Films you've seen/film discussion

[Tracked]

Arrival

Started off like Independence Day, but quickly goes into a much different territory. There's maybe a bit that drags through lack of action and the resolution nips past fairly quickly, but the way the twist towards the end of the film is handled makes up for that.

 

[scott118]

SNOWDEN

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3774114/?ref_=nv_sr_1

 

[backontrack]

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 7.5/10
Iconic, though it does drag slightly in places. It all depends on personal opinion, really. Some parts work better than others.

This may sound strange, but I would like to say that one of the funniest parts of the whole thing is the opening credits. Brilliant.

 

[DaleCooper]

This may sound strange, but I would like to say that one of the funniest parts of the whole thing is the opening credits. Brilliant.

Not so strange, I thought the opening credits of Dinner for Schmucks was the best bit of the film. In fact I think they're the best opening credits of any film.

https://vimeo.com/57682847

 

[Gathursty]

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them

Once again, the magic of Harry Potter charms film audiences in their thousands including me for this spin-off occuring 70 years before the birth of Harry Potter.

Here we follow Newt Scamander, brilliantly brought to life by Eddie Redmayne. Newt is a former Hogwarts (Hufflepuff) student, travelling the world Attenborough style, collecting and caring for all magical creatures great and small.

His latest adventure brings him to New York where he is trying to resettle a winged creature but gets more than he bargained for when his magical briefcase gets into the hands of a Muggle. Cue a frenetic chase through the Big Apple and between fears of man and wizard and a short Johnny Depp cameo...

You can only describe this film with one word - fantastic!

 

[DaleCooper]

Sucker Punch - I'm not sure about the rest of the film but the fantasy/action scenes are stupendous and I didn't even notice the young women in short skirts - honest. 6.0/10 (but 8.0/10 for the fantasy/action scenes)

 

[fowler9]

Sucker Punch - I'm not sure about the rest of the film but the fantasy/action scenes are stupendous and I didn't even notice the young women in short skirts - honest. 6.0/10 (but 8.0/10 for the fantasy/action scenes)

A fair rating I feel.

 

[DarloRich]

MEGA RATINGFEST!

My Scientology Movie - Louis Theroux documents his investigation into what goes on behind the scenes of the infamous church of Scientology. There was, obviously, no access granted to Scientology for the film makers. They therefore relied on "survivour" testimony and reenactments via young actors. At times it is almost Pythionesque in exposing the silliness around this "religion" and seems to centre on Louis trying, in his very understated style, to wind up the devotees! I enjoyed it and found it funny.

Young Adam - A young drifter working on a river barge disrupts his employers' lives while hiding the fact that he knows more about a dead woman found in the river than he admits. Starring Ewan McGregor & Tilda Swinton. It is depressing, uneasy & almost narsisitic with a deliberately disjointed, uneven flashback style form of filming. It isnt a bad film but McGregor seems to nice to be the lead who is pretty much a $hit and sexual predator. Not for everyone.

Dogville Nicole Kidman, on the run from the mob, is reluctantly accepted in a small Colorado town. In exchange, she agrees to work for them. As a search visits town, she finds out that their support has a price. An avant-garde drama film written and directed by Lars von Trier. I cant, honestly, decide if this is genius or pretentious nonsense. it is filmed in a theater style sound stage with no sets. It is morally confusing, disturbing, misanthropic and a challenging piece of experimental filmmaking on human suffering. it is certainly odd and not mainstream but then it is a Lars von Trier . Most wont like it, few will get and it certainly isnt for the sci fi boys!

The Railway Man A disturbing and unpleasant but ultimately uplifting story of a former British Army officer, who was tortured as a prisoner of war by the Japanese during World War II. He discovers that the man responsible for much of his torture is still alive and sets out to confront him. There are some harrowing and intense scenes but they are needed to fully show the dilemma faced by Lomax and they help to deliver a moving commentary on the redeeming factors of forgiveness, love and the triumph of the human spirit. It is very well acted by Firth and Kidman & despite being grim at times it is highly watchable.

The Nice Guys - In 1970s Los Angeles, a mismatched pair of private eyes investigate a missing girl and the mysterious death of a porn star. A decent enough comedy with Russel Crowe & Ryan Gosling but the plot seems all over the place and the writing lacks that sharp humour you might expect. Middling.

Starsky & Hutch A lampooning cheesy homage to the 1970's cop show of the same name. Despite the good chemistry between Stiller and Wilson's and the obvious gags it isnt fantastic.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen - A fisheries expert is approached by a consultant to help realize a sheik's vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert and embarks on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible possible. A soft, endearing and charming romantic comedy. A nice and enjoyable couples film

Tango & Cash A terrible and cheesy buddy cop film staring Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell. It is dull and lacks that so bad its good element of some rubbish films. A complete waste of time.

Contact Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster), after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens, who send plans for a mysterious machine which she then uses to visit them. While a sci fi film I find it raises some interesting ethical & philosophical questions and shows obvious intelligence. it is good, if not great, film let down by what I think is a soft ending.

 

[DaleCooper]

Mortdecai - I bought this DVD on the strength of the cast (Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Bettany, Ewan McGregor) although I knew nothing about it, what a pleasant surprise! This is a comedy gem in which Johnny Depp plays Charlie Mortdecai an English aristocrat and shady art dealer and Paul Bettany his loyal, tough, streetwise but luckless manservant.. With wonderful comic performances from all the main characters I loved every minute of it and there were some real laugh-out-loud moments. Highly recommended - 8.0/10

 

[Strathclyder]

Whenever The Shining (1980) springs to mind, you think of one of 5 things: 'HERE'S JOHNNY!', the Grady Twins, 'REDRUM!', 'All Work And no Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy' or the blood pouring out the elevator (all terrifying in their own right).

For me however, one of first things to pops to mind is this scene with Delbert Grady (the aforementioned Twins' father, played by the late Philip Stone). What unnerves me the most about it is the gradual shift in Grady's demeanor once questioned by Jack; from a pleasant, friendly gentleman to a cold, psychopathic murderer. Chills every single time.

 

[DaleCooper]

Code 46 - Tim Robbins stars in this romantic drama (with similarities to Brief Encounter) tinged with dystopian sci-fi, the advanced technology is handled with a light touch and in a matter-of-fact way so it doesn't get in the way of the story. An interesting feature is the language which is a blend, mainly English but with a few phrases and words from Spanish, French and perhaps a few others I didn't recognise - but still completely understandable - which makes the near future in which it takes place recognisable but also slightly alien (not in the extraterrestrial sense). 6.5/10

 

[fowler9]

Sully. I forgot to post this after going to see this in FACT in Liverpool which is a brilliant cinema. An absolutely amazing true story and Chesley Sullenberger is possibly a hero to me. There are plenty of documentaries on Youtube you can watch about the incident which are equally as moving but it is a good film. Tom Hanks stars but despite the possible cheese factor o him being in it it is impossible to take away from the fact he, the real Sully, landed an Airbus A320 on the Hudson River in New York and everyone got out alive. It is also nice that at the end of the film you get to see the real Sully who is played by Tom Hanks in the film. I think it means a lot to me because my sister is cabin crew and it maybe makes you realise to an extent what an important job they do which doesn't just involve selling perfume and drinks.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Code 46 - Tim Robbins stars in this romantic drama (with similarities to Brief Encounter) tinged with dystopian sci-fi, the advanced technology is handled with a light touch and in a matter-of-fact way so it doesn't get in the way of the story. An interesting feature is the language which is a blend, mainly English but with a few phrases and words from Spanish, French and perhaps a few others I didn't recognise - but still completely understandable - which makes the near future in which it takes place recognisable but also slightly alien (not in the extraterrestrial sense). 6.5/10

Think I will check that out mate, sounds interesting.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
The Signal. Bonkers Sci Fi but worth a watch, bit of a twist at the end. 6/10.

 

[DaleCooper]

Burn After Reading - George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Richard Jenkins and Brad Pitt in another cracking Coen brothers comedy.. I'm gradually working my way through their ouevre; this and Fargo are my favourites so far. A gym instructor finds what he believes are secret CIA files and tries to make some money from them with farcical results. 8.0/10

 

[DaleCooper]

Grimsby - Sacha Baron Cohen and Mark Strong; hilarious, heartwarming, sentimental, outrageous and absolutely disgusting, I loved it 8.0/10

 

[backontrack]

Peanuts (Noah Schnapp, Bill Mendelez): 8/10

Very enjoyable and funny.

 

[DaleCooper]

Donnie Darko - I treated myself to yet another viewing of the theatrical version of this cult classic, which I (and apparently many others) prefer to the director's cut. It is one of my favourite films and an enigmatic masterpiece with an ending that still brings a lump to my throat not to mention a tear to my eye. The choice of music (see the "Now Playing" thread) is inspired and includes Echo & The Bunnymen, Tears for Fears, Joy Division and Gary Jules' version of Mad World. 9.0/10

 

[backontrack]

Arthur Christmas: 7.6/10 (James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, dir. Sarah Smith)
This is the spirit of Christmas, pure and simple. Aardman take the classic setting and characters - Santa, reindeer, elves - and make it original. Christmas has become a hi-tech operation, but the faces behind it have very human problems and are forced to bridge the gap between the old and new. Very fast-paced yet down-to-earth comedy with heart.

Love Actually: 9.0/10 (Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, Martin Freeman, dir. Richard Curtis)
I have a soft spot for this movie, I'll admit. But I think that Love Actually is sensational. There are the classic scenes: Sam's lovestruck race through Heathrow; Emma Thompson's mother crying to Joni Mitchell; Colin (from Basildon)'s trip to America, and of course Bill Nighy's rockstar's reconciliation with his manager. And yet, it always stays fresh; you see something new each time, you get a different perspective from each viewing. Love Actually remains a classic.

Bill: 7.5/10 (Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas, Simon Farnaby, Helen McCrory, dir. Richard Bracewell)
This crew is always gold. And Bill - a story of how Shakespeare saved the Queen from an evil Spanish King with a false moustache - is simply leaking with laughs. Hysterical. What it lacks in heart it makes up for in cleverness.

Penguins of Madagascar: 5.8/10 (Tom McGrath, Christopher Knights, Benedict Cumberbatch, dir. Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith)
Another animated Dreamworks cashcow - but it was better than I thought it would be at least. Relatively entertaining.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa: 6.1/10 (Steve Coogan, Colm Meaney, Felicity Montagu, dir. Declan Lowney)
I won't claim to be particularly enamoured with Alan Partridge - he's great in small doses, but not in especially large ones - but Steve Coogan and Colm Meaney make a reasonable fist of Partridge's first feature-length effort. One that will make you shout 'Clobber!' and 'Jason and the Argonauts'!

The Lady in The Van: 5.9/10 (Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings, dir. Nicholas Hytner)
Not particularly interesting if I'm honest - but well acted.

Love and Friendship: 8.2/10 (Kate Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny, Xavier Samuel, dir. Whit Stillman)
This is a witty and well-done adaption of Jane Austen. Recommended.

Kung-Fu Panda 3: 6.8/10 (Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, J.K. Simmons, dir. Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni)
Fun panda-related threequel from Dreamworks. It has the extra dimension of a whole army of pandas.

The Jungle Book: 7.0/10 (Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, dir. Jon Favreau)
A good adaptation of Rudyard Kipling that tells the story of Mowgli, the young wolfcub-turned-arsonist. I particularly enjoyed Bill Murray as Baloo.

 

[GMT]

Idiocracy (2006, directed by Mike Judge with Luke Wilson). 7/10

What the world may be in 500 years. Or even less.

 

[jon0844]

Idiocracy (2006, directed by Mike Judge with Luke Wilson). 7/10

What the world may be in 500 years. Or even less.

A fair bit less. Like about two weeks time.

 

[Jackson99]

Last film I watched was Rogue1. 7.5 out of 10

 

[backontrack]

About Time: 7.8/10 (Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, dir. Richard Curtis)
An entertaining and witty portrayal of a novel concept: what if we could travel back in time to improve on awkward moments?

 

[fowler9]

The Fifth Wave. Garbage. Like Divergent with even less quality.

 

[DaleCooper]

Another 50p down the drain.

I found Diagnosis: Death in a charity shop and apparently I've learned nothing because I read the cover blurb:

"A MUST SEE FOR FANS OF FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS"
"AS FUNNY AS SHAUN OF THE DEAD, MORE HORRIFIC THAN SEVERANCE"

Although I wasn't expecting too much from this low budget film from New Zealand I was still bitterly disappointed.

Neither funny nor horrific, two members of Flight of the Conchords were seen for just a few minutes (and they were the best parts of the film) and the third had a secondary role. Both lead actors were poor, the female having such bad diction that I couldn't understand most of her lines and I just didn't care about the characters or the story. Although I got through about 1 hour of the film I just couldn't bear to watch the final 20 minutes. 3.0/10

 

[DaleCooper]

Drive - Ryan Gosling stars as a stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver. This is highly rated on IMDb but I didn't get it, I thought it was a triumph of (poor directorial) style over substance, Ryan Gosling was miscast and his lengthy pauses before every line got really annoying. 4.0/10

 

[backontrack]

The Imitation Game: 6.0/10 (Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, dir. Morten Tyldum)
A soaped-up and sensationalised Turing biopic, quite clumsy in parts, albeit with good acting performances (especially from Keira Knightley).

 

[trainmania100]

I was watching #LEFT BEHIND# recently.
It is about a sudden occurrence of people who believe in Jesus, who disappear off the face of the earth and go to heaven so to speak...
A pilot is flying his plane then suddenly people disappear when he goes to check on his saucy flight attendant ,so to speak.
Then poof many people disappear. Including the co pilot.
Another unmanned plane comes into their flight path as the commander's of that passenger plane believe in Jesus. It then smashes part of the wing, the plane runs out of fuel and has to make an emergency landing...Of course many airports are shut due to people believing in Jesus
So he lands the plane on a road instead. Very exciting g film I recommend . Currentlyavailable on demand fivr

 

[fowler9]

Watched Looper last night. Pretty good Sci Fi film. Not the first time Bruce Willis has gone back in time and tried to set things right. Ha ha. I'll give it 6/10 for being not entirely original.

 

[DaleCooper]

Watched Looper last night. Pretty good Sci Fi film. Not the first time Bruce Willis has gone back in time and tried to set things right. Ha ha. I'll give it 6/10 for being not entirely original.

A dozen monkeys would say it's better than 6/10.

 

[fowler9]

A dozen monkeys would say it's better than 6/10.

Ha ha. I get you. I've just come off the back of a late shift on a Sunday so maybe I was unduly harsh. I was going to say 7.

 

[Jackson99]

Watched Immortals the other day. 5/10 at best, couldn't really get into it...