.

Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 August, 2023, 10:04:52 am
The Victors last night on some Freeview channel or other. I'd never heard of this film before. Shot in black and white, directed by Carl Foreman. A lot different from yer average war film. There's a scene where an unamed GI gets shot for desertion in the snow ,while the soundtrack has Sinatra's "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" Apparently that scene is based on a real event (minus Ole Blue Eyes though).  I missed the beginning so will keep an eye out for when it's on again. Recommended.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Tim Hall on 12 August, 2023, 12:14:46 pm
Oppenheimer last night. As noted elsewhere, at first I thought three hours was a bit long, then as we got nearer the end, thought "how is he going to fit it all in?"

Nice non speaking  role (as far as I could tell) for Jack Quaid playing Richard Feynman. We could tell he was Richard Feynman as he was playing bongos.

Edit: My Young Lady points out that Richard Feynman does speak. He's the one at the test who sits in his car, saying the windscreen glass will stop the UV. She knows this as she's the sort of person who reads up on such details. I don't see this as a bad thing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 12 August, 2023, 12:47:48 pm
The Phone Call (short film) on Kanopy. Only about 20 minutes long but incredibly moving and superbly acted.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 12 August, 2023, 09:02:33 pm
Queen and Slim, an American road movie with leads from, somewhat improbably, Peterborough and Camden Town. A first feature but very well acted.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 16 August, 2023, 12:19:29 pm
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3

If you like this kind of thing -  well done, funny & verging on the poignant at times.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 16 August, 2023, 01:11:56 pm
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.  Saw that with a bunch of other mildly-inebriated student oaves some years after it came out and laughed quite a lot, really. Started it last night and endured most of an hour before baling: hadn't remembered it as being so bloody stupid.

Unfortunately, getting drunk is no longer an option these days.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 17 August, 2023, 10:44:39 am
The Banshees of Inisherin. Fuck me that was cheerful. Do not watch if you're already suffering the black dog.
Watched this on the plane back from the States last week.  Beautifully shot but I completely agree with your assessment.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 17 August, 2023, 01:23:55 pm
The Banshees of Inisherin. Fuck me that was cheerful. Do not watch if you're already suffering the black dog.
Watched this on the plane back from the States last week.  Beautifully shot but I completely agree with your assessment.
(click to show/hide)

The main story is bleak enough but...
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 19 August, 2023, 11:10:47 am
Based on real life:

Painkiller

Quote
Unlike drug traffickers who are never dishonest about who they are and what they do, this group pretends to care about the welfare of human beings. They’re doctors. I think it’s actually the greatest betrayal of public trust in history.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 19 August, 2023, 09:24:44 pm
I just watched Avatar: The Way of Water. Like the first film, it's very pretty, but very full of stereotype and clichés. The noble savage and nasty military baddy are probably the worst examples, but there are several others.

The baddies are not quite so insanely nasty and utterly lacking in anything remotely resembling empathy, they're merely very nasty, and not quite as completely stupid. The story isn't a great deal different from the first film either, just done in water with swimming beasties instead of flying beasties and jungle.

I do wonder what they'll do with the other films, since they've exhausted the obvious variation of the environment. They've used water, jungle and the air. They could possibly do something in an arctic or dessert environment, or maybe there are vacuum evolved Na'vi? They may have to resort to actually trying to vary the storyline.

The characters are rather flat, and most of the acting is tolerable, although I presume a lot was achieved with motion capture and studio recording, given the extensive use of CGI. Even on a small screen the imagery was impressive, and I may try to watch it on something larger.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 20 August, 2023, 09:10:48 am
Zonked after ride yesterday, watched Moonfall.  God what a load of crap: trope-ridden, plug-in plot, plug-in characters, plug-in CGI, plug-in brainless Hollywood 'science'. Totally suitable for my condition, disbelief hanged by neck until dead & look at all the pretty lights.  Possibly snoozed through some of it.  Highly recommended, not.

Thks TimO, Avatar Whatever on the list now for next time.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: perpetual dan on 20 August, 2023, 04:52:41 pm
Metropolis.
As much a barking distopia as ever. But good for the kids to see :)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 21 August, 2023, 08:46:20 am
Finally got round to seeing Barbie last night. It's excellent. Very funny. No confusing timeline nonsense, although there are one or two plot holes and a couple of bits that don't really make sense but I was happy to be taken along for the ride. Just the right length and no need for subtitles either. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 21 August, 2023, 01:42:37 pm

Thks TimO, Avatar Whatever on the list now for next time.
We couldn't finish it. It's shite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 August, 2023, 02:10:37 pm

Thks TimO, Avatar Whatever on the list now for next time.
We couldn't finish it. It's shite.

Can well believe it.  Post-ride shattericity dulls my critical senses, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 21 August, 2023, 08:20:43 pm

Thks TimO, Avatar Whatever on the list now for next time.
We couldn't finish it. It's shite.

Saw the first one, once I tired of the candy-coated CGI, the underlying plot was fairly tedious. I have no urge to see the latest one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 21 August, 2023, 10:04:00 pm
Avatar: The Way of Water.

Top Tip:  Just watch the end credits.  That way you get lots of pretty CGI alien sea creatures without any of the plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 21 August, 2023, 10:35:44 pm

Thks TimO, Avatar Whatever on the list now for next time.
We couldn't finish it. It's shite.

Saw the first one, once I tired of the candy-coated CGI, the underlying plot was fairly tedious. I have no urge to see the latest one.

The first one was !!3D!! Yes!! EVEN THE TINY SCREENS on screen ARE 3D!!!!! PS Bad people with lovely big machines kill the tree. HORNY BLUE GIRLS!!!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 21 August, 2023, 11:27:39 pm
To Catch A Killer on Netflix. Decent enough?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 26 August, 2023, 08:26:15 pm
Tenet

Again.  Pretty sure that no one fully understood this 'most confusing ever' film at the first time of watching.  Did some timeline & plot 'research' which helped.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 26 August, 2023, 10:41:11 pm
Tenet

Again.  Pretty sure that no one fully understood this 'most confusing ever' film at the first time of watching.  Did some timeline & plot 'research' which helped.

Presumably that's 'most confusing ever' as rated by people who've never seen Primer (2004)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 26 August, 2023, 11:47:13 pm
Could be.  Have to watch Primer - budget $7000, Tenet $205 million.   :o
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 27 August, 2023, 10:46:03 am
A documentary, Apache Warrior, about the first US Apache helicopter sortie of the Iraq war in 2003. Talking heads of the crews involved, and in-flight video & audio from 3 of the helicopters.  The calmness under fire was remarkable, as was the demeanour of the pilot whose gunner was wounded.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 29 August, 2023, 05:39:14 pm
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
I saw this at the cinema when it was released and didn't enjoy it much due to its departure from the original story. However, this recent viewing with fresh eyes has changed my opinion and it really is a great film. The animation is superb and the voice actors were well chosen. Excellent soundtrack too.

Barbie
We went to see what the fuss was all about. Really enjoyed it! Particularly liked the opening scene.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 30 August, 2023, 08:26:13 am
L'Empereur de Paris, based on the career of Eugène-François Vidocq from his escape from the Toulouse bagne (slave-labour prison) to becoming head of the Sûreté.  Vincent Cassel at his most villainous.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 30 August, 2023, 06:07:01 pm
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
…departure from the original story…
Of all the Ronald Dahl children’s stories, which I’ve read countless times as a child and as a parent, FMF absolutely bores me to tears.  So little happens in the story that I’m reduced to doing silly voices (Rat as Cockney, Badger as plummy-voiced country squire…) just to amuse myself as I read it to my little ones for the umpteenth time…
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 30 August, 2023, 09:24:22 pm
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
…departure from the original story…
Of all the Ronald Dahl children’s stories, which I’ve read countless times as a child and as a parent, FMF absolutely bores me to tears.  So little happens in the story that I’m reduced to doing silly voices (Rat as Cockney, Badger as plummy-voiced country squire…) just to amuse myself as I read it to my little ones for the umpteenth time…

Completely agree.  It was one of the stories we had on audio tape when I was a child, which - because younger sibling who found great comfort in repetition - meant I was regularly throwing up to it on long car journeys.  It doesn't even make sense.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 31 August, 2023, 09:45:13 am
Boggis and Bunce and Bean. One fat one short one lean. These terrible crooks, so different in looks, are nonetheless equally mean.

Clearly FMF predates the failure of the fix to memory protocol.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
…departure from the original story…
Of all the Ronald Dahl children’s stories, which I’ve read countless times as a child and as a parent, FMF absolutely bores me to tears.  So little happens in the story that I’m reduced to doing silly voices (Rat as Cockney, Badger as plummy-voiced country squire…) just to amuse myself as I read it to my little ones for the umpteenth time…
I always did voices? Isn't that part of the fun?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 31 August, 2023, 12:54:05 pm
I always did voices? Isn't that part of the fun?

I was greatly amused to see niece ask SIL to read her a story.  "No, do it like granny!" she protests.

SIL then switches from her usual Manc to dubious (but far better than I could manage) Glaswegian.  "That's better!"


To be fair, I've been known to watch videos of Big Clive dismantling uninteresting Chinese tat before bed, which is the grown up geeky version of soothing bedtime stories.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 05 September, 2023, 08:26:23 am
Late to the party as always, I watched Green Book on iPlayer over the weekend.  Five stars.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 09 September, 2023, 09:54:05 pm
A Storyville about the Genesis of Israel, the Blue Box. Fascinating
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 09 September, 2023, 11:26:18 pm
The Menu
Spoiler alert:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 September, 2023, 10:46:34 am
The Misfits.  Vile cruelty to horses with a hefty dose of 50's sexism + Arthur Miller's hokey philosophizing.  Watchable though.  Nice aeroplane fsvo nice.  Appeared to have a 5-cylinder radial engine. Didn't know that was a thing. Smoother I suppose.

Ahah: http://www.impdb.org/index.php?title=The_Misfits

The plane and the two main stars all looked pretty raddled.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 18 September, 2023, 11:50:48 pm
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Basically a greatest hits album, in the style of Terminator: Dark Fate

Far too long and completely unoriginal, but less embarrassingly shit than the last one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 September, 2023, 08:28:57 am
The Manchurian Candidate, the original one with F. Sinatra and L. Harvey.  Stilted acting or crappy direction (John Frankenheimer), or maybe everyone spoke like that back then.  L. Harvey came across as a prize shit, but maybe that was because he had the reputation of a prize shit in private life.  Oh well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 28 September, 2023, 11:56:42 am
Airport, the film mainly known for being parodied by Airplane!

It's the best of the series (Airport '80 rivals Airplane! for comedy, unintentionally).  Some very good cinematic touches, like the sounds of the airport before the picture fades in from a black screen, and some terrible ones, like the liberal use of split screen.  The male actors mostly ham it up, especially George Kennedy, but the women are excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 03 October, 2023, 08:08:02 am
Equalizer 3

Quite well done.  Denzel is always good value, but you really know more or less what to expect if you've seen Eq 1 & 2.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 October, 2023, 09:01:38 am
Forsaken

By-the-numbers western. The story could have been written by AI.

Notable for pairing of father son Sutherlands, and interesting for that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 04 October, 2023, 01:30:05 pm
"Stop Making Sense" - re issue of film of Talking Heads concert from 1984. It was interesting. I quite enjoyed it. I had heard of Talking Heads but didn't recognise any of the music (a group of friends were going and I thought it sounded interesting).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Making_Sense (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Making_Sense)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 04 October, 2023, 03:38:36 pm
"Stop Making Sense" - re issue of film of Talking Heads concert from 1984. It was interesting. I quite enjoyed it. I had heard of Talking Heads but didn't recognise any of the music (a group of friends were going and I thought it sounded interesting).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Making_Sense (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Making_Sense)

I had the film poster in my room at university and knowing me it's probably in my loft somewhere... Would definitely like to see the new version of the concert fillum.

There's a music video for a song by The 1975 (https://youtu.be/FzfKn-hlZwo?si=etKNvbFU7DUyD5f1) that is heavily influenced by the SMS stage set.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 04 October, 2023, 11:09:03 pm
The greatest concert movie ever. Have the expanded edition CD & the DVD, looking forward to the remastered video release.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 05 October, 2023, 02:20:03 pm
Most people in my party remarked that the sound was very out of sync for the first few minutes; I have no idea if this was an issue with our showing or what.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 18 October, 2023, 10:07:02 am
The Creator. 

Enjoyed it. It's a 'humans vs ai tech' story*, from Gareth Edwards (Rogue One director), with Hans Zimmer soundtrack, & impressive visuals. 

*and they always are derivative to some extent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 18 October, 2023, 01:50:50 pm
"Stop Making Sense" - re issue of film of Talking Heads concert from 1984. It was interesting. I quite enjoyed it. I had heard of Talking Heads but didn't recognise any of the music (a group of friends were going and I thought it sounded interesting).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Making_Sense (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Making_Sense)

I introduced Mr Smith to this a couple of years ago- as a prog-er he'd never come across it before which seemed inconceivable to me.
Would also quite like to see the revised version.

https://youtu.be/PCY0aeUx-Ns?si=38Yq1HOOAeChsA2N
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: numbnuts on 18 October, 2023, 03:55:34 pm
I've just finished watching all 91 episodes of The Onedin Line found on youtube
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: MattH on 19 October, 2023, 08:46:41 am
I introduced Mr Smith to this a couple of years ago- as a prog-er he'd never come across it before which seemed inconceivable to me.
Would also quite like to see the revised version.

https://youtu.be/PCY0aeUx-Ns?si=38Yq1HOOAeChsA2N

Bizarrely, last night I'd been doing some random youtube music browsing whilst cooling down after using the trainer. I ended up with a certain Sex Pistols nautical ditty I'd not heard for years that someone had built a video for using from the Muppets Treasure Island film (see, vague on topic link!). Quite amusing. Anyway, that was sat there in my youtube tab, so clicking on your link took me from one image of kermit to another, which was quite coincidental and a bit strange.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 22 October, 2023, 06:30:15 pm
Thks TimO, Avatar Whatever on the list now for next time.
We couldn't finish it. It's shite.
Can well believe it.  Post-ride shattericity dulls my critical senses, though.

I think I essentially said that it's bad, but very pretty. ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 22 October, 2023, 07:02:55 pm
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._Harris_Goes_to_Paris)

    Trailer, on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO9JcPbbmAA)

This is not the sort of film that I generally watch, but it's a melancholic (in places) romantic comedy drama, which is surprisingly well written and made, and definitely comes under the category of "feel good films".

The name says it all really, and involves the Mrs Harris of the title visiting Paris, in search of a Dior dress, and the mild adventures she has. It's not quite as obvious as that description may suggest, and there are a few clever little elements that I think make it worth watching, even if 1950's dramas are not your thing. :)

It's definitely not what you would call a star studded film, but the cast they chose works very well. Lambert Wilson and Anna Chancellor are well known from many other film and TV appearances, and their casting is very good, but not in major parts. Ellen Thomas is perfect as Mrs Harris' best friend, although I only really remember her as Carmen in Dr Who "Planet of the Dead", and Jason Isaacs was also good as Archie. :thumbsup:

The Extras on the Bluray had a gag Reel, where there was a running gag itself (very meta), and it was definitely a bit weird to see some references to Covid in there, with a film set in 1957, but obviously filmed when the pandemic was being treated seriously.  :o ;D

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 22 October, 2023, 09:18:11 pm
Death Line.

Donald Pleasance must have been told to play it for laughs.  Christopher Lee appears on screen for about 3 minutes.  The sets are brilliant, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 22 October, 2023, 11:20:02 pm
Killers of the Flower Moon. 

Nothing against long films but this could have been 30m shorter and not lost a thing.  I think Marty was too caught up in the historical detail to be objective. 

A bit like Goodfellas on mogadon.  Mob guy with a conscience turns informant to bring down the gang.  You can tell Bobby's time's up when you see him in a dressing gown rather than the sharp suits.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 October, 2023, 03:45:15 pm

Thks TimO, Avatar Whatever on the list now for next time.
We couldn't finish it. It's shite.
Much better version
https://youtu.be/-ONl7cS2CDs (https://youtu.be/-ONl7cS2CDs)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 23 October, 2023, 04:10:58 pm
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3...

A great bit of 'brain not needing to be engaged' entertainment.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 23 October, 2023, 06:50:16 pm
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3...

A great bit of 'brain not needing to be engaged' entertainment.   :thumbsup:
They made ANOTHER one?!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 October, 2023, 08:22:17 pm
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3...

A great bit of 'brain not needing to be engaged' entertainment.   :thumbsup:
They made ANOTHER one?!

TBH, two seems (at least) one too many.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 26 October, 2023, 11:22:45 am
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3...

A great bit of 'brain not needing to be engaged' entertainment.   :thumbsup:
They made ANOTHER one?!

I understand there's a fourth in pre-production...  :thumbsup:

I have to admit, I've enjoyed the films.  They're a harmless bit of fun.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 26 October, 2023, 11:41:21 am
American Made

A semi true tale of USA interference in other regimes and chippy gung ho optimism. With a quite young looking Tom Cruise.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 26 October, 2023, 12:24:15 pm
Has anyone seen The Miracle Club?  I'm quite tempted to go and see it this weekend if I can find it on somewhere(Mr R won't want to come).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 26 October, 2023, 01:44:15 pm
Treasure Island:

A 1972 version (watched over a few days) starring Orson Wells as Long-John Silver.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 26 October, 2023, 02:05:05 pm
Killers of the Flower Moon

Long but recommended. Based on a true story, unfortunately.  It isn't really 'the mob', it was institutionalised greed and racism.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 October, 2023, 02:19:07 pm
American Made

A semi true tale of USA interference in other regimes and chippy gung ho optimism. With a quite young looking Tom Cruise.

Saw that a while back. Thought it was very very good, and one of Cruise's better films.

He's very good at playing an amoral twonk.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 26 October, 2023, 02:25:43 pm
American Made

A semi true tale of USA interference in other regimes and chippy gung ho optimism. With a quite young looking Tom Cruise.

Saw that a while back. Thought it was very very good, and one of Cruise's better films.

He's very good at playing an amoral twonk.

That doesn't require him to act...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 October, 2023, 09:44:00 am
The matrix reloaded

That was absolutely sh!t. Mind you, so was the previous one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 28 October, 2023, 03:04:53 pm
Ob-xkcd: xkcd://566 (https://xkcd.com/566/)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ruthie on 28 October, 2023, 03:44:34 pm
Ob-xkcd: xkcd://566 (https://xkcd.com/566/)
;D

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 October, 2023, 08:49:08 pm
Ob-xkcd: xkcd://566 (https://xkcd.com/566/)
Yup, that's about right
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 29 October, 2023, 10:51:30 am
We watched the Matrix last night - we both spent the whole time saying how good it is.

Amazon Prime DE have the other Matrix films which neither of us have watched so we are going to give them a go!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 October, 2023, 10:55:53 am
Ob-xkcd: xkcd://566 (https://xkcd.com/566/)

Help! I'm trapped in a random-xkcd-browsing loop.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 29 October, 2023, 11:33:53 am
Ob-xkcd: xkcd://566 (https://xkcd.com/566/)

Help! I'm trapped in a random-xkcd-browsing loop.

Could be worse... Tab Explosion (https://xkcd.com/609/)  :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 29 October, 2023, 04:31:11 pm
Ob-xkcd: xkcd://566 (https://xkcd.com/566/)

Help! I'm trapped in a random-xkcd-browsing loop.

Could be worse... Tab Explosion (https://xkcd.com/609/)  :demon:

Hey, it's dark all of a sudden!  ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 02 November, 2023, 03:10:24 pm
Lilo and Stich.
Which is a children's film, but was very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: MattH on 02 November, 2023, 08:31:45 pm
The Toll on Prime.
Bit bizarre, as I'd just selected it randomly from one of their "you might like this" suggestions on the FireTv box as I sat down on the turbo trainer. I thought I was going to watch a trashy horror -
Quote
When a young woman and her rideshare driver break down on a dark forest road, each sees the other as a threat. Strange phenomena begin occurring around them and they start to realize they’ve become trapped in the world of a terrifying supernatural being: the Toll Man.
Started to watch it, and it just didn't gel with that description, but was actually a very enjoyable black comedy based in Wales
Quote
An irresistibly clever, darkly-comic crime caper, reminiscent of the Coen brothers' finest work. ...  A man working solo in the quietest toll booth in Wales hides from a criminal past. As his past catches up with him, he enlists the help of local oddballs when police grow increasingly suspicious.
Quite a gentle film, despite having gangsters and killings, and probably more enjoyable than the one I thought I was going to watch.

Amazon had got the descriptions mixed up of two films of the same name that were released in the same year. Apparently the Welsh one was also released under the name "The Toll Booth" in the US.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 05 November, 2023, 09:47:11 am
Transformers a few days back; mainly out of curiosity, since the kids were long away by the time it came out so I couldn't go back then.  Quite entertaining, some emetic USPatriotic corn and whirling CGI that 13-year-old eyes might be able to follow but not mine.  Main attraction: the excellent John Turturro, who at his finest could give Alan Rickman a run for his money.

Might watch the first sequel, but not the second since it has the execrable Mark Wahlberg in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jasmine on 05 November, 2023, 03:58:17 pm
The Toll on Prime.
Bit bizarre, as I'd just selected it randomly from one of their "you might like this" suggestions on the FireTv box as I sat down on the turbo trainer. I thought I was going to watch a trashy horror -
Quote
When a young woman and her rideshare driver break down on a dark forest road, each sees the other as a threat. Strange phenomena begin occurring around them and they start to realize they’ve become trapped in the world of a terrifying supernatural being: the Toll Man.
Started to watch it, and it just didn't gel with that description, but was actually a very enjoyable black comedy based in Wales
Quote
An irresistibly clever, darkly-comic crime caper, reminiscent of the Coen brothers' finest work. ...  A man working solo in the quietest toll booth in Wales hides from a criminal past. As his past catches up with him, he enlists the help of local oddballs when police grow increasingly suspicious.
Quite a gentle film, despite having gangsters and killings, and probably more enjoyable than the one I thought I was going to watch.

Amazon had got the descriptions mixed up of two films of the same name that were released in the same year. Apparently the Welsh one was also released under the name "The Toll Booth" in the US.

Oh, yes. I watched that a few months ago. It's brilliantly bonkers.

My most recent film is Women Talking. It has a really clever way of addressing male violence against women without ever showing the assaults themselves. Inspired by the real life events of a Mennonite community in Bolivia, the actual film is mostly a cast of women sitting in a barn talking. For a film where not much actually happens, it's riveting.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 05 November, 2023, 04:14:47 pm
Saw Killers of the Flower Moon yesterday. Jeez, could he not have told the story in a bit less time, maybe 90 mins or so? (Not helped in that I checked my watch after the first hour and half or so, to find that only 40 mins had actually passed)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 November, 2023, 02:50:04 pm
The Outfit on Netflux. Excellent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 08 November, 2023, 02:57:02 pm
Saw Killers of the Flower Moon yesterday. Jeez, could he not have told the story in a bit less time, maybe 90 mins or so? (Not helped in that I checked my watch after the first hour and half or so, to find that only 40 mins had actually passed)

It could have been 30 minutes shorter at least.  A lot of the 2-way dialogue shots were way too long without adding anything whatever - just Bobby's trademark endless repetition of the same phrase.  It's lazy editing.  Either Thelma has lost the plot or Marty doesn't listen and over-rules her in the edit suite.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 10 November, 2023, 02:19:45 pm
It could have been 30 minutes shorter at least.

I'm struggling to remember the last film I saw that this didn't apply to.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 November, 2023, 02:24:01 pm
"I know where I'm going"

Remastered in 4K.
Some lovely shooting, and technically brilliant for the time. There is a dream sequence that is utterly fantastic.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 November, 2023, 03:08:38 pm
A wondrous 1964 B film entitled The Earth Dies Screaming in which the Earth, disappointingly, does nothing of the kind. A cast of ~10 non-speaking roles, most of whom are dead, a couple of extras dressed as silver robots and half-a-dozen hacks who must really have needed the work. One of them was Dennistoun Franklyn John Rose Price (q.v.), who was non-negligible back then. Immensely enjoyable.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 November, 2023, 09:06:00 pm
Saw Killers of the Flower Moon yesterday. Jeez, could he not have told the story in a bit less time, maybe 90 mins or so? (Not helped in that I checked my watch after the first hour and half or so, to find that only 40 mins had actually passed)

It could have been 30 minutes shorter at least.  A lot of the 2-way dialogue shots were way too long without adding anything whatever - just Bobby's trademark endless repetition of the same phrase.  It's lazy editing.  Either Thelma has lost the plot or Marty doesn't listen and over-rules her in the edit suite.


Off work today and had a couple of free tickets to the Vue that needed using up so we went to see it this afternoon. Not a terrible way to pass the time but yes, it really could have done with being a LOT shorter.

On the positive side, the Vue has been substantially refurbished since I last went there and the big comfy reclining seats made it a lot less of an ordeal than it could have been.

There were some good bits in the film. Lovely subtle performance from Lily Gladstone as Mollie, and Jesse Plemons was good as the FBI man. But Leo's gurning really started to grate long before the end, and De Niro's performance was one-note at best.

(click to show/hide)

I also found it a bit weird when they got to the courtroom scenes that they would have, for example, a witness describing in detail how a murder was carried out, followed by a flashback scene showing it happening. Yes, we understood what he was saying, thanks, and seeing it really adds nothing except confirming it was an accurate account. What's the point?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 16 November, 2023, 11:03:05 pm
I think I've finally given up on the MCU. Couldn't rustle up the enthusiasm to see The Marvels, the trailers were uninspiring, and Captain Marvel only scraped into my consciousness because it was the filling in the Infinity War sandwich. With the exception of GOTG3 it's been a game of diminishing returns. No one survived an episode of She-Hulk and good god, how did anyone let Secret Invasion happen? Antman in the Multiverse. Sheesh. These things cost $300 million plus a pop.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 16 November, 2023, 11:12:55 pm
I also found it a bit weird when they got to the courtroom scenes that they would have, for example, a witness describing in detail how a murder was carried out, followed by a flashback scene showing it happening. Yes, we understood what he was saying, thanks, and seeing it really adds nothing except confirming it was an accurate account. What's the point?

I think that courtroom scene near the end was a verbatim transcript from the actual court case, intended to add a bit of vérité.  I actually thought that bit worked quite well - DiCaprio is a good actor.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Deano on 21 November, 2023, 09:21:27 pm
The Disaster Artist - it was excellent, having seen The Room.

Now watching Summer of Soul for at least the third time, because it really is the best.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 25 November, 2023, 05:35:52 pm
Napoleon.
It's ok. My date, who had very little knowledge of the French revolution struggled to keep up as it skips happily along, with a non-aging Napoleon.
Phoenix mumbles his way through the whole thing and the cinematography is far from Ridleys usual standard.

Despite being 3 hours long, I was still moderately entertained, but it really really needs the rumoured directors cut to fill in the gaps.

On that note, I just bought the directors cut of Kingdom of Heaven, which makes it even better (than the previous extended version which was much better than the meddling initial theatric release)....so there's hope that he has enough material to salvage this one.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Ian H on 25 November, 2023, 06:24:13 pm
Dance First, a sort of biopic of Samuel Beckett.  We exited into a melée of fancy-dressed students, including two dressed as luminous white phalluses.  Excellent film, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 25 November, 2023, 06:32:53 pm
We watched the Matrix last night - we both spent the whole time saying how good it is.

Amazon Prime DE have the other Matrix films which neither of us have watched so we are going to give them a go!
Oh dear...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: HectoJ on 25 November, 2023, 06:58:32 pm
Recently watched The Ballad of Buster Skruggs on Netflix... Pretty good (if a bit depressing at parts)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 November, 2023, 07:12:26 pm
We watched the Matrix last night - we both spent the whole time saying how good it is.

Amazon Prime DE have the other Matrix films which neither of us have watched so we are going to give them a go!
Oh dear...

Some kind of mistake - there was only ever one Matrix film.

Probably just something with a similar title that's ENTIRELY UNRELATED.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 26 November, 2023, 06:32:53 am
Well, we did watch the second one, but in the end, when Neo is in the room talking to that guy, who speaks in extremely posh and complex English, Klaus gave up and went to bed, because he couldn’t understand it, even with subtitles in German. So we kind of stopped there.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 26 November, 2023, 06:34:00 am
Watched judgement at Nuremberg last night on prime. I’ve never seen it before, Klaus had seen it loads of times. Impressive cast, and really well done, and an area of history I knew very little about really. Definitely worth the 3 hours.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 08 December, 2023, 09:30:33 pm
Leave the world behind. 2023  (Netflix)

Good film, well acted (incl. mahershala ali, ethan hawke, julia roberts), which keeps you guessing.  Check out who the Executive Producers are...

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 10 December, 2023, 07:41:53 pm
Leave the world behind. 2023  (Netflix)

Good film, well acted (incl. mahershala ali, ethan hawke, julia roberts), which keeps you guessing.  Check out who the Executive Producers are...
Also watched this.
We *loved* the ending.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 December, 2023, 08:12:34 am
Die Hard, because it's Christmas.  It's actually a rather nasty film.  The FBI are funny, though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 11 December, 2023, 08:39:55 am
Leave the world behind. 2023  (Netflix)

Good film, well acted (incl. mahershala ali, ethan hawke, julia roberts), which keeps you guessing.  Check out who the Executive Producers are...
Also watched this.
We *loved* the ending.

(click to show/hide)

Great ending.  :)  Wondered how it differs, if at all, from the book.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 December, 2023, 08:46:28 am
Leave the world behind. 2023  (Netflix)

Good film, well acted (incl. mahershala ali, ethan hawke, julia roberts), which keeps you guessing.  Check out who the Executive Producers are...
Also watched this.
We *loved* the ending.

(click to show/hide)

Same here. Excellent. Rather ungenerous IMDB rating: I'd give it an 8.

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ETA:
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 December, 2023, 10:04:51 am
Leave the world behind. 2023  (Netflix)

Good film, well acted (incl. mahershala ali, ethan hawke, julia roberts), which keeps you guessing.  Check out who the Executive Producers are...
Also watched this.
We *loved* the ending.

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Great ending.  :)  Wondered how it differs, if at all, from the book.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 December, 2023, 10:25:59 am
Leave the world behind. 2023  (Netflix)

Good film, well acted (incl. mahershala ali, ethan hawke, julia roberts), which keeps you guessing.  Check out who the Executive Producers are...
Also watched this.
We *loved* the ending.

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Great ending.  :)  Wondered how it differs, if at all, from the book.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 11 December, 2023, 03:59:39 pm
...

ETA:
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 ;D   Apparently...
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Some moaning it was too long, but I didn't find it so.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 December, 2023, 04:49:20 pm
...

ETA:
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 ;D   Apparently...
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Quote
Some moaning it was too long, but I didn't find it so.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Socks on 11 December, 2023, 05:06:21 pm
Leave the world behind. 2023  (Netflix)

Good film, well acted (incl. mahershala ali, ethan hawke, julia roberts), which keeps you guessing.  Check out who the Executive Producers are...
Also watched this.
We *loved* the ending.

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Great ending.  :)  Wondered how it differs, if at all, from the book.

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Watched this last night.  As above - quite subtle for an American film, and seemed realistic (especially the point about how easy it would be to destroy a society that is on the verge of instability anyway).  And without the usual obvious ending.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 December, 2023, 05:08:24 pm
Wait till Trump's elected.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 11 December, 2023, 09:42:48 pm

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 11 December, 2023, 10:24:15 pm

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 12 December, 2023, 01:47:26 pm

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Makes sense, given the rest.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: robgul on 13 December, 2023, 05:06:31 pm
Wonka - went to the 1030 showing "Silver Screen" this morning for over 60s with coffee and cake included in the ticket price. 

Lots of well-known faces from the Paddington and other films - very amusing for both adults and children.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 13 December, 2023, 08:58:24 pm
I think I've finally given up on the MCU.
I got there before the end of the first film.  Your tolerance for bad movies is epic.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 December, 2023, 09:54:17 pm
I think I've finally given up on the MCU.
I got there before the end of the first film.  Your tolerance for bad movies is epic.


I'll argue that stuff like Iron Man was genuinely good, it was proper storytelling, well-cast, well-written, well-directed as were many of the early films. They should have called an end to proceedings with Infinity War. Now it's AI-written, poorly directed, with no character development (compare Iron Man, Captain America etc. with Captain Marvel, who basically started the movie as she ended it, minus a pair of gloves).


I don't want to watch them ruin stuff like Blade (and it seems they don't, given they seem to have given up with the unnecessary remake). You don't do this opening (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHzcIBC50MU) better.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 13 December, 2023, 10:24:28 pm
I don't want to watch them ruin stuff like Blade (and it seems they don't, given they seem to have given up with the unnecessary remake). You don't do this opening (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHzcIBC50MU) better.

I'd seen the reboot mentioned elsewhere a couple of weeks ago - AIUI, the reboot hasn't been deep-sixed, though given the development hell it's been in, if that did occurr, one might consider it a mercy killing:

Quote
As public criticism mounts, [Kevin] Feige is pulling the plug on scripts and projects that aren’t working. Case in point: the “Blade” reboot. With Mahershala Ali signed on for the eponymous role of a vampire, things looked promising for a 2023 release date. But the project has gone through at least five writers, two directors and one shutdown six weeks before production. One person familiar with the script permutations says the story at one point morphed into a narrative led by women and filled with life lessons. Blade was relegated to the fourth lead, a bizarre idea considering that the studio had two-time Oscar winner Ali on board. 

Amid reports that Ali was ready to exit over script issues, Feige went back to the drawing board and hired Michael Green, the Oscar-nominated writer of “Logan,” to start anew. Speculation around town is that the studio is looking to make the film, now slated for 2025, on a budget of less than $100 million — a deviation from Marvel’s big-spending strategy. 

https://variety.com/2023/film/features/marvel-jonathan-majors-problem-the-marvels-reshoots-kang-1235774940/
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 December, 2023, 08:48:54 am
[Now it's AI-written

No, it's not. Marvel has been shit for years and they were shit to work for and it's frankly amazing that it's taken this long for it to fall apart.  They had zero clue about what they were doing and didn't give a shit about how many lives the ruined in the process.  Their process was pretty much 'the beatings will continue until morale improves' and only through sheer luck by getting the right people to pull the pieces back together for them, did they manage to good continuous run. Any character development finished with Cap America II and Iron Man II. Nothing changed after that. They just threw more characters at it.
It's also virtually drowned out any other movie development for the last decade or so, so I personally can't wait to see the back of it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 December, 2023, 11:11:20 am
I'll argue that stuff like Iron Man was genuinely good, it was proper storytelling, well-cast, well-written, well-directed as were many of the early films. They should have called an end to proceedings with Infinity War. Now it's AI-written, poorly directed, with no character development (compare Iron Man, Captain America etc. with Captain Marvel, who basically started the movie as she ended it, minus a pair of gloves).

The first Iron Man was great. I quite liked Captain Marvel too. And Thor Ragnarok. Infinity War is dreadful.

Superhero films work best as standalones. Trying to tie them all together into a coherent universe is essentially where they went wrong.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 14 December, 2023, 11:44:32 am
The Innocent:

(March 1993).

This film is on Talking Pictures TV at 10 pm (Thurs 14th Dec 2023). Some of the scenes
were shot at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin. I was in the RAF at the time and many serving
staff were invited to act as passengers in an airport check-in scene.

We were there from about 7pm in the evening until 4 am in the morning (lots of waiting around). The catering was great and we were well paid for our time.

I am going to record it, just in case I see myself in a scene handing in my boarding pass. :-D

Anthony Hopkins and Isabella Rossellini are the headliners in the film. It's the first time
I've seen it shown anywhere.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 14 December, 2023, 12:48:03 pm
I'll argue that stuff like Iron Man was genuinely good, it was proper storytelling, well-cast, well-written, well-directed as were many of the early films. They should have called an end to proceedings with Infinity War. Now it's AI-written, poorly directed, with no character development (compare Iron Man, Captain America etc. with Captain Marvel, who basically started the movie as she ended it, minus a pair of gloves).

The first Iron Man was great. I quite liked Captain Marvel too. And Thor Ragnarok. Infinity War is dreadful.

Superhero films work best as standalones. Trying to tie them all together into a coherent universe is essentially where they went wrong.

I think that's true. Pretty much the only interesting stories of superheroes are the origin stories. Hero's journey, and all that. What the hero did next isn't so compelling, because you already know they're a hero.  See also: Endless police procedural dramas based around the 'maverick' investigator, whodunnits generally, Star Wars* etc.

I stuck with Marvel as far as the end of the infinity war stuff.  The Tony Stark storyline, if you like, from origin to death.  It kind of made sense.  As I think I may have said before, when I went to see Iron Man, I was not a Marvel fan, nor immersed in the world of comics - 2000AD† being the exception, but that was in the 1980's when that dystopia was the future possibility rather than the lived present. As an antidote to the more-or-less contemporary DC stuff (Dark Knight, Superman Returns) it was pretty good, I thought, and obviously came from a different mindset.  The later films, not so much, and the last one I saw (Dr Strange in the Cash Generator, I think it was called) was just pants.


*The original Star Wars (1977) film was a hero's journey origin story which borrowed from Dune, thereby missing both the better plot, and the point. I still like that one, and the recent Dune.

†Speaking of 2000AD, I still think the Karl Urban Dredd film was far better than most of the Marvel stuff, even if it was a thinly disguised version of The Raid.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 14 December, 2023, 03:42:11 pm

†Speaking of 2000AD, I still think the Karl Urban Dredd film was far better than most of the Marvel stuff, even if it was a thinly disguised version of The Raid.

Dredd is one of the better action movies made in the last 2 decades.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 December, 2023, 07:03:59 pm
I'll argue that stuff like Iron Man was genuinely good, it was proper storytelling, well-cast, well-written, well-directed as were many of the early films. They should have called an end to proceedings with Infinity War. Now it's AI-written, poorly directed, with no character development (compare Iron Man, Captain America etc. with Captain Marvel, who basically started the movie as she ended it, minus a pair of gloves).

The first Iron Man was great. I quite liked Captain Marvel too. And Thor Ragnarok. Infinity War is dreadful.

Superhero films work best as standalones. Trying to tie them all together into a coherent universe is essentially where they went wrong.

I think that's true. Pretty much the only interesting stories of superheroes are the origin stories. Hero's journey, and all that. What the hero did next isn't so compelling, because you already know they're a hero.

The problem with superheroes beyond the origin story is that it either turns into an RPG-style game of logical consequences and unorthodox applications for their powers[1], or it conspicuously and tediously fails to do so.  There's only so many spectacular fight scenes you can watch without getting bored and remembering that SMBC comic (https://www.smbc-comics.com/index.php?db=comics&id=2305).

Also, the entire concept of Batman only works if it's played for laughs by Adam West or CGI Lego.


[1] Notable examples:  The Jumper novels, Misfits, The Boys.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 December, 2023, 07:36:42 pm
My main complaint about 'superhero' movies is that they usually end up with people punching each other.

Seriously?

The Jumper novel was really, really good. Made into a stupid film, ejecting all the good stuff from the novel.

I hadn't realised there were sequels, will have to look them up.

Extraordinary is pretty good.

I like the 'joker' series of novels. Joker or Ace?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SoreTween on 14 December, 2023, 07:53:29 pm
You don't do this opening (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHzcIBC50MU) better.
^ Fact.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 December, 2023, 10:16:00 pm
I'll argue that stuff like Iron Man was genuinely good, it was proper storytelling, well-cast, well-written, well-directed as were many of the early films. They should have called an end to proceedings with Infinity War. Now it's AI-written, poorly directed, with no character development (compare Iron Man, Captain America etc. with Captain Marvel, who basically started the movie as she ended it, minus a pair of gloves).

The first Iron Man was great. I quite liked Captain Marvel too. And Thor Ragnarok. Infinity War is dreadful.

Superhero films work best as standalones. Trying to tie them all together into a coherent universe is essentially where they went wrong.


Indeed, it's not just the death of plot and character, the universe becomes more nonsensical and incoherent by the movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 December, 2023, 10:23:52 pm
Prescription thugs, quite interesting.

Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 14 December, 2023, 10:27:06 pm
The Jumper novel was really, really good. Made into a stupid film, ejecting all the good stuff from the novel.

There were several sequels, plus an attempt to provide a backstory that made the film make sense.

There was also a perfectly good TV series, loosely based on Impulse.  It's more about sexual assault and the resulting trauma than teleportation, though, which suggests a strong Steven Gould influence.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SoreTween on 15 December, 2023, 10:54:09 pm
Die Hard. Because its christmas. RZ's fault excellent suggestion.
I didn't find it nasty compared to recent stuff, I thought it had aged very well.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: De Sisti on 15 December, 2023, 11:09:09 pm
The Innocent:

(March 1993).

This film is on Talking Pictures TV at 10 pm (Thurs 14th Dec 2023). Some of the scenes
were shot at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin. I was in the RAF at the time and many serving
staff were invited to act as passengers in an airport check-in scene.

We were there from about 7pm in the evening until 4 am in the morning (lots of waiting around). The catering was great and we were well paid for our time.

I am going to record it, just in case I see myself in a scene handing in my boarding pass. :-D

Anthony Hopkins and Isabella Rossellini are the headliners in the film. It's the first time
I've seen it shown anywhere.
I've just fast-forwarded the film and at 1hr 58 mins in an airport scene. Anthony Hopkins and
another actor are in dialogue. In the background, I am in a queue waiting to hand in my boarding
pass to the check-in staff.

As I'm in the background my image is blurred, but I know it's me, as the film staff told me exactly
what to do, and that is just what I did (as witnessed in that scene).*




*I suppose this could go in the 'Claim to fame' thread?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 15 December, 2023, 11:20:55 pm
Nyad. Amazing story. Not sure how much was exaggerated, but still very inspirational.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 15 December, 2023, 11:51:04 pm
I watched Die Hard 2

It suffered from sequelitis, and poor (non)CGI

Yippie kay vista, baby.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 16 December, 2023, 10:43:34 pm
Saltburn

Cracking good fun. A lot of it is quite predictable (I saw the ending coming a mile off*) and some of the plot details don't bear close scrutiny, but it's all very well put together, looks and sounds gorgeous (great sets, great costumes, great soundtrack), laugh-out-loud funny in places, and Rosamund Pike and Richard E Grant are superb. So is Barry Keoghan, of course.

*as Peter Bradshaw put it:
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 17 December, 2023, 11:47:13 am
I watched Die Hard 2

It suffered from sequelitis, and poor (non)CGI

Yippie kay vista, baby.

I watched DH2 last night while doing a Z2 turbo session.  It stands up well alongside Die Hard, and I disagree  strongly about the special effects - much better than the CGI-laden shit that blights many more modern films.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 December, 2023, 03:42:00 pm
I'll argue that stuff like Iron Man was genuinely good, it was proper storytelling, well-cast, well-written, well-directed as were many of the early films. They should have called an end to proceedings with Infinity War. Now it's AI-written, poorly directed, with no character development (compare Iron Man, Captain America etc. with Captain Marvel, who basically started the movie as she ended it, minus a pair of gloves).

The first Iron Man was great. I quite liked Captain Marvel too. And Thor Ragnarok. Infinity War is dreadful.

Superhero films work best as standalones. Trying to tie them all together into a coherent universe is essentially where they went wrong.

I think that's true. Pretty much the only interesting stories of superheroes are the origin stories. Hero's journey, and all that. What the hero did next isn't so compelling, because you already know they're a hero.  See also: Endless police procedural dramas based around the 'maverick' investigator, whodunnits generally, Star Wars* etc.

I stuck with Marvel as far as the end of the infinity war stuff.  The Tony Stark storyline, if you like, from origin to death.  It kind of made sense.  As I think I may have said before, when I went to see Iron Man, I was not a Marvel fan, nor immersed in the world of comics - 2000AD† being the exception, but that was in the 1980's when that dystopia was the future possibility rather than the lived present. As an antidote to the more-or-less contemporary DC stuff (Dark Knight, Superman Returns) it was pretty good, I thought, and obviously came from a different mindset.  The later films, not so much, and the last one I saw (Dr Strange in the Cash Generator, I think it was called) was just pants.


*The original Star Wars (1977) film was a hero's journey origin story which borrowed from Dune, thereby missing both the better plot, and the point. I still like that one, and the recent Dune.

†Speaking of 2000AD, I still think the Karl Urban Dredd film was far better than most of the Marvel stuff, even if it was a thinly disguised version of The Raid.


Tony Stark was great, and along with the other early characters, they followed an arc that came to a natural conclusion. Unfortunately, the movies kept going and they've never replicated the original storytelling, probably because the movies are just product now. Captain Marvel was vaguely amusing, but that was that, her character never progressed, nothing was learned or earned. The curse of later characters, who became identikit superheroes fighting identikit villains in an identikit plot. There were a few brief reprises like Ragnorok (not close to replicated in the terrible Love & Thunder) and GotG, which thrives on a great cast. The last couple were a deluge of surprisingly poor (given the budget) CGI and increasingly tiresome, off-tone one-liners, and some questionable morality (Wanda, for instance, basically enslaved an entire town, but apparently that was all ok). Perhaps the stories weren't written by AI, though that option may offer a path to improvement. Take it from me, Secret Invasion was probably one of the worst series ever made, and I only say one of the worst, because I watched half an episode of She-Hulk. I have had more enjoyable episodes of diarrhoea.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 December, 2023, 03:44:00 pm
Did also enjoy Leave the World Behind, and I guess the ending was marmite for many, but I thought was a degree of perfection and a bit brave for a modern, mass-market movie.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 22 December, 2023, 04:23:18 pm
I don't watch many films these days, but I idly flicked on Guy Ritchie's The Gentleman because it popped up in Netflix. I'd seen it twice before.

Again, despite knowing the plot twist I found myself transfixed, largely by Hugh Grant's unbelievably good acting as a seedy tabloid newspaper private investigator.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jwo on 22 December, 2023, 04:51:03 pm
Watched "It's a Wonderful Life" last night (well, it is December). Stand-out moment is the world without George Bailey populated with Jazz bars and Mary as a bespectacled, unmarried, tweed-suited librarian. The horror!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 22 December, 2023, 06:59:02 pm
Again, despite knowing the plot twist I found myself transfixed, largely by Hugh Grant's unbelievably good acting as a seedy tabloid newspaper private investigator.
You better be ready for Wonka then. "Seedy" doesn't cover it ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: L CC on 22 December, 2023, 09:26:50 pm

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Makes sense, given the rest.
Bit late to this party but
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 23 December, 2023, 06:16:49 am
Sci-fi Day!
The Creator: Beautiful, but boring. Story so full of holes, that I don't even know where to start.

Rebel Moon: I'd seen enough reviews to know that this wouldn't be good and it very much wasn't. It has it's moments, though and I was still entertained. It's still total trash and I still don't get why studios let Zack Snyder write stuff. Some of the action scenes are extremely good, everything in-between utter trash.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 23 December, 2023, 11:46:20 am
Harry Brown

This had passed me by when it came out, never heard of it. Michael Caine delivers a wonderful performance, in a gritty and uncomfortable vigilante story. Not for the faint hearted.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: alfapete on 24 December, 2023, 08:27:04 am
Little Women (Greta Gerwig version).
Two 60 year old parents sobbing uncontrollably in front of the whole family - no, that's not the plot.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 December, 2023, 09:25:17 am
I watched Die Hard 2

It suffered from sequelitis, and poor (non)CGI

Yippie kay vista, baby.

I watched DH2 last night while doing a Z2 turbo session.  It stands up well alongside Die Hard, and I disagree  strongly about the special effects - much better than the CGI-laden shit that blights many more modern films.
We watched Die Hard With A Vengeance yesterday, which I think is the best of the series.  It's helped hugely by Samuel L Jackson.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 24 December, 2023, 11:18:59 pm
Harry Brown

This had passed me by when it came out, never heard of it. Michael Caine delivers a wonderful performance, in a gritty and uncomfortable vigilante story. Not for the faint hearted.

Ah yes. "You failed to maintain your weapon..."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 25 December, 2023, 10:40:41 am
Harry Brown

This had passed me by when it came out, never heard of it. Michael Caine delivers a wonderful performance, in a gritty and uncomfortable vigilante story. Not for the faint hearted.

Ah yes. "You failed to maintain your weapon..."

Just read the précis. It’s what Gran Torino should have been. And as it’s on Prime I can give it a go one evening when my wife is out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 28 December, 2023, 09:36:15 pm
Saltburn

Good family viewing  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 28 December, 2023, 09:50:25 pm
Angelheart.  Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro , Lisa Bonet & Charlotte Rampling in a horror mystery directed by Alan Parker.


I saw this on first release back in 1987 & hadn't seen it since.   Excellent performances & photography.  1950's New York in freezing slush to steamy New Orleans.


https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092563/reviews?ref_=tt_urv
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: SpaceBadger on 28 December, 2023, 10:03:56 pm
It’s a Wonderful Life.

I finally ticked this one off my list earlier today.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 28 December, 2023, 10:32:16 pm
Saltburn

Cracking good fun. A lot of it is quite predictable (I saw the ending coming a mile off*) and some of the plot details don't bear close scrutiny, but it's all very well put together, looks and sounds gorgeous (great sets, great costumes, great soundtrack), laugh-out-loud funny in places, and Rosamund Pike and Richard E Grant are superb. So is Barry Keoghan, of course.

*as Peter Bradshaw put it:
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I really enjoyed it.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 28 December, 2023, 11:50:38 pm
Saltburn

Good family viewing  :thumbsup:

Ah. That’s got our neighbour in it. Must watch. Tata.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 29 December, 2023, 07:26:16 am
Saltburn

Good family viewing  :thumbsup:

Ah. That’s got our neighbour in it. Must watch. Tata.

Well I don't know who that would be, but Richard lives  in Avening
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 29 December, 2023, 08:48:49 am
Saltburn

Good family viewing  :thumbsup:

Ah. That’s got our neighbour in it. Must watch. Tata.

Well I don't know who that would be, but Richard lives  in Avening

Yes, so your neighbour too  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 29 December, 2023, 09:27:23 am
More yours than mine.

And Eddie the Eagle has moved from the house round the back of mine so I'm no longer famous.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Pickled Onion on 29 December, 2023, 06:30:38 pm
I've just cancelled my Cinema Paradiso subscription. Not their fault, but the Royal Mail rises (and poor service) over the last year have made it unviable (plus the fact I'm away a lot these days).

I've watched lots of fantastic films that are pretty well unavailable anywhere else, eg the full works of Sergei Loznitsa, etc. but I guess from now on I'll have to put up with the selections on streaming.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 December, 2023, 07:09:09 pm
Wonka

Surprisingly enjoyable. Strong hints of Jeunet et Caro in the styling but very much aimed at a younger audience.

Timothée Chalamet is good but Hugh Grant totally steals the show as the Oompa Loompa.

I liked the songs too.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 December, 2023, 07:36:44 pm
Angelheart.  Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro , Lisa Bonet & Charlotte Rampling in a horror mystery directed by Alan Parker.


I saw this on first release back in 1987 & hadn't seen it since.   Excellent performances & photography.  1950's New York in freezing slush to steamy New Orleans.


https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092563/reviews?ref_=tt_urv

My abiding memory of that film is Lisa Bonet and the chicken.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 December, 2023, 07:39:41 pm
I really enjoyed it.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 29 December, 2023, 08:03:34 pm
Maestro. Simply superb. Too many good things about it list here. I can't wait to watch it again, significant other allowing.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Hot Flatus on 29 December, 2023, 08:10:02 pm
I really enjoyed it.

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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 29 December, 2023, 09:47:34 pm
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I think it doesn’t pay to analyse it too closely though. It’s mostly just very funny.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 December, 2023, 10:51:56 pm
We don't watch many films, but it's a NYE tradition that we watch some sort of international film at my brother's (JP Jeunet various, Parasite, last year it was Everything, Everywhere...) We like the quirky shit.
Looking for something this week and my brother sent me the trailer for Lamb.
Looks very weird.
https://www.imdb.com/video/vi2726215705/?ref_=vp_rv_ap_0
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sg37409 on 30 December, 2023, 12:54:27 pm
...We like the quirky shit.
Looking for something this week and my brother sent me the trailer for Lamb.
...

Put me in mind of Only The Animals.   As quirky shit goes, thats one of the very best
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2024, 10:39:07 am
Priscilla

Not really the kind of thing I would normally go for but we had to use up our free cinema tickets and the alternatives were Aquaman, Wish, Anyone But You...

It's good. Well made, well scripted, very stylish, fine performances from the two leads, and yet... I don't know that I really enjoyed it.

I like the fact that it is very much her story, not his - it doesn't dwell too much on everything you already know about Elvis, and his music hardly features in the film at all. It shows how badly he treated her but at the same time it takes great pains not to make him out as a villain - in fact, you end up feeling sorry for him as much as for her.

There are some subtle allusions to the real villain of the piece, Col Parker, but he doesn't ever appear in the film - you just feel him as a malign influence off-camera.

It does feel like it pulls its punches a bit, although the flip side of that is that it's not at all sensationalist or mawkish, which is a good thing.

Overall, it's a desperately sad story.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PeterM on 02 January, 2024, 03:54:26 pm
It does feel like it pulls its punches a bit, although the flip side of that is that it's not at all sensationalist or mawkish, which is a good thing.
Not surprising it pulls its punches, since it was made with Priscilla Presley's approval. Sounds like another Sofia Coppola sad princess film (not seen it--wild horses etc etc)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 02 January, 2024, 04:34:11 pm
Not surprising it pulls its punches, since it was made with Priscilla Presley's approval.

Indeed - I noted her name as exec producer in the opening credits, plus the fact that it's based on her own memoirs, so wasn't expecting it to be anything other than very much her version of events.

This also explains the film's weirdly wholesome spin on his behaviour towards her when they first met, with her being sooooo young at the time...  :sick:

Quote
Sounds like another Sofia Coppola sad princess film (not seen it--wild horses etc etc)

Like I said, not the kind of thing I would normally bother with. It really is a very well made film but if you've already made up your mind about Sofia Coppola, this won't do anything to change it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 January, 2024, 09:36:19 am

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Makes sense, given the rest.
Bit late to this party but
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Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: felstedrider on 03 January, 2024, 10:27:13 am
Wonka

Surprisingly enjoyable. Strong hints of Jeunet et Caro in the styling but very much aimed at a younger audience.

Timothée Chalamet is good but Hugh Grant totally steals the show as the Oompa Loompa.

I liked the songs too.

Written by Neil Hannon but I suspect you already know that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 03 January, 2024, 11:26:06 am
Wonka
...
I liked the songs too.

Written by Neil Hannon but I suspect you already know that.

Yes indeed. Timothee Chalamet does a pretty good impression of him in the way he sings them too - I had to check the credits to make sure it wasn't actually Neil Hannon singing with a slightly American-tinged accent.

There aren't any particularly stand-out numbers but they all suit the film well.

If you want a second opinion, m'colleague who saw it with her son hated the songs and thought there were far too many of them.  ;D
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jwo on 03 January, 2024, 02:14:17 pm
There aren't any particularly stand-out numbers but they all suit the film well.

I thought "Scrub Scrub", "Sweet Tooth" were pretty good, but it was always going to be hard to compete with the Oompa Loompa theme and Pure Imagination for ear wormy memorability.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 08 January, 2024, 01:01:17 am
Zero Hour! (1957)

They're doing all the right lines, but not necessarily in the right order.  But that's not important right now...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 January, 2024, 08:11:47 am
Bullet Train. Bonkers.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Legs on 10 January, 2024, 06:45:35 am
The Boys From Brazil on ITVX.  Laurence Olivier, Gregory Peck, and the Dobermans.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 10 January, 2024, 03:28:19 pm
Last night, the wonderful Galaxy Quest for the nth time. Was a bit short so we followed it up with Chicken Run to get a bit of culture.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 10 January, 2024, 03:43:18 pm
we followed it up with Chicken Run to get a bit of culture.

Watched the new Chicken Run fillum (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget) over the Christmas period. Great fun!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PeterM on 10 January, 2024, 09:56:28 pm
Anatomy of a Fall. Highly recommended. Earns every second of its 2h31m runtime
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 January, 2024, 11:33:48 pm
Mark E Smith joke goes here ah ==>
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 11 January, 2024, 08:38:47 am
we followed it up with Chicken Run to get a bit of culture.

Watched the new Chicken Run fillum (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget) over the Christmas period. Great fun!

It's on the list.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: geoff on 11 January, 2024, 08:16:21 pm
Catching up...

The Rider
Cast mostly playing real-life selves as rodeo riders and surrounding families/community.

Powwow Highway
Road comedy. Cheyenne bros seeking justice for their friend in a beat- up car. Dated - actually quite funny.

Past Lives
Really good in spite of the hullabaloo

Saltburn
Brideshead re-revisited? (Richard E. Grant's hair!!)

Mammal
Barry Keoghan's really good in this too

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 13 January, 2024, 11:59:32 pm
The 2021 version of Dune on teh flix.  It is not good, bigly so.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 January, 2024, 09:45:46 pm
Alien.  Vastly overrated.  Too dark and confusing, indistinct dialogue in places, and the android bit is absolutely hilarious if you've seen The World's End first.  I liked the cat.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 January, 2024, 08:43:29 am
Alien.  Vastly overrated.  Too dark and confusing, indistinct dialogue in places, and the android bit is absolutely hilarious if you've seen The World's End first.  I liked the cat.

First film I saw in the US, that, on the box in the hotel at ~3 am because jet-lag. Quite enjoyed it.  I'd have got out PDQ and left the bloody cat behind.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: StuAff on 20 January, 2024, 10:50:05 pm
The Exorcist, for the first time. Excellent!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 20 January, 2024, 10:59:59 pm
Whiplash (Netflix). About a jazz drummer trying to make it and a bastard band leader. Really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 20 January, 2024, 11:17:07 pm
Whiplash (Netflix). About a jazz drummer trying to make it and a bastard band leader. Really enjoyed it.
Good film. In my mind I associate it with 'Birdman', which came out around the same time; a very different film, but with a great jazz drumming soundtrack by Pat Metheny's drummer Antonio Sánchez.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 January, 2024, 05:26:20 pm
Flood on Prime. A bit dated.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 26 January, 2024, 05:01:11 pm
The Dead, on Prime.  Digitized from a poor print with poor definition and blown highlights, but as grand as ever.

Part of the music in the background of Gabriel's soliloquy at the end is Silent O'Moyle, which my big sister used to torture to death when she was learning the fiddle. It's still a good tune. She gave up the fiddle.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 26 January, 2024, 09:22:20 pm
Alien.  Vastly overrated.  Too dark and confusing, indistinct dialogue in places, and the android bit is absolutely hilarious if you've seen The World's End first.  I liked the cat.


Still one of my favourites. And Aliens 2 is awesome on its own terms, and possibly heretically, better.  A rate case of sequels exceeding their prequels. Terminator 2, also. Sadly, both franchises should have called it a day thereafter.


World's End is also very good and I've been a bit scared of pub bogs ever since. I mostly pop out and do it in the car park, just in case.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 26 January, 2024, 09:53:50 pm
Poor Things  Greatly entertaining. The humour outweighs the cod philosophy/sociology and it's visually delicious.

Probably too much sex to make it an Oscar contender sadly.  The soundtrack is vastly superior to Oppenheimer (which I found intrusive and actually oppressive).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 27 January, 2024, 04:50:15 pm
Poor Things  Greatly entertaining. The humour outweighs the cod philosophy/sociology and it's visually delicious.

Probably too much sex to make it an Oscar contender sadly.  The soundtrack is vastly superior to Oppenheimer (which I found intrusive and actually oppressive).

Very much want to see this but haven’t found the time yet.

Interesting about the soundtrack. We saw his last one, The Favourite, in the cinema and one of my overriding memories of it is how deafeningly loud and intrusive the music was. It was a great film despite that though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 28 January, 2024, 08:36:02 am
Waiting for the Barbarians.  A nasty film that nobody needed to make.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Regulator on 29 January, 2024, 02:05:22 pm
I watched Marry My Dead Body, a Taiwanese film (with English dubbing), last night.  A gentle comedy, which I would recommend.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 04 February, 2024, 02:12:16 pm
White Noise on that Netflux, featuring a fat Adam Driver and a frizzy Greta Gerwig. Bloody brilliant.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andrewc on 05 February, 2024, 04:06:50 pm
I really enjoyed it.

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)


https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/feb/05/the-saltburn-bathbomb-the-milky-salacious-treat-absolutely-nobody-asked-for


https://www.lush.com/uk/en/p/saltbomb-bath-bomb       I'll pass thanks..... :hand:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 05 February, 2024, 09:01:53 pm
All Of Us Strangers


V good but crushingly sad.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 06 February, 2024, 07:11:38 am
Edmond, an imagination of how Edmond Rostand came to write Cyrano de Bergerac.  Excellent, with some lovely gags: "Et à la fin de l'envoi je... louche?"
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jsabine on 07 February, 2024, 08:30:39 am
All Of Us Strangers


V good but crushingly sad.

Beautifully shot and acted - I found it just a bit too supernatural though, particularly towards the end
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: BrianI on 10 February, 2024, 09:53:59 am
Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 13 February, 2024, 10:11:55 pm
Finally, I found the six hours and the necessary mental fortitude required to watch Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. I did more out of a sense of duty, because I loved the original Indiana Jones as a kid, and the others, while they weren't great, usually managed to be watchable.


The reviews don't do it justice. It's a lot worse. The start might have been OK, but the fight on a train thing has been done so many times now and often better, so why bother? It's also too long and clearly all shot against a green screen and CGI. Not very good CGI and SFX. The de-aging of Harrison Ford might have been passable back when that kind of thing was new, but not satisfactory these days, not even on a living room TV. You do have to ponder how everything is so poor given the $300 million budget (see also Marvel). Hell, if you're going to do the bloody train scene, do it in five minutes, it would be punchier and better and wouldn't expose your shitty effects. If you can't sing, don't do an entire bloody opera, do three minutes with a vocoder.


Oh for the actual stunts and model work on the original (which in adjusted terms cost less than a quarter of the later installment). It looked good then and still looks good today.


The writing and script were terrible and the humour was pretty much ha ha, look at old man, he so stupid. Harrison Ford is, for that matter, too old for this kind of movie. The female protagonist was offputting and unengaging. I'm not sure who they think the audience is for these movies, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't consist of people who want to go laugh at Indiana Jones because he's now old. See also Luke Skywalker. Who writes this shit? I mean, I'm sure actual writers still exist, I've even met them.


The plot is all over the place and will make you scratch your head so hard that you're likely to get brain tissue under your fingernails. I mean, I'm OK to suspend my disbelief, but not so high that it suffocates from the lack of oxygen. It does the usual modern thing of events happening solely to allow for other events to happen, there's nothing organic, no character has an arc, and the finale is just ludicrous and not even funny ludicrous. I suppose the saving grace was bringing back Marian for the coda, who at least seemed to have good sense to know she was too old for this kind of nonsense.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 13 February, 2024, 10:24:42 pm
Ah, thanks for that ian. It sounds quite like, with an extended train scene, that I will not be able to watch it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sam on 13 February, 2024, 10:25:00 pm
Re: Hoosier Jones, nicely dissected here, too. (https://youtu.be/I_HIIxbcGaM)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 13 February, 2024, 10:38:46 pm
Finally, I found the six hours and the necessary mental fortitude required to watch Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. I did more out of a sense of duty, because I loved the original Indiana Jones as a kid, and the others, while they weren't great, usually managed to be watchable.


The reviews don't do it justice. It's a lot worse. The start might have been OK, but the fight on a train thing has been done so many times now and often better, so why bother? It's also too long and clearly all shot against a green screen and CGI. Not very good CGI and SFX. The de-aging of Harrison Ford might have been passable back when that kind of thing was new, but not satisfactory these days, not even on a living room TV. You do have to ponder how everything is so poor given the $300 million budget (see also Marvel). Hell, if you're going to do the bloody train scene, do it in five minutes, it would be punchier and better and wouldn't expose your shitty effects. If you can't sing, don't do an entire bloody opera, do three minutes with a vocoder.


Oh for the actual stunts and model work on the original (which in adjusted terms cost less than a quarter of the later installment). It looked good then and still looks good today.


The writing and script were terrible and the humour was pretty much ha ha, look at old man, he so stupid. Harrison Ford is, for that matter, too old for this kind of movie. The female protagonist was offputting and unengaging. I'm not sure who they think the audience is for these movies, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't consist of people who want to go laugh at Indiana Jones because he's now old. See also Luke Skywalker. Who writes this shit? I mean, I'm sure actual writers still exist, I've even met them.


The plot is all over the place and will make you scratch your head so hard that you're likely to get brain tissue under your fingernails. I mean, I'm OK to suspend my disbelief, but not so high that it suffocates from the lack of oxygen. It does the usual modern thing of events happening solely to allow for other events to happen, there's nothing organic, no character has an arc, and the finale is just ludicrous and not even funny ludicrous. I suppose the saving grace was bringing back Marian for the coda, who at least seemed to have good sense to know she was too old for this kind of nonsense.

And yet still less bad than the previous one.

Also, it has Harrison Ford in it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jaded on 13 February, 2024, 10:42:04 pm
Re: Hoosier Jones, nicely dissected here, too. (https://youtu.be/I_HIIxbcGaM)

Started watching that, but my Gen Z attention span got in the way.

As well as the 'reversed footage? WTF'.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 14 February, 2024, 08:31:17 am
Started watching that, but my Gen Z attention span got in the way.

You know you're middle-aged when you can never remember what all these arbitrary generation names mean. Except boomer, of course, pronounced with an automatic lip curl.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 February, 2024, 08:45:19 am
I'm not sure who they think the audience is for these movies

Hollywood accountants?

I mean, it’s obviously a purely commercial exercise, no pretence of art and from the sound of it not even much of an attempt at entertainment.

Six hours. Sheesh.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 14 February, 2024, 08:38:22 pm
I'm not sure who they think the audience is for these movies

Hollywood accountants?

I mean, it’s obviously a purely commercial exercise, no pretence of art and from the sound of it not even much of an attempt at entertainment.

Six hours. Sheesh.


It felt like six hours, but apparently, it's only 2.5 hours. I can sort of forgive a weighty movie like Oppenheimer its run-time, but a movie with a plot you could write on a postcard, anything north of one and half hours seems extravagant. You already need a dumper truck full of popcorn and an adamantium bladder for the average modern movie.


The accountants should be aware at the moment that they're not making their money back on these quarter-billion dollar-plus movies and TV shows. Disney are $100 million in the tank on this movie alone. A $300 million movie needs to make about $750 million to break even. Yet they keep making them. The Marvels is looking at a $200-300 million loss.


They seem chronically unable to judge their audiences – I mean, these are the people who buy the tickets (and for posh seats in my local cinema, it's £23) – people don't want to pay to see some ill-judged new lead pour shade on the character that actually bought them to the movie. They want something exciting with characters they can warm to. You know, like Indiana Jones, who you wanted to see save the day and punch a few Nazis in the process. They want to see James Bond kill the bad guys and have martinis and sex, not have a mid-life crisis and be told by everyone he's a fossil. It's only a matter of time before they remake Aliens and have Ripley acknowledge the land rights of the Aliens to LV-426 after being educated on her sins by a shouty millennial Newt.


It's the writing that pisses me off the most, it's surely a small component of the overall budget, yet it's uniformly terrible. People have been telling and writing stories well, since humans were a thing. Yet, modern Hollywood, bless them, seem to have lost this ability.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 14 February, 2024, 09:47:26 pm
They want to see James Bond kill the bad guys and have martinis and sex, not have a mid-life crisis and be told by everyone he's a fossil.

Well, quite. I blame Batman. Or rather, Frank Miller. He started it. Dark Knight Schmark Knight. I want to see an uncomplicated chap dressed as a bat beating up an equally uncomplicated chap dressed as a penguin. And you can stick your back story up your arse. I really don’t need to know why he is dressed as a bat.

They will realise eventually that no one actually wants this shit. If they lose enough money on it. After all, they did stop making 3D films eventually. They would have saved themselves a lot of grief and/or money if they’d listened to me and stopped making them sooner.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 14 February, 2024, 10:24:05 pm
It's only a matter of time before they remake Aliens and have Ripley acknowledge the land rights of the Aliens to LV-426 after being educated on her sins by a shouty millennial Newt.
<snort>


It's the writing that pisses me off the most, it's surely a small component of the overall budget, yet it's uniformly terrible.
Now, I'm with you there brother! Plenty of TV has better writing, so where does it go wrong when there's bottomless budget??
My only guess is that they don't really let the writers do their thing - there's probably some guy in charge who steers them towards his "vision", and keeps demanding daft re-writes. And because the writers have no power, they do what they're told.
<sigh>

p.s. Ian why do you keep watching this garbage?? It actually hurts ME to see YOU self-harming like this ...
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: spesh on 14 February, 2024, 10:28:56 pm
p.s. Ian why do you keep watching this garbage?? It actually hurts ME to see YOU self-harming like this ...

Try looking at it as Ian taking one for the team.

He's making a big sacrifice of his time and spirit by watching these films so that we don't have to. :demon:
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 February, 2024, 07:23:35 am
It's only a matter of time before they remake Aliens and have Ripley acknowledge the land rights of the Aliens to LV-426 after being educated on her sins by a shouty millennial Newt.


Isn't that Alien Resurrection?
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 15 February, 2024, 09:55:38 pm
p.s. Ian why do you keep watching this garbage?? It actually hurts ME to see YOU self-harming like this ...

Try looking at it as Ian taking one for the team.

He's making a big sacrifice of his time and spirit by watching these films so that we don't have to. :demon:


What can I say, I have an abiding love of low culture. I grew up with Indy (ironically I didn't see the movie as we didn't have a cinema, so it mostly comics and the book-of-the-movie which was a thing back then). Admittedly none of the sequels lived up the first, which was pure popcorn-fueled fun, but they were watchable if progressively sillier (aliens, Indy, aliens). The last instalment, well, see above. If it were a pound shop version made for Syfy by such cinematic luminaries like The Asylum, I'd be on board. But they spaffed $300 million and they keep doing it, even though no one is sure who the movies are for, it's an Indy movie that doesn't like Indy. It's like doing a Stars Wars movie that doesn't like Luke Skywalker. Oh wait, they actually fucking made that movie.


I do think I actually punished myself with the last bunch of Marvel movies, admittedly, and hitting myself in the bollocks with a hammer would have been a less painful and cheaper form of masochism. I will give a brief reprieve to GoTG 3, which was OK. The others, can anyone remember them? The absolute tailpipe of Marvel though wasn't a movie, it was Secret Invasion. Arguably She-Hulk was worse, but it's saving grace was that it wasn't actually watchable so I think had an audience of 0. If Secret Invasion has one thing going for it, it's that it's an object lesson in how not to make a TV show. Anyone thinking of making a TV show should be forced to watch it first, and only once (and if) they stop screaming should they commence. If they've gouged out their eyeballs in the first episode, they should consider themselves lucky.


Despite all this, I'm feeling the ominously seductive pull of The Marvels, like some kind of black hole. I should stay away, it's probably less of a black hole and more of an anus. I mean, even the trailer is terrible, and if that's the best 90 seconds, what the hell must the other two hours plus be like? It's almost implausible.


At this point, I don't think I can actually stop myself from watching it.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Kim on 15 February, 2024, 10:05:34 pm
Despite all this, I'm feeling the ominously seductive pull of The Marvels, like some kind of black hole. I should stay away, it's probably less of a black hole and more of an anus. I mean, even the trailer is terrible, and if that's the best 90 seconds, what the hell must the other two hours plus be like? It's almost implausible.

I actually quite liked that one, because it didn't take itself too seriously and they did a good job of getting to the end of the fight scenes in a timely manner.  Better than whatever the previous Marvel nonsense was, anyway.  Ant-man, was it?  Yawn.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 15 February, 2024, 10:09:28 pm
they did a good job of getting to the end of the fight scenes in a timely manner.

I’m instantly feeling drawn to this. Those overblown, overextended fight scenes are my biggest problem with the Marvel films as a rule.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: sam on 15 February, 2024, 10:13:02 pm
What can I say, I have an abiding love of low culture.

The dude abides. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=127275.0)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 16 February, 2024, 07:26:04 am
p.s. Ian why do you keep watching this garbage?? It actually hurts ME to see YOU self-harming like this ...

Try looking at it as Ian taking one for the team.

He's making a big sacrifice of his time and spirit by watching these films so that we don't have to. :demon:
That makes me feel even worse!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: road-runner on 20 February, 2024, 10:52:43 pm
I have just finished watching Navalny. The BBC has licensed the film from CNN and it is available on iPlayer for a few more days, here (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0016txs/storyville-navalny).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 22 February, 2024, 03:44:04 pm
Dune on the Flix. 
The apparently 10 oscar nominated, it's so brilliant remake. 
I thought it was really shit.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ian on 22 February, 2024, 08:49:51 pm
It wasn't awful, but it was very slow. I mean, OK, the book is long too, but really you could write the plot on a side of A4 and use big letters and add some doodles.


In the spirit of completeness, I did book Dune part deux at the cinema, which didn't delight my wife, so she's counter-booked me to see a music about, wait for it, conjoined twins.


It's 2:46, which is mental. Bring back the intermission, I say. Or Ian Says Just Make Shorter Movies.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Nuncio on 22 February, 2024, 10:51:52 pm
Just back from seeing Twin Town, the first showing as part of a 25th anniversary mini tour of South Wales. Q&A with writer/directer Kevin Allen afterwards. It was sold out and it felt as if most of the audience had seen it several times and could join in with the dialogue.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 February, 2024, 12:46:07 pm
Just back from seeing Twin Town, the first showing as part of a 25th anniversary mini tour of South Wales. Q&A with writer/directer Kevin Allen afterwards. It was sold out and it felt as if most of the audience had seen it several times and could join in with the dialogue.

Only seen it once.

A friend was working in Swansea as student support. I asked him if he'd seen it "Yes, it is a documentary."
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: jwo on 23 February, 2024, 04:14:26 pm
Tangentially related (via Port Talbot): Have you seen The Way, currently on the BBC / iPlayer? Best seen in my view without reading any reviews or context - not that they contain spoilers, but just that its fun just to let it unfold without expectations.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 February, 2024, 09:25:01 pm
Poor Things  Greatly entertaining. The humour outweighs the cod philosophy/sociology and it's visually delicious.

Probably too much sex to make it an Oscar contender sadly.  The soundtrack is vastly superior to Oppenheimer (which I found intrusive and actually oppressive).

Saw it this afternoon. Superb. Very funny. The dance scene made me laugh uncontrollably.

I thought the philosophy/sociology stuff was cleverly done - deliberately quite simplistic so it didn’t get in the way of the story.

Emma Stone was excellent, of course, but Mark Ruffalo almost steals it.

Loved the music too. Really interesting and well suited to the film.

I’d heard there was a lot of sex in it but really wasn’t expecting there to be THAT MUCH shagging. And I’m still trying to work out exactly what she did with the apple… Crivens!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 25 February, 2024, 09:28:42 pm

Saw it this afternoon. Superb. Very funny. The dance scene made me laugh uncontrollably.

I thought the philosophy/sociology stuff was cleverly done - deliberately quite simplistic so it didn’t get in the way of the story.

Emma Stone was excellent, of course, but Mark Ruffalo almost steals it.

Loved the music too. Really interesting and well suited to the film.


Agreed.  Ruffalo's is one of the great grotesque film characterisations in recent cinema.  Totally over the top and all the better for it.

I still think the sex will be too much for the Oscars, sadly.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 02 March, 2024, 04:21:10 am
Napoleon.
This was second time watching it and unfortunately it just ended up annoying me. Ridley did a terrible job with this one.
Historically errors aside, it just totally misses the point and does a very poor job of describing who Napoleon was and his relationship with Josephine.

More annoying is the mostly average cinematography.

Oppenheimer:
Nolan, on the other hand, is clearly the best craftsman today. Loved it. Sure, the 'non-CGI' nuclear explosion was a bit naff, but it was mostly irrelevant to the story.
Nolan should totally do a Bond movie.

Killers of the flower moon:
Meh. Interesting story, boring execution. Took me 3 sittings to finish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 02 March, 2024, 11:24:02 am
@ian, very slow, yes.  But more than that, I felt that they worked in lots of scenes to provide images, at the expense of delivering the narrative/plot. How they spent so long not telling the story I do not know.  It's a very modern effect, where the film doesn't tell a story because you're supposed.to know the story already (eg all marvel movies, Dr who, etc).
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: toontra on 02 March, 2024, 11:34:27 am
It's basically bad editing.  Thelma's been doing it for so long and always gets the gig so she's probably getting a bit lazy.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fd3 on 02 March, 2024, 02:29:08 pm
@Jakob, I find Ridley very hit and miss.  And more miss than hit of late.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 02 March, 2024, 11:41:04 pm
The Third Man (BBC2) for the nth time.  Not just "the best British film of all time"  but the best film, full stop.  first time I've noticed the "cat discrepancy", though!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 March, 2024, 11:53:05 pm
Bit light on sex, violence and helicopters, IMHO.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 02 March, 2024, 11:55:42 pm
The Third Man (BBC2) for the nth time.  Not just "the best British film of all time"  but the best film, full stop.  first time I've noticed the "cat discrepancy", though!
Great film, worthy of repeated viewings.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 03 March, 2024, 12:02:32 am
Bit light on sex, violence and helicopters, IMHO.

I expected no less! 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Robh on 03 March, 2024, 12:09:23 am
We watched Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon' tonight on Apple TV+.

There are some good performances (though I’m not sure I’d include Juaquin Phoenix’s in that category) and some great visual set pieces - thanks to a lot of CGI. But it’s very disjointed. It’s episodic, campaign-by-campaign, and it tries to paint the vast scale of his exterior achievements onto the interior canvas of his relationship with Josephine, and it fails to pull it off. I don't know or care enough about the historical accuracy of it - it's not a documentary - but as entertainment it fails to register in comparison with some of the year's other offerings: hold it up against, for example, 'Oppenheimer' and you wonder how so much money can be spent achieving so little.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: TimO on 03 March, 2024, 02:20:40 pm
... And Eddie the Eagle has moved from the house round the back of mine so I'm no longer famous.

I used to live next door to his parents. Six degrees of separation ... :)

I watched How to Marry a Millionaire (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CluTmozbrmQ) for the umpteenth time, and it's currently on iPlayer (https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001n49g/how-to-marry-a-millionaire). It is a fairly feel-good film, although alarmingly dated in places (but was made over 70 years ago!)

I'm amused that the three female leads are aged 27, 29, and 37, even though the suggestion is that they're much younger, and at one point William Powell refers to Lauren Bacall being about 25, when she had claimed to be 40, but was in actuality 29. Not really a dramatic disparity in ages, but amusing when it was made a point of the story. William Powell's character claimed to be 56 too, when the actor was 61, so it wasn't just the women being creative with their ages. ;D

In places the pacing is a little slow, with some poor effects; the terrible backdrops for the driving which are not unusual for that era, but mostly it's a nice gentle comedy.

The $200 million that "Mr Filler Up" lays claim to, would be about $2.3 billion today, so he'd be approaching Trump's supposed worth.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 04 March, 2024, 04:46:40 am
@Jakob, I find Ridley very hit and miss.  And more miss than hit of late.

Yeah, he's made some of my favourite films, but man, he's also made some stinkers.
I recently watched the directors cut of Kingdom of Heaven and it's what I wanted Napoleon to be. True enough (in spirit) to the real events, with characters that you actually care about.
Phoenix' Napoleon is not very likeable at all and this was a guy who was famous for inspirational speeches and getting on with the troops.
All I can hope for is that like Kingdom of Heaven, where the theatrical release was also pretty meh, there'll be a directors cut of Napoleon.

In reality, Napoleon should have been a TV series. Probably only way they could have done it justice.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 04 March, 2024, 10:30:35 pm
Dune: Part Two

Immense, spectacular stuff, with a Zimmer soundtrack; what're you waiting for..?   ;)

~2hrs 40min
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 07 March, 2024, 01:26:00 pm
Judgement at Nuremberg.  I was too young to get in when it came out and our paths didn't intersect until I found it on Prime last week.  3 hours well spent.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 07 March, 2024, 08:32:22 pm
Yep, saw that a month or so ago. Impressive.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 08 March, 2024, 08:55:27 am
The only false note was Captain Kirk popping up all the time.  I didn't even notice it was him until MrsT pointed it out.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rogerzilla on 10 March, 2024, 10:36:27 am
Indiana Jones and the Flogged Dead Horse Dial Of Destiny.

It was better than the Crystal Skull but the CGI is completely overdone.  Lacks the pacing of the first and third films.  Completely wasted opportunity near the end to insert the deputy Nazi's line from The Blues Brothers.  They must have been tempted.

https://youtu.be/m-iTAauXqZk?si=wpBZV_JZ6qlwJJMp
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 March, 2024, 07:23:25 am
Poor Things

Wacky, bizarre, beautiful and ugly.

Quite impressed that this made it to mainstream cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: fimm on 11 March, 2024, 11:04:04 am
Dune II
It was OK. I enjoyed the 1st one more.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jurek on 11 March, 2024, 12:40:52 pm
A Clockwork Orange.
Yesterday.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Auntie Helen on 11 March, 2024, 01:49:51 pm
Bodyguard (dubbed into German, but hurrah they didn't dub Whitney's singing).

This had fared better than a lot of the other films of that time which seemed terrible now. Bodyguard was OK.

It was the first time Klaus had ever seen it.

I spent the whole film thinking what a crying shame it is that such a talent died in such an ignominious way, and the problems she had before that.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: farfetched on 11 March, 2024, 03:35:31 pm
The Gentlemen (2019) - actually there is a spin off 8 part series on Netflix that I was alerted to so I had to watch the film first.
Film streams on HBO over here (NL) but I believe its usually on Amazon Prime in most regions

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8367814/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8367814/)

A Guy Ritchie / Matthew McConaughey production, with a strange role for Hugh Grant ->  'cockney' news of the world scumbag reporter.
Actually there are one or two others who seem to have escaped their type cast image (Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey fame springs to mind too)
I quite liked it, good fun (if you like gangster films) not too long and made me curious about the Netflix series where Giancarlo Esposito
(Gus Frings from breaking bad) plays a leading role. I shall start that later this week.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: PeterM on 12 March, 2024, 12:56:34 pm
The Zone of Interest. An astonishing and deeply upsetting film
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: mattc on 12 March, 2024, 07:05:16 pm
The Gentlemen (2019) - actually there is a spin off 8 part series on Netflix that I was alerted to so I had to watch the film first.
Film streams on HBO over here (NL) but I believe its usually on Amazon Prime in most regions

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8367814/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8367814/)

A Guy Ritchie / Matthew McConaughey production, with a strange role for Hugh Grant ->  'cockney' news of the world scumbag reporter.
Actually there are one or two others who seem to have escaped their type cast image (Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey fame springs to mind too)
I quite liked it, good fun (if you like gangster films) not too long
It's good innit?

(Have you seen Wonka?! )
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: IanDG on 12 March, 2024, 09:34:56 pm
Denmark (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7037712/) BBC I-player. Enjoyable
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 13 March, 2024, 08:43:04 am
The Gentlemen (2019) - actually there is a spin off 8 part series on Netflix that I was alerted to so I had to watch the film first.
Film streams on HBO over here (NL) but I believe its usually on Amazon Prime in most regions

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8367814/ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8367814/)

A Guy Ritchie / Matthew McConaughey production, with a strange role for Hugh Grant ->  'cockney' news of the world scumbag reporter.
Actually there are one or two others who seem to have escaped their type cast image (Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey fame springs to mind too)
I quite liked it, good fun (if you like gangster films) not too long and made me curious about the Netflix series where Giancarlo Esposito
(Gus Frings from breaking bad) plays a leading role. I shall start that later this week.

Saw the serial last week, quite entertaining.  Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito, check.  Susan from Hogfather, uncheck.

Film's on Prime, duly rented.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 13 March, 2024, 09:23:16 am
Went to see Wicked Little Letters on Sunday. Fantstic film, which depends on good old fashined characters and acting, not BOOM special effects.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 18 March, 2024, 09:56:44 pm
Dune Part 2.

Worth seeking out an Imax or known good screen / sound for this one and sit near the front. Sadly I ventured to the nearest Odeon (Richmond) for the first time and found it wanting. I found the film unexpectedly involving. It’s a spectacle.

Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: redshift on 19 March, 2024, 09:17:54 am
Dune Part 2.

Worth seeking out an Imax or known good screen / sound for this one and sit near the front. Sadly I ventured to the nearest Odeon (Richmond) for the first time and found it wanting. I found the film unexpectedly involving. It’s a spectacle.

It is a spectacle, and I saw it in Imax, but I would recommend sitting higher up / further away. I also watched it in my local cinema last weekend and the second watch in a more manageable scale meant I got more of the jokes. Good sound is a must. YMMV.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Woofage on 19 March, 2024, 10:28:04 am
Went to see Wicked Little Letters on Sunday. Fantstic film, which depends on good old fashined characters and acting, not BOOM special effects.

Saw this last night at our new Everyman cinema (very posh!). Loved it from start to finish.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 19 March, 2024, 11:15:31 am
Birdman, again. Superb.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Phil21 on 19 March, 2024, 12:18:48 pm
Dune Part 2.

Worth seeking out an Imax or known good screen / sound for this one and sit near the front. Sadly I ventured to the nearest Odeon (Richmond) for the first time and found it wanting. I found the film unexpectedly involving. It’s a spectacle.

It is a spectacle, and I saw it in Imax, but I would recommend sitting higher up / further away. I also watched it in my local cinema last weekend and the second watch in a more manageable scale meant I got more of the jokes. Good sound is a must. YMMV.

I saw this in Imax last week. I'd never been to an Imax before, I thought they were supposed to be "wraparound" type immersive experiences, but it was just like a normal screen, but larger. That said, the quality of the projection and sound were excellent.

As to the movie, it's epic. Paul calling his first worm was an incredible piece of cinema.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 19 March, 2024, 12:28:18 pm
Dune Part 2.

Worth seeking out an Imax or known good screen / sound for this one and sit near the front. Sadly I ventured to the nearest Odeon (Richmond) for the first time and found it wanting. I found the film unexpectedly involving. It’s a spectacle.

It is a spectacle, and I saw it in Imax, but I would recommend sitting higher up / further away. I also watched it in my local cinema last weekend and the second watch in a more manageable scale meant I got more of the jokes. Good sound is a must. YMMV.

I found, despite the seat-shaking volume, that it was quite hard to properly comprehend what was being said at times during the parts when English was spoken. Even though the voices were loud and detailed, breath sounds etc., I still found that following what was said was tricky at times. It's not down to my admittedly sub-par hearing as my partner felt the same.

As for sitting near the front, in the Richmond Odeon even the front seats are quite a way back.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: andyoxon on 19 March, 2024, 07:39:24 pm
Paul / worm scene on YT...
 
(click to show/hide)

Looks like the clip is part of some promo/trailer. 
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Socks on 19 March, 2024, 08:04:00 pm
The Old Oak - as you would expect from a Ken Loach film, it has a specific agenda.  Acting sometimes a bit clunky, however as a resident of one of the many communities screwed by Thatcher and subsequent free market enthusiasts it seemed like an accurate 'warts and all' depiction.

Not always flattering for the working class communities who were the victims and some of whom have subsequently blamed immigrants and asylum seekers for their problems, instead of the rich gits who have been in charge.  Which is a point made quite eloquently in the film.  Worth watching, ends on a high note however you may not feel happier afterwards.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 20 March, 2024, 07:16:07 pm
This, just now:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgUC0zyu4p0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgUC0zyu4p0)

It's a short film about a 90-year-old cyclist.  Fabulous man, lovely scenery, just all-round uplifting.  Please try it!
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: T42 on 21 March, 2024, 03:50:36 pm
Solaris, the 1974 Русский version on Prime.  You have to like them slooooooooooooooooooooooow.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Peter on 21 March, 2024, 07:44:04 pm
Yes, that was very good.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: rafletcher on 23 March, 2024, 09:42:59 pm
The Commitments, a good time story.
Title: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 24 March, 2024, 05:53:48 pm
Went to see Wicked Little Letters on Sunday. Fantstic film, which depends on good old fashined characters and acting, not BOOM special effects.

Saw it this afternoon. Very funny. Extraordinary swearing. Olivia Colman is superb.

ETA: afterwards, I read Peter Bradshaw's review. He hated it, which is hardly surprising because he hates everything. He does make some fair points about how it's essentially a glib treatment of what is in truth a desperately sad story but I still like it for what it is, which is an amusing way to pass a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon - there is perhaps potential for a very different film to be made of this story though.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: citoyen on 25 March, 2024, 10:07:27 am
Ended up making a second outing to the cinema yesterday to see Dune Pt2.

Enjoyed it but it fell into the Lord of the Rings/Marvel trap of essentially being two and a half hours of build-up to the EPIC BATTLE, and it really did drag in places eg Feyd Rautha's birthday party, which felt mostly irrelevant.*

Bizarrely, it also felt very rushed in places, with some scenes seemingly cut short and left unresolved (eg Paul's desert trial) as it suddenly jumps to the next plot episode. For all its flaws, the Lynch version is much more coherent and taut storytelling.

And it's extremely noisy - reminded me of Dunkirk, with the constant barrage of loud music. It's a lazy way to signify THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. It didn't cause me any problems following the dialogue that some have mentioned but it did feel very intrusive at times.

Also, the worm riding scenes left me with one very important unanswered question: how do you get down off a sandworm?**


*
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**
(click to show/hide)


Another question: why do the Navigators not feature in this version of the story? Talking to my son after the film, he was saying he didn't get why spice was so important, which is a fair question - in the books (and the Lynch version) it's made clear that spice is essential to the Navigators, and therefore essential to interplanetary travel, so it seems like a pretty major omission.
Title: Re: What was the last film you watched?
Post by: Jakob on 29 March, 2024, 02:49:16 am
"Anatomy of a Fall"
Really enjoyed this. Still not sure of the outcome, but that's ok.