DVDs seen recently

[rgraham666]

I get to spend a lot of time shut in so I need lots of ways to kill it.

So going to discuss DVDs I've seen recently.

Phone Booth Not a bad flick. Interesting piece of psychological drama. The climax was a bit overwrought though.

Kiefer Sutherland's character was such a complete hypocrite though. He pretends he's doing a good deed by punishing wicked people who can't be touched by the law. Actually, he just likes torturing and killing people. He, has most humans do, is just rationalising his behaviour.

Equilibrium I hadn't even heard of this movie when I rented it. And was pleasantly surprised.

It takes place after WWIII. The people in charge have decided that emotion is the problem, so emotion is outlawed. Everyone has to carry an injection gun with an emotion deadening drug in it and take their 'interval' at prescribed times.

Everything that could cause emotion is also outlawed. The movie starts with the burning of The Mona Lisa.

The main character misses his interval and starts experiencing emotions. The movie tells of his journey.

In spite of being an action flick, it dealt with a fair bit of philosophical issues. It had some good actors (Christian Bale, Sean Bean) and I thought it was very well shot.

I'd recommend it if you like something different.

Transporter 2 Not a great flick, but a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Try to ignore the big plot holes.

It had one of the most vicious villainesses I've seen in a long time. I loved her.

Caligula I figured I needed a laugh and wanted to watch a bad movie. I was disappointed. It was possibly the biggest waste of time and money I've ever done. *Puke* Far worse than I expected.


Done. Feel free to post your own.

 

[Stella_Omega]

you didn't like Caligula??? I loved that bicycle gadget!

mostly, all I watch are dvds. And the benefit of that is the extras that sometimes come along with the movie. I just got "Once Upon A time In Mexico" - for Johnny Depp of course, but it also has Antonio Banderas, (barely acting but actually doing almost all of his stunts) Willem Dafoe, Danny Trejo, Rueben Blades, Mickey Rourke, and my beloved Cheech Marin, PLUS- Salma omigod Hayek and Eva holychrist Mendez.
And I fell hard for Robert Rodriguez, who wrote, designed, directed, and scored the whole thing- and shot it all in less than eight weeks. It's choppy, but comic-book satisfying, and th COLORS are just breathtaking. And the extras are a ton of fun. And one is a cooking class, on how to make Puerco Pibil

OUATIM is the "fourth movie of a trilogy" and he never made the third movie So now, I need to find the first two- "Desperado" which he starrred in as well as everything else- he made it for something like $7,000.00- and "El Mariachi" which was the first time he worked with Banderas.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

So now, I need to find the first two- "Desperado" which he starrred in as well as everything else- he made it for something like $7,000.00- and "El Mariachi" which was the first time he worked with Banderas.

Or the other way around.

 

[Guest]

Stellala, I loved "Once Upon A time In Mexico". Love it for the whole cast and the Mexicanness (superb) and Rodriguez. The Puerco Pibil recipe is such a bonus (I made my sons watch it). I also tell people the extras on how RR works is worthwhile for anyone interested in 'how to' make movies.

My actually latest DVD was a documentary on Rudolf Nureyev's last years (dying of AIDS) called "Dancing through Darkness". It's not a great doc., some really stupid people talk too much, but there are some very interesting people too, and unseen-by-me shots, etc. I adored that man as if he'd been my brother, and was devastated by footage of him looking as if he'd already half-left his body. Big blubbering session at end of film. Too, I was again inspired by his beauty and power. (I was privileged to have seen him on a few stages, during and after his 'prime'.)

Perdita

 

[Guest]

Hubby and I rented some movies the other night... first time in a long while.

We watched Miss Congeniality 2 and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Both were good for the kind of "brainless" entertainment I like when I see a movie, lol. Both had their funny moments and Mr. and Mrs. Smith was good for some shoot 'em up action.

 

[TheEarl]

Watched The Ref the other day, which I bought solely on a recommendation from our Vella. She turned me onto Stephen Lynch and I was irrationally curious about the quote which she has in her signature, which leads to this scene:

Caroline: I had this dream...
Lloyd: Do we have to do dreams?
Caroline: I'm in this restaurant, and the waiter brings me my entree. It was a salad. It was Lloyd's head on a plate of spinach with his penis sticking out of his ear. And I said, "I didn't order this." And the waiter said, "Oh you must try it, it's a delicacy. But don't eat the penis, it's just garnish."
Dr. Wong: Lloyd, what do you think about the dream?
Lloyd: I think she should stop telling it at dinner parties to all our friends.

Although the film does drag slightly on occasion and some of the characterisation isn't as tight as you'd like, it is constantly saved by dialogue like this. The idea behind the film is a family who are held hostage by a catburglar after a failed heist. However, despite the presence of a man with a gun, they cannot refrain from constantly sniping and bitching and biting at each other, with some truly hilarious lines resulting.

Despite the presence of Denis LEary and Kevin Spacey, both of whom are perfect for this kind of dark humour, the film is well and truly stolen by Judy Davis, who is superb as Caroline. Her descent into a drunken nihilism where she says whatever she wants to her rich mother-in-law is priceless and is worth watching the film for alone.

Overall, a very good film, but not a classic.

The Earl

 

[Liar]

Equilibrium I hadn't even heard of this movie when I rented it. And was pleasantly surprised.

It takes place after WWIII. The people in charge have decided that emotion is the problem, so emotion is outlawed. Everyone has to carry an injection gun with an emotion deadening drug in it and take their 'interval' at prescribed times.

Everything that could cause emotion is also outlawed. The movie starts with the burning of The Mona Lisa.

The main character misses his interval and starts experiencing emotions. The movie tells of his journey.

In spite of being an action flick, it dealt with a fair bit of philosophical issues. It had some good actors (Christian Bale, Sean Bean) and I thought it was very well shot.

I'd recommend it if you like something different.

It also proves that what you need to make a good action and sci-fi move is not gazillions of dollars on special effects, but a bunch of good ideas and a sense of style.



I saw Taxi, French action comedy by Luc Besson (i think) last weekend. It doesn't take itself the least bit seriusly, and if you don't do that either, it's a really enjoyable flick.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

I saw Taxi, French action comedy by Luc Besson (i think) last weekend. It doesn't take itself the least bit seriusly, and if you don't do that either, it's a really enjoyable flick.

The opening sequence of Taxi 2 alone is enough to see that one next.

 

[matriarch]

Watched The Ref the other day, which I bought solely on a recommendation from our Vella. She turned me onto Stephen Lynch and I was irrationally curious about the quote which she has in her signature, which leads to this scene:

Caroline: I had this dream...
Lloyd: Do we have to do dreams?
Caroline: I'm in this restaurant, and the waiter brings me my entree. It was a salad. It was Lloyd's head on a plate of spinach with his penis sticking out of his ear. And I said, "I didn't order this." And the waiter said, "Oh you must try it, it's a delicacy. But don't eat the penis, it's just garnish."
Dr. Wong: Lloyd, what do you think about the dream?
Lloyd: I think she should stop telling it at dinner parties to all our friends.

Although the film does drag slightly on occasion and some of the characterisation isn't as tight as you'd like, it is constantly saved by dialogue like this. The idea behind the film is a family who are held hostage by a catburglar after a failed heist. However, despite the presence of a man with a gun, they cannot refrain from constantly sniping and bitching and biting at each other, with some truly hilarious lines resulting.

Despite the presence of Denis LEary and Kevin Spacey, both of whom are perfect for this kind of dark humour, the film is well and truly stolen by Judy Davis, who is superb as Caroline. Her descent into a drunken nihilism where she says whatever she wants to her rich mother-in-law is priceless and is worth watching the film for alone.

Overall, a very good film, but not a classic.

The Earl

I watched this one the other week on day time TV. I loved it, thought it was hilarious, the script was sharp and very very funny.

It had a tinge of farce about it, and being a Brit, true farce is very close to my heart. One of the best comedy's I've seen in quite a while.

 

[English Lady]

I really enjoyed phone booth when I watched it, I don't know what coaught my attention, but I was flicking through channels and I hit that film and I was hooked right till the end. I enjoyed equilibrium too, a very clever film.

I have to say, hubby and I could not stand Mr and Mrs Smith but I want to see Miss congeniality two

Trying to think what we last watched, hmmm we re-watched "City of Angels" just before Christmas, I adore it. Nicholas cage *drools* and Meg Ryan (hubby love her) in a real romantic weepy. Adored it, again.

Hmm, thats it for now, we don't really watch many films here

 

[McKenna]

Hubby and I rented some movies the other night... first time in a long while.

We watched Miss Congeniality 2 and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Both were good for the kind of "brainless" entertainment I like when I see a movie, lol. Both had their funny moments and Mr. and Mrs. Smith was good for some shoot 'em up action.

I watched the first 30 minutes of Mr and Mrs Smith and just couldn't get into it. It was b-o-r-i-n-g (to me.) I was disappointed; I thought it was going to be a lot better.

Last week I watched The Notebook. OMG! Do not watch this film if you're tender-hearted and susceptible to emotional manipulation. *sob* Such a good story though. I've heard the book is even better. I'm just waiting to recover from the film before I pick up the book.

I've got Tuck Everlasting in the queue. If anyone has a review of that, I'd like to be forewarned. Not sure I can take another "The Notebook".

 

[R. Richard]

Any rainy night, if I can find a copy, "The Monster That Devoured Cleveland." If ever a movie had everything, this is it!

 

[rgraham666]

I saw Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I love a good shooter, but this didn't do it for me.

The only funny scene was when the two of them were comparing body counts.

Him: "I never counted, but I figure high 50s, low 60s. How about you?"

Her: "Three hundred and twelve." Pause. "Some were multiples." (Watches his ego deflate with a huge hiss)

Maybe it's the smut writer in me, but that got a laugh out of me.

 

[Just-Legal]

The university has a rentals section, which I discovered to my sheer delight last week

I got Madagascar "I like to move it move it" *snickers* which I thoroughly enjoyed. Wonderful movie, not just for kids either. Really loved it.

For when I'm bored/sick/stressed with essays I have "The Fifth Element". I adore that film, even if it is daft

 

[rgraham666]

For when I'm bored/sick/stressed with essays I have "The Fifth Element". I adore that film, even if it is daft

I didn't expect to like that one, Helen, but I did.

It really is one of the great silly movies.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

I watched the first 30 minutes of Mr and Mrs Smith and just couldn't get into it. It was b-o-r-i-n-g (to me.) I was disappointed; I thought it was going to be a lot better.

thank god I wasn't the only one!! 30 minutes, and I turned it off... my 12 yo watched it at his dad's and swore it got better, but I couldn't stand to watch another minute...

The last thing we rented that I enjoyed was "Cinderella Man." But I like things based on "real life"...

March of the Penguins was way more documentary than I thought it was going to be, but it held my attention...

Fantastic Four was a little bit of a disappointment... not as good as some of the comic book movies out there...

Did anyone see Dark Water, the Exorcism of Emily Rose or The Island?

I'm waiting for Wallace & Gromit and Tim Burton's Corpse Bride to come out on DVD...

 

[rgraham666]

I'm waiting for Wallace & Gromit and Tim Burton's Corpse Bride to come out on DVD...

Me too! Me too!

 

[Selena_Kitt]

Wallace & Gromit: Feb 7
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride: Sooner! Jan 31!

get the popcorn ready, Rob, I'll melt the butter!!

 

[Guest]

I didn't expect to like that one, Helen, but I did.

It really is one of the great silly movies.

It is, isn't it?

We love the Fifth Element, too.

Interesting scene segues, very wild modes of travel, Ruby Rod -

And the Diva singing from Lucia di Lammermoor while Leelu kicked ass, doing her Bruce Lee imitation?

Sheer joy.

 

[rgraham666]

It is, isn't it?

We love the Fifth Element, too.

Interesting scene segues, very wild modes of travel, Ruby Rod -

And the Diva singing from Lucia di Lammermoor while Leelu kicked ass, doing her Bruce Lee imitation?

Sheer joy.

Oh yeah. Not much of an opera fan, but that scene makes me *shiver* every time.

 

[Guest]

Oh yeah. Not much of an opera fan, but that scene makes me *shiver* every time.

You've just got a thing for women with orange hair.



(so does my hubby whenever we watch that movie!)

 

[rgraham666]

There's a scene like that in Equilibrium. Christian Bale's character, whose just gone off his drugs, hears the opening bars of Beethoven's Chorale symphony.

You can see his knees go weak and his eyes tear at the realisation there is something so beautiful in the world.

Loved it.

 

[MichelleLovesTo]

Hmmm...I liked Mr and Mrs Smith. Good mindless fun IS the description. And Angelina wears a couple smoking outfits...

The Exorcism of Emily Rose freaked me out a little. There were a couple scary moments. It wasn't good enough for me to want to see it again. Hubby pretty much hated it.

 

[rgraham666]

You've just got a thing for women with orange hair.



(so does my hubby whenever we watch that movie!)

I was talking about the singing, actually.

I really am that transparent, aren't I?

 

[Stella_Omega]

I didn't expect to like that one, Helen, but I did.

It really is one of the great silly movies.

oh, yeah, and such visual pleasure! The art direction was by Moebus, and Theirry Muglier did the costumes- just incredible.

So embarrassing to be such a fan, but almost anything with Johnny Depp in it will be either thought-provoking or supremely intertaining, or both. He has always had good taste in his projects! He's never cared about box-officeability. "Pirates" was sort of a fluke for him, and he nearly got canned anyway- because of his character design. The Disney execs were scared that he looked too faggy
WELL- they were wrong, weren't they!
The DVD is a double set, there are so many extras, including a game, I think- I've never accessed it.

I would suggest "Cry baby" which is a sendup of the fifties "Juvenile Delinquent Problem" genre- with Iggy Pop playing his uncle, and a gorgeous young thing named. Amy Locane as the love interest- and the most fantastic music, mostly crazy-ass doo-wop, but also a bunch of songs written for the movie, sung by James Intveldt

"Dead Man" which is a surreal western shot in black and white by Jim Jarmusch. He plays a tenderfoot named William Blake- like the poet- that is thrown into the last frontiers of the Wild West. Iggy Pop is in this one, two, along with Billy Bob Thornton, and a genuine Native American, Gary Farmer as Blake's guide. And Neil Young does the score, if you like that sort of thing

And if you haven't seen "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory" you are in for a delicious treat. It's SOOOOO much better than the first movie, closer to the book. At the same time, the additions are perfectly in keeping with Raold Dahl's sensibilities. Depp's Willy is the creepiest, funniest thing. And Danny Elfman did the music, and if you were an Oingo Boingo fan, you'll recognise the Oompa Loompa songs as a sort of retrospective of all the music he's ever made. Which is a pretty terrific thing!

(can you tell I have a bad case of writer's block?)