Movie What's the last movie you saw? (4)

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Looking over that list makes me realise why home cinemas are becoming more and more popular...

I usually try to go to the Artsy Cinemas. People usually don't **** around there. If i'm going to a mainstream cinema it's always best to see something noisy so then you don't care if people are talking.
 
I usually try to go to the Artsy Cinemas. People usually don't **** around there. If i'm going to a mainstream cinema it's always best to see something noisy so then you don't care if people are talking.

Thats very true- saw The Social Network at Kino and Up in the Air at Nova- you could hear a pin drop.
 
Last 2-3 weeks;

Dont Look Now
I have a feeling I will like this more on rewatch.

The film felt like a bit of a mess to me in the first hour. There was little story. But once the couple separate, the story starts to get going.

Roeg occasionally has some brilliant film making flourishes. His use of film grammar and symbolism throughout the film is quite impressive. The Venice setting also works well, with the audio maze surrounds, some religious architecture, and the water element. The sex scene is also well placed. Julie Christie is perfect, and Sutherland seems to get better as the film goes along.

There are some atmospheric scenes here. Ultimately though, some things worked and some things didnt. Flawed, yet a minor genre classic.

6.5/10

Time of the Wolf

6.5/10

The Mission

Thought this film was due for a rewatch. Despite being somewhat criticised, and there are some flaws, this film is such a sensory delight. Roland Joffe's directing along with the photography is fabulous, and the Morricone score is a unique all-timer.

I find the dual leads of Irons/De Niro works perfectly in this film. Irons just commands the screen, and Mendoza bears some similarity to De Niro's Deer Hunter performance of Michael.

I really enjoy the religious and political overtones. All the major characters are excellently drawn. It is a film that works on so many levels. Part South American adventure. Part religious promotion film. Part critique on the colonial/church world that they had made. The film does take some slight miss steps in the 2nd half, and the Aidan Quinn punch feels totally out of place, but all in all an utterly unique film.

9/10

Young Adult

The performances are okay, especially Charlize, it's her film. Reitman is okay.

But honestly this just felt like a waste of my time. It was boring, the characters werent very convincing, and there is almost nothing of note outside of Theron's decent enough performance.

You know, Charlize is awesome and all, but has she ever been in a great film?

5.5/10

The Opposite of Sex

Borderline film ruined by the central character played by Christina Ricci. The film is good when she isnt on screen or giving voiceover. Her character and the way she plays with film cliches might have seemed like a good idea in the 90s, but it has dated badly.
In saying all that, the 3rd act is a vast improvement, and somewhat saves the film. Lisa Kudrow is the best thing about this film, maybe even deserving of an oscar nomination.

5.5/10

The Little Foxes
Bette Davis is at her very best in this film, absolutely commanding the screen in every single scene. While the Hellman screenplay is very black/white with its characters, contrasting the awful siblings & Leo against everyone else (who sit together in a scene to ram the point home), it's another gem from Wyler. Wyler has now entered my Top 5 favourite directors, never disappoints. Also, the cinematography by the guy that did Citizen Kane is sublime. The ensemble casting is to die for, aided by the fact that a couple did the show on broadway prior. The actor playing Leo could walk straight into a Coen film lol.

Wyler could have made a career out of shooting moral dramas in Southern mansions. But this film is owned by Bette Davis, with a performance for the ages.

8.5/10

Carnage
Deliciously awkward and impeccably acted. A disintegration of civilised manners, and unraveling of nature. If ever a film was destined to end with everyone dying, this would probably be it lol. It's difficult to pick a favourite cast member, but Jodie Foster hasnt been this good in a long while. Incredible casting all round.

Polanski's best film since The Pianist, a true delight for the senses. Why this wasnt nominated for Best Film in 2011 is frankly disturbing.

8.5/10

Mrs Miniver

A rousing WWII-era drama, one of those films which can genuinely claim to have changed the world a little, and a standalone classic which looks sublime for the year of its release.

Some may write it off as of-its-time propaganda, but the propaganda never takes over the story (atleast until the final speech), and its very subtle compared to what the germans were dishing out in that era. It's really just an idealised portrait of British life during WWII (although filmed in America).

Gutsy to make a film like this during the conflict, yet it paid off, and stands on its own two legs today. The final tragedy especially is suprising, given that another character seems to be set up for that at the very beginning. But seeing the old woman alone at the end, it was the best choice.

8.5/10

Late Spring

My 3rd Ozu, and possibly my favourite. It's a more straight forward narrative, but similar to the later An Autumn Afternoon, focuses on the painful separation of a father and daughter due to the cultural forces of society at play.

Ozu is interesting, in that he appears proto-feminist (although Ozu seems slightly more preoccupied with the fathers 'sacrifice') and aware of the creeping American cultural influence, as well as modernisation.

Although I must admit, I cant help but laugh at how pathetic men seem to be in the sense that they apparently cant look after themselves. That's what happens when you segregate gender roles.

This film has some truly beautiful moments, the character of Noriko seems better developed than in some other Noriko films. Is it better than Tokyo Story? I honestly dont know, its hard to rank Ozu.

9.5/10

Rope

Tightly directed in several long takes, with some very visually arresting performances, this is a memorable film. Really hard to fault, with an interesting homosexual subtext, and an unraveling macabre act as night falls.

It could be argued that the murder should not have been shown on screen and instead left ambiguous till the finale, however it enriches the performance of the two assailants, something the film couldnt really do without.

One of the most effective Hitchcock films ive seen, another classic. James Stewart also has one of the best entrances I've seen. This might be in my Top 3 Hitchcock.

9/10

Far From Heaven

Lovely dirge into 50's era living, and the relationship between public and private personas. This is Haynes love letter to a lost genre of film, albeit shining the torch on issues shied away from at the time.

Julianne Moore gives one of her very best performances here as a somewhat saintly and immensely likeable housewife who undergoes a somewhat crucifixion. Quaid is an interesting choice that works well, and Haysbert is also spot-on casting. Patricia Clarkson also adds to any film she pops up in. All the main characters are relatable and draw sympathy.

Ultimately, the hyperreal melodrama and lack of subtlety will rub some modern viewers the wrong way, yet this film is a highly effective example of period filmmaking under a modern microscope.

8.5/10

The French Connection

A 70's crime gem and somewhat revolutionary police drama. Hackman is spot on as the difficult yet effective workhorse, and Schnieder compliments him well. You can even see the disparate likes of Dirty Harry and David Simon being influenced by this.

There is also an all-time chase sequence which will take your breath away.

Ultimately though, the film is held back a little by feeling like one chase scene after another. Enjoyable ride of a film that may shine more on repeat viewings, but not a masterpiece for me.

8/10

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

A crowdpleaser that cant help but put a smile on your face. Hepburn & Tracy are especially good here. Hepburn's eyes appear moist for practically the entire film, and Tracy really goes out on a high note.
An important film about family, love, and how they can overcome the problems of society. Mandatory viewing really.

8.5/10

Career Girls

Really enjoyed this. This seems to be a lesser known Mike Leigh film, but its a hidden gem. A great tale of love between two old college friends. I also thought the score (done by Secrets & Lies star Baptiste) was spot on, it really elevates the film.
Mike Leigh is a real treasure, I think this will slot in nicely among my favourite 'female friendship' films. Underrated.

8.5/10

Throne of Blood

Shakespeare's Macbeth is one of my least preferred famous works from the man. But this is to my mind the best adaptation. And that is largely down to the skill of Kurosawa.
The foggy scenes, and the forest scenes with the spirit, are a visual feast. Mifune once again is perfect too. The tree scene towards the end has never been directed better, and the arrows scene is rather awesome.
However, when it comes to Japan, I easily prefer post-war films to feudal Japan films. Just a preference. Kurosawa is an enormous talent and value to the history of cinema, but his period film settings dont enrapture my interest all that greatly. Nevertheless, the best Macbeth adaptation I have yet seen.

7.5/10
 

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This is my list of annoyances:
- talking (and yes that includes whispering constantly. WE CAN STILL HEAR YOU)
- mobile phone ringing
- people taking calls in a cinema
- people texting, especially when the "beeping" keypad noise is on
- people (kids im looking in your direction) walking up and down way too many times- and also changing seats. Choose a ****ing seat and sit in it or GTFO
- people rustling chip packets loudly. (this is the only "food" one that annoys me- other general eating popcorn, etc doesnt, in fact i kinda associate this noise with being in a cinema, lol)
- people (kids again mainly) taking photos of themselves. Yes this does happen, its rare but it does.
- people sitting near me; in front is the worst, but i also get kinda annoyed if people sit right behind me too. I like my space. Dont even get me started on ppl who take seats RIGHT next to me- esp if there are other options to sit somewhere else in the cinema.

Is that the complete list? Anymore people got?


Sorry but the last point is wrong, if its allocated seating i sit in my assigned seat regardless, if the movies starts and we were literally the only two in there i would move otherwise im in my assigned seat.

The rest are spot on, in this day and age to leave you phone on loud in a cinema and get TWO phone calls (turn it off after the first one you idiot) i turn mine off. Texting (the light on the phone and all of it ruins the experience).
 
dont understand why ppl feel the need to text during movies. i always get these dykheads sitting near me.

in one cinema i frequent ushers/staff come in one or 2x during the movie to check for any ruffians. wish they'd kick people out for using their phones.


The Sun in Yarraville is a little independent cinema, old styling so i thought it would be fine, had two terrible experiences now and both times it was Sat night (they sell alchohol you can drink in the cinema) i think i might just have to avoid Fridays and Saturdays.
 
Sorry but the last point is wrong, if its allocated seating i sit in my assigned seat regardless, if the movies starts and we were literally the only two in there i would move otherwise im in my assigned seat.
).

I'm thinkin of my little local cinema there- they dont have allocated seating.
 
Outrage - A Japanees Yakuza film.

The chairman of a large mob clan that features lots of families with their own turfs sets off a spiral of violence by instructing different families to challenge others. It is hard to follow who has crossed who by the end. No great storyline, just lots of cutting off of fingers, slashing of faces, etc.

Entertaining without being groundbreaking

6.5/10
 
cameos from cuby gooding jr, and samuel L jackson (who is now famous for advertising sportsbet).

There's another great cameo in Coming to America too.

When Murphy is walking along the river with the female lead, he stops and gives a bag of money to two bums sleeping in some trash. The Bums being the Duke Brothers that Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd sent broke in Trading Places. They even play the music from trading places and finish with Randolph Duke saying "Mortimer, we're back!".

About the only bad thing about Coming to America is it seems to be the movie that convinced Eddie Murphy that one Eddie per movie just wasn't enough.
 
Pulp Fiction at the Astor last night. 11/10

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Lincoln - satisfying movie. Thankfully, not too rah rah America. Very good work from DDL, really immersed himself in the role. When you forget you're watching an actor you know they've done a good job. And plenty of support from others in the cast, including Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field.

Spielberg obviously knows his way around a film. Strong script and the time around the 13th amendment is an interesting time to explore.
 
My Night at Mauds (1969) - Eric Rohmer's tale about love, faith and the Bourgeoisie. Jean-Louise Trintignant (Amour) is a great actor. Bit too philosophical and dogmatic (just very verbose) but it was still somewhat compelling. The ending was intriguing. 7/10

Tokyo Story (1953) - Renowned classic. The first half was a slog for me to get through. Once I overcame this the second half was excellent. It's portrayal of post war Japanese life in the snapshot of an old couple's trip visiting their children was ultimately very sad and moving. The last half an hour was emotional. 7.5/10

Perfect Sense (2011) - Liked this one. Romance/drama set in Glasgow in a scenario where the world is hit by an epidemic stripping people of their senses. Eva Green (hawtttt) and Ewan McGregor are solid in this. 8/10

Something the Lord Made (2004) - Story about surgeon pioneers. One an esteemed Surgical researcher and the other a black surgeon technician. Alan Rickman and Mos Def play the leads. An interesting story but a bit lacking in drama. 6/10

The Last Seduction (1994) - Linda Fiorentino is a bad woman! A bit bizarre towards the end but decent up until that point. 6.5/10

The Music Never Stopped (2011) - A drama about a son and parents who are reunited after many years. The son has suffered a brain injury and it's only through certain songs is he able to be functional. Lou Pucci Taylor is a pretty good actor. 6.5/10

Bang Bang You're Dead (2002) - It could have been great but the ending was a huge letdown. This is probably Ben Foster's best performance. He's had some good ones too! After seeing the Estonian film The Class about a similar issue this came up short but 3 quarter of it was excellent. 7.5/10
 
The Hurt Locker

Was good, a little disappointing but mainly because of the hype.

The acting was excellent but I thought a lot of the script was pretty standard and I really got sick of the shaky cam. At least when its following a character run along it makes sense as a pov but I swear there were times when it was zoomed in and bouncing about while we watched Renner following wires. If the script's doing its job I don't need shaky cam to buy into a character's claustrophobia/tension whatever.

But my real problem with shaky cam being over done is it makes me aware of the cameraman, a few times I found myself thinking, ok so the cameraman is sitting in the back seat or standing right over there......

Still a lot better movie then most though.
 
I Give It a Year
A fairly weak attempt at a subversion/deconstruction of the rom-com genre. Annoying, shallow and ultimately unlikable characters meant that I could never get on board. A couple of funny moments.

I Give It a 4/10.
 
Les Petits Mouchoirs.

An outstanding French film about a group of friends who always have their holidays together. But one of them isnt there this year. An all star French cast, handled perfectly by director Guilliame Canet, the French guy from 'The Beach'.

If you dont mind subtitles, I highly recommend this film.

9/10
 
Antiviral - This was a rather strange sci fi movie where celebrity culture is so extreme that people even want to be infected with the diseases the celebrities get. The protagonist works in a clinic that sells sickness but also smuggles it out by infecting himself to sell on the black market. This is his downfall after one celebrity dies from an unknown virus that he has infected himself with. A rather weird look at celebrity culture gone mad with some bizarre aspects like people buying skin steaks to eat made from cloned cells of celebrities, celebrity skin grafts, and cell gardens. A very dark and cynical movie that was reasonably well performed. Just didn't quite work for me. 5/10
 
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