At the Movies - Lit Version

lacandy

Laying in the sun
Joined
Apr 19, 2011
Posts
30,396
Years ago there was the show with Siskel and Ebert called "At the Movies" where they would review new releases and give them "thumbs up" or a "thumbs down"...that's the general idea of this thread.

I am a movie junkie. I love to escape in the theater - when the lights go down and you can just focus on that screen for a few hours and not think about real life...so I see a lot of movies.

For me, a movie should simply be entertaining and if it does that then I'm happy (I've only ever wanted my money back from one movie :) ), but I find that movie critics are only looking for something that will be the big movie of they year. I just want to be entertained.

So, here's a place for honest movie reviews.

If you see a movie and love it...come here and tell us about it.

If you see a movie and hate it...come here and tell us about it.

If you are looking for a movie to watch...come here and ask someone.

I know that there are other movie lovers (a certain pirate I know is about as big of a fan as me :) ) so everyone should give their two cents...or five bucks really given how expensive it is to go to the movies these days :)
 
I will start off because we saw Atomic Blonde with Charlize Theron today.

I was excited about this one because the previews looked awesome. It didn't disappoint! Lots of action and a kick ass woman spy always are entertaining.

The one thing that I have to say is that the plot is a little complicated - and being a blonde ;) - I did have to talk it out after to make sure that I understood it.

It's rated R for a reason too! Lots of "fucks" and blood. And there is some girl/girl action that is fairly explicit...so if watching that in a movie theater full of people is uncomfortable wait for the DVD.

And the soundtrack is KICK ASS if you are child of the 80s like myself. I MAY have danced in my seat a time or two - New Order, Til Tuesday, The Clash...

So I'm giving this one two...uhhh...tits up? :)
 
Might go to the movies today...sunday in Taichung and nothing else to do..

Last week I saw Dunkirk. IMAX at Top City theaters.

It was very well done - liked it - 4+ stars.


The interesting part is looking at a translated title and trying to figure out the real title

The rise of the lowest battle of the birds = WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES
 
Most recently in theaters I saw Baby Driver. LOVED it. WAs very uncertain based on the trailer, until I found out it was an Edgar Wright film. Edgar hasn't made a bad movie. (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim VS The World...) Baby Driver was no exception. It was beautifully shot lots of moving camera work, not shaky cam documentary stuff that seems so popular nowadays, but nearly ballet with speeding cars and guns. So much win. And a soundtrack to die for. Cant recommend enough.
 
I recently viewed the new Wonder Woman film and was favorably impressed. It was completely unlike the TV and cartoon venues with much more developed characters.

The actors, storyline and special effects were all exceptional. Iโ€™m not much of a comic book to movies kind of fan but this was a really good movie.

Thereโ€™s already been a precursor to this film with the Batman vs. Superman and an Upcoming Justice League movie will further develop Gia Gadotโ€™s Wonder Woman character. All in all it was worth seeing.
 
Most recently in theaters I saw Baby Driver. LOVED it. WAs very uncertain based on the trailer, until I found out it was an Edgar Wright film. Edgar hasn't made a bad movie. (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim VS The World...) Baby Driver was no exception. It was beautifully shot lots of moving camera work, not shaky cam documentary stuff that seems so popular nowadays, but nearly ballet with speeding cars and guns. So much win. And a soundtrack to die for. Cant recommend enough.

I recently viewed the new Wonder Woman film and was favorably impressed. It was completely unlike the TV and cartoon venues with much more developed characters.

The actors, storyline and special effects were all exceptional. Iโ€™m not much of a comic book to movies kind of fan but this was a really good movie.

Thereโ€™s already been a precursor to this film with the Batman vs. Superman and an Upcoming Justice League movie will further develop Gia Gadotโ€™s Wonder Woman character. All in all it was worth seeing.

I must second both of these choices.
Loved Wonder Woman
But
Baby Driver despite the name was a phenomenal movie from beginning to end.

I recently saw the new Spider-Man movie and enjoyed it. If you've seen the avenger movies and the recent Captain America- Civil War it will make more sense though it is a stand alone movie.
 
I must second both of these choices.
Loved Wonder Woman
But
Baby Driver despite the name was a phenomenal movie from beginning to end.

I recently saw the new Spider-Man movie and enjoyed it. If you've seen the avenger movies and the recent Captain America- Civil War it will make more sense though it is a stand alone movie.


Ohhh...this is good to know! I've seen the Avengers movies, but not the Captain America ones (I find them a little boring). May be taking the kids to see Spiderman this week - or Valarian...haven't decided.
 
Where's Slinger? He needs to be part of this thread. I always used him as my Siskel.... or Ebert.. take your pick. lol

Wonder Woman... LOVED it. Very well done and that actress... *sigh*. Can I just say she has legs that go on for miles?

*disclaimer: I am strictly attracted to the male sex but I can appreciate a good pair of anything on those of my own sex*
 
I will start off because we saw Atomic Blonde with Charlize Theron today.

I was excited about this one because the previews looked awesome. It didn't disappoint! Lots of action and a kick ass woman spy always are entertaining.

The one thing that I have to say is that the plot is a little complicated - and being a blonde ;) - I did have to talk it out after to make sure that I understood it.

It's rated R for a reason too! Lots of "fucks" and blood. And there is some girl/girl action that is fairly explicit...so if watching that in a movie theater full of people is uncomfortable wait for the DVD.

And the soundtrack is KICK ASS if you are child of the 80s like myself. I MAY have danced in my seat a time or two - New Order, Til Tuesday, The Clash...

So I'm giving this one two...uhhh...tits up? :)

I'll be seeing this one. :)



After a long wait, Despicable Me 3 came out. I LOVE these movies.. the first ones were great! This one was rather disappointing. I'd recommend the others, but this one not so much.

The House with Will Ferrell was hilarious.. I'm not a big fan of his but lots of good laughs here.

Guardians 2 was a really good movie too.

Boss Baby was meh too.
 
Where's Slinger? He needs to be part of this thread. I always used him as my Siskel.... or Ebert.. take your pick. lol

Wonder Woman... LOVED it. Very well done and that actress... *sigh*. Can I just say she has legs that go on for miles?

*disclaimer: I am strictly attracted to the male sex but I can appreciate a good pair of anything on those of my own sex*

LOL!

Didn't even see this til I posted..

I knew you were bi-curious.. :devil:
 
LOL!

Didn't even see this til I posted..

I knew you were bi-curious.. :devil:
LOL.... stop that!


Despicable Me... you are the one who turned me on to these... and I have loved them! My grands and I watched it together the other evening and laughed and giggled together ridiculously.
 
Nice one lacandy
Last two movies I watched where Baby Driver & Dunkirk so in summary ;

BD is a Fantastically timed Spotify playlist that a movie was based on. There is no point in the movie where I don't want something to happen! An inverse John Wick if you want...

DK is a non typical Saving private Ryan style movie with minimal gore (vs SPR). It involves us with the humanity of a forgotten war which includes the chance of defeat and the usefulness of war.
 
Ohhh...this is good to know! I've seen the Avengers movies, but not the Captain America ones (I find them a little boring). May be taking the kids to see Spiderman this week - or Valarian...haven't decided.

You should check out the latest Captain America: Civil War. It's more like Avengers 2.5 in a lot of ways, and while not necessary for Spider-Man, there are some nice follow ups in the latter film that pay off the former.
 
Most recently in theaters I saw Baby Driver. LOVED it. WAs very uncertain based on the trailer, until I found out it was an Edgar Wright film. Edgar hasn't made a bad movie. (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim VS The World...) Baby Driver was no exception. It was beautifully shot lots of moving camera work, not shaky cam documentary stuff that seems so popular nowadays, but nearly ballet with speeding cars and guns. So much win. And a soundtrack to die for. Cant recommend enough.

Have to agree with you entirely on that one..I was constantly reminded of early Quentin Tarentino fare, particularly True Romance, which he wrote but didn't direct and is one of my favorite unknown movies...check it out.

Also saw Dunkirk...brings home the truth that war is hell, and at the end of the day, all a soldier wants is to go Home.
 
I've been watching loads of movies recently. Don't echo the love for Wonder Woman, I thought it was an average movie with poor pacing, editing, and below par CGI. Also I felt that many people have got carried away with what it represents, rather than actually looking at the quality of the film. Quality wise, it barely compares to the worst Marvel movie. DC have completely fucked up their cinematic universe, and with Justice League going through its fourth round of reshoots, I'm not holding up much hope for it to get any better.

Most recently I've seen:

Baby Driver - really stylish and fun movie, I loved how the synced the soundtrack with what happened in the film. A little more mainstream than what I expected from Edgar Wright, and I think it showed, especially at the end. Epic car chase sequences!

The Handmaiden - not to be confused with the TV series, this is a new film from the director of Oldboy. That's the original Korean Oldboy, not the terrible US remake. It's another tale of revenge with some unpredictable twists thrown in, and highly recommended. Unconventional, unsettling, and brilliant.

Spiderman: Homecoming - I am an absolutely massive Spider Man fan, and I also hated the last two films with Andrew Garfield. However this one was so good - with Marvel making it, they were able to do what Sony couldn't - create a Peter Parker that is totally relatable. They also properly captured the essence of Spider Man from the comics; he basically blunders through life with no idea if what he's doing is working, but always follows his principles, and somehow it eventually works out. Lastly it was very funny, which is another key part of the comic which the previous movies completely failed to represent.
 
Last edited:
Up all night being sick, so watched two of my favorite films...


Luck Number Slevin is a fantasticly twisty crime picture. Quippy and fun, it asks some dark questions about how our pasts can come back to haunt us. And it has a fantastic mistaken identity premise that is well executed and magnificently paid off. Josh Hartnett and Bruce Willis, with Lucy Liu, Morgan Freeman and Ben Kingsley. More people need to see this movie! If only so more people will get my Schmoo references...

Brotherhood of the Wolf is one of those movies that is hard to describe. A French film, I've only ever seen the English dubbed version. Though several of the cast members dubbed themselves, which I think is cool. It' a period piece, focused on the reign of terror unleashed by the Beast of Gevaudan, a possibly supernatural killing machine in the pre-revolution French countryside. Part horror movie, part conspiracy thriller, and part martial arts flick, it is beatifully shot and wonderfully acted. Highlights include Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, and the criminally unerrated Mark Dacascos. Weird and maybe a tad overlong, but so worth your time!
 
You should check out the latest Captain America: Civil War. It's more like Avengers 2.5 in a lot of ways.

I didn't care much for this movie. It seemed kinda juvenile to me altho I would agree it's more of an Avengers movie then a Cap movie.
 
I absolutely adore everyone who has posted their movie suggestions and critiques! Thank you...

Xerxes - I have always had Lucky Number Slevin on my wanna see list. I will definitely check it out now!

Okay, took the kiddos to see Spiderman Homecoming today and absolutely LOVED it!!

Tom Holland I think is the best Spiderman that I've seen. He has that hapless nerdy kid who accidentally fell into being a superhero thing down so well. Loved his wit and his timing...and Ned his "chair guy" is absolutely perfect!

That he is the "protรฉgรฉ" of Ironman is so good because he gets the tiny bit of high tech that he needs but is still "your friendly neighborhood Spiderman."

Such a fun version of Spiderman. And for any of you true movie/TV fans, tone of the writers who adapted the screenplay was John Francis Daley of Freaks and Geeks notoritity - so worked with Judd Apatow who is one of my all time faves! I think that's why we got such a good version of Peter Parker in this one...kudos to John Francis Daley!

I'm seeing Girl's Trip with my girlies tonight so more from me later! :kiss:
 
We saw Atomic Blonde today.. It was a "good" movie.. Worthy of a matinee ticket in a leather recliner along with cherry slurpee and popcorn! Woot! Had my best girl with me too. :)

It was pretty intense at times.. nothing too over the top. Lots of action.. and the WAY TOO SHORT girl/girl scene was HOT!

All in all, a fine couple hours.:)
 
Brotherhood of the Wolf is one of those movies that is hard to describe. A French film, I've only ever seen the English dubbed version. Though several of the cast members dubbed themselves, which I think is cool. It' a period piece, focused on the reign of terror unleashed by the Beast of Gevaudan, a possibly supernatural killing machine in the pre-revolution French countryside. Part horror movie, part conspiracy thriller, and part martial arts flick, it is beatifully shot and wonderfully acted. Highlights include Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, and the criminally unerrated Mark Dacascos. Weird and maybe a tad overlong, but so worth your time!

I love this film, I have the DVD with the original language track (I hate watching dubbed films). Moody and atmospheric, although the slow pacing might put some people off.
 
Last edited:
We saw Atomic Blonde today.. It was a "good" movie.. Worthy of a matinee ticket in a leather recliner along with cherry slurpee and popcorn! Woot! Had my best girl with me too. :)

It was pretty intense at times.. nothing too over the top. Lots of action.. and the WAY TOO SHORT girl/girl scene was HOT!

All in all, a fine couple hours.:)

Well there were a few of them at least ;)
 
Last Three Movies

The last three movies I saw in the theater were The Big Sick, Hero and Baby Driver. Of the three I enjoyed Baby Driver the most.

I have always been a big time movie in the theater watcher! And I am a "Chick Flick Guy." This has all but become a dead genre. Now if I can find a movie with real people and a plot, that is the starting point for deciding if I want to go to the movies. If a movie is 3D, supernatural or in outer space I am not interested.

A friend of mine calls me a dogmatic motherfucker! We have a nice laugh knowing there is always truth in comedy.

Back to the movies, thanks for the info on Atomic Blond. I may go see it.

Saturday evening I saw Casa Blanca for the first time! It's no wonder it's considered on of the greatest movies of all time.
 
A few older ones we knocked out this past week...

Hercules
The thought process: Okay, yes, THE ROCK version. But Brett Ratner is a competent action director, right? And it's got Ian McShane! And Rufus Sewell. AND... GASP! John Hurt! Okay this'll be great!
(2 hrs later:) Nope. It's Gods of Egypt level terrible.

Pete's Dragon (2016)
I'm really trying to get past the fact that it's just not MY Pete's Dragon, and enjoy it for what it is... but it's too dark (as in film quality, lots of outdoors at night can't see shit shots), random folk music at odd intervals and well... just not very good. It's okay, but has NONE of the charm of the original.
 
Sat and watched one from around 1997.."Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"
With Johnny Depp playing self described gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. He and his attorney, Benicio DelToro, run through a series of drug addled misadventures in 1970's Las Vegas, not a sober moment in the house. It's one of those movies you either love or loath...not sure I consider it a great American Classic , but I had a fine and fun time for about two hours.
 
Back
Top