What was the last movie you've seen?

[Snickerd00dle]

Inception- amazing, just amazing

[Razzmatazz]

I just saw Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky and man oh man this is one of the greatest films of all time.. How many times am I going to piss myself watching a movie?

Haha, I have that on DVD. Legendary film, it's what I dream the Mortal Kombat films should be like.

I watched Toy Story 3 at the cinema last night with the 3D glasses and all. The film is superb, best in the trilogy, so emotional too! But I didn't see any difference really with the 3D glasses on, only in some of the trailers that were being obvious (things flying at the screen etc). And you look like a right berk.

[lisalover1]

Inception- amazing, just amazing

I would have said the same thing if I could understand what was going on.

[dsheinem]

Ghosts of Mars (2001) – John Carpenter has made some wonderful films, but this is not one of them. Wooden acting, poorly done and unconvincing effects, and a plot full of holes make this one a stinker. I tried enjoying it for the camp/grindhouse factor, as much of the film does seem like a mid-70s sci-fi/horror flick set on Mars. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t even succeed as a genre film as it takes itself far too seriously. There are enough elements at play here that Carpenter could have made an enjoyable horror film or at least a fun camp film – he achieves neither. It gets a few points for a half way decent score, a few well written cheesy lines, and a few inventive deaths. I was actually prepared to give the film a “2” while watching it, but the horrible, horrible ending brings it down a whole point. It was like after the movie had slapped me around for an hour and a half, it decided to finish the job by kicking me in the nuts.
Grade: 1/5

Inception (2010) – This is the first film I’ve seen in the theater since The Hangover, and I feel like I definitely made the right choice. I found the film to be an intelligent roller coaster ride of a movie, brought down only a little by less than great performances by the cast. The writing, plot development, directing and effects are all pitch perfect. Everything eventually makes sense and unfolds exactly when and as it should, the camera does a good job of capturing both realistic and fantastic scenes with aplomb, and the plot itself is the star. Nolan’s captivating ideas are expertly presented with a narrative that offers a novel experience in storytelling. I felt that DiCaprio’s role needed another actor (I like Leo quite a bit, but he isn’t convincing here) and the supporting cast end up feeling like bit players in a superhero team movie. The better performances, put in by Berenger and Caine, get too little screen time. Nonetheless, this is a minor gripe and the film succeeds as an heady popcorn flick, an unfortunate rarity in contemporary Hollywood.
Grade: 4/5

The Killer Shrews (1959) – I recorded a half dozen old horror/sci fi films on TCM a week or so ago that I had never seen and sounded like they might offer some over the top effects and MST3K style riffing. This one doesn’t really disappoint in those areas, and is probably exactly what you think it is based on the title alone. This is one of just a few directorial films from effects pioneer Kellogg. Judging by this movie alone, it is probably best he kept away from the camera. Some of the effects for the shrews are decent for their time (depending on the shot, that is), but this film doesn’t quite make it to the “so bad that it’s good” category – it is just bad.
Grade: 1.5/5

Public Enemies (2009) – Like my recent thoughts about The Taking of Pelham 123, here’s another example of a film where a strong pool of talent produces a mediocre result. Not only is Depp quite unconvincing as John Dillinger, but the entire film fails to make you care one iota about any of the major characters (with the possible exception of Dillinger’s girlfriend). Worse than that, it is unforgivably boring. I have seen a lot of gangster and mafia movies in my time and consider myself a fan of the genre. I have never seen one that was a slow moving and uninteresting as this one (a complete shock, considering the subject). Even though the film has a few action sequences early on, it really feels like only the last half hour or so is interesting. The 145 minute film feels more like 3 and a half hours, and despite some nice period set design and more than competent directing, fails on most counts outside of its aesthetic strengths.
Grade: 2.5/5

Next Up: I never read The DaVinci Code as I had zero interest, but a part of me feels like I should know something about what everyone was so gaga and stupid over. Partly because of my profession, I feel like it is important to understand something about most of our popular culture – even when I have little to no interest in it personally. So, I plan to watch the two Hanks films based on Brown’s books in the near future. Who knows, maybe after that I’ll watch a Harry Potter or Twilight movie (I also didn’t read those)!

[Octopod]

I liked Ghost of Mars...for what it is anyhow.

I just watched Godzilla Vs. The Thing.

[Jrecee]

Ghosts of Mars (2001) – John Carpenter has made some wonderful films, but this is not one of them. Wooden acting, poorly done and unconvincing effects, and a plot full of holes make this one a stinker. I tried enjoying it for the camp/grindhouse factor, as much of the film does seem like a mid-70s sci-fi/horror flick set on Mars. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t even succeed as a genre film as it takes itself far too seriously. There are enough elements at play here that Carpenter could have made an enjoyable horror film or at least a fun camp film – he achieves neither. It gets a few points for a half way decent score, a few well written cheesy lines, and a few inventive deaths. I was actually prepared to give the film a “2” while watching it, but the horrible, horrible ending brings it down a whole point. It was like after the movie had slapped me around for an hour and a half, it decided to finish the job by kicking me in the nuts.
Grade: 1/5

Inception (2010) – This is the first film I’ve seen in the theater since The Hangover, and I feel like I definitely made the right choice. I found the film to be an intelligent roller coaster ride of a movie, brought down only a little by less than great performances by the cast. The writing, plot development, directing and effects are all pitch perfect. Everything eventually makes sense and unfolds exactly when and as it should, the camera does a good job of capturing both realistic and fantastic scenes with aplomb, and the plot itself is the star. Nolan’s captivating ideas are expertly presented with a narrative that offers a novel experience in storytelling. I felt that DiCaprio’s role needed another actor (I like Leo quite a bit, but he isn’t convincing here) and the supporting cast end up feeling like bit players in a superhero team movie. The better performances, put in by Berenger and Caine, get too little screen time. Nonetheless, this is a minor gripe and the film succeeds as an heady popcorn flick, an unfortunate rarity in contemporary Hollywood.
Grade: 4/5

The Killer Shrews (1959) – I recorded a half dozen old horror/sci fi films on TCM a week or so ago that I had never seen and sounded like they might offer some over the top effects and MST3K style riffing. This one doesn’t really disappoint in those areas, and is probably exactly what you think it is based on the title alone. This is one of just a few directorial films from effects pioneer Kellogg. Judging by this movie alone, it is probably best he kept away from the camera. Some of the effects for the shrews are decent for their time (depending on the shot, that is), but this film doesn’t quite make it to the “so bad that it’s good” category – it is just bad.
Grade: 1.5/5

Public Enemies (2009) – Like my recent thoughts about The Taking of Pelham 123, here’s another example of a film where a strong pool of talent produces a mediocre result. Not only is Depp quite unconvincing as John Dillinger, but the entire film fails to make you care one iota about any of the major characters (with the possible exception of Dillinger’s girlfriend). Worse than that, it is unforgivably boring. I have seen a lot of gangster and mafia movies in my time and consider myself a fan of the genre. I have never seen one that was a slow moving and uninteresting as this one (a complete shock, considering the subject). Even though the film has a few action sequences early on, it really feels like only the last half hour or so is interesting. The 145 minute film feels more like 3 and a half hours, and despite some nice period set design and more than competent directing, fails on most counts outside of its aesthetic strengths.
Grade: 2.5/5

Next Up: I never read The DaVinci Code as I had zero interest, but a part of me feels like I should know something about what everyone was so gaga and stupid over. Partly because of my profession, I feel like it is important to understand something about most of our popular culture – even when I have little to no interest in it personally. So, I plan to watch the two Hanks films based on Brown’s books in the near future. Who knows, maybe after that I’ll watch a Harry Potter or Twilight movie (I also didn’t read those)!

I saw bits and pieces of the da vinci code. Any more and I probably would have fallen asleep.

[dsheinem]

I liked Ghost of Mars...for what it is anyhow.

How? For me it failed as a horror film, as a sci-fi film, as a grindhouse or camp film, and as anything else. What did you find appealing? Other than some cool beheadings, there was little interesting here for me...

[Octopod]

Well, its been a few years but I recall liking it. It is the one where the miners or whatever they were went like crazy and got all pierced up and savage right? I guess I just thought it was a good mindless sci-fi action flick. It is no Escape From New York for sure. I'll have to give ti another watch soon.


It had sort of a post-apocalyptic feel didnt it? Have you ever seen 2019 After the Fall of New York or The New Barbarians?

By the way, I am watching American Ninja now. I have not seen this movie in probably 20 years.

[Limewater]

Saw several movies this weekend:

Twilight Sage:Eclipse: Yes, I saw it, I paid money to see it, and I saw it in the theater. If you hate the Twilight films, this one won't change your mind. If you like them, you'll like this one. I will confess that I think the hatred heaped upon this series is somewhat unjustified. Yes, the movies are incredibly awkward and corny. In my mind, that's where a lot of the enjoyment to be derived from them comes from. I know that's a big part of why my wife likes them. I think a lot of the hatred comes from the ridiculous fandom that has popped of for the books and films.

The Wolf Man: I had to split up my viewing of this one because I couldn't stay awake. I didn't hate it, but it was pretty slow and boring. I have not seen the original, but maybe I would have appreciated it more if I had a stronger basis in "wolf man" lore.

The Bad Lieutenant:Port of Call New Orleans: Again, I never saw the original film. This one, however, was really, really weird. Overall, I was entertained, and I'd go so far as to say that I enjoyed watching it, but I don't plan to see it again. I think this is the first time I've seen Nick Cage do his "I'm crazy and coked out" routine that he's famous for, and it was pretty darn funny. The whole thing is really over the top. There were several scenes that I thought must be hallucinations that, as far as I could tell, really were supposed to have taken place. I kind of liked that. Also, I appreciated that it didn't take the path that films of this kind (with the horribly corrupt, drugged out, and in-debt protagonist) usually take.

The Book of Eli: I really enjoyed this one. There definitely were strong religious undertones. As usual, Gary Oldman was a lot of fun to watch, and Denzel Washington played the same guy he always is.

***HERE BE SOMEWHAT OF A SPOILER. I DON'T WANT TO RUIN THE END OF THE FILM FOR YOU.***


I hate to include a spoiler, but I don't think it ruins things too much to say that the only way the ending makes any sense would be if G_d exists, the Bible is His word, He cares about its preservation, and He actively guided Eli for the duration of his mission.


***END SPOILER***

Also, since it's being discussed, I didn't see Ghosts of Mars until a couple of years ago. I enjoyed it, and it was certainly miles better than Avatar, but I think most of my enjoyment came from seeing young Jason Statham and seeing them try to make Ice Cube an intimidating badass action anti-hero.

[dsheinem]

Also, since it's being discussed, I didn't see Ghosts of Mars until a couple of years ago. I enjoyed it, and it was certainly miles better than Avatar...

You are just trying to agitate me, aren't you?

I suppose that's what I should expect from a Twilight fanboy...