Cupcake and I saw 'Cars' this week end. Thought it was great...:)

Anyone else have any recommendations?

Anyone else have any recommendations?
fahrenheit 911 :cool:

Cupcake and I saw 'Cars' this week end. Thought it was great...:)

never heard of it

why not watch the bit in Bambi where the hunter blows Bambi's mum to death - thats a right laugh for you:rolleyes:

Col

fahrenheit 911 :cool:

Hum.. Saw some previews of that, not my cup of tea really...:)

What else do you have?

never heard of it

why not watch the bit in Bambi where the hunter blows Bambi's mum to death - thats a right laugh for you:rolleyes:

Col

Gee whiz - You guys are really in a twist over something this morning. Think I'll check out before it rubs off...;)

What else do you have?

The road to Guantanamo

What else do you have?
How to kill 25,000 civilians and 2,500 US soldiers without really trying, and still be a christian.

Col

Gee whiz

Whats the origin of that?

Is it a common phrase in the US?

Col

Whats the origin of that?

Is it a common phrase in the US?

Col

a. 'Leave it to Beaver' :confused: :D

b. Not so much these days... :confused:

a. 'Leave it to Beaver' :confused: :D
no - you've lost me there. Beaver?, thats a thing that swims and builds dams isn't it?:confused:

Not so much these days... :confused:

so its only old people that use it then;)

Col

no - you've lost me there. Beaver?, thats a thing that swims and builds dams isn't it?:confused:

so its only old people that use it then;)

Col

a. Google it... ;)

b. Pretty much... ;)

a. Google it... ;)

No its ok thanks. I was hoping an American would know the origins of their language:rolleyes:

Col

No its ok thanks. I was hoping an American would know the origins of their language:rolleyes:

Col

Sorry Col...

How about this: Link (http://www.leaveittobeaver.org/)

Daymn...I'm gone one day...and y'all start...*shakes head* :mad:

Oh well..

as for Movie..

Fast and Furious 3...is great

I don't know about movies out today...but here are a few good ones to check out:
1) "City of God" excellent foriegn drama
2) "Seven Years in Tibet"
3) "The Lion in Winter" old version
4) "A Man for All Seasons"
5) "Cabaret"
6) "Casablanca" worth watching even for one line: "Of all the gin-joints in all the towns in all the world...she walks into mine."
7) "Lawrence of Arabia" long but good
8) "The Bridge over the River Kwai"
9) "Kelly's Heroes"
10) "The Eagle Has Landed"
11) "Cross of Iron"
12) "Das Boot" german u-boat story
13) "Much Ado About Nothing" Kenneth Branaugh version, Shakespeare
14) "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Shakespeare
15) "Full Metal Jacket", "Doctor Strangelove" any film of Stanley Kubrick is excellent
16) "Saving Private Ryan"
17) "Alien"
18) "The Silence of the Lambs"
19) "Seven"
20) "Memento" told backwards, very interesting for first time viewers
21) "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"
22) "The Big Lebowski" comedy
23) "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" comedy, true
24) "Rushmore" comedy
25) "The Nightmare Before Christmas" excellent claymation for kids and adults
26) "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark"
27) "The Hobbit" 70's animated, great for kids...not so great if you haven't loved it since childhood
28) "The Outlaw Josey Wales" Clint Eastwood as Badass
29) "Million Dollar Baby" Clint Eastwood as Lovably grumpy old guy
30) "Seven Samurai" slow, black and white, in Japanese, and one of the greatest movies of all time by director Akira Kurosawa
31) "Memories" Anime, in Japanese, three short stories, very good
32) "Princess Mononoke" or "Spirited Away" or any by this director--it is anime, but in a disney-like fashion

Note: some people hate anime from the beggining, but if you like it, you might want to check out the series "Cowboy Bebop", "Ranma 1/2", and "Macross Plus"

This list doesn't even begin to cover all the good movies, but it's a start. Tried to Leave out ones EVERYONE has seen.

PS--
33) "Singing in the Rain"
34) "Hero" Kung-Fu drama, a little fantastical
35) "Enter the Dragon" kung-fu classic
36) "Jurassic Park" NOT the sequels

37) "Annie Hall" if you see one Woody Allen movie, make it this one
38) "Lost in Translation"
39) "Breathless" french, black and white
40) "Conan the Barbarian"
41) "Caddyshack"
42) "The Ninth Gate" Johnny Depp's best movie, imho
43) "The Seventh Seal" black and white, german
44) "Fiddler on the Roof" musical--"matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match" came from here
45) "Pride and Prejudice" the Collin Firth version, not the new one
46) "Platoon"
47) "Apocalypse Now"
48) "Der Untergang" in german, about Hitler's last days
49) "Tombstone" I'm your huckleberry...
50) "Dracula" version with Winona Ryder
51) "Interview with the Vampire"
52) "The Professional"
53) "Jean du Florette" in french, slow
54) "Robin Hood: Prince of Theives" entertaining at least
55) "Butch Cassady and the Sundance Kid"
56) "The Sting"
57) "The Great Gatsby" with Robert Redford
58) "Big"
59) "Malcom X"
60) "The Last Unicorn" horrible music, but this is what children's movies should be like, I loved this as a kid
61) "The Secret of Nimh" kid's movie, short, but very good
more anime:
62) "Ninja Scroll" fantastical and horribly violent
63) "Ghost in the Shell" sci-fi that ponders on the nature of the soul
64) "Akira" sci-fi, classic anime
also check out the series "Outlaw Star" "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Berserk"

Another anime note: anime is best gotten into when in your teens...I don't think many will like it after that
Oh yeah, if you liked Rushmore, then check out the rest of the movies by that director or in that group...the are all good ("The Life Aquatic", "The Royal Tenenbaums")

How interesting, Tasslehoff - aside from the anime, your list is pretty good - lots of movies I have seen and love. Except for "Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves" - a most wooden performance by Kevin Costner, where he starts the movie with a lame English accent, and bags it by the time the first 30 minutes have passed. I much prefer "Robin Hood - Men in Tights".

Here are some more of my favorites:

1) "Princess Bride" - one of the classic comedies
2) "The Fifth Element" - not the greatest Bruce Willis movie, but lots of incredibly funny lines
3) "Galaxy Quest" - if you love Star Trek, this movie is for you
4) "Bram Stoker's Dracula" - it deserves naming again
5) Any Pixar movie.
6) "Schindler's List" - a hard watch, but worth every minute
7) "Bruce Almighty" - had me peeing my pants
8) "50 First Dates" - my favorite romantic comedy
9) "Pirates of the Carribean" - I can watch this every day
10) "The Game" - the most suspenseful movie I have ever seen

That's about all I have time for right now.

Lisa

Many people have never heard of it, but my all time favorite movie: Breaking Away.
Set in Bloomington, Indiana. A gem.

Wow! This is one heck of a list!

I don't even know where to start.

Here's a handful of movies from a genre I like that pretty much has vanished: the mystery/comedy. Movies that successfully swing you from creepy suspense to side-splitting laughter.

1.) Foul Play - Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase, Dudley Moore and Burgess Meredith star. It's jammed with creepy moments, especially through the beggining. As the movie progresses it gets funnier and funnier. Highlights include two little old ladies spelling dirty words while playing Scrabble; a high-speed race against time with two Asian immigrants in the back seat enjoying the ride (Kojak bang bang!?); and a pseudo-kung fu fight scene between the geriatric hero and villainess.

2.) Hanky Panky - Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner. The movie starts off will a creepy suicide scene and sets the stage for the entire plot. The movie as a whole isn't the greatest, but it has one of the funniest scenes of all time. I'm not sure I've ever laughed so hard for so long as I did for the Mr. Pucket scene.

3.) Charade - Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Top notch movie. The mystery aspect is pretty solid but the dialogue between Hepburn and Grant really makes the movie shine. The supporting cast of unsavory villains (including the guy who played the creepy ghost on the subway in "Ghost") keeps the mood sufficiently spooky).

Except for "Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves" - a most wooden performance by Kevin Costner, where he starts the movie with a lame English accent, and bags it by the time the first 30 minutes have passed. I much prefer "Robin Hood - Men in Tights".
Lisa
I know, but Alan Rickman was awesome.
Alan Rickman to Robin: "I'm going to cut your heart out with a spoon!"
Cousin: "Why a spoon, cousin? Why not a blade or an axe?"
Alan Rickman: "Because it's dull you twit! It'll hurt more."

Also
65) Amadeus
66) Imortal Beloved

I was going to add "The Fifth Element" but you beat me to it :)
"Lady, I only know two languages: English and Bad English."

Tass,
LOL.... Alan Rickman was phenomenal.
YOU!!!! Come to my room at 7! You.... 7:30.... and bring a friend!
And... what if Anime wasn't INVENTED yet when you were a teen?
And.... Seven... WOW.... what a film! It's so disturbing but so VERY VERY clever. It completely blew me away. Kevin Spacey.... wow!


lmnop,
The 5th Element is one of my favorites as well. Chris Tucker ROCKS in it... laugh my ass off every time I see it. In fact, the first three on your list are awesome picks in my book.

Greg,
Charade huh? Good to know. Never heard of that one but I'm a HUGE Cary Grant fan. <<faints slightly>> I'll see if my local video store carries it. Thanks for the tip! <<trying so... hard... to ignore... sexual ... innuendo....reference in.....my last..... sentence...... argh!>>

<<trying so... hard... to ignore... sexual ... innuendo....reference in.....my last..... sentence...... argh!>>
Forget about your last sentence. What about your tagline!? :eek: :p

Hmmm,
Disclaimer:
I think it would be okay to expand the subject a little to include everyone's ideas on what constitutes a good or bad movie. It's not my thread, so please let me know if this isn't a good idea.

Good Horror movies I haven't already mentioned:
67) "The Haunting" 1960's Black and White version, NOT new one
68) "Hell House" old version

BAD horror movies:
The Hills Have Eyes--interesting to note that only the sinner-victims survive in this one, the good-victims all die horribly
The Grudge
Darkness Falls
...basically anything in the genre of trying to scare you with extremely suspenseful music, false surprises, real surprises immediately after false surprises, and blood and gore. I think "Scream" started the proliferation of these movies, but instead of getting better than "Scream" (which was good when it came out) they have only degenerated into cheap thrills.

Some new horror movies that may fall into this genre, but distinguish themselves in some way to make them not completely trash:
The Descent--so incredibly extremely insane that it is worth watching
The Blair Witch Project--may not be to your taste...not really to mine...but the camera-style and the fact that you never see the monster sets it apart
The Ring--makes you fear ideas, not noises

That, I think, is the real difference between good and bad horror: good ones make you fear ideas ("The Shining","The Exorcist"--my Mom couldnt sleep for two days after seeing it) while bad ones scare you with a violin crescendo.

My Take on Horror Films, fini

Tasslehoff:

I used to watch horror flicks in my twenties, just for the thrill. Well, the thrill is gone. I read plenty of Stephen King, I have all his books, and his books can give me nightmares. So I have no need for the horror films anymore. A good suspenseful movie can have me on the edge of my seat and covering my eyes, so I don't need the useless gore just for added excitement. And especially the films that make you fear ideas - I got enough scary ideas in my own head, thank you.

Tess:

Galaxy Quest is the one that gets us everytime. My boyfriend is constantly quoting from that movie.
(forgive me if it isn't exact)
"Those must be the miners."
"Of course they're minors - they can't be more than 5 or 6."
"Miners, not minors!!"

Lisa

road to Guantanamo

Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dotty Lamour?

OMG, people!:eek: Am I blind or have people been discussing "All time greats" and no one included:


JAWS
Star Wars (any of them)
Star Trek (OK...the even ones)
Lord of the Rings
SNATCH

OMG, people!:eek: Am I blind or have people been discussing "All time greats" and no one included:


Actually, I was kinda just interested in some of the latest stuff... :)

But the lists were cool - I saw several I have never heard of and may just have to try now... :)

SNATCH

Indeed, this is an awesome movie, so is "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels". I tried to list movies that everyone didn't agree on as great or didn't know about...but perhaps you are right and they need to be stated because...


Lord of the Rings


...are not good movies. I was actually typing up a HUGE statement on why these are not good when you posted, but now I will try to be brief.

1) Wrong Medium
2) Wrong Audience
3) Slow Motion used badly
4) Music used cheaply
5) CG
6) Melodramatic acting

Everything about The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was right: excellent story, passionate cast and crew, a good budget…but nevertheless things went wrong. As is so often the case today, everything was done WAY over the top in an effort to manhandle the emotions of the audience. All of these problems stem from Hollywood's greedy nature--they think the point is to make money, not a movie. Hence, today we see a lot of movies that are sequels, or re-makes, or based on already successful stories and ideas...like the Lord of the Rings. Why take a risk trying to make a great movie when you can just use established money-making conventions?:rolleyes: :mad: ;_;

If you want me to explain these reasons further I will but be prepared for a long answer. ;)

PS-
69) “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” have to have a specific taste in comedy for this one
70) “Romeo and Juliet”—both the old and the new one with Leo
71) “Empire Records”
72) “Julius Caesar” version with Charlton Heston
73) “Soylent Green”
74) “Blade Runner”
75) “Followed”
76) “Sound of Music”
77) “Gia”
78) “Match Point” Scarlett Johannson is awesome, plus a good ending
79) “Catch Me if You Can”
80) “The Godfather”
81) “The Heist”
82) “Mallrats” more of a teen thing
83) “Clerks” in Black and White, kind of a cult-classic
84) “Good Will Hunting”
85) All the Bond films—pure entertainment

Sidenote: who was the best Bond?

Ooh here's a good one:

I'm not sure whether you enjoy foreign films, but if you can handle subtitles at all I highly recommend "Run Lola Run". Really, really cool movie. (And it's only a few years old, in contrast to my other suggestions.)

Tass, I'm sure you're right about Hollywood's money-making machine, but I greatly disagree about the LoTR movies. True, they weren't a spectacular testament to the art of filmmaking, but they told the story very well, and were both fun and visually striking to watch. I enjoyed them very much.

...are not good movies. :eek: :eek: :eek:If you want me to explain these reasons further uh...no:cool:
You are entitled to your opinion of course, but out of deference to Ken, I'll not be doing any hijacking today.who was the best Bond?Connery, Sean Connery...of coursh

... but out of deference to Ken, I'll not be doing any hijacking today.

That would make this the first un-hijacked thread to make it past 30 posts in the 'cooler....:p

Sidenote: who was the best Bond?
That's a tough one for me. I grew up watching Roger Moore; The Spy Who Loved Me was the first Bond film I saw and is still one of my favorites. I also really liked Pierce Brosnan, and Goldeneye is my favorite Bond flick. Nevertheless, I think Connery stand out as the best Bond.

That would make this the first un-hijacked thread to make it past 30 posts in the 'cooler....:p
I'm on a quest to be a kinder, gentler, misanthrop:D

I'm on a quest to be a kinder, gentler, misanthrop:D

misanthrope :eek:

(Confession - Had to dictionary.com that one :D )

misanthrope :eek:...and a better spellchecker.:o

...and a better spellchecker.:o
Have we hi-jacked yet or are we technically still on topic? :eek: :D

Have we hi-jacked yet or are we technically still on topic? :eek: :D It's your thread... I figured as long as I was following you I was safe:D

It's your thread... I figured as long as I was following you I was safe:D

You're brave - :p

Topic, topic...

Hum... I'm guessing no one else has seen 'Cars'. Great kiddie movie and good 'silly adult' movie... Pixar seems to be good stuff is general.

Pixar seems to be good stuff is general.
Agreed. But no, I haven't seen Cars.

I'm trying to think of other recent stuff...for summer blockbusters it seems to be a lackluster year so far. I did enjoy X-Men 3, though. Superman looks very good. (Why, yes... that was a double entendre...) I can't think of anything that came out recently and made me think, "That looks cool/interesting/worth seeing".

I have a feeling they wouldn't be your cup of tea, but you didn't happen to see Kill Bill, didja Ken?

Agreed. But no, I haven't seen Cars.

I'm trying to think of other recent stuff...for summer blockbusters it seems to be a lackluster year so far. I did enjoy X-Men 3, though. Superman looks very good. (Why, yes... that was a double entendre...) I can't think of anything that came out recently and made me think, "That looks cool/interesting/worth seeing".

I have a feeling they wouldn't be your cup of tea, but you didn't happen to see Kill Bill, didja Ken?

I saw it advertised but havn't seen it... Is it rated R?

I saw it advertised but havn't seen it... Is it rated R?
Most definetly rated R. Lots of blood and gore...but done that way as a tribute to the japanese samurai movies Tarantino likes. Actually, the whole theme of the movie is sort of to tribute those movies. The actor who plays Bill is from the old series "Kung Fu", which is what made kung-fu styled movies popular in America. :cool:
And that's right, I forgot! All of the Tarantino movies ("Resevoir Dogs", "Four Rooms", "Desperado", and especially "Pulp Fiction") are very good and have a unique style.
It amazes me sometimes the number of great movies I've forgotten to mention. I know that out of the thousands of movies I have seen and own, there must be at least several hundred worthy of mention here...but I just can't think of them off the top of my head!
The reason why I have so many movies, if you are wondering, is because that is how me and my dad bond. Some fathers take their sons fishing, my father and I collect movies at the rate of about ten a week. Go figure.:D
PS--
86) "Batman" Jack Nicholson is AWESOME as the Joker
87) "Batman Returns" Michelle Pfifer (is that right?) excellent as Catwoman
Sidenote: Batman is better than superman, if only because his villains are more interesting:p
88) "LadyHawk" more Pfifer
89) "Dangerous Liasons"
90) "A Time to Kill"
91) "Shawshank Redemtion" excellent
92) "Basic Instinct" sultry
93) "Edward ScissorHands" Vincent Price...oh yeah
94) "The Fall of the House of Usher" old version
95) "Faust" silent version
96) "El Mariachi" the guitar player, prequel to Desperado..."Desperado, why don't you come to your senses? You've been out riding fences..."

Most definetly rated R. Lots of blood and gore...but done that way as a tribute to the japanese samurai movies Tarantino likes. Actually, the whole theme of the movie is sort of to tribute those movies. The actor who plays Bill is from the old series "Kung Fu", which is what made kung-fu styled movies popular in America. :cool:.."

Not big on R stuff... ;)

97) "The Labyrinth" one of my favorite movies of all time. David Bowie as the Goblin King, Jennifer Connelly as Sarah.
"You remind me of the babe."
"What babe?"
"The babe with the power."
"What power?"
"The power of VooDoo."
"Who do?"
"You do."
"Do what?"
"Remind me of the babe."
"I saw my baby, crying hard as babe could cry..."
98) "Requiem for a Dream" more Connelly
99) "A Beautiful Mind" even more Connelly
100) "The Hot Spot" and finally, Connelly

Not big on R stuff... ;)
Understandable...but you shouldn't let the rating decide for you. For example, older movies did not have the ratings PG or PG-13--everything was simply R or G. They are still R, even though today they would not even garner so much as PG-13.
101) "Gettysburg" based on the novel The Killer Angels
I'm pretty sure this is R. It is about the Civil War and has little or no swearing. To be sure there is a lot of violence...but none that is up close and personal and there is no blood and gore at all.
102) "Gone With the Wind"
103) "The Wizard of Oz"

EDIT
I don't mean to sound preachy or anything...apologies if I did! I just don't want you to miss some of the excellent movies out there. :)
It also seems to me like the people rating movies nowadays are getting a little too involved. Once I saw "This movie has been rated PG-13 for Excessive Partying" Actually, what was in the movie wasn't excessive partying, and anyone who had been to a normal party, let alone an excessive party, would know it. People puking is absolutely normal. People having fights is normal. People tipping over a vase is normal. When people start diving through walls, kicking out the support beams to the porch roof, pulling chandeliers down by swinging on them, taking hammers to the drywall and relieveing themselves in the corner...all because there weren't any girls there...then you can call it excessive.

Understandable...but you shouldn't let the rating decide for you. For example, older movies did not have the ratings PG or PG-13--everything was simply R or G. They are still R, even though today they would not even garner so much as PG-13.


Suppose you're right with the older rating system...

Still, R today usually means a lot swearing and some sex/nudity... :cool:

Gottcha, Ken. I'll try to focus my ideas on lighter fare. :D

Even more Connelly: Dark City. One of my all-time favorite Sci-Fi movies.
Civil War movie: Glory. Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Carey Elwes. I'm sure it's R for realistic battle scenes, but movies about war shouldn't sugar coat, IMHO. One of the best movies I've ever seen. Period.

It'll be hard to continue this list without repeating things, but I'll try. :D

If I remember correctly, this won't apply to your kids but maybe keep it in mind for the grandkids... Children's Movie: The Phantom Tollbooth. Plenty of stuff you'd have to be older to appreciate, though. My favorite movie as a kid, and I'd buy it now if they'd release it on DVD.

Please don't limit the discussion based on my taste! :o It's just that movies like Pulp Fiction are over the top for me...

I wonder if movies like Glory are in BlockBuster? If not, I wonder can/will they try to get them...:confused:

I wonder if movies like Glory are in BlockBuster? If not, I wonder can/will they try to get them...:confused:
I guarantee you'll find at least one copy on the shelf at Blockbuster or any video store down to the 'mom and pop' places.

Some other suggestions inspired by reading through the list:

Allen Quartermane and the Lost City of Gold -AND/OR- King Soleman's Mines. Similar to the Indiana Jones franchise but not quite as good, these films are high-quality adventure nonetheless. And they have Sharon Stone before she was famous. The Mines was the first of the two but I like City of Gold better and you don't need to see the first one to enjoy the seond.

Hamlet - Mel Gibson version, also starring the unparalleled Glen Close. If you're interested in Shakespeare, this is a great telling of the story.

Moulin Rouge - Ewan MacGregor, Nicole Kidman. Visually stunning, funny, silly, and a tear-jerker despite the fact that you know how it ends within the first few lines of the movie. It takes contemporary music and weaves it seamlessly into a 19th century setting.

The Ref - Kevin Spacey, Dennis Leary, Judy Davis. One of my all-time favorite comedies. The language is awful, again, but I've seen it on TV without the bad language - and I don't mean edited or dubbed, I mean it appears they actually filmed a "clean" version of the movie - so you might be able to find a DVD where you can watch it without the language.

Spaceballs - Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis, John Candy, Bill Pullman, Joan Rivers. Crammed with bad language and crude humor, but this Star Wars spoof is one of the funniest movies ever.

And while I'm at it with Mel Brooks:

History of the World: Part I
Young Frankestein (this one is hilarious without bad language) - Gene Wilder, Teri Garr, Madeline Kaan

And - I know I keep saying this, but - I think this movie is my #1 favorite comedy and it has no bad language: Clue. Tim Curry, Madeline Kaan, Eileen Brennan, Christopher Lloyd, Martin Mull, Micheal McKean, Lesley Anne Warren, Colleen Camp.

The Cheap Detective is another great clean comedy that is a satire/spoof of film noir, though mainly making fun of Casablanca and the Maltese Falcon. Peter Falk, Eileen Brennan, Madeline Kaan, Sid Ceasar, Anne Margret, Stockard Channing, Dom DeLuise, Abe Vigoda.

Murder by Death is another one, although probably the weakest of the bunch I've listed. Plenty of hilarious moments, though.

BTW, Ken, if you'd like to know more about anything on the list I'd be happy to oblige. :D

Good grief, what am I thinking? The entire Pink Panther series (no, not the Steve Martin remake, the Peter Sellers originals).

Forget about your last sentence. What about your tagline!? :eek: :p

Only you, Greg.... only you....:)

104) "Office Space"
105) "The Red Violin"
106) "The Ghost and the Darkness"
107) "The Quick and the Dead"
108) "Ferris Beuler's Day Off"
109) "Escape From New York"
110) "Road Warrior"
111) "Dogma"
Urrgh! you beat me to Young Frankenstein, Kraj:)
but another Gene Wilder:
112) "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" better than the Depp/Burton version by far

Okay, now here are the top ten, Ken, that I think you would like from my list:
1) "City of God"--rated R...but this is just TOO good of a movie to pass up. Look it up...all of the reviews will be flatering.
2) "Amadeus"--this is about the life of Mozart. It won like a bazillion awards
3) "Spirited Away"--if you like Pixar, you'll like this
4) "Much Ado About Nothing"--my dad doesn't really get into the whole shakespeare-movie genre...except for this
5) "The Nightmare Before Christmas" like disney/pixar...but better. again, read the reviews
6) "Office Space" anyone who works in a cubicle must see it
7) "Fiddler on the Roof"--excellent history drama and musical
8) "Shawshank Redemption"--everyone loves this
9) "Seven Years in Tibet"--Brad Pitt's best movie imho
10) "The Lion in Winter" about Henry I. Peter O'Toole, Catherine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins a million awards

I would have included movies by Stanley Kubrick, Akira Kurosawa, Quentin Tarantino, and the director of the genre "Rushmore" is in, as any movies by these guys are worth watching...but I don't think it would fit your taste. (from the little I know of it, that is :D )

PS--
113) "Meet Joe Black"
114) "Legends of the Fall"
115) "The Man from Snowy River"
116) "Excalibur" best king arthur movie ever

Thanks all - Think I'll check out Glory & Clue (?)... We really don't do many movies, maybe 2-3 a month and cupcake is harder to please than I am... Let's see lately we've seen Notebook (?), Walk the Line, The Green Mile, etc... They were all pretty good...

3) "Spirited Away"--if you like Pixar, you'll like this
I agree this is a good movie, but I don't think it's even in the same ballpark as Pixar movies. Pixar tends to take reality and apply it to an unexpected situation. Ocean creatures, Monsters, Toys, etc., all have human-like behaviors, problems, adventures, etc.

Spirited Away is pure fantasy. You have to simply accept that in the world they present certain things happen and that's the way it is and not ask why or what it means to the story.

Thanks all - Think I'll check out Glory & Clue (?)... We really don't do many movies, maybe 2-3 a month and cupcake is harder to please than I am... Let's see lately we've seen Notebook (?), Walk the Line, The Green Mile, etc... They were all pretty good...

I thought The Green Mile was a fantastic movie. Much better than the books. My BF is also hard to please regarding movies - but I told him that there are really no bad movies. Ok, there are a few - "Wolf" with Jack Nicholson & Michelle Pfeiffer, and I can't remember the other one - but there have only been 2 movies I have seen that were really bad. And I am the kind of person who just likes to be taken away by a movie, and in lost cases, that's what I get. So if you go into it that way, as an escapist route, you'll want to see many more movies.:D :D

Lisa

I thought The Green Mile was a fantastic movie. Much better than the books. My BF is also hard to please regarding movies - but I told him that there are really no bad movies. Ok, there are a few - "Wolf" with Jack Nicholson & Michelle Pfeiffer, and I can't remember the other one - but there have only been 2 movies I have seen that were really bad. And I am the kind of person who just likes to be taken away by a movie, and in lost cases, that's what I get. So if you go into it that way, as an escapist route, you'll want to see many more movies.:D :D

Lisa

The only thing with The Green Mile for me was that the fantasy part kind of catches you by surprise and my mind had to make the 'Could happen' to 'Couldn't happen' adjustment in midstream and it was a bit of a distraction. I think they should have done a little fanatsy bit earlier in the story...:)

I agree this is a good movie, but I don't think it's even in the same ballpark as Pixar movies. Pixar tends to take reality and apply it to an unexpected situation. Ocean creatures, Monsters, Toys, etc., all have human-like behaviors, problems, adventures, etc.

Spirited Away is pure fantasy. You have to simply accept that in the world they present certain things happen and that's the way it is and not ask why or what it means to the story.

Yes, it is indeed a pure fantasy...however, how are talking toys not also pure fantasy? :confused: Talking fish? Talking ants? A family of superheroes battling an evil sidekick? I do see what you are saying, though. Pixar takes a story that could be played with human actors and in a human setting, but changes those two factors to make it interesting (kind of a cheap trick). Spirited Away puts a human into an inhuman setting. BOTH of these presentations serve to high-light that which is truly human by taking away the banality of a normal setting. In other words, a human theme stands out in stark relief and is more potent when put into an inhuman setting. THAT is why I think they are very similar.

In both types, there are things that happen simply to revel in the setting...and don't really affect the story.

I watched Nanny McPhee last night on PPV and have to say it was one of the most enjoyable movies I've watched in a long long time.

It's got imagination, thoughtfulness, poise and magic all without being swamped with special effects. Would highly recommend it if you have unruly children.

I watched Nanny McPhee last night on PPV and have to say it was one of the most enjoyable movies I've watched in a long long time.

You're forgetting it other asset, it's Colin Firth in it :D

You're forgetting it other asset, it's Colin Firth in it :D

OOOOOHHHHH Colin Firth......my sister and I just love him.....and Johnny Depp. I can watch anything with either of them in it.

Lisa

You're forgetting it other asset, it's Colin Firth in it :D


Hmmm, it was more Kelly Macdonald who caught my eye :p

BOTH of these presentations serve to high-light that which is truly human by taking away the banality of a normal setting. In other words, a human theme stands out in stark relief and is more potent when put into an inhuman setting.

Yeah, dude, and there were, like, also these ants that were, like, talking and stuff. :D

Heh, guess I may have gotten carried away. But what else am I going to do while sitting in a cubicle? I'm less than 24 hours away from being in a tropical island, so my work ethic is somewhat lacking at the moment.:D

PS-
"Farenelli"--my music professor told me about this one. It's about a famous castrato
"The Land Before Time"--only the first one, they made like ten of these. I liked it when I was a kid, at least
"The Saint"--I give it 2 1/2 stars, which equals pretty good
Pink Floyd's "The Wall"--if you like Pink Floyd, this is excellent...otherwise, no
"The Great Train Robbery"--Donald Sutherland and Sean Connery are in it
"The Unbearable Lightness of Being"
"Uncovered"--Kate Beckinsale in a murder mystery

Heh, guess I may have gotten carried away. But what else am I going to do while sitting in a cubicle? I'm less than 24 hours away from being in a tropical island, so my work ethic is somewhat lacking at the moment

Just joshing with you chief (it's good for morale) ;)

I once got a bit carried away discussing the way the tension builds in Jaws, using various points to illustrate my argiument, only to finish, and have the other person look at me blankly, pause, then reply 'Yeah, but it's cr*p, 'cos the shark doesn't look real'.

Enjoy the sun and I'll be here, not jealous in the slightest.

P.S. Don't know if they've been on anybody's list yet but how about

Swingers
Cyrano de Bergerac
The Maginificent Seven

None could be claimed to be masterpieces, but I could watch them all agaiun and again.

[QUOTE=Matt Greatorex]
The Maginificent Seven
QUOTE]

A good movie...did you know that it is a remake of "Seven Samurai"?

Oh, and "Cyrano de Bergerac" is a great movie. Years since I saw it last in my french class...should probably look it up.

And I just noticed I spelled it incorrectly, ah well it's Friday. Start of a long weekend in Canada.:D

At the risk of offending some purists, as much as I like the original, I do prefer the Yul Brynner version. Wasn't keen on that one set in space, though. Battle Beyond the Stars, or something like that?

I also preferred the spaghetti western remakes of the 'lone samurai' films. Each to his/her own, I guess.

In general, I tend to hate remakes. Unless the film is adding something, i can't see a good reason to make it again (outside of the financial ones). The Poseidon Adventure, The Longest Yard, the Amityville Horror, Assault on Precinct 13, The Stepford Wives, The Hills Have Eyes, all dire. I've lost count of the number of poor versions of films I loved and can't say I'm looking forward to the new Warriors, either.

Can anyone think of a genuinely good remake? To clarify, not just an Eastern-Western remake, but a film that was made in the West and remade well in the West?

Can anyone think of a genuinely good remake?

King Kong :cool:

In general, I tend to hate remakes. Unless the film is adding something, i can't see a good reason to make it again
I think the Magnificent Seven did add something. The similarity between ronins and gunslingers allows the basic plot to be copied, but just as Seven Samurai was also commentary on the Japanese life, The Magnificent Seven had commnetary on Old Western life.

As for a good remake, not Eastern-Western...hmmm...the only good remakes I can think of don't remake the movie, but create a new movie on the same story...if that makes sense. Examples: the dracula movies, shakespeare movies (particullarly Romeo and Juliet and Scotland PA)

Remakes that are purely remakes can only really be improved by better acting, better sound, better filming...and that might never have happened. Witness: the ones you listed, Pride and Prejudice, The Lion in Winter, etc.

King Kong :cool:

hmmm, I suppose it is a matter of opinion. Personally, I like the old one better.

To be fair, you didn't ask for remakes that were better, just ones that were done well. King Kong was, actually, fairly well received. As was Willy Wonka, although the style of the remake is so vastly different than the original they're practically different movies. (Although, sometimes that's exactly what a remake should do.)

I've not seen the original, but I'm a big fan of The Thomas Crown Affair. (If you don't mind a little breast nudidty, Ken, this is an excellent movie.) Some other good/well-received remakes are: Father of the Bride, the Humphry Bogart version of The Maltese Flacon (if you can believe that), The Manchurian Candidate, and Red Dragon. I'm sure there are more, I just listed the ones I know about that are similar to the original and not a completely different story sharing the same premise.

This list (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_film_remakes) is helpful. :)

King Kong

Yep, I'd say that this falls into the category. While it didn't have the same emotional appeal as the original, the remake certainly made full use of the special effects available today.

This list is helpful

And pretty depressing reading, for someone who's into his films.:(

Well, let me tell you , that in my personal opinion, if they tried to remake Casablanca, or even To Have or Have Not, I would be annoyed. I don't think any of Humphrey Bogart's films should be remade. Some things should be considered sacred, and be left alone. MHO

Lisa

Well, let me tell you , that in my personal opinion, if they tried to remake Casablanca, or even To Have or Have Not, I would be annoyed. I don't think any of Humphrey Bogart's films should be remade. Some things should be considered sacred, and be left alone. MHO

As far as I'm concerned, there are very few films which should be remade, from anything other than a financial perspective. New technology and 'pretty people' rarely compensate for decent acting or genuine suspense (makers of the House of Wax remake please take note;). Also, what appear now to be ropey special effects are often part of the charm of a lot of older films.

I distinctly remember when the wreck that was Deep Blue Sea came out, some critic said it was 'the new Jaws', only for another to describe it as what Jaws would have been like if you took the brain out of the story and put it into the shark.

I don't think any of Humphrey Bogart's films should be remade. Some things should be considered sacred, and be left alone. MHO

Lisa

Normally, I would tend to agree about the remaking of classics. However, Sabrina's remake was wonderful, I thought.

For anyone who thinks there is no substance in anime “Grave of the Fireflies” is a very powerful movie.

OMG, people!:eek: Am I blind or have people been discussing "All time greats" and no one included:


JAWS
Star Wars (any of them)
Star Trek (OK...the even ones)
Lord of the Rings
SNATCH


All time greats?

Star Wars? Crap.
Star Trek? Crap. (Great show though, although Deep Space Nine was rotten)
Lord of the Rings. Fanwank.
Snatch. Come on.
Jaws. Yeah, that's a classic.

All time greats?

Star Wars? Crap.
Star Trek? Crap. (Great show though, although Deep Space Nine was rotten)
Lord of the Rings. Fanwank.
Snatch. Come on.
Jaws. Yeah, that's a classic.

O.o

Two questions:
What planet are you from and who was your favorite Star Trek captain?
Personally, I think Kirk was the best.

I just watched "The Machinist". It's worth watching if only to see how incredibly THIN the main actor got for the part. All I could think while watching the movie was, "Now THAT is dedication."

Also I just watched "Velvet Goldmine"...which is pretty freakin' strange... I almost stopped watching it in the first half hour, because you have to watch guys kissing each other...one of whom being Ewan McGreggor--OBI WAN KENOBI.

Jaws. Yeah, that's a classic.

Nowhere near as good as the book!:mad:

What planet are you from
Earth.

What's your reason for asking the question? Are you suggesting that my own opinion is wrong? I personally don't think films like The Lord of the Rings can be deemed classics when they are barely off the screen; that need to give things superlatives in this current age irks me. It's like calling someone who has appeared in a reality TV show or slept with someone in the public eye a celebrity.

and who was your favorite Star Trek captain?
Personally, I think Kirk was the best.

Captain Pike.

Seriously though, since I've never seen the pilot episode, I favour Picard. Patrick Stewart is an excellent actor and the stories, to me, elicited far more pathos than some womanising action here, which was the essence of Kirk.

I almost stopped watching it in the first half hour, because you have to watch guys kissing each other.

It's actually quite easy if you are okay with your sexuality. ;)

...It's actually quite easy if you are okay with your sexuality. ;)

Or maybe you are contemplating coming out of the so-called 'closet'? :eek: :D :D

What's your reason for asking the question? Are you suggesting that my own opinion is wrong?
Perhaps it's because you didn't say "I personally didn't like those films" and instead simply called them crap?

Perhaps it's because you didn't say "I personally didn't like those films" and instead simply called them crap?

Surely crap is implicit in stating that I personally didn't like them? If I'd said 'we all know they are crap...' then that means it's not my opinion, but just me being stupid.

Sort of. The difference is when you state an opinion as if it were a fact then you can pretty much expect to elicit a negative reaction. For example, I can't stand the Beastie Boys. They annoy the hell out of me. However, a lot of people love them and they're one of the most successful and long-lived rap groups of all time. I can say, "the Beastie Boys suck" because that's my opinion. But I've actually stated it as if it were fact, which is completely false.

because that's my opinion. But I've actually stated it as if it were fact, which is completely false....which feeds our inherent nature to prove our beliefs (and therefore ourselves) to be correct.

some of us have a more highly developed need for self-justification than others, though:eek:

Surely crap is implicit in stating that I personally didn't like them? If I'd said 'we all know they are crap...' then that means it's not my opinion, but just me being stupid.

Seems 'Crap' just wasn't up to your usually well articulated 'review' type comments is all - :) :)

Woah, man. Chill. I asked what planet you were from because I have NEVER heard of anyone not liking some of those movies. I don't really care if you don't like them...just a joke...just thought I'd never see anyone say that. Refreshing, really, to know that not everybody likes Star Wars.

Oh yeah, and Jean Luc is an awesome captain--he's the captain I got started on. I guess I picked Kirk over him because I like Spock over Data...not really logical to do that, but hey I'm no Vulcan.:D

EDIT
BTW, have you seen the newest version of Star Trek? I watched it all and thought it was at least up to par. Right before they cancelled it, it got pretty good.
And another question: Which Trek girl do you like best? Seven of Nine, T'Pal,...those other ones....?
END EDIT

And I DID watch the rest of Velvet Goldmine and kind of liked it--I even just rented "Hedwig and the Angry Inch", which is another glam rock movie. As far as coming to terms with my sexuality give me some TIME. Ten years ago I still thought girls were "icky":o

Anywho,

"Ace Ventura Pet Detective" is pretty good if you like Jim Carry

and "Berserk", the series. Pretty violent and animated, but better than the Star Trek movies, at least:rolleyes:

and Jean Luke is an awesome captainnudge to trekkie: He's French...it's Jean Luc:rolleyes:

"Ace Ventura Pet Detective" is pretty good if you like Jim Carry



I love Jim Carrey, and after seeing his later films, Ace kind of fell off my list. That's why "Bruce Almighty" is on my list of classics (I mean, good movies, since it is pretty recent, Stu). And I like "Liar Liar" too.

Lisa

I love Jim Carrey, and after seeing his later films, Ace kind of fell off my list.

Lisa

But what about the scene when he goes mission impossible style all over the place? I will never stop loving that scene. His later movies are really good, too--just more serious.

Quite true. The Mask was rather underrated, I think, as was The Truman Show (I still can't figure out why so many people think it sucked :confused: ).

Quite true. The Mask was rather underrated, I think, as was The Truman Show (I still can't figure out why so many people think it sucked :confused: ).
Thankfully, I've never spoken to anyone who uttered the words "The Truman Show sucked!" And therefore, I am still happily living in my own world.

I recomend seeing Cave of the Yellow Dog (http://www.caveoftheyellowdog.co.uk/) if you can but it might be hard to track down. Not sure if it has been released in the states.

(Subtitles) Directed by Byambasuren Davaa a German Mongolian

The cover story is light hearted folk law (no spoilers). The real story is daily life as nomadic Mongolians, and how they embrace their own mortality where it not always possible to protect your curious and playful children from all the dangers in the wilderness. Of course this is only one of many lives. Featuring a real life family of nomads shot in a documentary style and the cutest children you ever did see. Their existence is fruitful and prosperous. Not in money terms but as hinted they would loose out if they went to live in the city. A must see if not for cute children just being themselves.

"Stop it. You can't play with God," warns Nansalmaa, as her baby brother tries put a china Buddha in his mouth "I'm telling Mom!" :D

So, Ken... did you end up watching Glory or Clue yet?

So, Ken... did you end up watching Glory or Clue yet?

They didn't have Glory at the local blockbuster... :rolleyes: I may have to try looking in one of the other video stores...

We watched 'The Upside to Anger' last week end. I think that's what was called... Pretty good I guess - Kind of a girlie flick :)

They didn't have Glory at the local blockbuster... :rolleyes: I may have to try looking in one of the other video stores...
I'm honestly shocked. I guess they aren't fond of Civil War movies in the south? ;) :p

I'm honestly shocked. I guess they aren't fond of Civil War movies in the south? ;) :p

Nah, you guys whipped us pretty good...:mad:

Nah, you guys whipped us pretty good...:mad:On that note, I have to share this...

I'm assuming that because of the proximity of Gettysburg and the Mason Dixon Line, you'll find lots and lots of Rebel Flags around here...houses, flag poles, trucks, t-shirts, hats, etc. Anyway, saw a woman walking though the grocery store this weekend wearing a shirt with a Rebel Flag, the universal "no" symbol ( circle w/line through it), and the caption read "You lost. Get over it".:eek: My wife and I were in stitches:D

On that note, I have to share this...

I'm assuming that because of the proximity of Gettysburg and the Mason Dixon Line, you'll find lots and lots of Rebel Flags around here...houses, flag poles, trucks, t-shirts, hats, etc. Anyway, saw a woman walking though the grocery store this weekend wearing a shirt with a Rebel Flag, the universal "no" symbol ( circle w/line through it), and the caption read "You lost. Get over it".:eek: My wife and I were in stitches:D

Don't see the humor :mad:




(:p )

"You lost. Get over it".:eek: My wife and I were in stitches:D

I live back in the mountains in Virginia and when I went to high school about half the kids owned at least one rebel flag shirt. All the jocks had jacked-up pick-up trucks with one headlight, and come the opening of hunting season the school was empty. Down here, the war isn't over. "Damn yankees" is a saying that can commonly be heard.

Don't see the humor :mad:



That's understandable, you're American

Actually, the Confederate flag had severe racial overtones during the 1960's. I'm sure some of that lingers in Northern minds.

By the way, the South didn't lose they came in second (Jefferson Davis' family still has the silver medal).

Down here, the war isn't over. "Damn yankees" is a saying that can commonly be heard.

Probably because the Braves and Nationals are having poor seasons.

Probably because the Braves and Nationals are having poor seasons.

At long last - a baseball fan - :)

Yes they are having bit of bad luck these days aren't they...:rolleyes:

I'm honestly shocked. I guess they aren't fond of Civil War movies in the south? ;) :p

That's because it wasn't a "Civil War." It was the "War of Northern Aggression!":) :D

That's because it wasn't a "Civil War." It was the "War of Northern Aggression!":) :D

Here here! Well put. ;)

Yes they are having bit of bad luck these days aren't they...:rolleyes:

Maybe if Chipper could stop hurting himself everytime he comes within a few yards of the ball...:p

Maybe if Chipper could stop hurting himself everytime he comes within a few yards of the ball...:p

I'm guessing the gang goes first to worst this year :mad:

Well, Well. It seems this thread has finally been hijacked. To get back on topic:

I recently rented and watched the newest version of "Rent", which is based on a Broadway musical, which is based on a Puccini opera (La Boheme). It is supposed to be a rock opera, but I think it sounds like they just added guitar to usual broadway-style singing. Nevertheless, I liked it and some of the songs stick in my head pleasantly. I don't think I'll ever forget that there are 525, 600 minutes in a year, for one thing--that's in the first song in the movie. It can be corny, and the acting is more suited to broadway than the silver screen...but just ignore it and it turns out alright.

All in all, three stars. Which for me translates into "An enjoyable movie that you know you will watch again, and leaves you thinking about it afterward."

Most of the songs are original, but I think the best music in it, by far, is the guitar version of "Musetta's Waltz" that is played occasionaly.

I also rented the new movie "Running Scared", and it seemed better than the usual shite put out nowadays, but half-way through the disc was seriously scratched. :mad: Seriously, can't people rent movies from Blockbuster and refrain from destroying them?:(

Oh yeah, and "Hediwg and the Angry Inch" turned out to be pretty good; it is also a three star movie, for me.

I have yet to see the movie version of Rent, but everything I've heard about it is pretty much in agreement that's it's good but nowhere near as extraordinary as is it on stage (in fact, you've just revealed that the most popular song opens the movie instead of opening the second act, which I find irritating.) I highly recommend seeing a stage production if possible.

The fact they are remaking Running Scared, a little-known but well-loved cop comedy-mystery with Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines, confirms that Hollywood has officially run out of movie ideas. They've remade/sequaled/prequaled all the popular movies, they've remade/sequaled/prequaled all the semi-popular movies. All they have left is to remake/sequal/prequal terrible movies. "Ishtar 2" anyone? "Howard the Duck Begins"? "The Jennifer Lopez Trillogy"?

:rolleyes:

The fact they are remaking Running Scared, a little-known but well-loved cop comedy-mystery with Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines, confirms that Hollywood has officially run out of movie ideas.

:rolleyes:

Uhh, I don't think this was a remake of that movie--it just has the same name:D . Speaking of Billy Crystal, I used to love "City Slickers" back in the day. Thinking back on it, however, I don't think it was very good...:(

Uhh, I don't think this was a remake of that movie--it just has the same name:D
Thank God for small favors. I guess I'll have to wait for the next crappy remake to snobbily declare Hollywood as officially out of ideas. ;)

Speaking of Billy Crystal, I used to love "City Slickers" back in the day. Thinking back on it, however, I don't think it was very good...:(
I still like that movie very much. The "best day/worst day" scene gets to me every time.

Speaking of entertainment...

Cupcake, the in-laws and I are going to see this (http://www.brooklynthemusical.com/) tonight...

Stay tuned... :p

Well, I saw the new Pirates of the Carribean movie last Friday, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have to say that fact is owed tremendously to the presence onscreen of Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom, however, I also think it was a hoot. I mean, it is not a movie made for substance, it is meant to be a fun movie, and I think it succeeded. I think it was on par with the first movie, as so few sequels are.

I have to admit, in the first movie I thought Johnny Depp had a somewhat effeminate affectation for Captain Jack. In this movie, I think it is even more pronounced. Unless, of course, that is his way of acting drunk. :p

Lisa

I have to admit, in the first movie I thought Johnny Depp had a somewhat effeminate affectation for Captain Jack. In this movie, I think it is even more pronounced. Unless, of course, that is his way of acting drunk.Read somewhere that Depp based that character on Keith Richards:eek:

Read somewhere that Depp based that character on Keith Richards:eek:

I haven't seen enough of Keith Richards, at least his walk or affectations to see that. However, in the next movie, Keith is his good ol' dad. Can't wait for that one.

Lisa

Lisa, agreed on all points, though I didn't think it was quite as good as the first but still a worthy sequal by all accounts. As before, the character of Elizabeth was given the most depth (though not in the literal sense, har har) and she continued to develop in interesting ways but that also made sense.

My biggest criticism was that the plot borrowed too heavily from the first movie. We've got another cursed ship, crewed by immortal monsters who can only be defeated by locating a special treasure. Regardless, it was still a ton of fun to watch. And I loved the creepy voodoo lady. "How about an undead monkey?" :D

Lisa, agreed on all points, though I didn't think it was quite as good as the first but still a worthy sequal by all accounts. As before, the character of Elizabeth was given the most depth (though not in the literal sense, har har) and she continued to develop in interesting ways but that also made sense.

My biggest criticism was that the plot borrowed too heavily from the first movie. We've got another cursed ship, crewed by immortal monsters who can only be defeated by locating a special treasure. Regardless, it was still a ton of fun to watch. And I loved the creepy voodoo lady. "How about an undead monkey?" :D

I also thought the wheel scene was incredible. As soon as I saw the wheel connected to the building they were on, I thought, "Cool! They are going to run on the wheel!" I had no idea how far they would take it. And I heard that that scene was very challenging to film.

Ok, for all of you who haven't seen it, I am sorry. That's all I will give away.

Lisa

Speaking of entertainment...

Cupcake, the in-laws and I are going to see this (http://www.brooklynthemusical.com/) tonight...

Stay tuned... :p
What is it? :confused:

What is it? :confused:

A musical...

And, BTW - I thought it was pretty good... :) :)

Unless, of course, that is his way of acting drunk. :p

Lisa

If you want to see how Depp portrays "wasted", then see "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". It's R, but no nudity or sex. Just cursing and extreme drug use. Depp spent a month in the basement of Hunter S. Thompson, the character he plays, to prepare for the role.

When do you think Hollywood will make a film of the twin towers thing and the Pentagon crash on 11/9?

I reckon that'll be good if they don't spoil it by using stupidly obvious special effects:rolleyes: - maybe they can incorporate real news footage. . . . .

Col

maybe they can incorporate real news footageThat's a bit morbid...don't you think?

That's a bit morbid...don't you think?
no not at all. Hollywood have used real news footage for some WW2 films they made. I think it would make a fortune at the boxoffice.

Col

no not at all. Hollywood have used real news footage for some WW2 films they made. I think it would make a fortune at the boxoffice.

Col

After which the American public would want to do the war thing even more, etc, etc... :rolleyes:

When do you think Hollywood will make a film of the twin towers thing and the Pentagon crash on 11/9?

I reckon that'll be good if they don't spoil it by using stupidly obvious special effects:rolleyes: - maybe they can incorporate real news footage. . . . .

Col

Uhh, I thought that they had. At least, I remember seeing the commercials for it...don't remember the name, though. Perhaps it is not out yet?:confused:

I remember that right after 9/11 war movies became kinda popular...but none of them even touched 9/11, they made sure to stay FAR away from even mentioning it. Anyone remember "Black Hawk Down"?

Uhh, I thought that they had. At least, I remember seeing the commercials for it...don't remember the name, though. Perhaps it is not out yet?:confused: I believe that's just about the plane that crashed in PA...United Flight 93.

www.united93movie.com

Anyone remember "Black Hawk Down"?
I saw the second half of it on TV. Was that ever a depressing movie? :o

Guess I'll toss in my two cents' worth.

1. An older movie that is an absolute side-splitter if you like "screwball" comedies: Arsenic and Old Lace, with Cary Grant.

2. A more modern movie that has some really great moments (though overall it is not a classic): The Replacements, with Keanu Reeves, Annabelle Sciorra, and Gene Hackman, plus some fun appearances by Pat Summerall and John Madden. The "friendly dancers" scene is a hoot every time. But if you get the "family" cut, that scene might be missing.

3. In passing, I'll comment that despite those who thought Bruce the Shark was hokey, there is no movie with better pacing than Jaws. I have a cousin with an advanced degree in theater. He tells me that many schools -not just his own alma mater - use Jaws for an example of how to pace movies.

4. I saw Superman Returns and found myself with mixed emotions. It is well done but so strongly derivative of other movies in the Christopher Reeve series that it seems somehow "ashamed" to stand on its own. By contrast, Batman Begins was NOT at all afraid to stand by itself.

5. "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was well done given that the movie is totally impossible to bring to the screen in less than another couple of hours of material per installment. I suspect that this contributes to the feelings by some that the series was somehow missing something. As a long-time fan of the written series, I must say that Peter Jackson's vision of many scenes was spot-on to the novels. Many, many scenes.

6. If you were wondering about Galaxy Quest, add this to your list: It is not only a spoof of the womanizing, hard-living Captain Kirk. It is also a true send-up of Trekkers, bad script-writers, and stereotyped actors who can't find work any more because of that one role that poisoned their careers.

7. Classics from a consideration of scope, even though somewhat hokey by modern movie-making standards: Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston version) and The Ten Commandments (Charlton again). In the latter, Edward G Robinson as Dathan the overseer is a hoot with his impossible accent and corny delivery. Then, Debra Paget as Lilia (?) has a bit of overacting to do just to compensate for EGR stealing all her scenes.

8. A true classic from the 1950's... Forbidden Planet with Leslie Nielsen (before he started doing comedy), Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Jack Kelly, and some character actors you've seen a thousand times: Richard Anderson, James Drury, Earl Holliman. Watch this and then consider NEARLY ANY of the Star Trek (first gen) episodes. Be ready to chuckle - and gasp - at the incredible similarities.

9. Let me toss in a couple of real stinkers just so you can AVOID them

Creation of the Humanoids, probably late 1950's or early 1960's - cribs a popular Jack Williamson novel title but otherwise bears no resemblance.

Rollerblade, 1970s - though you have to tip your hat to the cheeky concept of a T&A movie based on post-apocalyptic roller-skating ninja nuns with slingblades and interesting habits.

Hell Comes to Frogtown, 1970s. (Rowdy Roddy Piper) Some movies are just BAD.

10. As far as enjoyable, more modern comedies:

Victor, Victoria - a hilarious gender-bender with Julie Andrews and Robert Preston, and funny roles for James Garner and Dick Butkis

Mel Brooks's Young Frankenstein is as funny as any movie I have ever seen and incredibly effective. Gene Wilder is superb in this role, though some of his portrayals leave me cold. And Kenneth Mars as the one-armed police inspector? Plus the uncredited appearance by Gene Hackman as the blind beggar.

One you'll have to look for, another gender-bender: Lust in the Dust, with Tab Hunter, Lanie Kazan, Caesar Romero, Henry Silva, and Divine. If you have ever seen a western movie and recognized the hackneyed cliches they frequently use, watch this one, which turns those cliches on their heads.

11. A really good musical production nicely brought to screen: Phantom of the Opera (modern version from the play). The actress who plays Christine Daae is incredible for someone so young. And what a voice!!!!!

12. An observation, since someone brought up the Bond movies... The movie Thunderball (Sean Connery) is incredibly close in scenes and dialog to the original novel of the same name. In most other cases for the Bond films, you have a hard time recognizing the original work. I think the farthest away from the original was the movie Octopussy, where the entire text of the short story was the basis for one SCENE. Not even a sequence of scenes. Just one dialog sequence between Maud Adams and Roger Moore, what writers sometimes call an expository lump.

13. Movies where you have to wonder if there was ANY redeeming feature intended to be present, just an excuse for an action heroine to wear something close-fitting and shiny:

Ultraviolet (Milla Jovovich), Aeon Flux (Charlize Theron) , Underworld (Kate Beckinsale).

Don't get me wrong, I panted my way through each one because each of those actresses is very pretty. Also Batman Returns with Michelle Pfiefer in skin-tight glossy vinyl. But after a while, the prurient interest fades and you are left with something less than totally enjoyable.

14. A comment about Battle Beyond the Stars. There is a triva question of sorts between BBTS and Magnificent Seven.

Q: Which actor portrayed the same role in both films (allowing for the genre difference)? A: Robert Vaughn, who played the aging, jaded gunfighter looking for redemption through one worthy cause.

15. A note about a movie I saw that probably will NEVER be found on any but the rarest of sites: Mardi Gras Massacre, with a cast of unknowns. And after seeing the movie at a dollar theater one night, I know why they are still unknowns. This was one of those films where they actually ripped the credits because almost EVERY PERSON involved in the film wanted their names removed. An Alan Smithee project if ever there was one. If you happen to see it, I don't know whether to recommend it or tell you to run like the devil was after you. I guess it depends on how hokey you like it. I knew about the film because a friend of mine was part of the effects crew. He did model molds so the bad guy could stab a life-like vinyl replica of a naked woman's breasts. Lucky stiff!

16. A movie that should always be discussed with care: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. (First one, but not the sequel.) Here is the philosophical question for you: If a movie was originally conceived to be really BAD and it does so, should it be considered a success or a failure?

17. Another question, and one man's opinion: Was there ever a sequel that was better than the original? Yes: Aliens was better than Alien. But then the third and fourth movies in the series came around and had nowhere to go but downhill.

1. An older movie that is an absolute side-splitter if you like "screwball" comedies: Arsenic and Old Lace, with Cary Grant.
Yes, YES, YES!!!! Fantastic choice!

I actually have not seen this next movie, only pieces, but The Philadelphia Story is an amazing comedy with (again) Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Catherine Hepburn.

13. Movies where you have to wonder if there was ANY redeeming feature intended to be present, just an excuse for an action heroine to wear something close-fitting and shiny:

Ultraviolet (Milla Jovovich), Aeon Flux (Charlize Theron) , Underworld (Kate Beckinsale).
I didn't see the first two, as my impression was exactly how you described. However, I did like Underworld. If you're into that sort of thing, I think it's a good quality vampire-werewolf fantasy flick. I thought it had enough depth to indicate a rather rich backstory, whereas most of these types of movies tend to just ride the mythology already established in pop culture (ie., the Blade series, though I still enjoyed those too). If that's not the type of genre you get into, though, definitely skip it.

17. Another question, and one man's opinion: Was there ever a sequel that was better than the original? Yes: Aliens was better than Alien. But then the third and fourth movies in the series came around and had nowhere to go but downhill.
Agreed, though I admit I saw Aliens before Alien, so I don't know if my opinion counts.

7. Classics from a consideration of scope, even though somewhat hokey by modern movie-making standards: Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston version) and The Ten Commandments (Charlton again). In the latter, Edward G Robinson as Dathan the overseer is a hoot with his impossible accent and corny delivery. Then, Debra Paget as Lilia (?) has a bit of overacting to do just to compensate for EGR stealing all her scenes.


My favourite in this genre is Spartacus. Especially when Spartacus drowns his slave master in the soup of the day. Drink up fat boy! :p

Sorry I have a weird sense of humor ... :o

EDIT: Oh by the way 2nd favourite is probably Jesus of Nazareth though I don't know whether this counts as a movie. Anyway Robert Powell's portrayal is the best I've seen. Not quite sure where he disappeared to...

EDIT: Oh by the way 2nd favourite is probably Jesus of Nazareth though I don't know whether this counts as a movie. Anyway Robert Powell's portrayal is the best I've seen. Not quite sure where he disappeared to...
Another great recommendation. Not that I've seen many films/miniseries that portray the life of Jesus, but this one is fantastic. It's fairly complete, wonderfully acted (featuring other big names such as Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, James Earl Jones, Laurence Olivier, Anthony Quinn, Rod Steiger, Ian Holm) and directed by Franco Zeffirelli. I haven't seen it in years and would like to watch it again. The theme music is so sublime; I'll never forget it.

Guess I'll toss in my two cents' worth.

1. An older movie that is an absolute side-splitter if you like "screwball" comedies: Arsenic and Old Lace, with Cary Grant.


That, I am proud to say, is one of my daughter's (she's 19) FAVOURITE movies. It is a fantastic film. I can't help it... I'm sorry... but I still love Cary Granite.

17. Another question, and one man's opinion: Was there ever a sequel that was better than the original? Yes: Aliens was better than Alien. But then the third and fourth movies in the series came around and had nowhere to go but downhill.

It seems you have a pretty good and eclectic taste.

I do agree that some sequels are better than the originals, and also that Aliens was an excellent movie, but I do not think Aliens was better than Alien. The real determining factor in my decision is the impact the movies had on viewers at the time they were released. My dad took my cousin (he was like nine years old) to see Alien when it first came out, and my dad tells me that my cousin soiled himself :D . When Alien came out, it was like nothing anyone had seen: a new brand of horror. We may be used to it now because those techniques have been copied so much, but back then it scared the shite out of people. Aliens, while still original and good, borrowed from its predecessor's style and did not cause as much of an impact. It was broader in its themes, true...and the queen alien was awesome :) ...but still I have to say it did not trump Alien.

I suppose it really comes down to whether or not you want to reckon in historical impact when rating a movie. However, if you didn't, then most good, old movies would lose at least some appeal.

Trivia: In Aliens there were supposed to be legions of badies swarming around the good guys...but did you ever count how many aliens are on screen at the same time? All those legions end up being just a few guys in suits. :cool:

That, I am proud to say, is one of my daughter's (she's 19) FAVOURITE movies. It is a fantastic film. I can't help it... I'm sorry... but I still love Cary Granite.
Its nice that 3 of "your" (the USA) top stars ever, were all English.:eek:

Cary Grant
Charlie Chaplin
Bob Hope

Col

Its nice that 3 of "your" (the USA) top stars ever, were all English.:eek:

Cary Grant
Charlie Chaplin
Bob Hope

Col We're not going to start this argument again, are we?:eek:

We're not going to start this argument again, are we?:eek:

And Col's top three shows are Chips, Dukes of Hazard and I Dream of Genie...:p :p :p

(Just kidding Col - Hope you had a great weekend...)

Its nice that 3 of "your" (the USA) top stars ever, were all English.:eek:

Cary Grant
Charlie Chaplin
Bob Hope

Col
and of course half of the most famous comedy duo ever
Stanley :)

Hey, I'm as multinational as the next guy. That pretty little lady from down under, Ms. Nicolle K., would make me pant heavily regardless of whether she was USA, Brit, Aussie, or bloody Welsh.

Cary Grant being British doesn't bother me a bit. Let's add Alec Guiness to the list of really great actors.

I'll probably give away my age by doing this, but does anyone recall the glossy brochure printed by Fox studios when "Star Wars" was first released in the late 1970's? You saw the acting credits for Mark Hamill - a paragraph. Carrie Fisher - a paragraph. Harrison Ford - two paragraphs. James Earl Jones - a couple of paragraphs. Alec Guiness - a couple of pages. What a HOOT. You can't honestly say he was the lead actor, but if you want to talk talent, no comparison!

But then, on the other side of the coin, the Medved Brothers claim that Sir Richard Burton might well have been the WORST big-name actor of all time, based on the frequency of his box-office flops when he had a leading role.

So I guess the Brits are allowed to have their clinkers, too. Equal opportunity for mediocrity, as I always say.

By way of clarification, Alien and Aliens differ most greatly in my book in that the former is just a "monster in the attic" movie whereas there is more interpersonal interaction in the latter. I.e. Ripley's character has more to do that reveals her character. For that reason, Aliens was the more demanding role. Sigourney Weaver has had many good roles, but you have to admit that she rode the crest of a really big wave on that one.

Let's not forget, either, that she can play self-deprecating comedy as well, witness "Tawny" in Galaxy Quest.

When do you think Hollywood will make a film of the twin towers thing

Col

They have, although I forget the name. Steven Dorff is in it, I believe.

Was there ever a sequel that was better than the original? Yes: Aliens was better than Alien. But then the third and fourth movies in the series came around and had nowhere to go but downhill.

Comparing apples and oranges. The first was a suspense/horror film, the second was an action film. Both excellent, but which one you prefer will depend largely on which genre you prefer, surely?

My votes for sequels improving on the original go to The Empire Strikes Back or any of even numbered Star Trek films.

or bloody Welsh.



Do you have a beef with the Welsh, aside from Burton that is? :confused: :D

Yes, would be interested to hear this one.

What is it about my countrymen/women that you feel warrants the 'bloody' prefix?

Didn't like Silence of the Lambs? Resentful of the fact that our Cath married Spartacus' son? Thought Delilah encouraged domestic violence? What is it? :D

"bloody Welsh" is a quote from The Replacements, which was also on my list. Place-kicker Nigel Gruff was Welsh. The way he used "bloody Welsh" is about the way we use "mother...." i.e. as part of a single phrase. So I guess I just assumed.

And yes, since Richard Burton was Welsh and made such a mess of so many films, I've got a beef with the Welsh for letting him escape the country. Or was that not an escape but an ejection?

My own vote for sequels improving on the original is Spiderman 2 and an equal nod to X-Men 2.

How about Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's chest

I haven't seen it, but it was the highest grossing movie for opening week

Or was that not an escape but an ejection?
Well if it was an ejection he came back with a bloody vengance:mad: ;) :D

I forgot you guys put your movie names in Italics :P

My own vote for sequels improving on the original is Spiderman 2 and an equal nod to X-Men 2.
I definitely agree on X-Men 2, but I thought Spiderman 2 was equally good as the first. I felt like the movies were very different in many ways and I liked them for different reasons. What I liked most about Spiderman 2 was the progression between the characters' relationships. They could have easily maintained the status quo between Peter and Mary as a running theme but instead they developed it in a way that made sense. Similarly, they could have made Peter's guilty secret hidden from Aunt Mae a part of the status quo but instead they developed that aspect of their relationship.

"bloody Welsh" is a quote from The Replacements, which was also on my list. Place-kicker Nigel Gruff was Welsh. The way he used "bloody Welsh" is about the way we use "mother...." i.e. as part of a single phrase. So I guess I just assumed.

And yes, since Richard Burton was Welsh and made such a mess of so many films, I've got a beef with the Welsh for letting him escape the country. Or was that not an escape but an ejection?

Since it came from that film, it's forgiveable. I also loved the comment about his character being in shape 'by Welsh standards' (cigarette in one hand, glass of beer in the other). :D

In Btron's defence, I did enjoy Wild Geese, Where Eagles Dare and Zulu. Since had a hand in all three, I'm going to forgive him.

and Zulu.
All time classic that everybody should have in their collection along with
Lawrence of Arabia
Bridge on the River Kwai
Blazing Saddles
Airplane
Kentucky fried movie
The Dollar movies
Beauty and the Beast
Jungle Book
:cool:

When do you think Hollywood will make a film of the twin towers thing

Just saw the trailer yesterday - called "World Trade Center", with Nicholas Cage. Had to say, just watching the trailer choked me and the BF up for a few minutes....

Lisa

I took my grandson to see the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest movie. Johnny Depp was again hilarious. The make-up effects of the denizens of Davey Jones's locker were nothing short of fabulous. If that movie doesn't get an academy aware for make-up effects, I don't want to see the one that gets it. INCREDIBLE.

The movie is lots of fun, too, even if some of the action is incredulous and at the same time predictable. The treatment itself is the fun part. Further, it hits you so fast with so many visually rich images that you don't have time to be a critic until long after the movie is over.

Just saw the trailer yesterday - called "World Trade Center", with Nicholas Cage. Had to say, just watching the trailer choked me and the BF up for a few minutes....

Lisa

Yeah, it chokes me up that they would make a movie about such a tragedy. They stand to make billions off of this one! Got to love Hollywood! :D

Took my grandson to see Monster House last weekend. It was very well done, quite impressive in its own way. But VERY intense. Adults with a hidden "childhood" streak will enjoy it as a "ghost in the attic" type of movie taken to the extreme that only a cartoon could take you.

Vassago,

Yeah, it chokes me up that they would make a movie about such a tragedy.

On the other hand, that is always the way of film makers. Look at the sinking of the Titanic. World Wars One and Two. Korea. Vietnam. Look at "true crime" stories about Al Capone, John Dillinger, Bonnie Parker & Clyde Barrow. Pick any tragedy you want to name, big or small. There will be at least a made-for-TV movie about it if not a bigger theatrical release.

I believe this is done because Hollywood (and don't say that the British studios don't do this either...) seeks things that will "sell" if they can.

Why do they know it will sell? Because people have certain characteristics that can easily be exploited. One, for example, is "morbid curiosity." The messiest events you can name will bring on crowds of onlookers.

At accidents everywhere, people stand and gawk at the mess. Even on the road, "rubber-neckers" cause tons of congestion even after the real accident has been moved to the side of the road out of all traffic lanes.

Take a look at movies that DON'T report real-life events. Action, horror, and even blood-bath movies (early Roger Corman, for example) do well despite the cheesy stories and poor cinematograpy. Of course, we owe one thing to Roger Corman - I believe it was in one of his early color offerings that he or one of his crew members discovered that Karo syrup and #6 Red Dye make a perfect screen substitute for blood, even to attracting flies after it pools. But I digress...

I guess my question to you, Vassago, is why WOULDN'T a movie or two or fifty be made of the 9/11 tragedy?

My only thought on that matter is because such a thing was held in such high contempt when it happened. TV show openings that features the twin towers were re-edited, movies that featured them were redited or scrapped altogether. I guess the idea, then, is to go from "it's an outrage and even crass to even reference the World Trade Center for entertainement" to "let's make a movie just about 9/11" is rather hypocritical.

Kraj, I think it is time that we de-elevated the 9/11 tragedy from a pedestal to something we can actually talk about. Not trivialize, though Hollywood will do that now and again, but at least examine.

De-elevation is merely one more part of the healing process. Otherwise we will never get on with our lives.

I agree. If I thought for one second that was the motivation behind it I'd be all for it. Call me cynical but I'm sure it's just all about the money.

I went to see Talladega Nights last Friday, and I haven't laughed that hard at a comedy in years. Usually I go to movies that are supposed to be funny, and I just sit there and smile or snicker in certain areas - maybe even laugh out loud once or twice. I was rolling at this movie. I thought it was great. Will Ferrell is hilarious. And I know many people would not think the same way, but I loved it!!

Lisa

My husband is a policeman here in CO and our city's PD/FD got free tickets to a preview screening of World Trade Center and we went. Everyone I talked to after thought it was very well done - basically just the story of these two Port Authority cops that got trapped and were rescued. No over the top story or hokey special effects. I was glad..cause I was a little concerned it being an Oliver Stone flick, cause he can be a bit of a nut-job :p

My only thought on that matter is because such a thing was held in such high contempt when it happened. TV show openings that features the twin towers were re-edited, movies that featured them were redited or scrapped altogether. I guess the idea, then, is to go from "it's an outrage and even crass to even reference the World Trade Center for entertainement" to "let's make a movie just about 9/11" is rather hypocritical.
I remember Spiderman's ending had to be completely remade, because the big fight with the bad guy was originally set on/around the towers.

I also remember some ignorant people saying it was disrespectful for the second Lord Of The Rings film to be called The Two Towers :rolleyes:
(it's a decades-old BOOK, stoopid!)

So there's how many movies about "9/11" now? Not counting documentaries...
World Trade Center
United 93
Any more?

Adeptus, I recall the "Two Towers" issue. I'm waiting for some half-witted jerk to comment on the allegorical references to terrorists, which is one way you could see the story line of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Of course, it was never supposed to be an allegory of terrorism anyway, and second, if it were, it would have been about pre-WW2 Germany, Austria, Poland, and Italy. But some folks will never understand that fact.

Kind of going off on a tangent here...

I remember not long after "9/11", it was announced that the next version of Microsoft Flight Simulator would not include the Twin Towers, "out of respect"...

I would have thought it was "out of accuracy" - a flight sim attempts to duplicate the real world, and in the real world they're not there anymore!

Unbreakable
Slow paced, but the premise of the story hooked me. Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis in roles where neither of them are required to be badass, just actors.

Jackie Brown
Tarantino films can be hit-or-miss with me, sometimes they can be really clever and engrossing in the dialogue and just descend into almost implausible violence; Dusk til Dawn being the chief example.
But Jackie Brown retains the story and human element all the way through. There are the usual Tarantino plot forks that cross and converge. The volume knob on the violence is turned down quite a bit and does nothing to harm the enjoyment.

Closer
Very clustrophobic look at four people's interwined love-lives. Considering it stars Jude Law, Clive Owen, Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts it could have turned out to be a totally visceral hollywood catwalk for 4 stars to look pretty on but to give it it's due, it gets its hands dirty on the story. Bit of a surprise ...and I managed to stomach Julia Roberts, which is unusual.


Stinkers to avoid...

The hitchhikers guide to the galaxy
I fell asleep watching the DVD and felt no desire to go back through the chapter index.
The books are ingenious and really funny, even the old 80's TV series which looked well under-budgetted, did a better job with the off-centre ideas and humour. This film is just what you would expect from a big-budget cinema release in the present climate of film making - rehashed crap.

Final Destination 3
Errr... yeah. The first FD took a novel idea into the teen/horror genre and did a good job with it. Even the second was passable.
This is just tired, predictable and doesn't even bother to consider taking the series anywhere different. Avoid a 'new' accident at the beginning, get killed one by one in over-contrived ways for the next hour...

So there's how many movies about "9/11" now? Not counting documentaries...
World Trade Center
United 93
Any more?

Personally I don't care how 'respectful' such films are made or how much anyone believes the story needs to be told, true respect would be to leave any truths to be heard to the realm of documentaries, and keep the box-office takings and studio shareholders out of the equation.

I can only dread how a 9/11 film might end if made by Hollywood with its warped perspectives; if it goes along the sugar-coated and factually wonky lines of Pearl Harbour it would probably end in the capture and trial of Bin Laden ...and everyone lives happily ever after.

Leave it be; making entertainment of it (and you don't go to the cinema not to be entertained) is perverse.

Yeah, it chokes me up that they would make a movie about such a tragedy. They stand to make billions off of this one! Got to love Hollywood! :D

So will you be buying the comic book just released, on the events of 9/11? :confused: