Upstream Colour - Wowzers...Incomprehensible but riveting. Will require a few more watches to make any sort of sense out of it (or not!). 8.5/10
movies What's the last film you watched? And rate it!
- Thread starter GerryLovesU
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Escape from Alcatraz - 6/10
That's the flattest character arc I have seen in ages lol. Same issue with cinematography.
The only thing that saves this movie is that it is based on true events.
Bram Stoker's Dracula - 10/10
Cinematic masterpiece! That is quite enough to close my eyes on the story aspect of the film
That's the flattest character arc I have seen in ages lol. Same issue with cinematography.
The only thing that saves this movie is that it is based on true events.
Bram Stoker's Dracula - 10/10
Cinematic masterpiece! That is quite enough to close my eyes on the story aspect of the film
Cry Me A River directed by Jia Zhangke - 8.5/10
I re-watched this after rating it a couple pages back. This time I raise it by one point and can safely say that this is one of my favorite short films. Jia Zhangke is really good at presenting realistic characters with realistic relationships in this film. This is one of those films that suggests much more in terms of backstory and future events. Now that I know that this film is inspired by the classic Chinese film Spring In A Small Town it makes me want to watch that classic even more.
The Killers directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, Aleksandr Gordob, Marika Beiku - 8/10
This is the first Tarkovsky film I've ever watched even though I know it isn't really representative of his other work, but I really liked it. The first scene (which is directed by Tarkovsky) has this great visceral suspense to it. The ending kind of threw me off but overall this is a great film and I look forward to watching Tarkovsky's other student films and eventually watching his masterpieces. This is another short film that makes me want to experience is source material, in this case a short story by Ernest Hemingway.
I re-watched this after rating it a couple pages back. This time I raise it by one point and can safely say that this is one of my favorite short films. Jia Zhangke is really good at presenting realistic characters with realistic relationships in this film. This is one of those films that suggests much more in terms of backstory and future events. Now that I know that this film is inspired by the classic Chinese film Spring In A Small Town it makes me want to watch that classic even more.
The Killers directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, Aleksandr Gordob, Marika Beiku - 8/10
This is the first Tarkovsky film I've ever watched even though I know it isn't really representative of his other work, but I really liked it. The first scene (which is directed by Tarkovsky) has this great visceral suspense to it. The ending kind of threw me off but overall this is a great film and I look forward to watching Tarkovsky's other student films and eventually watching his masterpieces. This is another short film that makes me want to experience is source material, in this case a short story by Ernest Hemingway.
Stoker 10/10
One of the best films of the past few years. Why? Because it breaks many film "rules" and tries out new things. The director tells a brutal and honest story, not holding back. The 180 degree rule is constantly broken, there are random and jarring cuts going 2 minutes back into the story randomly, and bizarre changes in time.
Jump cuts and lack of continuity. Disorienting angles, and weird twists.
But the most impressive and interesting thing in the film is the use of audio. I have heard many members (mainly Alcove
) talk about how audio is half the experience, and this film is probably the best example of that. The mixing and tempo of the music and sound effects are amazing. For a good ten minutes, I just shut my eyes and listened. This film alone makes me feel more respect for audio people, and helps me further realize the important of audio. Anyone who is interested in getting into audio should see (or should I say hear?) this film.
Overall a great film telling an interesting story with new and innovative techniques while breaking rules and making new ones. This must be done more.
One of the best films of the past few years. Why? Because it breaks many film "rules" and tries out new things. The director tells a brutal and honest story, not holding back. The 180 degree rule is constantly broken, there are random and jarring cuts going 2 minutes back into the story randomly, and bizarre changes in time.
villain and the hero get along, characters we think are going to be the hero die within a minute of their appearance.
But the most impressive and interesting thing in the film is the use of audio. I have heard many members (mainly Alcove
) talk about how audio is half the experience, and this film is probably the best example of that. The mixing and tempo of the music and sound effects are amazing. For a good ten minutes, I just shut my eyes and listened. This film alone makes me feel more respect for audio people, and helps me further realize the important of audio. Anyone who is interested in getting into audio should see (or should I say hear?) this film.Overall a great film telling an interesting story with new and innovative techniques while breaking rules and making new ones. This must be done more.
A Girl, She Is 100% directed by Naoto Yamakawa - 8/10
This short film is based on a short story by one of my favorite writers Haruki Murakami. The beginning of the film is kind of strange, but I can admire its techniques and use of music. Once the main character starts narrating the love story the film picks up and is really good. It isn't my favorite short film but I like its creative way to tell a story through stills, color, and narration. By the end of the film I'm sure we can all agree with the narrator that it certainly is a sad story. This was a re-watch and my opinions basically stayed the same.
Tokyo March directed by Kenji Mizoguchi - 8.5/10
This film by the Japanese master is incredibly directed. This silent film is about a woman who is sold by her aunt to be a geisha. Dreams of her mother (a geisha as well) lead the main character to distrust and stop loving men, and also to seduce them. In the story she seduces two men, her boss' son and his co-worker who quickly fall in love with her. As the story unravels there is a major plot twist that hits the viewer hard. Unfortunately only about 27 minutes of this silent film survive (it was originally 80 minutes). This would probably be up there as Mizoguchi's best early film if we could see the rest of the film. What we have is great though and surprisingly tells the story well (although some specific plot elements are missing). I liked this film a lot, and it was the first truly silent film (no music) I've seen besides maybe some of the earliest films ever made. I hope to re-watch it soon and watch more of Mizoguchi's silent films.
This short film is based on a short story by one of my favorite writers Haruki Murakami. The beginning of the film is kind of strange, but I can admire its techniques and use of music. Once the main character starts narrating the love story the film picks up and is really good. It isn't my favorite short film but I like its creative way to tell a story through stills, color, and narration. By the end of the film I'm sure we can all agree with the narrator that it certainly is a sad story. This was a re-watch and my opinions basically stayed the same.
Tokyo March directed by Kenji Mizoguchi - 8.5/10
This film by the Japanese master is incredibly directed. This silent film is about a woman who is sold by her aunt to be a geisha. Dreams of her mother (a geisha as well) lead the main character to distrust and stop loving men, and also to seduce them. In the story she seduces two men, her boss' son and his co-worker who quickly fall in love with her. As the story unravels there is a major plot twist that hits the viewer hard. Unfortunately only about 27 minutes of this silent film survive (it was originally 80 minutes). This would probably be up there as Mizoguchi's best early film if we could see the rest of the film. What we have is great though and surprisingly tells the story well (although some specific plot elements are missing). I liked this film a lot, and it was the first truly silent film (no music) I've seen besides maybe some of the earliest films ever made. I hope to re-watch it soon and watch more of Mizoguchi's silent films.
I liked Rushmore, but I agree with you on Side Effects.
I watched the whole thing, and I can honestly say it was one of the worst movies I've sat through, most likely due to my high expectations. It was boring, illogical, lacked interesting characters and good cinematography, has absurd twists, and the ending was...
The Great Gatsby 0/10
I watched the first few minutes of the film, and gave up on it. I finally decided to watch the whole thing.
NO.
It is a poor butchering of the book sacrificing interesting characters and underlying themes of the original novel for visual splendor and elements that will appeal to teen audiences.
I watched the first few minutes of the film, and gave up on it. I finally decided to watch the whole thing.
NO.
It is a poor butchering of the book sacrificing interesting characters and underlying themes of the original novel for visual splendor and elements that will appeal to teen audiences.
Pain and Gain 2/10
Ugh.
Another mindless, poorly directed, big-budget blockbuster from Michael "throw money at it" Bay. For me, there was nothing interesting or funny in the film. An unoriginal plot with unlikable and uninteresting characters. Instead of computer generated robot fight scenes and explosions, the film seems like rely on gross out moments and and Dwayne Johnson punching people while mumbling about Jesus. The acting from Mark Wahlberg, Tony Shalhoub, Dwayne Johnson, and Anthony Mackie is fantastic, but it can't save the film from it's poor writing and direction.
Ugh.
Another mindless, poorly directed, big-budget blockbuster from Michael "throw money at it" Bay. For me, there was nothing interesting or funny in the film. An unoriginal plot with unlikable and uninteresting characters. Instead of computer generated robot fight scenes and explosions, the film seems like rely on gross out moments and and Dwayne Johnson punching people while mumbling about Jesus. The acting from Mark Wahlberg, Tony Shalhoub, Dwayne Johnson, and Anthony Mackie is fantastic, but it can't save the film from it's poor writing and direction.
The Cowboys directed by Mark Rydell - 7.5/10
This was a good John Wayne western, I was actually surprised with its content considering that it stars a lot of children. I liked most of the performances in the film and the third act of the film was just a great visceral experience. The soundtrack was enjoyable and catchy as usual with John Williams. The only thing I don't really like is the visual style of the film. There are certainly some great shots and landscapes in this film, however, Mark Rydell seems to like using zoom shots a lot. I liked maybe only one of those zoom shots but the rest of them were annoying. All in all a good Western though not great compared to the genre at its greatest heights.
This was a good John Wayne western, I was actually surprised with its content considering that it stars a lot of children. I liked most of the performances in the film and the third act of the film was just a great visceral experience. The soundtrack was enjoyable and catchy as usual with John Williams. The only thing I don't really like is the visual style of the film. There are certainly some great shots and landscapes in this film, however, Mark Rydell seems to like using zoom shots a lot. I liked maybe only one of those zoom shots but the rest of them were annoying. All in all a good Western though not great compared to the genre at its greatest heights.
The last movie I watched was Identity Thief. I'd give it a 4/10. Some good moments, but overall, just too predictable.
Evil Dead (2013 film) - General audience: 7/10, Horror audience 8/10
Looks good.
Generally accepted "cabin in the woods" attrition film.
Mostly I just wanted to see where the director's work was going to go since the gone-viral release of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dadPWhEhVk
Looking forward to watching the original: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmsDdORtfJ8&oref
Broken City - 5/10
Missable.
Due to ShockingMind's recent upbraiding I stuck it out through the entire film, didn't cheat and watch it fast-forward w/ subtitles on.
Whitebread+mayo sandwich from first bite to last. Sorry.
This and 'Jack Reacher' are two recent political thrillers that have poorly defined stories jumbled up in their muddled plots.
Again, just watch 'State of Play' instead.
Upside Down - 5.5/10
Looks very pretty.
Fab example of learning how to execute a particular SFX and then just going hog wild with it!
Otherwise, the story requires a lot of just leaving your brain at the door, which I was prepared for by reviews beforehand.
Y Tu Mamá También - 6/10
This is a nice, typical, slice-of-someone-else's-life, young man's teen fantasy folklore film.
Eh... If you like those kinda films then watch it, otherwise...
My problem isn't with the sexual politics, it's just with the "Is this entertainment?" factor, which for me wasn't there.
Camerawork reminded me a lot of Gareth Edward's 'Monsters.'
The number of (for film) epically long takes/shots was notable and a genuine credit to the cast & crew.
The (sometimes random & rambling) narration irritated me considerably. Like a poor variant of that in the much superior 'Amélie.'
Looks good.
Generally accepted "cabin in the woods" attrition film.
Mostly I just wanted to see where the director's work was going to go since the gone-viral release of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dadPWhEhVk
Looking forward to watching the original: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmsDdORtfJ8&oref
Broken City - 5/10
Missable.
Due to ShockingMind's recent upbraiding I stuck it out through the entire film, didn't cheat and watch it fast-forward w/ subtitles on.
Whitebread+mayo sandwich from first bite to last. Sorry.
This and 'Jack Reacher' are two recent political thrillers that have poorly defined stories jumbled up in their muddled plots.
Again, just watch 'State of Play' instead.
Upside Down - 5.5/10
Looks very pretty.
Fab example of learning how to execute a particular SFX and then just going hog wild with it!
Otherwise, the story requires a lot of just leaving your brain at the door, which I was prepared for by reviews beforehand.
Y Tu Mamá También - 6/10
This is a nice, typical, slice-of-someone-else's-life, young man's teen fantasy folklore film.
Eh... If you like those kinda films then watch it, otherwise...
My problem isn't with the sexual politics, it's just with the "Is this entertainment?" factor, which for me wasn't there.
Camerawork reminded me a lot of Gareth Edward's 'Monsters.'
The number of (for film) epically long takes/shots was notable and a genuine credit to the cast & crew.
The (sometimes random & rambling) narration irritated me considerably. Like a poor variant of that in the much superior 'Amélie.'
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The Iceman 1/5
Somehow a based-on-fact story about a mob hitman who has killed over 100 people.. somehow this was made to be excruciatingly boring. Also the end to the second car chase was a god damn joke.. there was clearly room for him to navigate around the other cars by going onto the lawn, but he just stops for no reason
Somehow a based-on-fact story about a mob hitman who has killed over 100 people.. somehow this was made to be excruciatingly boring. Also the end to the second car chase was a god damn joke.. there was clearly room for him to navigate around the other cars by going onto the lawn, but he just stops for no reason
The Muppets: 6.2/10
Very solid addition to The Muppets legacy. Very funny, and mocks its own predictable plot lines, although may have done so a tad bit much. Solid story though. Reminds me of movies I watched as a kid.
Very solid addition to The Muppets legacy. Very funny, and mocks its own predictable plot lines, although may have done so a tad bit much. Solid story though. Reminds me of movies I watched as a kid.
American Pie: The Wedding
3/10
I like the American Pie series, but this was the second worst next to Book of Love imo. Had quite a few cliché moments, and I personally felt that the Stiffler overplayed his role as Stiffler.
A Royal Affair
7/10
A decent film about a historical time in Denmark combined with some great acting. Wasn't mindblown though, the movie went on quite slowly and without too much depth.
3/10
I like the American Pie series, but this was the second worst next to Book of Love imo. Had quite a few cliché moments, and I personally felt that the Stiffler overplayed his role as Stiffler.
A Royal Affair
7/10
A decent film about a historical time in Denmark combined with some great acting. Wasn't mindblown though, the movie went on quite slowly and without too much depth.
Ha great minds!!
Ain't Them Bodies Saints -Strangely gripping if a little trapped between it's Malick esq meanderings and it's small-town-big-plot plot. Rooney Mara was excellent. 8/10
Signs 8/10
Lighting, cinematography, and story was beast.
Lighting, cinematography, and story was beast.
What Time Is It There? directed by Tsai Ming-liang - 10/10
This was my first time watching a Tsai Ming-liang film as well as my first time watching a Taiwanese New Wave film. This film once again changed my perception of what cinema can be with its minimal dialogue and story, no music, and masterful compositions. The film has these alienated lonely characters and their strange habits but it tells its minimal story in such a unique way. Similarly to another of my favorite films, All About Lily Chou-Chou, the film immerses me in its world in a way that few films can, and even though I can't say I like the characters very much I do start to care for them more and more as the film progresses. The visual compositions of this film are top-notch, some of the greatest in any film that I've ever seen and I also love how long some of those takes are. The first shot was incredible in its seamless exploration of cinematic space (as are many other shots in the film). It was hard to "get" at first but the film made me think a lot and is making me want to explore more works by Tsai Ming-liang as well as Hou Hsiao Hsien and Edward Yang.
What's Up, Tiger Lily? directed by Woody Allen - 6.5/10
I've been wanting to watch Woody Allen's work for a long time now and this is my first shot. Although I know this film is not the most representative of his work I want to go in chronological order with his films. I thought the concept itself is hilarious and its so funny just how bad the original film was (I can't imagine it with different dialogue!). After that, there are some laugh out loud moments but seeing as the dialogue is the only thing the film really has to offer it doesn't give much more to like. Although I like The Lovin' Spoonful's music (and their soundtrack in this film) I didn't like the little segments with them as they messed with the flow of the picture and were unnecessary. I did, however, like the 60's feel to the movie and it probably is in part due to these segments. Next up, Take The Money And Run, I can't wait to watch it!
This was my first time watching a Tsai Ming-liang film as well as my first time watching a Taiwanese New Wave film. This film once again changed my perception of what cinema can be with its minimal dialogue and story, no music, and masterful compositions. The film has these alienated lonely characters and their strange habits but it tells its minimal story in such a unique way. Similarly to another of my favorite films, All About Lily Chou-Chou, the film immerses me in its world in a way that few films can, and even though I can't say I like the characters very much I do start to care for them more and more as the film progresses. The visual compositions of this film are top-notch, some of the greatest in any film that I've ever seen and I also love how long some of those takes are. The first shot was incredible in its seamless exploration of cinematic space (as are many other shots in the film). It was hard to "get" at first but the film made me think a lot and is making me want to explore more works by Tsai Ming-liang as well as Hou Hsiao Hsien and Edward Yang.
What's Up, Tiger Lily? directed by Woody Allen - 6.5/10
I've been wanting to watch Woody Allen's work for a long time now and this is my first shot. Although I know this film is not the most representative of his work I want to go in chronological order with his films. I thought the concept itself is hilarious and its so funny just how bad the original film was (I can't imagine it with different dialogue!). After that, there are some laugh out loud moments but seeing as the dialogue is the only thing the film really has to offer it doesn't give much more to like. Although I like The Lovin' Spoonful's music (and their soundtrack in this film) I didn't like the little segments with them as they messed with the flow of the picture and were unnecessary. I did, however, like the 60's feel to the movie and it probably is in part due to these segments. Next up, Take The Money And Run, I can't wait to watch it!
I recommend starting with Annie Hall and Midnight in Paris.
Thanks! But unfortunately I only have access to his early films
Are those films on Netflix or some other streaming service that can be used internationally?
Thanks! But unfortunately I only have access to his early films
Are those films on Netflix or some other streaming service that can be used internationally?
Yep! I don't use Netflix, but it looks like most of his films are on there.