Movie Review Thread: The Remake

[Reply #480 on:]

Mean Creek

I'm gonna put this whole thing into spoiler territory, partly 'cause, y'know, I don't want to spoil anything, but mostly 'cause I feel like it. (And, to be honest, I don't know how to review a movie without giving loads of stuff away...so...yeah.)

Show spoiler

This is some movie. One of the things that distinguishes it from most other dramas/melodramas that I've seen recently is the fact that the core cast is made up of teenagers. Normally, this wouldn't be that big a deal, but the performances in this movie are so great that I thought I should mention it. I mean, most every teenage actor in this film is at an adult-level of acting, which is amazing when you consider the fact that one of the best performances in the film comes from an 11 year-old.

Great performances aside, the plot of this movie ain't half-bad either. I mean, it's kind of a typical story: a misunderstood bully who's not nearly as bad as he seems, a group of friends looking out for their own, and one evil plan. The thing that makes this movie so unique is that fact that the story is so well-written, the dialogue rings so true, and the emotion is believably pulled off, so much so that the film only reaches melodramatic levels towards the end.

The thing about this movie that is so disturbing is the theme of an accidental death. I don't want to give too much away, but let me just say that, whenever someone so young dies like that, it breaks your heart. Even if it is only a movie (in fact, that's one of the things that shows you how well the movie works...the fact that you come to see the characters as real people, and feel for them as such).

Another distinguishing characteristic of the film is how silent the third act is. I mean, these young actors can convey such emotion with their mannerisms, than any amount of dialogue ever could. Now, this isn't always a great thing (for example, it sort of seperates act three from the first two acts, and kind of makes you feel like you're watching a totally different movie). But, so long as the point of the movie gets across to the audience, then it's okay in my book.

And, finally, the ending is so heartbreaking, and it leaves you thinking. In fact, when I saw the last shot of the movie, my heart sank. There was something so effective about it, that...well, I won't say anymore.

Anyway, I reccommend this film to anyone who, y'know, likes drama. It's one of those movies that reminds you of how great an indie movie can be.

A

EDIT: TOTPD of...somethin'...

[Reply #481 on:]

The Wedding Crashers

Awesome, fun movie. Great opening montage of the guys crashing various weddings. Earns its R rating, but without being overly gross or having annoying scenes of toilet humor. I hear the cameo near the end sucked, but I missed that part. Christopher Walken's voice rocks.

a

[Reply #482 on:]

I only saw this movie a month ago. And it was on pay-per view and I was near a computer but I never posted a review.

Fever Pitch

Very sweet movie. The beginning is rushed but it's very heart-warming. I'm not one for romance but I do like romantic comedies. And it just made me like Jimmy Fallon a lot more. I could only think of Fry when watching Jimmy. Good movie.

B+

[Reply #483 on:]

Otis:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was good. It didn't live up to my initial expectations, but it didn't live down to all the negative reviews, either. The whole family went to the early show today and I think we all enjoyed it (unlike Star Wars). Johnny Depp was nowhere as good as he was in Pirates, but he wasn't as bad as I was expecting (again from those damn reviews... they called him the worst thing in the movie, which is still probably true). He was way less sexxy in this movie though, but I thought his little nervous/weird laugh was oddly endearing. (side note: the flashbacks were kinda dumb. B

[Reply #484 on:]

The Incredibles

What can I say about this movie? It kicks ass. That's about the only phrase I can use to describe it. It's smart, funny, and the look of the film is just gorgeous. Sure, who the eventual villian will be is pretty obvious, and there are a few moments where there's some of the usual Disney/Pixar fluff (which was part of what ruined "Finding Nemo" for me), but, overall, I think this is my favorite Pixar film. 'Nuff said.

A 

[Reply #485 on:]

I totaly agree with your conclusion about The Incredibles. But then again, it was made by the same guy who made The Iron Giant, so how could he do wrong? He could not, That's how!

[Reply #486 on:]

(Yeah, the Iron Giant also kicked ass. I think the equation Brad Bird = kick-ass movies sums it all up.)

Anyway...

Hide and Seek

I watched this movie a few days ago, and it was actually pretty good. Granted, I spent about 3/4 of the film just making fun of it (which, believe me, annoyed the other people I was watching it with), but, all in all, it's pretty decent as far as suspense/thriller/what-have-you movies go. Robert De Niro and Dakota Fanning are just amazing (the latter is doing some of her best work), and, even though there were some loose ends that were never really tied up, the story itself isn't all that flawed or unoriginal. I mean, there are some moments when it seems like something is lacking, I'm not gonna lie. But the performances more than make up for the sometimes shaky writing.

So, my arbitrarily assigned grade is...

B-

[Reply #487 on:]

My sister rented that movie last night and I watched it with her since I had nothing else to do.  I have to say I was prettty bored and predicted about 95% of it.  Then again, I rarely watch horror movies...

I just watched SLC Punk, which was very good- if you like a funny, accurate story about punks and rebellion in general, give it a view.  And before i went on vacation I watched Before Sunset and Wicker Park- both worthy views as well.

[Reply #488 on:]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Love those Oompa-Loompa songs!  (But then, I'm admitadly prejudiced towards Danny Elfman, an the fact that he's singing songs he worte based on the works of Roald Dahl makes me insanely happy.)

Johnny Depp really does nothing for this movie, which may be a first.  Christopher Lee as Wonka's dad, however... nice bit of casting there.  Also, I'm pretty upset that the square candies that turn round didn't make it into this film either, as it's one of my favourite bits from the book.

Overall, I'd give it a B+.  I'll probably get the DVD, but not until it's previously viewed.

[Reply #489 on:]

Sin City

I haven't actually seen the movie yet, but it seems to be eliciting some fiery passions...

 http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/teens-nose-bitten-off-in-row-over-sin-city/2005/07/18/1121538902049.html

[Reply #490 on:]

I'm such an idiot. I've seen this movie and loved it.

Ray

I watched this months ago! God I have a horrible memory. Anyway, awesome movie! I was moved and very teary-eyed. Jamie Foxx deserved every bit of the Oscar. Excellent.

A

The Aviator

I didn't finish this movie. I had like 20 minutes left. But from what I saw, it was interesting. Very weird. But my favorite effect of this movie was how in some shoots the only colors were seafoam green, pinky-peach, and brown. And the rest was black and white. I thought that was pretty cool. And the plane crash scene, wow! That was gross. Not the best movie I've seen, kind of confusing but it's something to watch if your curious.

B

And though I've commented on this before,

Cursed: Unrated DVD Edition

The only reason why I rented this was because I read that there was an explaination of why it sucked. I didn't find that but it might have been in the commentary and I didn't watch the movie. This is like the stupidest werewolf movie ever. Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson did the Scream movies, and if you watch this movie expecting the same results, you will be SOOOO disappointed.

And all the special features are really stupid too. There's a documentary behind the scenes thing that is so dumb. It is all bad. And I think the Incredibles ranks like 2 points higher than this movie.

D-

[Reply #491 on:]

War of the Worlds
Saw it this weekend. I didn't dislike it.
True, it could have been anybody in those roles.
But this is the least annoying I've ever seen Tom Cruise in a movie.
Thumbs up from me to Tom for that.

I liked how Spielberg made what would actually be "an untold tale" of the War of the Worlds. A seprate story happening along side what would be happening in the original. Pluse the whole basement scene with Tim Robbins was a nice tip of the hat to the George Pal version.
The design of the tripods - awesome! Everybody is familiar with George Pal's streamlined versions in his movie, but Spielberg's have that more mechanical and complicated look as seen in several different illustrated versions of the book.

Well's original was told from the point of view from the scientists and people in charge.
I really liked that this was from the point of view of some everyman just trying to get through it.

[Reply #492 on:]

 

Originally posted by boingo2000:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

<snip>

Also, I'm pretty upset that the square candies that turn round didn't make it into this film either, as it's one of my favourite bits from the book.

I was kind of disappointed that they left out the entire plot about the secret recipe for the everlasting gobstopper... plus, they were round and boring, not the geometric awesomeness of the first movie. 

I had some issues with the movie, but I think it's because I loved the first one so much. On it's own, I thought the movie was quite enjoyable, but it's not a good idea to try and compare the two... Gene Wilder will always come out on top.

[Reply #493 on:]

 

Originally posted by Kloudes:
 I was kind of disappointed that they left out the entire plot about the secret recipe for the everlasting gobstopper... plus, they were round and boring, not the geometric awesomeness of the first movie.

Psst...that's 'cause it wasn't in the book.  Then, neither was the whole little epilogue bit, or the fact that Wonka is the son of Dracula, but those were just added to make the story less, well, flat and obvious.

This movie was designed to be a lot closer to the original original than the Wilder version, but with extra explanation on why and how Wonka is such a screwball.

And yes, the lyrics of the "new" Oompa Loompa songs are taken straight from the novel.  And sung by Danny Elfman!!

[Reply #494 on:]

Personally, being a huge Burton and Depp fan, the new one had a slight edge for me. I think Wilder was the better Wonka, (Still have to admire Depp for trying something different) but Burton was the better director. This is also the type of movie which really benifits from modern special effects. Loved the 2001 references, and I liked how they updated the kids, the best update being Mike Teevee.

[Reply #495 on:]

I've met the actor who was the original Mike Teevee before.  He's the cowboy kid right?  Yeah I met him.  He was also a stormtrooper on a landspeeder in one of the Star Wars movies... ROTJ I think... but don't quote me.

[Reply #496 on:]

Ooh, I forgot about the 2001 references! I enjoyed those as well. ^_^

Never read that book, though it is on my "list". Perhaps I should do it soon...

[Reply #497 on:]

Sin City (It was only just released here, so shuddap.)

Rock. And Roll.

A whole lotta fun. Quite funny, too. I'll just spend this sentence complaining about the lack of country music in Kaydee's, and I'll be done. If you haven't seen it yet, and still can, do it now, you foolish fools!

[Reply #498 on:]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
It sure was nice of them to give Michael Jackson the starring role, especially after all this child molesting business.
C

[Reply #499 on:]

 

Originally posted by Kloudes:
 I was kind of disappointed that they left out the entire plot about the secret recipe for the everlasting gobstopper... plus, they were round and boring, not the geometric awesomeness of the first movie. 

I had some issues with the movie, but I think it's because I loved the first one so much. On it's own, I thought the movie was quite enjoyable, but it's not a good idea to try and compare the two... Gene Wilder will always come out on top.

Apparantly the new one is more based on the book

[Reply #500 on:]

I should see foreign films more often, I've only seen about 2 in the past year and I like being cultured and pretentious, damnit!

Twin Sisters
This one was good. Quite a predictable storyline, and at some points the twins really didn't look alike at all, even though they did when they were younger. The acting was good, even by the tiiiny children, which surprised me. Some good cuts used to illustrate their separate stories, and strong characters. It did tend to drag on a bit.
Subtitles are fun.

A-

[Reply #501 on:]

cat, I order you by command of The FazeShifters Conglomerate of Random Clever Gentlemen to see more movies because they are awesome and good and cool.

Sin City (which I saw on pirate DVD a month ago and have been watching at every opportunity since)
Was awesome.
Reminded me of Max Payne and Payback ( even though it most likely came before them)

It's got Jessica Alba and Elijah Wood (coolest role since Frodooo), Clive Owen, Benicio Del Toro, hookers by the bucketload (packing guns too), nuuuudity!, a cool assassin guy, Irish mercenaries (with decent accents, but not great), explosions and hookers... (I like hookers, ok?)

See it.
A+

[Reply #502 on:]

Well, I wouldn't like to disobey the FCRCG.

I've been seeing movies, but I can't be bothered reviewing them! It's not as if anyone cares what I thought of War Of The Worlds. (It was hilarious.)

[Reply #503 on:]

RE: Faze's post
You know what was a good movie with Irishmen packing heat? Boondock Saints.

[Reply #504 on:]

Hide and Seek

Rented it. Twas indeed a interesting movie. Lovely plot twist at the end. And I watched all the alternative endings with the commentary. Well first I watched them without, got confused, then with.

Show spoiler

Alternative 1: I liked that ending, but I guess it makes sense not to have one twist when it was done cause it was too happy.

Alternative 2: Creepy. I mean I get that she's nuts and has her own alter ego like her father but I don't know I thought that it was too weird for me.

Alternative 3: It's nice at first but then it goes creepy. It's kinda sad for me that Fanning ended up in a nut house. I mean it's sweet but then we see how crazy she is. I thought that was too dark.

Alternative 4: I liked that one. I mean it's still sad but I liked how it didn't show how crazy she actaully was. And it showed how determend Katherine was to help her. The commenters said that that ending was theatrically shown in theaters in some places.

Theatrical Ending: I did like that one. I mean it showed that she was a little crazy but could manage a happy life.

I loved the twist. I can't see Deniro as a psycho/father but he pulled it off nicely.

 

Good movie. I'd watch it again.
B

[Reply #505 on:]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

First, let me say that this was not a remake of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory but a second adaptation of the novel by the same name of this film. Also, I'm a huge Depp and/or Burton fan, though that didn't make the grade I give it higher.

This movie was more based on the book than Willy Wonka was, one example being the "bad nuts". That I liked. The way they updated the characters to form to the society we live in today was good as well, especially Mike Teevee. I thought his father reminded me of Senor Cardgage.

On Johnny Depp, I thought he did a good performance, though it was not great. He gave this Wonka a different flavor than Wilder's, pun unintended. I don't think we should judge his performance on Wilder's, but if we did, he's the nuttier and odder one of the two.

My Depp Rankings go like this now...
5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
4. Ed Wood
3. Secret Window
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
1. Edward Scissorhands

All and all, this was a pretty good movie. Gave a good portion of laughs. I give it an...
A-

[Reply #506 on:]

cat: [Michael Palin voice] NO ONE DISOBEYS THE FCRCG!!! [/MPV]

Wooter: I've not seen it, but I will try.

The Wedding Crashers
I agree with the VF-inator, this was a good movie, the cameo near the end was decent enough I thought.
Also agree on the montage at the start, and the unecessary continous cruelty to Vince Vaughn (who I like least of the Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Wil Ferrell club).
Boobies = R rating = good in my books.

Good to see that guy from Alias out doing a movie, he was good.
Christopher Walken is awesome and I think I love him.
A

[Reply #507 on:]

I'd watch Walken read the phone book. His deadpan/scary line readings are hilarously awesome. And he's all squinty like he's gonna kick your ass.

[Reply #508 on:]

Walken is the single greatest person on earth.

I don't know where exactly to post this, but what do you think the next Marvel Comics movie will be? Sequels don't count. Maybe Iron Man... I don't know, I'm not much into comic books due to a lack of money.

[Reply #509 on:]

[Reply #510 on:]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Suprisingly, I found it very enjoyable. I wasn't a big fan of the original Willy Wonka, so obviously my expectations werent that high. But after watching, it I was very happy with it.

First of all, the movie is very visually stunning. The environments and effects are amazing, and really capture the mood well. Secondly, Mr Depp makes an awesome Willy Wonka. He seems genuinely creepy at some points, but is always entertaining. Gotta give props to Tim Burton.

So bottom line, go see it. It's not just for kids.
8.9/10

[Reply #511 on:]

I went to see Fantastic 4. The movie was really good and I really liked it. The Thing and the human tourch are my favourite characters. I was surprise that Julian McMahon from Nip Tuck was playing Dr Doom. He is good looking.

[Reply #512 on:]

 

Originally posted by Juliet:
The Thing and the human tourch are my favourite characters

From the movie or the comics ?

[Reply #513 on:]

::checks thread title::

I'll take a chance and guess she's not talking about the comics.

[Reply #514 on:]

 

Originally posted by Spacedal11:
Hide and Seek

Show spoiler

I loved the twist. I can't see Deniro as a psycho/father but he pulled it off nicely.

 

Good movie. I'd watch it again.
A-

Heh. Whaaaaaat? Have you not seen many De Niro movies? I know you're like 11, so it's okay if you haven't.
I give this movie a C--
Every time I see Dakota Fanning, I wonder where the hell Haley Joel Osment is. Does no one want him anymore? Did he go from good child actor to awkward teen who's not right for any roles? Will the same happen to you too, Miss Fanning?

Speaking of kids, I see that Andy Milonakis is really 29. That's just sad. Stop.

[Reply #515 on:]

No I don't actually like De Niro. I like him as much as I like Ben Stiller, who I despise. But I thought that the movie was good. And I agree, where the hell are all the other child actors? Is Fanning the only one? Haley Joel Osmemt is a teen now so he don't qualify anymore. And no I am not 11. I'll be 13 in December. I might have been to generous with my grade though.

[Reply #516 on:]

I watched When Harry Met Sally yesterday. No matter how many times I watch it, it's still one of my favorite movies ever. It's just hilarious and all that other good stuff. Sure, it's a romantic comedy (most of which deserve to be shipped off to an island of lepers), but it's one of the best of the (sub)genre. And, hey, at least we can say that there's one good Meg Ryan romantic comedy, right?

[Reply #517 on:]

War of the Worlds was great, by sci-fi thriller standards. Of course I didn't walk into the theatre expecting a grand plot, and saw a few plot holes. But this was one of the most immersive films I've seen in recent times. It's the fact that everything is seen from the point of view of one family. I just haven't seen an alien film be so first-person.

[Reply #518 on:]

Million Dollar Baby

I'm not sure whether I liked this better then Ray but I really liked it better than The Aviator. I was streaming tears when it was over though. So sad. I don't know if I liked it enough for me to agree that it was best picture though. But I'm pretty sure that I liked it that much.

A

[Reply #519 on:]

Wedding Crashers

I went to see the movie and I thought it was really good. Now I have a crush on Vince Vaughn because I think he is nice looking. I really like Isla Fisher’s character because she was funny. I also like it when Will Ferrell makes an appearance. I enjoyed the movie.