What was the last movie you've seen?

[dsheinem]

The Town (2010) – In most films starring Affleck, I am not a big fan of his acting …but often suspect that his poor performances have more to do with bad casting than with his own ability as an actor. In The Town, he plays a role that fits him well and also does a commendable job directing a compelling and occasionally riveting crime drama. It makes me interested in seeing Gone Baby Gone, if only to see how he improved as a director in his second feature. Hamm and Renner are both excellent as well, and while this film isn’t the best work of anyone involved, it is certainly top tier stuff.
Grade: 4/5

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) – At times I felt that this one may have been more appropriately titled Harry Potter and the Onslaught of Puberty or Harry Potter and the Talking to Girls, but despite some cheesy relational stuff, this film is another solid entry in what feels like a very consistent and enjoyable franchise. I appreciated that they kept the darker tone that was present in Azkaban through many sections of this film, with the last half hour or so being really quite good. Visually it is also probably the best I’ve seen so far, with well-done special effects that are secondary only to gorgeous sets and impeccable costuming. The actors have really come into their own at this point, and everything that should feel natural or familiar in the film does.
Grade: 3.5/5

Dinner for Shmucks (2010) – Faring better than most comedies of the past five years or so, this one managed to get at least a few chuckles out of me at several points. The scenes with Galifinakis and those with Clement were all entertaining, and the general premise was fun. I probably need to see the original though, as my guess is this remake misses some much needed wit …the film suffered from too many obvious gags, generally poor pacing, and a cast that seemed (at times) that they were going through the motions to collect a paycheck. That said, in the comedy-starved landscape of the recent past, this is still better than most of what has come out of Hollywood. Seriously, why can’t they make great comedies anymore?
Grade: 2.5/5

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) – I liked this one about as much as Goblet of Fire and for basically the same reasons…but it feels like this is probably the Potter film that has suffered the most from a translation to the silver screen. Not only does it fail completely as a film that can stand by itself, but it feels like major sections of plot and dialogue may have been cut from what (I assume) was in the book. Oh, I am also getting tired of the “Defense of the Dark Arts” teacher always being new and always being so pivotal to the plot. Seems like sloppy writing to me…Anyway, it keeps the story moving and has some memorable scenes (I liked the battle at the end, for example) – so no reason to skip it if you are moving through the series for the first time like I am.
Grade: 3.5/5

License to Kill (1989) – I hadn’t seen any Timothy Dalton Bond films before this, and I must say that he has now replaced Moore as my least favorite 007. Not only does he look like a gangly awkward tool, but he lacks that right mix of presence, cunning, and wit that Connery, Craig, and (to a lesser extent) Bronson could convey. Dalton aside, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the general plot of the film, the effects, and the well done action scenes throughout. There are some wonderfully campy ideas here, a villain that relishes their role, and a lavish set that screams high budget – all things which make for a great Bond experience.
Grade: 3.5/5

[indecks]

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) – At times I felt that this one may have been more appropriately titled Harry Potter and the Onslaught of Puberty or Harry Potter and the Talking to Girls, but despite some cheesy relational stuff, this film is another solid entry in what feels like a very consistent and enjoyable franchise. I appreciated that they kept the darker tone that was present in Azkaban through many sections of this film, with the last half hour or so being really quite good. Visually it is also probably the best I’ve seen so far, with well-done special effects that are secondary only to gorgeous sets and impeccable costuming. The actors have really come into their own at this point, and everything that should feel natural or familiar in the film does.
Grade: 3.5/5



Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) – I liked this one about as much as Goblet of Fire and for basically the same reasons…but it feels like this is probably the Potter film that has suffered the most from a translation to the silver screen. Not only does it fail completely as a film that can stand by itself, but it feels like major sections of plot and dialogue may have been cut from what (I assume) was in the book. Oh, I am also getting tired of the “Defense of the Dark Arts” teacher always being new and always being so pivotal to the plot. Seems like sloppy writing to me…Anyway, it keeps the story moving and has some memorable scenes (I liked the battle at the end, for example) – so no reason to skip it if you are moving through the series for the first time like I am.
Grade: 3.5/5

About Harry Potter 4: I hated it the first time I saw it. But after reading the book and watching it again, I appreciated it more. And GoF is actually the 'turning point' in the series. That last half hour is where shit really hits the fan, and the books/films are much darker and more 'adult', if you will.

About Harry Potter 5: I liked this movie. It has plenty of the book cut out, but honestly not as much as Goblet of Fire. GoF is the thickest book and a lot of stuff was removed, as is the case in Phoenix. But you have to remember that they aren't stand-alone films, they are a universe of 7 books and 8 movies. I have bad news for you about HP6 though. That one, to me, was the complete failure. I seem to feel that you haven't read the books - which is not a big deal, I'm not one of those book thumpers that claim everything is better in print.

But unfortunately, HP and the Half Blood Prince is actually way better in book form. It's very much a "Voldemort" book, rather than a "Harry" book. Lots of background on Voldy, where he came from and a LOT more featuring the Pensieve and Voldemort memories. The movie was made as a Harry oriented story. I mean yeah, it's a Harry story, but if you wanted to compare it to something like Star Wars, book Six was basically the Darth Vader story, but when they made the movie, it was more about Obi Wan. Make sense?

There is some damn juicy stuff in the book that was cut out - and it was important stuff to the story! I don't know why they did that. It was an enjoyable film, but it truly was the most bastardized and chopped up of the film series.

As for your comment on the Dark Arts teachers, there's a reason for that - but unfortunately it's only explained in the books, I don't think it's explained in the films (or if it is, not very well). But yeah, it's actually integral to the overall plot. Well, not like, SUPER integral, but you at least get an explanation as to why there's a new teacher every year, lol.

[Luke]

I have a real soft spot for this film as it was one of my favorites when I was in Middle School.

That "Everything I do" song made for killer middle school make out sessions.

[dsheinem]

I have a real soft spot for this film as it was one of my favorites when I was in Middle School.

That "Everything I do" song made for killer middle school make out sessions.

This movie is probably why I also have a unexplainable soft spot for Bryan Adams. That, and his stellar MTV Unplugged album.

[dsheinem]

I seem to feel that you haven't read the books

correct.

I mean yeah, it's a Harry story, but if you wanted to compare it to something like Star Wars, book Six was basically the Darth Vader story, but when they made the movie, it was more about Obi Wan. Make sense?

You are speaking my language. It seems like you would have enjoyed the film more if you didn't know what was in the book, as will be the case for me.

As for your comment on the Dark Arts teachers, there's a reason for that - but unfortunately it's only explained in the books, I don't think it's explained in the films (or if it is, not very well).

If it isn't a spoiler, can you explain it to me?

[OldSchool_Boy]

Ghost Dog:Way of the Samurai

The concepts of older mafia men in a modern world is great as well as samurai hitman in a modern world. Forest Whitaker is great in the Alain Delon inspired role but makes it more his own with a more direct lifestyle of a samurai with the inclusion of the Hagakure to the character of Ghost Dog. Rashomon elements added to great effect for the backstory of how Ghost Dog became a mafia hit man is also a plus. Henry Silva making the noise of an Elk is great as well

[noiseredux]

Ghost Dog:Way of the Samurai

The concepts of older mafia men in a modern world is great as well as samurai hitman in a modern world. Forest Whitaker is great in the Alain Delon inspired role but makes it more his own with a more direct lifestyle of a samurai with the inclusion of the Hagakure to the character of Ghost Dog. Rashomon elements added to great effect for the backstory of how Ghost Dog became a mafia hit man is also a plus. Henry Silva making the noise of an Elk is great as well

love it.

[OldSchool_Boy]

Ghost Dog:Way of the Samurai

The concepts of older mafia men in a modern world is great as well as samurai hitman in a modern world. Forest Whitaker is great in the Alain Delon inspired role but makes it more his own with a more direct lifestyle of a samurai with the inclusion of the Hagakure to the character of Ghost Dog. Rashomon elements added to great effect for the backstory of how Ghost Dog became a mafia hit man is also a plus. Henry Silva making the noise of an Elk is great as well

love it.

Also have to add that the soundtrack by Rza is great as well

[indecks]

I seem to feel that you haven't read the books

correct.

I mean yeah, it's a Harry story, but if you wanted to compare it to something like Star Wars, book Six was basically the Darth Vader story, but when they made the movie, it was more about Obi Wan. Make sense?

You are speaking my language. It seems like you would have enjoyed the film more if you didn't know what was in the book, as will be the case for me.

As for your comment on the Dark Arts teachers, there's a reason for that - but unfortunately it's only explained in the books, I don't think it's explained in the films (or if it is, not very well).

If it isn't a spoiler, can you explain it to me?

It's kinda spoilery in that it would involve explaining a little more. Watch the movie(s) first, and then get back to me.

[noiseredux]

Also have to add that the soundtrack by Rza is great as well

both of them...

the soundtrack is great, with all the Wu-affiliates, but the actual score which was Japan-only I believe is amazing.