Lord of the Movies: The Return of the Review Thread

[Reply #600 on:]

God, Catwoman sucked so much, it would be ten times better if it had anything to do with the DC comic catwoman.
EDIT: Jesus christ, a TOTPD Mr Slave

[Reply #601 on:]

Le Pacte des Loups
(Brotherhood of the Wolf)

"Based on the true story of the Beast of the Gevaudan that terrorised France in the mid-XVIIIth century, the movie aims to tell first and explain afterwards. In the first part, a special envoy of the King of France, altogether biologist, explorer and philosopher, arrives in the Gevaudan region, in the mountainous central part of France. The Beast has been attacking women and children for months and nobody has quite been able to harm it or even take a good look at it. In the second part, our hero Chevalier de Fronsac will not only have to fight the Beast, but also ignorance, bigotry and conspiracy and will rely on two women, one an aristocrat, the other a prostitute, as well as the enigmatic Mani, an Iroquois he met in New-France (Canada)." -imdb.com

Watching this movie dubbed into English was really annoying. It's beautiful, visually. There's a lot of violence and scenes of people and animals getting murdered and cut open and all manner of gore. A pretty ordinary plot, but with a little suspense. Not a bad movie. B

[Reply #602 on:]

Sean of the Dead
Bloody fantastic. Funny as hell, but no mere parody. This is a fully fledged zombie film, albiet a very funny one. There's violence, there's gore, there's zombies being smacked in the head with cricket bats (my personal fav). But most importantly of all, there's enough moments of just plain hilarity that you never get bored. Watch it as soon as you can.

A


Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Saw this sitting in the rental isle, so I thought, I'd watch it, why not? I know that this film did terribly for itself, and I was curious as to why. Well, I can honestly say that this film deserved a lot more credit then it got.
For one, it's beautiful. There are several breathtakingly gorgeous moments in this film, and even in the 'normal' bits, there's always something pretty (or if not pretty, then... er... just groovy lookin') there to catch your eye.
The plot, for the most part, is your pretty standard 'Aliens are invading' storyline, though it has a few elements from Aliens as well. The plot was easy enough to follow, for the most part, but towards to end, things get somewhat abstract, and I missed several plot points that would have made the whole thing make more sense (the director's commentary helped a lot, though. But I hate it when plot points need to be explained). Also, there are apperntly a few references to Japanese folklore that a western audience is going to miss. I know I did.
There are a few bits of overly cheesy dialogue, which are annoying. Also, there's a lot of 'fantastic' elements which don't gel that well with the sci-fi setting (I know, I know, Final Fantasy, but it just didn't sit that well with me).
However, desite these trangressions, I can forgive it, because it's a real visual experience. Flawed, yet quite enjoyable.

B

[Reply #603 on:]

I saw Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

I'll give it a sub-ok. 

The beginning is pretty good and seems as much a horror movie as anything else, but by the time they get to the cemetary (go figure) the plotholes were bigger than a shotgun hole in the head.  The movie eventually becomes "Mortal Kombat" between Milla Jovavich and the Nemesis monster (including the phrase "Finish Him!" ). 

Anyways, high points of the movie are that there are two hot badass chicks: Milla Jovavich (who has a nude scene in the movie ) and whoever the hell played Jill Valentine.  It also has hooker zombies.... yupp I said hooker zombies   

I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone, but if you've got nothing better to do for like an hour and a half (and you enjoy hooker zombies) I'd say go for it.  Otherwise stick to the original, which seems more on par for horror.

[Reply #604 on:]

Hooker Zombies! Now that's original!
@Slacky: I didn't really like the Final Fantasy movie because it didn't really seem like a Final Fantasy story. It just didn't have the characters or heart that the game series had. Do you know what I mean?

[Reply #605 on:]

Actually, I think it did. It lacked the magic (I mean that in the literal sense) of the games, but the plot felt quite FF-ish to me. Apocalyptic threats, bizzare monsters, running around doing questy things, deeling with indiviual characters hangups along the way etc.

True, most of the characters weren't as well developed as your usual FF game, but I thought it fit the style well enough. My major complaint regarding the use of the FF franchise is that the movie is set on earth. I feel that the whole thing could have been a bit more in tune with the games if it was set on some other world. Ah, well.

[Reply #606 on:]

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Pretty damn good movie. I'm a sucker for Sci-Fi movies and this one had some of the most beautiful visuals I've ever seen. Great action scenes, and a good movie overall. Reminded me of those great ol mid 20th century sci-fi movies.

A-

[Reply #607 on:]

Darkman

A scientist is attacked by gangsters, who blow up his lab, with him inside it. He is presumed dead, but luckily he survives, horribly deformed and unrecognizable. The doctors remove his neurons so that he can't feel pain, but this gives him extreme physical strength and the power to leave the hospital. Now, with the help of the synthetic skin he was working on, he can take his revenge

B+

And of cause its directed by Sam Raimi and as allways there's a Bruce campbell in it, I've seen that there are sequals to this movie and apparantly there not as the first one

[Reply #608 on:]

Sky Captain

Everything is pretty to look at - the airoplanes, the robots, the buildings, Gwyneth Paltrow ...

I mean, it's got robots and DINOSAURS.  What's not to love?

[Reply #609 on:]

Sounds like a good movie Sky captain does, just that the movie has'nt exactly arrived here in Australia yet

[Reply #610 on:]

 

Originally posted by Nixorbo:
Sky Captain
I mean, it's got robots and DINOSAURS.  What's not to love?

I heard you can even catch King Kong on some of the backgrounds.

[Reply #611 on:]

Also, satan's penis... 

[Reply #612 on:]

what about Godzilla ?

[Reply #613 on:]

Mr. 3000

Eh, it was ok. Not something I'd ever want to see again, but not a waste of money or anything like that either. It was refreshing to see a movie starring Africian Americans that didn't use the same old tired stereo types.

B-

[Reply #614 on:]

   

Originally posted by Mr. Potter:
 I heard you can even catch King Kong on some of the backgrounds.

I didn't see Kong, but I did see Godzilla.

EDIT: Which Zogonif already said.  I should really learn to use my eyes.

[Reply #615 on:]

Anchorman - the legend of Ron Burgandy

Lets me just start by saying, that this movie costed me 11.50 pounds (thank you very much TNUK). NO movie in the WORLD worths 11.50 pounds to see, but this movie defenitly soften the blow, which means alot of thumbs up for it!
The movie is mostly abstract craziness, something you would expect in a Will Farrel (sp?) movie. This abstract craziness works well, very well, and there are many great one liners. If you need a laugh - go for it!

A

[Reply #616 on:]

Alien vs. Predator

It was OK...some parts of it didn't make much sense, such as

Show spoiler

If the Predators want to use the humans to grow aliens to fight, why did they start killing them right away?

and

Show spoiler

In the original Predator movie, weren't they out to kill everything? Why would they then teach humans how to build pyramids and why would they befriend a human in the middle of a war?

Aside from that, I liked it alright.

B-

[Reply #617 on:]

Yes! Godzilla showed in Sky Captain, even if it's just a picture of him. I loved that. I'm seeing Shaun of the Dead tomorrow night.. If I enjoy it half as much as I think I will, it'll be a smashing success.  I'm very much looking forward to it!

[Reply #618 on:]

I saw Alien5Predator3... I mean AVP a couple weeks ago... like when it first came out or something.  It wasn't a horror movie, but the action between the predators and the aliens was pretty good.  It had some huge plotholes in it though, like the ones Jicannon pointed out and:

Show spoiler

Didn't the human Bishop appear in Alien 3?  But he dies in this movie... even though Alien 3 occurs like... a lot in the future later.

Also... when Danny Glover did cool stuff, he got a gun... the bitch in this movie got a scar on her face, yay.... 
Can anyone say Beauty & the Beast? 

Also:

Show spoiler

Queen alien survives thermonuclear device, but succumbs to common stick? 

The movie was decent though if you wanna waste time and to ruin the last bits of the movie if you have been going over the spoilers (and my favorite part):

Show spoiler

The PREDALIEN!!! Rarrr Rarrr!!!

.

Idan... why the hell did you all pay 11.5 pounds for a movie? 

[Reply #619 on:]

hey winna about you saying "Didn't the human Bishop appear in Alien 3? But he dies in this movie"

i think the movie is more based on the games and the comics

and Jicannon about you saying the predator befriending a human that does happen in the comics

[Reply #620 on:]

A Predator befriends a human in 'Alien vs Predator: Prey' as well, but it's more out of necessity than anything else.

[Reply #621 on:]

The Indiana Jones Trilogy
One of the best trilogys ever!. Rader of the Lost Ark was the best one, it gts and A.
Temple of Doom was the worst, but It was still enjoyable. Give it a B. Then Last Crusade was the middle one. Give an A-

The whole Trilogy gets an A+.

[Reply #622 on:]

My random thoughts on Shaun of the Dead.
By the way, there's a preview for Seed of Chucky in front of it that involves Britney spears and John Waters to amusing effect. Am I the only one who can't wait for this flick? There must be others willing to shill out 7 bucks and sit through two hours of cheese just to see more of that wonderfully evil doll..
[A Predator befriending a human? ]

[Reply #623 on:]

Excellent review of Shaun Of The Dead Lunchy!  Really glad you like it, loved it, even.

[Reply #624 on:]

Hey! I loved it too! Where's MY kudos?   

Even if they did kill Bernard.

[Reply #625 on:]

 

Originally posted by SlackJawedMoron:
Hey! I loved it too! Where's MY kudos?   

Review first, kudos later. 

[Reply #626 on:]

*Points waaaaaay up the page.* 

[Reply #627 on:]

Ah!

 

Originally posted by SlackJawedMoron:
Shaun of the Dead
Bloody fantastic. Funny as hell, but no mere parody. This is a fully fledged zombie film, albiet a very funny one. There's violence, there's gore, there's zombies being smacked in the head with cricket bats (my personal fav). But most importantly of all, there's enough moments of just plain hilarity that you never get bored. Watch it as soon as you can.

A

:hands over kudos, and pie.:

[Reply #628 on:]

The wrong guy 1997

This movie was kinda funny. Some of the joke reminded me of the old simpsons episodes. They should have add more.B-

[Reply #629 on:]

 

Originally posted by EvilLunch:
By the way, there's a preview for Seed of Chucky in front of it that involves Britney spears and John Waters to amusing effect.

Britney Spears and John Waters? I have to see that.

[Reply #630 on:]

Yes. Yes you do.
And now, a joke for those who have seen SOTD.
"I'm sorry."


..."No, I mean.. I'm SORRY.."

[Reply #631 on:]

Cellular

Likeable, but stupid. I thought it had a pretty good premise, and some likeable characters, and it had its moments of tension. But there were too many stupid, unrealistic moments.

Show spoiler

Mainly, the whole "video phone" thing was just ridiculous. What kind of cell phone produces video that good?

Big Fish

Seemed good, but I fell asleep before the end.

Captain Skyhawk and the World of Tomorrey

*cries because nobody will see it with me*

[Reply #632 on:]

I went to see The Terminal in the cinema today and I thought it movie was really good. Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones were both really good.

[Reply #633 on:]

 

Originally posted by SlackJawedMoron:
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Saw this sitting in the rental isle, so I thought, I'd watch it, why not? I know that this film did terribly for itself, and I was curious as to why. Well, I can honestly say that this film deserved a lot more credit then it got.
For one, it's beautiful. There are several breathtakingly gorgeous moments in this film, and even in the 'normal' bits, there's always something pretty (or if not pretty, then... er... just groovy lookin') there to catch your eye.
The plot, for the most part, is your pretty standard 'Aliens are invading' storyline, though it has a few elements from Aliens as well. The plot was easy enough to follow, for the most part, but towards to end, things get somewhat abstract, and I missed several plot points that would have made the whole thing make more sense (the director's commentary helped a lot, though. But I hate it when plot points need to be explained). Also, there are apperntly a few references to Japanese folklore that a western audience is going to miss. I know I did.
There are a few bits of overly cheesy dialogue, which are annoying. Also, there's a lot of 'fantastic' elements which don't gel that well with the sci-fi setting (I know, I know, Final Fantasy, but it just didn't sit that well with me).
However, desite these trangressions, I can forgive it, because it's a real visual experience. Flawed, yet quite enjoyable.

B

I used to think I was the only person who thought this movie was good. I agree, that the movie is flawed but for what it's worth it is a cool movie to watch when you want to see a pretty good Sci-fi thriller. 

Anyway also I liked what you said about "Sean of the Dead". I'm definitely seeing that now.

[Reply #634 on:]

Shaun of the Dead

Wow, did that suck.  I mean, come on... I'm joking, of course.  Just making sure Melllvar's awake.

Seriously, though, this movie may be the best gift horror film fans have gotten in a while.  Who would have though that a seemingly silly zombie spoof could be a totally unique film experience? (Seriously, I can't think of a single film that begins to compare.) What so great about it?  Let's check the list:

*slow zombies
*references to all the entries in Romero's trilogy
*best use of Queen in any movie, ever. (I don't want to hear from any whiney Highlander fans.  That was good, but this is better.)
*Bill Nighy proves he can steal scenes in movies that aren't Love Actually
*comedy bourne from the characters, not zombies doing "funny" things
*Ed (probably the funniest supporting character we'll see all year)
*there's genuine scares to be found among the laughs.  Also genuine drama.
*the soundtrack (why do I have to import the album from the UK if I want a copy?  WHY?)

Show spoiler

*Best scene in the movie: the fate of Shaun's mom and the subsequent confrontation between Shaun and David.  The writing, acting, direction, editing: eveything just gels perfectly.

I don't want to call it the best film of the year, but it's definatly on my top ten, and unless a bunch of really great films come along it's in the top five.  Simon Pegg is definalty someone I'll keep my eye on (and God, do I ever want to see Spaced now!  Is there a North American release being considered, even?).  SotD is, for my money, the best film to mix horror and comedy since Peter Jackson's Braindead (Dead Alive).

Rating: A+

[Reply #635 on:]

Excellent review, Boingo.

Check the Spaced thread for a reply.

[Reply #636 on:]

The Terminal

The begining seemed a little rushed, but the rest of it played out very nicely. Tom Hanks pulled of a fantastic performance...I thought it would be odd to watch him as an Eastern European, but he had me convinced.

Rating: A

[Reply #637 on:]

The more I think of The Terminal, the more I dislike it.

[Reply #638 on:]

Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow

Man, I was completely hyped up for this flick. But, I came away slightly dissapointed. The visuals, although good, were blurry in most spots. I liked the visual refrences like Godzilla on the side of the mountain. The acting looked like it came straight from a 40's movie. Don't worry, that's a good thing. The thing that bothered me was the dumbass sound guy in the theater. It was on really low during dialouge and high during action sequences. This is a good end of summer flick, but I expected more.

Grade:B

However, this brings me to...

Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence

Dude! This film rocks hard! Anyone who is an anime fan(And have seen the original), go see this film now! For people already familiar, the sequel takes place 3 years after the events of the first GITS. Batou is as lonely as ever since the Major disappeared into the relm of cyberspace at the end of the first film. Batou begins to investigate murders caused by Gynoids(Sex droids) with his partner Togusa. Along the way, they encounter the Yakuza and a dude with the biggest claw known to man. I don't want to give anything away, because I want people to see this film. If you are not a fan of philosiphy spouting robots, don't see this film. If you are a person who is not comfortable with his/her film and wants stuff to blow up every 5 minutes. Don't see this movie. If you like philosophy spouting robots, and are comfortible with waiting for the action scenes(There are 4 tops in this movie, two are short while 2 are really long.), the by all means, see this movie now.

Grade:A+

[Reply #639 on:]

 

Originally posted by spacepilot3000:
The thing that bothered me was the dumbass sound guy in the theater. It was on really low during dialouge and high during action sequences.

As a projectionist, I'd have to say that's a hardware/film problem.  It's not like there's a soundboard up there like at a concert.