|
|
Post by slayrrr666 on Sept 3, 2007 10:32:16 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Heineken Skywalker on Sept 3, 2007 12:59:51 GMT -5
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS (2005)
Finally got around to seeing this one and am sorry it took so long.
Entertaining, educational, fantastic cinematography and a wonderful narration by Morgan Freeman. What's not to love?
Who knew that penguins, some of the cutest animals on earth, also have some of the toughest lives? I knew some of this stuff already from having recently watched the PLANET EARTH documentary, but because that one literally had a lot more ground to cover, this is more in depth about the title creatures.
Facinating.
9/10
|
|
|
|
Post by ZapRowsdower on Sept 3, 2007 23:10:36 GMT -5
The Outsiders (1983, Francis Ford Coppola) (Viewing Assignment for Language of Film class)
I remember reading the book my Freshman year of high school, and this movie was a really good adaptation of it. Some of the acting is just a little bit dated, but Coppola's directorial style mixed in with some fantastic camera work make up for that. 8/10
Ladron que roba a ladron (2007, Joe Menendez)
In a nutshell, El Once de Ocean (AKA, Ocean's Eleven en Espanol). Not to say it wasn't entertaining or well-constructed (which it was), but not very original. The cast was very likeable, and the movie was fun to watch. 7/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Termination on Sept 4, 2007 0:54:08 GMT -5
Disturbia (2007) (Blu-Ray)
HD Video - 9/10
HD Audio Dolby Digital - 8/10
HD Audio dts - 9/10
Final Fantasy - The Spirits Within (2001) (Blu-Ray)
HD Video - 9/10
HD Audio Dolby Digital - 9/10
HD Audio LPCM - 10/10
TMNT (2007) (Blu-Ray)
HD Video - Reference
HD Audio Dolby Digital - 9/10
HD Audio Dolby TrueHD - 9/10
|
|
|
|
Post by ZapRowsdower on Sept 4, 2007 3:11:39 GMT -5
Bad Boys (1995, Michael Bay)
Alright, at risk of a Hell of a witch hunt, I'm just gonna up and say it: I freakin' love Michael Bay. There, I said it. And I don't regret it. I can't believe how long it took me to watch this movie, but it was a rewarding experience. Michael Bay is never, ever going to win an Oscar for Best Director, but my God, can that man put you on a rollercoaster ride. I even liked Martin Lawrence in this flick - that says a mouthful. I usually hate the guy, but I liked him here. I know I'm talking this flick up more than it probably deserves, but I really enjoyed it, and I will most certainly be buying the DVD. 8/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Heineken Skywalker on Sept 4, 2007 8:18:32 GMT -5
HALLOWEEN (2007)
Not a train wreck, but not necessary either. I'll add more in the review thread.
6/10
SNAKES ON A PLANE (2006)
Actually, as over the top as I expected this to be, it was actually more subtle than some of HALLOWEEN.
Now, this movie is what I call "truth in advertising". Almost non-stop action, Samuel Jackson in cool, kick-ass mode, and a shitload of snakes wiping out a checklist of B-movie stock characters in all kinds of improbable ways. A lot of it is ridiculous, but it's so damn entertaining and not to be taken seriously at all, that it's hard not to grin through a lot of it. If you're a fan of B-movie "when animals attack" type flicks, like PIRANHA and ALLIGATOR, give this one a look.
7/10
|
|
|
|
Post by slayrrr666 on Sept 4, 2007 10:00:10 GMT -5
I think I gave Snakes a 9 at IMDb because I was so impressed with it. The perfect mixture of cheesy, seriousness and non-stop action. This is what I talk about when saying that I love fast-paced films, this is the one I bring up to sell the point.
|
|
|
|
Post by Termination on Sept 5, 2007 2:19:49 GMT -5
National Lampoon's Van Wilder: Unrated (2002) (Blu-Ray)
HD Video - 7/10
HD Audio Dolby Digital - 7/10
HD Audio LPCM - 8/10
Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007) (Blu-Ray)
HD Video - 9/10
HD Audio Dolby Digital - 9/10
HD Audio dts - 9/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Phoenix on Sept 5, 2007 20:18:00 GMT -5
Munich - Far from a perfect movie but a good rental nonetheless. I've heard there are better movies on the subject matter and I didn't feel as connected to it as I have other Spielburg films (IE The Color Purple). Delivers some good performances and slick scenes. 5/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Termination on Sept 5, 2007 22:30:36 GMT -5
Moved to Where's The Remote thread.
|
|
|
|
Post by Termination on Sept 6, 2007 3:39:19 GMT -5
Moved to Where's The Remote thread.
|
|
|
|
Post by Heineken Skywalker on Sept 6, 2007 7:19:40 GMT -5
Term,
HEROES and other tv series you watch on dvd, should really be in the Just Watched on TV thread in "Where's The Remote", just to try to keep this section "movie only" and that one "tv series" only.
A couple of nights ago I watched:
ACCEPTED (2006)
College comedy in the tradition of OLD SCHOOL and REVENGE OF THE NERDS, but obviously this isn't in the same league as ANIMAL HOUSE, the mother of all college comedies.
Cute film with a few really funny scenes, but I wish they hadn't resorted to the "let's forget we're a comedy, get serious, and make a heartfelt speech" scene near the end. But alas, too many supposedly outrageous comedies tend to do that.
Most of the cast, especially Justin Long, are really good though.
6.5/10
|
|
|
|
Post by ZapRowsdower on Sept 6, 2007 18:31:29 GMT -5
Beau travail (1999, Claire Denis (Literal English title: Good Work) (Viewing Assignment for Language of Cinema class)
It was bound to happen... My least favorite of my viewing assignments. 90 minutes of sheer cinematography, but little narrative flow. It was a pretty picture, but I didn't care about any of the characters. In an attempt to make something artistic, Denis sacrificed the important element of character. Dialogue isn't always necessary, but incessant scenes of training doesn't exactly tell us much about them either. Coupled with an infuriating ending which does not justify the existence of this picture, it's enough to hold back any recommendation I may have for it. Points earned for excellent camera work - if the story were structured better, it would be a classic. 6/10
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937, Walt Disney) (Viewing Assignment for Story Structure class)
Disney's first animated masterpiece stands the test of time and then some. The animation was amazing for its time, the music was enchanting, the story was beautiful, and the characters are very memorable. One of my favorite Disney films of all time. 10/10
Beauty and the Beast (1991, Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise) (Viewing Assignment for Story Structure class)
The assignment was to look at this film and Snow White, and compare how storytelling techniques have changed since the 30's. And they have changed quite a bit. Whereas Snow White was naive and overly trusting - waiting for her Prince to come to her, Belle actively pursued what she wanted. Not to take away from Snow White in the least, but mentalities have changed since then, and women are being portrayed as stronger, independent characters. Belle encapsulates that. Another one of Disney's best films, with a beautiful score and wonderful animation. 10/10
|
|
|
|
Post by ZapRowsdower on Sept 8, 2007 0:29:58 GMT -5
3:10 to Yuma (2007, James Mangold)
Excellent. Christian Bale, Russell Crowe and Ben Foster are perfect in a good old-fashioned Western. The narrative is constructed beautifully, the cinematography is excellent. Wonderful subtlety within the development of the characters, and the climax is breathtaking. It took a good three months, but this is now my new favorite film of 2007. 10/10
Birth (2004, Jonathan Glazer) (Viewing Assignment for Language of Cinema class)
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I have never been a fan of that Cameron Bright kid (always seemed like a cheap copy of Haley Joel Osment to me), but Nicole Kidman was brilliant. I'm sure all the negativity this film picked up was due to all the taboos... and I can see why this film would make many people uncomfortable. But in a way, I think that's what they were going for. Glazer has also obviously studied his Kubrick - the styles are distinctly similar. The camera work was brilliant as well. I know I'm in the minority of liking this flick, but hey... can't always side with the majority, right? 8/10
|
|
|
|
Post by ZapRowsdower on Sept 8, 2007 19:00:34 GMT -5
Big Fish (2003, Tim Burton)
One of Tim Burton's strongest films. It kinda breaks away from Burton's expressionist style, but it does make its presence known from time to time. A very emotional film, playing heavily on symbolism and metaphors. How this wasn't nominated for more Oscars is beyond me. 10/10
Bad Blood (1986, Leos Carax) (Viewing Assignment for Language of Film class)
Now THAT'S more like it. Last week, I saw another French flick starring Denis Levant, and that left me unimpressed. This one had more to offer than just great camera work, but also an engaging story. Juliette Binoche is one of the finest actresses to come out of France, and quite possibly, one of the best in the world. I highly recommend this film. It's experimental, but it certainly wasn't a failed experiment. 8/10
Mother (1926, Vsevolod Pudovkin) (Viewed in World Cinema class)
Okay, so it's propaganda. Doesn't make it any less powerful of a film. The styles and techniques of this era had a profound influence on later films, and this serves as a fine example of that. It's a little long and drawn out, but a powerful ending made it all worth it. 8/10
|
|
