Film and Episodic Content Discussion Thread

Discussion in 'Random Thoughts' started by purr1n, Jan 8, 2020.

  1. Old Groucho

    Old Groucho Acquaintance

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2016
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Milton, Nova Scotia
    - McCabe & Mrs. Miller
    - Das Boot (both extended version & director’s cut)
    - A Day at the Opera
    - Unforgiven
    - Old Boy
    - Hard Times
    - In Bruges
    - Rio Bravo
    - Mon Oncle Antoine
    - A Hard Day’s Night

    (Honourable mentions : -The Godfather, -The Chaser, -Arsenic and Old Lace, -Nosferatu, -The Wild Bunch)

     
    • Like Like x 4
    • Epic Epic x 1
    • List
    Last edited: Mar 11, 2023
  2. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,463
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Goshen, NY
    Well, damn. I was thinking of seeing this film (the only one remotely of interest to me in the local multiplex) just because I'm an Audrey Plaza fan.

    I've been a big Jason Statham fan for years. He usually brought an edge of wit & measured violence to his roles, but lately his acting seemed phoned in. Like all of us, he's getting older. Maybe it's getting to him, playing a cardboard cutout action figure in whatever lame script rolls toward him. Wish I knew.

    Have to admit I was never much interested in Guy Ritchie films to begin with--they often have a bit much bro bonhomie & casual cruelty for my tastes.
     
  3. Old Groucho

    Old Groucho Acquaintance

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2016
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Milton, Nova Scotia
    I wrote my post/ critic shortly after watching the bit of the movie, last night. So this morning, I went online looking if some reviewer had a similar opinion. I found a review by Sheila O’Malley on rogerebert.com quite similar to mine; better written of course but she alluded to, I’d say, a good 80% of my personal view. I posted a link to her review but deleted it because it’s not working. If you’re interested in her review, you know how to find it, I’m sure, using her name and the movie title.
     
  4. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,463
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Goshen, NY
    I read a number of reviews of this film but missed the priceless pan from Sheila O'Malley (link below).

    https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/operation-fortune-ruse-de-guerre-movie-review-2023

    This review is priceless because it does the 2 things a negative review really must do to avoid being a dumpster fire of soul-sucking negativity/subjectivity:
    1. It patiently explains exactly why each criticized element of the film falls short of expectations--what it does wrong and what it failed to do (that would have resulted in a better film); and
    2. And it's witty. Describing Hugh Grant's character, she writes, "Hugh Grant, who was so hilarious in Ritchie's "The Gentlemen," is rather inert here. However, the performance does have its high points (his insinuating deadened voice oozing corruption, his flat gray hair, his tinted glasses calling to mind Jim Jones or Robert Evans. He comes across as a cooing dead-eyed gargoyle." (badaBING)
    Thanks for clueing in me into this review.

    OK, I'll wait for this film to eventually slink into one of the streaming services. Though it must be said, "My List" & "My Stuff" (Netflix & Prime respectively) are ePurgatories of titles I frequently scan but never actually watch...
     
  5. Kernel Kurtz

    Kernel Kurtz Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    May 19, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,677
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Winnipeg, Canada
    Quick look through my movies folder. All my faves (ie ones I always don't mind watching again occasionally) are pretty standard stuff. Was hard to narrow it down to 10 though, so that is a good thing. In no particular order...

    Pulp Fiction
    The Deer Hunter
    Deliverance
    Alien
    Fargo
    Inception
    Scarface
    Apocalypse Now
    Schindler's List
    Taxi Driver
     
  6. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

    Staff Member Pyrate Flathead IEMW
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,304
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Clear, clear water
    I don’t have quite 10 here but I love lots of movies, these are just my absolute favorites.

    Dazed and Confused
    I love director and writer Richard Linklater. His first movie, self funded with a credit card, Slacker, is a unique movie of Randomness. For Dazed and Confused, his first major movie, I love McConaughey’s performance. His first role ever. I love the 70’s (almost as much as the 80’s) and this movie captures the 70’s for me so well. Perhaps my favorite movie all time.

    Everybody Wants Some!
    This is the spiritual successor to Dazed and Confused. The character Finn steals the show IMO; as memorable as Wooderson in Dazed. I love ‘talking’ movies and Linklater gives great dialog and character development.

    Sideways
    Another ‘talking’ movie with unforgettable dialog. Paul Giamotti’s best role IMO. A dark comedy that somehow finds something redeeming in these morose characters’ lives.

    Immortal Beloved
    Gary Oldman is an amazing actor. Never the same and perhaps at his most brilliant playing Beethoven. I love Bernard Rose’s take on who
    Beethoven’s immortal beloved may be and his moving scene where one of Beethoven’s songs is ‘explained’.

    The Professional
    Also know an as Leon: The Professional
    Another unforgettable Gary Oldman character. His portrayal as the dirty DEA captain Stansfield is brilliant. Reno, Portman and Aiello give great performances as well. Reno is great as a somewhat simpleton, yet endearing but complete badass hitman.

    Unforgiven
    Eastwood is an institution in my estimation and the world will be a lessor place when he is gone. I love westerns and this one is superb. Lots of great dialog and character development. There can never be enough movies with Eastwood and Freeman. Love Hackman too.

    One Upon A Time In The West
    Perhaps the greatest western ever. The opening scene is over 15 minutes long and not a word is said; yet it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The music is as epic as the performances from Bronson, Robards and Fonda. Sergio Leone’s epic masterpiece.

    Big Hero 6
    This movie is near and dear to my heart and have shared many memorable family moments watching it with those I love. Tadashi Hamada is my favorite character, for his love and devotion to his younger brother and his large and good heart. And Fred has so many great lines that we still quote together as family many years later.
     
    • Like Like x 5
    • Epic Epic x 2
    • List
  7. Old Groucho

    Old Groucho Acquaintance

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2016
    Likes Received:
    65
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Milton, Nova Scotia
    My third pick/ movie on my list, should read : “A Night at the Opera” as opposed to “Day”. Another senior moment on my part.
     
  8. rott

    rott Secretly hates other millenials - Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,176
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Nation's Capital of failure
    These are great lists, I think most of my faves are spread across them.

    Few I'll add:

    Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - I'm usually not a big fan of Robert Downey Jr. but he and especially Val Kilmer were fun to watch in this one and for some reason I love this flick. (Sucks that the Blu-ray lacks uncompressed audio.)

    Ronin - still one of the best to introduce realism in action, especially car chase scenes. De Niro, Reno, great cast and performances all around. It's up there with Heat for me.

    True Lies - nostalgic pick, hasn't aged that well (compared to Die Hard which seems culturally more significant), but the mix of over the top action and effective comedy has just stuck with me. (Was so happy to find the Spanish Blu-ray with HD video & uncompressed English audio.)

    The Lord of the Rings trilogy - epic in scope and always satisfying to watch annually, I love it probably even more because my daughter is such a fan and that's one of the very few things we both enjoy on a screen.

    I'm clearly not a cinephile, but do really enjoy well-made action movies.
     
  9. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,463
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Goshen, NY
    RONIN is one of the better crime films ever made. IMO you're right to compare it to HEAT. I saw Ronin at least 4 times in theaters and have it on blu ray. I believe it's the last top-tier film by director John Frankenheimer. Two of his earlier films, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE and SECONDS are among my favorites.
     
  10. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

    Pyrate Contributor Banned
    Joined:
    May 6, 2016
    Likes Received:
    2,092
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    I considered this movie for my top 10.
    Sorry, couldnt find whole scene in one clip.:



    Another movie about a person who struggles to fit in also almost made my top 10. Toy Story only won out because my kid enjoys as well… otherwise Id say Fantastic Mr. Fox is my favorite animated film.:
     
  11. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

    Pyrate Contributor Banned
    Joined:
    May 6, 2016
    Likes Received:
    2,092
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Fargo is my favorite amongst Coen brothers but felt adding to my list was more in appreciation for the directors body of work.

    Apocalypse Now and Schindler’s List I very much admire and considered for top 10 but I dont get much excited about rewatches any more. They are long and intense.

    Hard disagree. Shutter Island came out the same year and similar as a surreal psychological thriller that also stars Dicaprio. From what I remember, Shutter Island = 4/4, Inception = 3/4. Scorcese directed Shutter Island. Nolan’s Dark Knight and Interstellar prob wouldve made my top 20 fav list. Nolan’s works are hit or miss for me… Tenet = 01|10

    Admissions: Ive not seen Barry Lyndon or Taxi Driver. Ill watch them next.
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2023
  12. Kernel Kurtz

    Kernel Kurtz Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    May 19, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,677
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Winnipeg, Canada
    No Country for Old Men would also be on my extended list, but I liked Fargo better.

    Have not seen Shutter Island. Will add it to my to watch list. Interstellar would also be on my extended list, as would Memento. Agree Tenet was not very good. I'm generally not in to any of the "Comic Book" movies (DC, Marvel, etc). Dark Knight was OK but would not be on any of my favorite lists.
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2023
  13. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

    Pyrate Contributor Banned
    Joined:
    May 6, 2016
    Likes Received:
    2,092
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    I am biased as I watched The Dark Knight when I was at San Diego Comic Con that year so extra memorable. Dark Knight Ive seen more times afterwards but each viewing I recognize more cheesiness. Still appreciate how much attention and love the material was given. Seemingly changed the future for the super hero genre. Unfortunately, good ones are rare.
     
  14. bixby

    bixby Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,987
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Northern Colorado
    my 2 centavos

    The Usual Suspects
    The Professional
    Fargo
    Dirty Dozen
    Hugo
    The Exorcist
    Close Encounters of the Third Kind
    The Fifth Element
    O Brother Where Art Though
    The Italian Job
     
  15. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,463
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Goshen, NY
    I've seen LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL in at least 2 lists here. Tho I'm not a big Gary Oldham fan (in this film he pisses all over classical music by using it to prep for killing..a very mannered performance IMO), I'm a BIG Jean Reno fan. Every time I see him in a film or TV show, I relax--he has the production in hand.

    Jean Reno is the tie-in between LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL and RONIN; in which he plays the experienced, resourceful, brave compatriot of the DeNiro character. Here I think we were intended to feel distant echoes of the close WWII partnerships of non-Vichy French fighters and American military operatives (at least, I did).

    L:TP got criticized because it was (beneath all the violence) a love story between an isolated, illiterate hitman and a 12 year old girl. But from frame-1, I saw this as a father/daughter love story, not sexual in the least except to the extent any pubescent girl or boy has a sexual undercurrent. It's just a terrific film and a very moving love story.
    • For the grownup-on-grownup version of this love story, there's another film I watch often (flawed but kinetic & appealing), HITMAN with Timonthy Olyphant & Olga Kurylenko.
     
  16. Kernel Kurtz

    Kernel Kurtz Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    May 19, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,677
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Winnipeg, Canada
    The Usual Suspects was in my top ten initially. Many excellent films did not make the final list, which basically just shows that any top ten (of anything) by nature has a lot of arbitrariness.
     
  17. philipmorgan

    philipmorgan Member of the month

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,790
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    In the wind, so to speak
    Home Page:
    Speaking of favorite films, where's my My Dinner With Andre and Koyaanisquatsi fans at!?!? EDIT: And Glengarry Glen Ross?
     
  18. caute

    caute Lana Del Gayer than you

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2022
    Likes Received:
    1,989
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    The Deep South
    Louis Malle is great, but that's not his best imo, but THANK YOU for the Koyaanisqatsi rec!
     
  19. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    May 28, 2017
    Likes Received:
    7,976
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    He Died with a Falafel in His Hand
     
  20. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Likes Received:
    2,463
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Goshen, NY
    Somehow managed to see neither of these films.

    But I have a toe in the water concerning Koyaanisqatsi -- heard & like this soundtrack; love Philip Glass & have some of his music, including his soundtrack for the brilliant Errol Morris documentary, THE THIN BLUE LINE.
     

Share This Page