Dr. Movie Reviews; Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Jason Isaacs

[Reply #640 on:]

Blade Runner - I found it really slow actually.

It found YOU really slow.

Blade Runner basically created Neo-Noir, and has influenced everything from anime to the Battlestar Galactica re-imagining since.

Kneel in the presence of greatness, you filth!

I don't care what it created, if it's boring, it's boring.  I watched it again for the 2nd time at a friend's house a couple of month's ago.  It's still boring the 2nd time around.  

There was no kneeling, but there was definite potential for sleeping!

See I didn't find it out right boring, I did like the movie. But there were scenes where I certainly think they should have cut 5 minutes of meaningless exposition out just to move the story along. And thank god Rachael finally took her hair down near the end, that updo was the weirdest hairstyle I've seen. I mean I know Blade Runner isn't meant to happen for another 10 years but has our sense of fashion really gone downhill so fast?

Don't be such a bitch coldangel.

[Reply #641 on:]

Hairstyle: That future was more far-flung when it was made.
Like, 2001: A Space Odyssey... we didn't have advanced AI and interplanetary spaceships eight/nine years ago.

Bitch: meh. I wasn't being completely serious. I never am.

[Reply #642 on:]

You've really got to stop backtracking on your posts, coldangel. You're a dumbass and we know it. There's nothing behind it. You're not being clever, or pulling a Kaufman act here. Stop it. Either just live with your douchebaggery or leave. Permanently. Like you said you would a couple of times now.

[Reply #643 on:]

Ribs, you on the rag, dude? You've been pretty darn cranky today.

[Reply #644 on:]

Constipated.

No, really.

[Reply #645 on:]

Fun!

[Reply #646 on:]

backtracking

Wasn't. I think the film is an important classic that ought to be appreciated.
I meant the "you filth!" line was not intended in seriousness. Obviously.

You really do just sift through this place desperately searching for any excuse to be a cunt, don't you?

[Reply #647 on:]

Alright, everyone to a neutral corner.

Spacedal, did you see the original theatrical release (with the Harrison Ford voiceover track) or the special directors cut that removed the voiceovers?  I originally saw the voiceovered film, then later saw the directors cut, and it seemed that there were spots in the film that just seemed to sit there, with nothing going on.  Recently, I just saw the directors cut again, and I found it to be superior; it seemed like the quiet spots were used to emphasize the alienation of society & life in the future. 

[Reply #648 on:]

That's very weird, Ribbons. I make my sunniest posts when I'm constipated. You must not be doing it right.

Star Trek (2009)
Competent but bland! Full of action, shiny effects, artificially gritty and handsome cast members. It felt kind of cheap in that very expensive blu-ray way: like an episode of the Sarah Connor Chronicles or Heroes or something.

I can't work up the outrage enough to write a a list of what was mildly entertaining yet unsatisfying, but I'll use the opportunity to whine aloud about what convinced Hollywood in the last two decades that "smirking, cocky, unlikeable, petulant dick" is what the audience wants in a hero. I have home movies for that. You could say that describes Kirk in a nutshell, but at least Shatner had the age and congealing charisma to pull it off, instead of smug blankness. Most of the rest of the cast had that blandly good-looking made-for-TV vibe, too, but for some reason I really appreciated John Cho.

I guess there are worse ways you can spend your time, but to get the most out of it pretend it's an unrelated series called Star Track or something. I don't even like Star Trek and feel cheated.

C

EDIT: Bladerunner is one of those very special movies that gets filed under "important but really really boring and I always groan and start a fight when somebody suggests it". Anyway, why do people always quote "A new life in the offworld colonies!"? I've eaten entire cheesecakes washed down with sea water* with more staying power than that.

*I had my reasons

[Reply #649 on:]

Silent Running

Made in 1972, this film is a reflection of it's time (the beginning of the "Save Earth" movement).  Essentially, because of the ecological problems on Earth, individual Earth ecosystems (plants & animals) are transplanted into large space domes, then sent into space to preserve them in perpetuity.  Unfortunately, the government decides that they can no longer maintain them, and makes the decision to destroy them.  Bruce Dern plays one of the Astronauts faced with the dilemna of ecosystem destruction; his decision regarding this is the center of the film's ethical dilemna; which comes first, Earth's ecosystems or man himself?

Depending on your background & ecological orientation, this film can be interpreted as profound or overly preachy.  Regardless, it's special effects were great for the timeperiod, and the plot created a story that is very watchable.  Warning: the soundtrack music is a little dated and it definitely tags the film to the early 70's.  It's a good video rental when new films are not available.

7.5/10

[Reply #650 on:]

Blade Runner

Celebrated its 25 anniversary 2 years ago with yet another attempt to extort money from the cult classic. Now there is a briefcase containing all versions of the film.



When it first came out, I was astounded. The film was a visual treat. The thought of continual rainfall and perpetual darkness in Los Angeles was certainly apocalyptic in scope.
It stars Harrison Ford, who gives a great performance as the weary detective Deckard and Daryl Hannah,Sean Young and Edward James Olmos.
But the real acting kudos must surely go to Rutger Hauer who plays Batty, the leader of the replicants.
Director Ridley Scott at the helm of his first major motion picture has the sense to trust Hauer's instincts with his character. He was not let down at any turn. Hauer gives Batty a humaneness and grace that the soon doomed character deserves. Making what could been the role of a monster into a tragic figure.Probably more human than replicant.
Most of the really poignant scenes were actually ad-libbed by Hauer.
There is a glimpse of future detective work and the tools used to accomplish it.
It slows down a bit with the chase scene through the apartment building, but there is also a chance for heart-stopping action.

None of the major stars of the film were that impressed with it when first released.
It you like Film Noir this is, as aforementioned, as good a modern example as you are likely to find.


8/10

[Reply #651 on:]

gets filed under "important but really really boring

= The Godfather.

Fuck I hate that movie

[Reply #652 on:]

Regarding "Blade Runner", I saw a Harrison Ford interview where he said he hated the film voiceover so much that he almost asked that his name be taken off the film just before it's initial release.  Also, that scene at the end, when Roy Batty talks about "all these things will be lost, like tears... in the rain", is a classic.  Another great Ridley Scott film.  He's probably my favorite director; he directed my favorite film, "The Duelists", which I've previously reviewed here.

[Reply #653 on:]

There is much discussion over the years that Deckard is a replicant as well. But this is speculation. He doesn't seem to know himself, but I think he is.

[Reply #654 on:]

2012

Amazing property damage effects, cliched characters, utterly vacuous, illogical in the extreme, totally US-centric, cheesy dialogue, but gripping action sequences.

It's either 10/10 or 1/10. So I'll settle for 5/10.

[Reply #655 on:]

Funny People

There was no need for this movie to be nearly two-and-a-half hours long. Seriously. The only good thing to come out of the last 45 minutes was the hotness that is Eric Bana, but his character was kind of dopey anyway. Everything that happens before George is cured (or goes into remission or whatever), though, is really compelling and clever and funny, so I guess that's worth something.

B-

[Reply #656 on:]

There is much discussion over the years that Deckard is a replicant as well. But this is speculation. He doesn't seem to know himself, but I think he is.

Word Of God from Philip K Dick himself busted this issue open some years ago. Deckard is not a replicant in the book. However, in the film Deckard is a replicant because "it made so much more sense". Although that quote isn't from Dick, but from Ridley Scott.

[Reply #657 on:]

The film is a better thing if he is.

[Reply #658 on:]

Wow; that's an interesting twist.  Didn't even consider Deckard being a replicant.  Ben's right; it adds a new layer to the film if he is.

[Reply #659 on:]

Oooh Oooh. this is an iconic image from the film. Deckard after the fight with Leon drinks the vodka? from the glass and you see the ribbons of blood drift in the glass.
That image is what great filmmaking is all about.
I think that Brion James (Leon) is the only major actor from the film to pass away. Even Joe Turkel who played Tyrell is still around at 82

[Reply #660 on:]

Alright, everyone to a neutral corner.

Spacedal, did you see the original theatrical release (with the Harrison Ford voiceover track) or the special directors cut that removed the voiceovers?  I originally saw the voiceovered film, then later saw the directors cut, and it seemed that there were spots in the film that just seemed to sit there, with nothing going on.  Recently, I just saw the directors cut again, and I found it to be superior; it seemed like the quiet spots were used to emphasize the alienation of society & life in the future. 

My boyfriend and I watched the director's cut. We thought though that maybe seeing it again with the voiceover might help us to understand the movie better. Instead we Wikipedia'd it's ass. I can understand where you're coming from on the quiet moments representing the alienation of the film, though I guess I just thought there was too much of it.

I don't understand how Deckard could be a replicant though. I would love to hear an explanation for how Deckard couldn't piece together that he had the symptoms of being a replicant since it's his job to identify them and how he got his ass handed to him every time he got in a fight with one.

[Reply #661 on:]

he got his ass handed to him every time he got in a fight with one.

Yes, that's what I always thought.

[Reply #662 on:]

Alright, everyone to a neutral corner.

Spacedal, did you see the original theatrical release (with the Harrison Ford voiceover track) or the special directors cut that removed the voiceovers?  I originally saw the voiceovered film, then later saw the directors cut, and it seemed that there were spots in the film that just seemed to sit there, with nothing going on.  Recently, I just saw the directors cut again, and I found it to be superior; it seemed like the quiet spots were used to emphasize the alienation of society & life in the future. 

My boyfriend and I watched the director's cut. We thought though that maybe seeing it again with the voiceover might help us to understand the movie better. Instead we Wikipedia'd it's ass. I can understand where you're coming from on the quiet moments representing the alienation of the film, though I guess I just thought there was too much of it.

I don't understand how Deckard could be a replicant though. I would love to hear an explanation for how Deckard couldn't piece together that he had the symptoms of being a replicant since it's his job to identify them and how he got his ass handed to him every time he got in a fight with one.

I can paraphrase some reasons, but many people who study Bladerunner too much can explain fully on IMDb.

His attraction to photos which is his way of inventing a history that, as a replicant, he doesn't have.
Gaff leaves him a origami unicorn at the end. The unicorn dream is one supplied to all replicants as a spider or implant. When Deckard sits at the piano he has this dream.
Although he is not as strong as Leon, very little of the punishment he takes in the fight leaves lasting damage.
Unless the replicant discovers his status they will never know. The VK test is very difficult to administer and if Deckard took the test possibly he was not told. Rachael could fool a VK test or could pass undetected.
But she was the only one who could

[Reply #663 on:]

As Good as It Gets

Jack Nicholson is a creepy guy, but he's pretty entertaining in this movie. Ditto Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear. Still, the characters themselves never feel that three-dimensional (I know the movie goes out of its way to make them seem richly-drawn, but I just don't buy it), and the romantic aspect isn't all that compelling. It's funny at points, and there are a few really great moments, but for being over two hours long, I don't feel like much of anything really happens.

Still, the acting is really great. And I guess that makes me enjoy the script and story a bit more than I might have otherwise.

B+

[Reply #664 on:]

Where God Left His Shoes
I watched this because it has Leonor Varela (wuv) and John Leguizamo (like) and also Turtle from Entourage.
It was about an ex Marine turned boxer who gets evicted just before Xmas because he can't pay his rent and has to take his family to a shelter and save Xmas by getting a job.
Leguizamo's great at invoking the sympathy.
B-

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
An inconvenient truth indeed!

Funny and cool, it had Mr. T so of course it was.
A-
 

[Reply #665 on:]

Zombieland
If you liked Shaun of the Dead you'll like this one, Zombieland gets my vote for comedy of year.
A

[Reply #666 on:]

The Invention of Lying
Actually quite liked this. I just watched Superbad the other day and man, Jonah Hill somehow managed to get bigger?
Anyway, quite a few "ha haa!" moments at the beginning and then it got a bit mushy but then it got more ha haa and mushy and then..yeah. The man in the sky compells you! ..to go see it or something.

Drop Dead Fred
I loved this when I was a kid and I hadn't seen it in so long so I grabbed the dvd while in the shops (it was either 10 bucks on this or $150 on all of Boston Legal and well..I spent almost $300 already this week).
This movie was still awesome to watch even after all these years of not remembering exactly what happens. I wanna watch it again...

[Reply #667 on:]

Drop Dead Fred
I loved this when I was a kid and I hadn't seen it in so long so I grabbed the dvd while in the shops (it was either 10 bucks on this or $150 on all of Boston Legal and well..I spent almost $300 already this week).
This movie was still awesome to watch even after all these years of not remembering exactly what happens. I wanna watch it again...

Also it has Rick from The Young Ones in it.

[Reply #668 on:]

Ah! I never got to see any of that I don't think. I did see a play based on it this year though. At intermission they had child versions of all the characters, and the kid they got to play young Rick was so good at it. She would have been maybe 9 or 10 years old. It was great. But the adult versions got to do all the smashing of plates and the TV and shelves..looked like fun.

[Reply #669 on:]

What? You've not seen The Young Ones?! The hell, man?

[Reply #670 on:]

Ah yes, The Young Ones.  Where I first learned the term "bottom belch".

[Reply #671 on:]

I've slowly, slowly, slowly gotten around to watching the Futurama movies. The only one I haven't seen yet is Beast with a Billion Backs (or at least not the whole thing).

Bender's Big Score - 9.2/10 (I love the new alternate timeline that makes up for the 'aww that's so sad' episodes from the past.)
Bender's Game - 8.5/10 (Futurama + LOTR = Awesome).
Into the Wild Green Yonder - 9.8/10 (All I can say is: YAY BEST ENDING EVER!!!)

[Reply #672 on:]

What? You've not seen The Young Ones?! The hell, man?

Yeah. The play was almost exactly like that. The guy who played Neil turned out to be bald.

[Reply #673 on:]

 Neil: Oh wow.  I never knew I wore a wig!  Eugggh.

[Reply #674 on:]

Finally watched 500 Days of Summer. I like it.

A

[Reply #675 on:]

I agreed to go see Julie & Julia, and I didn't hate it. Meryl Streep playing Julia Child was certainly entertaining, and I am rarely -and was not- disappointed with Stanley Tucci; the problem involved the second story, the author's story which was the lion's share of the movie-or at least it felt that way.
The sections focusing on Julia Child give some nice historical and social context, touching on Julia's struggles to get certified and published as well as the general challenge of being a non-native and a female at that time. Otherwise you are getting a light (true I think?) present-day story about a woman finding direction in her personal and professional life through the use of Julia's seminal Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I didn't really care about that part at all.
5/10

This is a bit of a bump but I couldn't agree more. What a self absorbed bitch Julie was. I don't care about the personal achievement of cooking your way through Julia's cookbook. She was not married to Julia Child.
Ego maniacal light weight. I wonder about her husband. How whipped are you if you put up with this child.
Meryl deserves an Oscar for this masterwork. She has never been better. Except maybe Sophie's Choice.


Julia9/10  Julie3/10  Movie6/10

[Reply #676 on:]

Riding Giants

Quite possibly the best historical film about the explosion of surf culture in the 50's & 60's & how it's part of pop culture today.  It focuses on the early surfers in the 50's (who were the grandfathers of the surf movement), to Greg Noll (the surfer who became the king of Waimea Bay in Hawaii in the 60's), to Gerry Lopez (Mr. Banzai Pipeline) to Laird Hamilton, who is generally considered the best surfer on the planet.  It also focuses on specific unbelievable surf breaks, like Mavericks (just south of San Francisco), to Peahi (nicknamed "Jaws", which somtimes pumps up to 60 foot wave faces off the shore of Maui in the Hawaiian Islands), to a surf break in Fiji that's considered the "gnarliest" ride on Earth.  Visually beautiful, sometimes funny, sometimes tragic.  Overally, very entertaining.

8/10

[Reply #677 on:]

I saw Endless Summer when I was a younger man. I'm sure Riding Giants mentions "Lord Blears" and the other Lords who ruled the waves in the '60's.

Check out Endless Summer if you are interested.

[Reply #678 on:]

Curse Of The Golden Flower
Another Zhang Yimou wuxia dealie with Chinese dynasty royalty, big emperor style castles, sprawling guards as far as the ey can see, and epic ninja wirework battles... but in this one all the wimmins wear busty corsets, mmmmhmmm!
Anyway, the Empress (Gong Li, super-cleavagey) is being slowly poisoned by her dick of a husband in order for him to become even more Emperor-ey... or something, that bit didn't make a whole lot of sense.
But there's mischief and betrayals and mild incest and stuff all done in stunning visuals, so
B+

In The Loop
Follows the UKs government Ministers in the pre war time (Iraq or Afghanistan I suppose) running around trying to propose or prevent the war with varying degrees of success.
Peter Capaldi is fantastic as the angry Scottish Minister of Communications trying to keep the other Ministers in line with the PMs official policies, and is later on backed up by another angry Scotsman, hilarious "surround bollicking".
James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano) is also great as the US General.
A

[Reply #679 on:]

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip

He was one of my heroes in college. I was still living at home while attending and used to put my headphones on while listening in my room.
Back in the 70's that was one crazy son of a bitch. Just absolutely manic.

Always with the jokes about cocaine and sex.
Well this ain't the same Richard Pryor.
This is a more subdued Pryor. After all this was after his famous freebase accident that nearly killed him in 1980.
He joked constantly in the movie about his drug abuse and the time when Jim Brown tried an intervention.
He admitted that the cause of his accident was mixing two different types of milk together and then dipping a cookie in the milk causing the explosion.
He tells many funny stories of his time as an announcer at a Mafia run night-club. And of course, his famous character Mudbone shows up( he says for the final time)
This is a more introspective movie with more glimpses into his personality than just a concert movie.

7/10