Outrageous Prices For Food and Entertainment! (The Movie Reviews Thread)

[Reply #400 on:]

Skyfall
Ok, Silva was a little weird (camp), and the plot to just get back at M was not as ambitious as other Bond villains but it looked great and there was some cool scenes.
Not bad.
B

I watched this the other night and I didn't mind the basic plot as such, but it did seem an over long film to tell such a simple story. All in all though I did enjoy it.

Show spoiler

I wasn't warned about the ending but as the film unfolded I found my self thinking "Mmmm, there's lots of M in this. I wonder why."

M pun intended.

I'll say B+

[Reply #401 on:]

Argo

I definitely recommend this one.  "Based on a true story" of 6 Americans hiding in the Canadian embassy during the Iran hostage crisis and how they got out of the country.  Great level of suspense, but what I was most impressed by is how understated the film is.  When a movie is based on a real event you know some truth gets sacrificed to tell a good story.  I don't know the history of the real event well enough to know what was changed/sacrificed in the film, but you don't get the impression that they changed anything.  Nice.

A-

I'm throwing the minus in because of one suspense cliche used at the end of the film.  A nitpick, but it's there!

[Reply #402 on:]

Skyfall

I can't say much about this film because I'm not a bond fan. The film was meh. It was good it was bad it just there.

[Reply #403 on:]

That's not good news considering some people are saying its the best Bond movie ever made

[Reply #404 on:]

But HJS has a long history of being totally wrong, COULD SHE BE RIGHT THIS TIME?

No.

[Reply #405 on:]

But HJS has a long history of being totally wrong

Glad to see x.Bianca.x carrying on this tradition.

[Reply #406 on:]

Argo

Argo is being praised as an incredible piece of work at the minute with it currently being the strongest Best Picture candidate at the upcoming Oscars (though I imagine Les Miserables will beat it once that film comes out). I don't quite understand the praise. I mean, I do, because the Academy are easy to predict and this film ticks certain boxes they go for, but my point is that I didn't think Argo was all that great. In fact, I wouldn't call it great at all. It's good - a very strong, solid piece of work that further proves that Ben Affleck is an annoying adept director and, to be fair to the film, it does get ridiculously tense towards the end and it tells its story without crapping all over the historical facts too badly. I mean, there's little more to say. It's a fairly conventional thriller with a novel premise at its core and a few wonderful, if perhaps wasted, cast members such as Bryan Cranston and John Goodman.

7/10


Encino Man

Abysmal on pretty much every level. It's not a bad premise for a teen comedy, even if it isn't exactly original or breaking new ground, but it needed solid humour backing it up to work and it's, sadly, completely devoid of humour. Utterly fucking shit. Pauly Shore is in it which pretty much sums the whole affair up.

2/10

[Reply #407 on:]

Wreck it Ralph
Did not really like that movie.
As a big video game enthusiast, I was disappointed by that "hommage", I expected a lot more.
D-

Skyfall
Not as worse as Craigs two Bond movies before, but nothing really special.
It was rather some kind of "generic action movie", that could have been done with any random character. Okay to be watched once...but...well...it was not REALLY a James Bond movie.
C


Here comes to Boom
Surprisingly good. Was impressed by Bas Ruttens acting performance, who did not take himself too serious. The plot was rather generic, but executed in a proper way
B+

[Reply #408 on:]

Wait, so Wreck It Ralph is a D- and Skyfall is a C, but Here Comes The Boom is a B+? I'm sorry but, just, ick!

[Reply #409 on:]

I don't like how Hein implies that Casino Royale is a bad movie. 

[Reply #410 on:]

I really hope Hein's post is a troll...but I'm not holding my breath. Poor humanity.

[Reply #411 on:]

I don't like how Hein implies that Casino Royale is a bad movie. 

Considering the majority think it's at least ok... or better than the last Bond flick that nobody remembers. 'Cause I sure don't.

[Reply #412 on:]

I've been Inquisitor Hein for years... sorry about that.

[Reply #413 on:]

Fletch

Fletch is a film with music by Harold Faltermeyer. This makes it good.

I fixed that for you there.

[Reply #414 on:]

Aw Yeah I quite like Fletch.
It was one of those funning '80s movies to see when it first came out; just like joust about EVERY '80s movie was a funning thing to see when it came out.
And the music really does stay in your head.

I always used to still remember the music in that even when I hadn't seen it in a long time.

Also speaking of that Faltermeyer guy, a handful of friendlets and I did a dance to "Axel F" for our so-called 'talent show' in sixth grade.

(this was the year after we had done one to "Jump" before).
<_<

[Reply #415 on:]

Argo
The star of this is Alan Arkin, he's pretty funny in it, and Affleck manages to make the "based on a true story"... story, interesting.
About the rescue of 6 US citizens on the run from the US embassy in Iran, Affleck plays a CIA agent who has the idea to get them out as a Canadian film crew there to make a sci-fi movie.
The opening scenes of the Iranian guys breaking into the embassy are tense, and it kept me interested.
Blewie!

B+

[Reply #416 on:]

I'm glad to see Ben Affleck is enjoying some success after he retreated into a hermit's cave after that one movie...what was that? The one with him and the other Jennifer. I will most likely watch that on Netflix, though I did read good reviews about it.

This afternoon I'm going to see Life of Pi in 3D and I'm so excited. If it's even more visually sumptuous than Avatar I'll be a happy Hollywood sucker. I loved the book, and even if the quasi-religious kowtowing is ridiculous as annoying as many critics are saying, I won't care.

[Reply #417 on:]

Gigli probably.

[Reply #418 on:]

Skyfall
I loved this. It kept the tone of the previous two films, and managed to feel like classic Bond. I kind of predicted the reveal of

Show spoiler

Miss Moneypenny

but that's not a huge deal.

I loved the references to the previous films, particularly Q's comment on the exploding pen. The plot was unique for a Bond movie, and the action was great, without being too in-your-face like Quantam of Solace was. The cast were excellent, especially Javier Bardem.

It's worth noting that my favourite Bond films are the ones that don't religiously follow the tired old formular, such as Casino Royale and Licence to Kill (yes, I love Licence to Kill. Deal with it  ). Skyfall certainly falls into this category, and I think it will go down as a classic.

9/10

[Reply #419 on:]

Javiar Barden in Skyfall? Well, well. "Call it, friend-o." He made the best Chigurgh and soundly deserved that Oscar for that role.

Life of Pi: 10/10

Okay, so I am biased: I loved the book, and the movie hewed very faithfully to its source material. All the naysaying critics who pointed out the overly religious overtones as a detraction...well, religion and faith are really at the heart of the novel, and the book just drips with discussions of God, religion, and philosophy. So, really, it's like criticizing a tiger for wearing stripes.

Pun intended.

Speaking of tiger: the movie rightfully makes this animal terrifying. It's a credit to the CGI how frightening it was to behold (a lady next to me, during one scene that demonstrates the tiger's feroicity, literally jumped out of her seat and flailed her arms all about. I rolled my eyes). And all the other animals--not just orangutan, zebra, and hyena--but all the other occupants of the zoo, so beautiful to behold. I felt at times like I was watching Planet Earth on steroids. That BBC documentary being already pumped up like a gymrat musclehead--that's how wow the visual aspect of the film was.

So many scenes were so visually breathtaking. I especially loved the aerial shot of Pi and Tiger on boat, with the various marine life gliding underneath, that recalled the book's cover illustration. The island, the sea life, the way the Piscine Molitor was shown--so beautiful.

And I won't even get started on the underlying themes and ideas behind the infinity of pi, the sublimity of the ocean, the utter humbling experience of floating adrift on a lifeboat with a tiger. I'm not giving anything away with that--the trailer and movie poster make it plain that this is the premise of the film.

The actor who plays Pi does an excellent job. He holds his own against his very flamboyant co-star. I highly recommend this film.

Note: If you're a parent, please don't take your small child, unless said offspring is exceedingly bright and whose movie tastes goes beyond Ice Age and other such fluff. The tiger and hyena made for some terrifying scenes, and the book is quite disturbing in places. My viewing experience was really ruined by wandering, chattering toddlers. Really selfish of some people.

[Reply #420 on:]

Serious question: who on Earth names their kid Pi? 

[Reply #421 on:]

Philosopher/writerly types who need their protagonist to marvel at the incomprehensible ways of God and the infinity of the universe, and more practically, who need to know how to swim very well (Pi is short for Piscine, his full name) because he's stuck in a lifeboat in the Pacific.

[Reply #422 on:]

I named my cat "Py".  Short for "Pythagoras".

[Reply #423 on:]

When your cat sleeps is it at a 45 or 90 degree angle?

[Reply #424 on:]

Skyfall

Definitely a very interesting James Bond. Daniel Craig was good in it (as he always is) and the other actors were good too. Wasn't sure about the bad guy though. The new Q was interesting too, better than the one that replaced Desmond Llewelyn, in my opinion. Though it definitely had it's twists and moments. I was kinda disappointed that they changed the Skyfall theme at the beginning though. It was out of tone and it didn't really go too well with that opening scene, I must admit. I don't know if anyone else had this when they were watching it. But it was an alright movie. I didn't really feel too sad when

Show spoiler

M died

to be honest, but it definitely had something there.

8/10


The Bourne Legacy

Definitely a very interesting film. I never saw any of the previous Bournes though, so I was a little bit confused in what was going on at the beginning/throughout the movie, but it was pretty cool though and had it's moments. I like good action movies with those awesome fight scenes . I wasn't too sure about the ending though. It was kind of abrupt for me. I thought it was going to go on for a few more minutes, but it was just like "I wish we were lost..." and then that was it. Didn't find it that manipulating. The ending music was good though. The movie itself however was very interesting.

8/10

[Reply #425 on:]

I never saw any of the previous Bournes though, so I was a little bit confused in what was going on at the beginning/throughout the movie

I haven't seen the Bourne Legacy yet, but I doubt seeing the previous ones would stop it from being confusing.

[Reply #426 on:]

Killer Joe
Cowboy police detective/assassin on the side Joe (Matthew McConaughey) is hired to kill the mother of a young guy (Emile Hirsch) for her life insurance policy, so the guy can pay off his drug dealer so they don't kill him.
But when Joe claims the guys innocent young sister (the naked-a-couple-of-times Juno Temple) as retainer until the cash comes he has second thoughts, and things go from bad to worse.
Grim and gritty Texas hillbilly thriller.
B+

[Reply #427 on:]

Skyfall

I actually liked Daniel Craig in this one. And the plot wasn't terrible either.

85/100 MI6 agents

[Reply #428 on:]

A Serbian Film

This is a pretty cute movie about family life in an eastern soviet bloc nation.  It's a good family film for the holidays and it features pretty strong emotional moments concerning the nature of individuality and the power of the human spirit to overcome in times of great trial especially under the auspices of exploitation.  It's probably based on a true story which makes it all the more heartwarming and endearing.  You will find yourself rooting for the protagonist who has to protect his wife and young son from a terrible secret in his past: Note that in modern times Serbia has been home to devastating war and human attrocity.  This ultimately adds to the caring nature the audience will certainly feel while getting to know the characters.  I've never seen this movie, but it's got a lot of newsworthy talk praising it as a tour de force.  If this movie doesn't make you cry and then brighten up your day, then you've probably got a heart of cold!  Children will be especially drawn to this film and identify easily with the children characters presented in the movie and some of the overtly silly situations that everyone finds themself in.  I certainly can't recommend this movie enough, and I expect more great things to come from the director: Note that this is his directorial debut, and that he had an urge to tell this awe inspiring story as a dedication to his family, his homeland, and a voice to speak for his people.  This is definitely a must-see!

9.21 / 10!!!!

[Reply #429 on:]

It's a trap!

[Reply #430 on:]

I don't know if winna is lying about whether or not he's seen it...but I have. It's the most disturbing, fucked up, ridiculous film I've ever seen. That said, it's also incredibly well shot, directed, acted, and written, contains some pretty impactful moments emotionally, and has the most extreme and hilarious black humor of any film I've ever seen. So if you think you can stomach literally ANYTHING as long as it's not real, then I recommend it. Otherwise, stay far, far away.

[Reply #431 on:]

winna's review belongs to The Onion. I knew from the fact that it was set in Serbia that he was being satirical.

If by "disturbing" you mean like [i[The Human Centipede[/i], then I'll definitely abstain. If it's more along the lines of unsettling, then I'll add it to my to-see list.

[Reply #432 on:]

The Bourne Legacy
Jeremy Renner is a good not-Bourne guy, I thought the chems angle was interesting, but then they went a bit crazy with the super soldier programmes, Threadstone, Black Briar, LARX, Omega Mike Golf, Pony Squad, I mean come on!
Also there were too many old CIA guys to keep track of:
First there was Chris Cooper and Brian Cox, then Albert Finney, then Scott Glenn, then David Strathairn and Stacy Keach!
Also Karl Urban was the best anti-Bourne (anti-Bourne is different to not-Bourne... or something), the new asian guy, zzzz.... oh you can run across rooftops and drive a bike too? You suck!
B-

[Reply #433 on:]

If by "disturbing" you mean like [i[The Human Centipede[/i]

Much, much, much more disturbing. The Human Centipede is child's play compared to A Serbian Film.

[Reply #434 on:]

If by "disturbing" you mean like [i[The Human Centipede[/i]

Much, much, much more disturbing. The Human Centipede is child's play compared to A Serbian Film.

My friend tells me it's 'Saw Meets Brazzers'.

[Reply #435 on:]

You should get new friends before you get addicted to desomorphine and have to have your leg bones sawed through with a piece of cooking twine.

[Reply #436 on:]

The Usual Suspects

This movie is an acclaimed classic. I finally got to see it tonight, and it blew me away. Kevin Spacey did such a superb job, and it took me until the end to realize it. He gets so deep into his characters. He is a gift to film. The action was intense in this movie, but if you could follow along, you would have a good time. And although it was the usual suspects who were called upon, it was surprising how the movie came to end. And it was one of the best movie endings I've seen in a while.

9.5/10

[Reply #437 on:]

The Three Musketeers (2011)

This was pretty bad. Some of the fight scenes were mildly entertaining, but that doesn't made up for the endless amount of cheesy dialogue and poor acting.

4/10

[Reply #438 on:]

The Three Musketeers (2011)

This was pretty bad. Some of the fight scenes were mildly entertaining, but that doesn't made up for the endless amount of cheesy dialogue and poor acting.

4/10

Yesterday I ate a Three Musketeers from 2011. I would also give it a 4/10.

[Reply #439 on:]

I'm not The Shining, I'm my own original movie Sinister.  DO NOT STEAL!