Schoolio's Movie Corner

[bmack86]

Loved Be Kind Rewind. More thoughts later.

I second that. Saw it two weeks ago, and it was fantastic.

[wmgaretjax]

Let's not be hyperbolic, Gabe. I agree that Juno shouldn't have won, but "forever sullied"? That's as over-the-top as Jared saying Once's win is "a fucking travesty." I know we love our movies, but we're not talking about Good Luck Chuck winning Best Picture at the Oscars, for instance. Actually, better thought: Let's wait and see how Juno does at the Oscars tonight, and then we can start talking about sullying and travesties.

hahahaha. Being hyperbolic is the way we make ourselves feel like our opinions matter. I totally forgot the oscars were tonight...

[keriann]

I just watched Across The Universe.

This has to be my least liked film of 2007. I'm sure there were worse movies out last year, but damn did I hate this movie.

Seconded. I wanted to like it, I really did. I am usually a fan of musicals, too. But this was just BAD. So bad. I laughed out loud at some of the dramatic scenes. It had the potential to be another Moulin Rouge but it took itself too seriously for the cheesiness to be passable. Oh, god, bad.

Also I am glad to hear some of you liked Be Kind Rewind. It really want that to be good.

[schoolofruckus]

Let's not be hyperbolic, Gabe. I agree that Juno shouldn't have won, but "forever sullied"? That's as over-the-top as Jared saying Once's win is "a fucking travesty." I know we love our movies, but we're not talking about Good Luck Chuck winning Best Picture at the Oscars, for instance. Actually, better thought: Let's wait and see how Juno does at the Oscars tonight, and then we can start talking about sullying and travesties.

I bet Good Luck Chuck is made with more integrity than Juno is, albeit with considerably less skill.

If the Independent Spirit Awards had a category for Best Movie That Puts "Indie" In Quotes And Sells It With Spite, I'd be cool with Juno winning. But they don't, and so they gave it Best Film over at least two - maybe three - masterpieces. That gives me something to think about when considering their award winners in the future.

Of course, I read a statistic this morning that - in the more than 20 years that the Indies have been awarded - they have never had an Oscar nominee that has lost the Best Film Indie to a film that wasn't Oscar nominated. There have been years where there were no Oscar nominees in the Indies' final five. But most of the time, whatever "litlte" film the Oscars have in the race is the film that wins here. "Independent" Spirit, indeed.

[xXThirdManXx]

Juno better not fucking win an Oscar.

[suprefan]

It will probably win for best original screenplay, so lil stripper Diablo Cody will give some speech about how much it means to her etc etc. So where is our like Oscar pool/prediction? Gabe, Im looking at you to start this.

[Mr.Nipples]

who gives a shit if she was a stripper...

[canexplain]

we just watched michael clayton, watched american gangster yesterday, going to try and squeeze in the jessse james movie or vally of eligh sp,, ... x****

[Neutral Milk Hotel]

As much as I had my problems with Juno, I remember reading an article a few years back about the Blacklist, which was this list some agency made of the most praised films that hadn't been picked up by a single studio, and Juno was on there. Actually, fuck that. It doesn't matter if she struggled. The whole point of independent films is the exciting and the new, and Juno is nothing more than a placeholder for the current trends of the Sundance crowd. I still liked it, but when movies like Juno win the Spirit Awards, what's the point? This is an $130 million grossing crowd-pleaser. Not saying that profit should have anything to do with how they make their decisions, but I thought the whole idea was to celebrate the little films, the ones everyone hasn't already heard of. Whatever.

Also, I wrote some thoughts on facebook on There Will Be Blood, which I haven't yet written about, and Michael Clayton, which I just saw. So:

There Will Be Blood:

I'd like to quote a review of the film I saw on flixter, a review that really kind of haunted me:

" I believed the lonliness of his character. I believed in the love for his son. I believed in the good intention under the business man."

Many view it as the story of a monstrous villain, and while Daniel Plainview is no saint, I get the sense that Anderson's intent was to find the human in the capitalist, not the other way around. This (mis?)interpretation of the film may be why some have recently said Day-Lewis's work is over-the-top and simplistic, but try to look at it as the presentation of a man who's good and evil qualities are always raging against each other, and his extraordinary achievement makes itself apparent. To look at Plainview as a villain, to simplify him that way, is to cut yourself off from some of the most meaningful elements of the film. Really, the relationship between Plainview and his adopted son, HW, is the most important part of the film, and it's a relationship built on love. Plainview argues that he keeps the boy around as a business tool, but it doesn't really make that much sense. Would having a cute boy really help him buy land that much? None of the other oil tycoons in the film are seen to be running around with adorable human props, and the film doesn't suggest that they're any better off or worse off than Plainview is. No, he hungers for human connection, even if he can't admit it to himself. It's the same reason he opens up his supposed half-brother Henry, even if he hasn't shown trust to anyone else, even his trusted advisors. There's a scene with Plainview and Henry on the beach, where he talks about the Peachtree Dance, a local custom from their childhood, and about how when he was a boy he wanted to by a great house and fill it with children. In this scene we see the real Plainview, the Plainview who isn't possessed by competition and ambition (after all, he's mapping out the path his pipeline will take to the sea--his life's work is more or less complete). The conversation on the beach is even more telling than the "I look at people and I see nothing worth liking" rant he has a scene later, for it shows us the vulnerable, human side of Plainview, a side that has been too often ignored in critical interpretation of the film. An understanding of his desire for human connection, of indeed the "good intention under the businessman", makes the film that much more powerful and affecting. It may be true that, in the end, Plainview's demons consume him, but that doesn't mean it was an inevitability, "drilling down to a single point" as Jim Emerson put it in his blog.

SPOILERS

As for the final scene, that's for another note entirely, but watching the film a second time it almost felt, in this weird twisted way, heroic. It's hard to explain why, but try to imagine it as almost a perverse, deranged mirror image of the final exchange between George Clooney and Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton.

END SPOILERS

Michael Clayton:

I'll need to see it again, but it's very good. Lots of people have cited the moral, character-driven dramas of the 1970s, and they're right. It's nice to see a thriller that's about one man's moral conundrum, and not about a murder or a monster, etc. Gilroy's directing isn't showy, but it's very successful. Great acting from the leads, especially Wilkinson. This is a film of uncommon intelligence, and while it might not reach the artistic heights of No Country for Old Men or There Will Be Blood, it ably stands in their company. I would also say, that in a year of films that know exactly when to end, this is a sterling example. Gilroy understands that the true story if Michael Clayton's moral awakening, and not whether or not justice is served to the corrupt company (it is called Michael Clayton, after all). I was exhilarated by the ambiguousness of the last shot, and its haunting quality. The scene with the three horses is also a marvel of great writing and craftsmanship.

And, why not, more on Juno!!!

Of all the BP nominees, I've had more arguments about this one than any other, and it's hard to really classify my response. Back in early December, when I saw it for the first time, I ended up giving it a positive review. I think it still deserves that positive notice, but I should also note some problems with it that I didn't mention in my initial review. Ultimately, the main problem is almost that this is a Best Picture nominee. It just wasn't designed to withstand the level of scrutiny that accompanies that honor; I'm sure Diablo Cody would agree with me. She has a distinctive voice, yet, but she hasn't yet learned how to employ that voice with moderation; if you took all of the weirdest lines and characters from films of the Coen Brothers and put them all in one thing, it would be kind of similar. The result is that there's this kind of, I guess same-ness in the characters. Not only does Juno talk like Juno, but Juno's parents talk like Juno, Juno's best friend talks like Juno, the wacky drugstore clerk talks like Juno. And it's not that they all just talk in this general way, no, they all have the same "voice". The other problem is that the film is on unsteady ground, plotwise. Characters are brought onscreen just for punchline value (I realize it's unfair to criticize a comedy for this practice, but the problem is that Juno wants us to believe it's taking place in some semblance of the real world), and we're never made to understand the experience of pregnancy for this 16-year-old. It's never more than something that's there, and for a film that's supposed to be about the wages of maturity, you'd think they would put more emphasis on how having a living being inside her affected Juno, both physically and emotionally. Still, like I said before, it's worth seeing. Suddenly, in the last half hour, the movie just works. I think the reason is that it kind of abandons its illusions of authenticity and becomes a kind of twee fantasy. Ideas like the mailbox full of Orange tic tacs and Paulie Bleeker running across town to be at the hospital because he knew Juno was giving birth might not be particularly believable, but they are sweet and charming. And the Moldy Peaches duet that closes the movie is sufficiently winning. I give a lot of credit for the success of these assorted successes to director Jason Reitman. He may not do much with the film on the stylistic side of things, but he knows how to direct actors, and how to put a film together. His warm humanism fills in the gaps left by Cody's ubersnark, and it's mainly because of him that what could have been a train wreck is turned into a pleasant, if overwritten, little movie. Major credit also to Jennifer Garner, JK Simmons, and Allison Janney, good actors who find the beating hearts in their characters. As for Page, I like how Dennis Cozzalio put it in his blog "Sergio Leone and the Infield Fly Rule", suggesting that the success of Page's performance depends on how much you like the character she's playing. So, for me: kind of. Bateman's also good, even if the character he's playing is an example, not a human being.

[triceratops oatmeal]

who gives a shit if she was a stripper...

seriously. Vigo Mortensen used to sell chipwhiches on street corners in Queens or some shit.

One of my best friends was an "exotic dancer" & an extremely talented opera singer.

[Cpt. Funkaho]

As much as I had my problems HOLY SHIT I'M GOING TO WRITE WAR & PEACE NOW

tl;dr

[schoolofruckus]

I have to say, I'm pretty happy with how the Oscars turned out. It feels wrong that PTA went away empty-handed - as much as the triumph of Daniel Day-Lewis' performance is his to share - and I would have loved for Diving Bell to steal just one of its categories, but the Coen Bros. are as due for a coronation as anyone in American film. It's easy to say Roger Deakins got robbed - he had maybe the finest year of anyone in filmmaking last year - but every film in the Cinematography field was phenomenal AND visually stunning, so it's hard to argue with any of them winning. The Best Original Screenplay category was doomed to weakness in this otherwise-strong year, so I took the Juno win for granted; since every film on my top 10 outside of the criminally neglected 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. had some basis in previously-published literature, the compromise of letting Cody up on the podium in exchange for no further Juno celebration was permissible. I found out on Friday that one of my friends is related to the subjects of the short documentary Freeheld, so its victory means I am now 3-for-3 when I have a personal connection to an Oscar-nominated short film. And I was thrilled with the love shown to Once - the performance, the award, and then the make-up acceptance speech for Marketa (which, rumor has it, was strongly suggested backstage by Colin Farrell).

[wmgaretjax]

Margot at the Wedding is REALLY great. I can't believe that was Nicole Kidman, I've never seen her in a movie where she became the character so fully. Maybe it was the accent. I just loved all the actors so much, it all felt so legitimate.

Yay! This movie is not getting enough recognition. It's really fantastics.

Oh, and as far as Across the Universe is concerned, my vote is skip it.

[TomAz]

I have to say, I'm pretty happy with how the Oscars turned out. It feels wrong that PTA went away empty-handed - as much as the triumph of Daniel Day-Lewis' performance is his to share - and I would have loved for Diving Bell to steal just one of its categories, but the Coen Bros. are as due for a coronation as anyone in American film. It's easy to say Roger Deakins got robbed - he had maybe the finest year of anyone in filmmaking last year - but every film in the Cinematography field was phenomenal AND visually stunning, so it's hard to argue with any of them winning. The Best Original Screenplay category was doomed to weakness in this otherwise-strong year, so I took the Juno win for granted; since every film on my top 10 outside of the criminally neglected 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. had some basis in previously-published literature, the compromise of letting Cody up on the podium in exchange for no further Juno celebration was permissible. I found out on Friday that one of my friends is related to the subjects of the short documentary Freeheld, so its victory means I am now 3-for-3 when I have a personal connection to an Oscar-nominated short film. And I was thrilled with the love shown to Once - the performance, the award, and then the make-up acceptance speech for Marketa (which, rumor has it, was strongly suggested backstage by Colin Farrell).

may I also say you looked absolutely stunning in that midnight blue swooshie dress with fur trim Gabe. You really outclassed all the girls.

[downingthief]

Yay! This movie is not getting enough recognition. It's really fantastics.

Oh, and as far as Across the Universe is concerned, my vote is skip it.

Am I the only one that liked it? I thought it was very well done.

[C DUB YA]

I wouldn't say Across the Universe is skippable bad at all - I thought it was OK, sure, corny in areas (BONO), but overall a interesting idea that succeeds... and I HATE musicals.

I thought the art direction was rather strong except for some of the riot and psychadelic scenes... supporting cast of singers are very good. Evan Rachel Wood has a very good voice and the Jim Sturgess was surprisingly good in the lead.

Obviously, the music within is pretty great, its the parts the tie them together that need fixin.

[amyzzz]

Am I the only one that liked it? I thought it was very well done.My husband and I both loved Across the Universe and bought the DVD. We watched it again last week. It's a good trip movie, Jacob says. I like the reworking of the songs (maybe I'll like the beatles someday), and it was visually stunning.

[HowToDisappear]

Am I the only one that liked it? I thought it was very well done.

I really enjoyed it. So did my husband.

I say go for it, FOI.

[noisemachine]

I haven't seen "Across the Universe", but I will recommend that anybody who likes the Beatles and enjoys a good visual experience should see the LOVE cirque du soleil show in Las Vegas.

[amyzzz]

I totally want to see that. I saw some kind of documentary on it, and I also saw the Grammy's performance--looks pretty cool.

[canexplain]

My husband and I both loved Across the Universe and bought the DVD. We watched it again last week. It's a good trip movie, Jacob says. I like the reworking of the songs (maybe I'll like the beatles someday), and it was visually stunning.

yep a few peeps said that was the worst movie they saw last year ... i say to each his own of course ... i enjoyed it a lot, but maybe cuz it was been there done that and it brought back memories ...x****

[Yablonowitz]

yep a few peeps said that was the worst movie they saw last year ... i say to each his own of course ... i enjoyed it a lot, but maybe cuz it was been there done that and it brought back memories ...x****

You've been across the universe?

[whynotsmile99]

Maybe I was just being grumpy because I just had my wisdom teeth removed and was vomiting blood and stomach bile, but I really, really hated the movie.

I thought all of the productions, aside from Strawberry Fields Forever were flat out bad. Every single Beatles song I liked they just ruined, with I Wanna Hold Your Hand and Come Together being the worst offenders. I actually love musicals and ATU did a terrible job at tying all the songs with the plot together. The story itself was just a inspid bucket of 60's cliches and characters that was more laughable and confusing than anything else.

I thought the trailer for the movie looked great and trippy but I even thought the bulk of the production design was a bit flat. Coming from the person that gave the world the incredible Titus, it was certainly dissapointing.

The guy in the lead was ok, but Evan Rachel Wood didn't do much to stand out. Like I said, Hendrix guy was great, Janis girl wasn't bad either. Prudence's character was hilarious.

ATU came across the cast of High School Musical doing a 60's movie. Buffy's musical was more sincere than this

D92Lyxj7U7Q

1XWM2LhVOKc

[PotVsKtl]

You know what's awesome? Musicals made entirely of songs without any narrative content.

[canexplain]

You've been across the universe?

in my head i have :) x****

[TomAz]

I may have to because I love Beatles songs so much.

rQgQblgKw8U

the best part is when the BeeGees pick up the coffin and start singing "Carry That Weight".

[thestripe]

Full
There are a few scenes that are pretty unbearable, like the opening scene, and the Dear Prudence scene. Overall it's average, watch it on a rainy day or something.

[ghettojournalist]

i finally saw "Persepolis" and i was impressed. i did not expect such a pop-savvy, humorous bent to be added to this tale. i loved this film.

i have to give credit to "Across the Universe" for broadening the appeal of The Beatles, but it seemed worse than "Dreamgirls", so i'm staying away.

[wmgaretjax]

broadening the appeal of The Beatles

I'm not sure anyone saw it that didn't already love the Beatles.

[keriann]

Like, skip it altogether bad? I'm depending on you girl.

I seriously thought it was the worst movie I'd seen in a long time. I am sincerely amazed any of you were able to stomach it. But hey, since other people liked it, why not give it a chance.

It is amazing how many great songs the Beatles wrote.

Also I agree that Margot at the Wedding felt so real. I really liked that about it.

[amyzzz]

I'm not sure anyone saw it that didn't already love the Beatles.
I don't love The Beatles. They're OK. ;)

[ghettojournalist]

I'm not sure anyone saw it that didn't already love the Beatles.

a lot of young'uns saw it that didn't have a proper grasp on The Beatles yet.

at least in my neck of the woods.

[whynotsmile99]

This poster deserves a nice, hearty fail.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/MartinBlank9mm/Part%203/indy4-26feb-shia-poster.jpg

[theburiedlife]

... but have you seen the trailer? It looks amazing.

VVHubr4s7P0

Also, just for laughs, the new Pineapple Express Trailer was released.

SLfSLyojje0

[whynotsmile99]

some friends of mine saw Pineapple Express at a screening months ago and said it was amazing. They described it as half best stoner comedy ever and half Resevoir Dogs

[theburiedlife]

I think the industry is starting to realize how much more comedic and creative potential Marijuana has over Alcohol.

In terms of writing material.

[Ardentbiscuit]

I had totally forgotten about this tv show until someone did this you tube video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5geC6TcKM7U

[thelastgreatman]

... but have you seen the trailer? It looks amazing.

VVHubr4s7P0

Also, just for laughs, the new Pineapple Express Trailer was released.

SLfSLyojje0

Is that the giant warehouse that they put the Ark in? Kinda looks like it.

Also, Seth Rogen might be my favorite person ever.

[rage patton]

I saw Charlie Bartlet tonight. It was good. That is all.

[theburiedlife]

Is that the giant warehouse that they put the Ark in? Kinda looks like it.

Yeah its strikingly similar. They also referenced that warehouse on the poster I received at Comic-con.

Lemme take a picture with my shitty camera phone.

http://www.tmobilepictures.com/photos/photo31/f6/78/a916f6e57d7c.jpg?_rh=r8o84u1svbe9wvnmzjq2fw8g

[breakjaw]

One of the crates in that preview reads "Roswell,New Mexico".Does this mean there is a vestige left from the crappy "Indiana Jones and the Little Green Men" script?

[schoolofruckus]

The trailer for Charlie Bartlett annoyed the Holy Fuck out of me. Mainly that kid....from a glance, he seems like an absolutely atrocious actor. The over-annunciation and absolute lack of comfort with lines like "Well, duh, dude, this place sucks" would probably piss me off in the first 3 minutes of the film. Despite the always-welcome presence of Robert Downey Jr., I will not be giving it a shot.

I have heard that Kingdom of the Crystal Skull involves both the Raiders warehouse AND little green men. I'm open to either idea if they're handled in an intelligent/organic way. But this is not official info - I found out absolutely zero in the way of concrete dish when they shot here in September.

That Pineapple Express trailer was funnier than the others I'd seen. Fingers still crossed.

[noisemachine]

This is an older one but I just watched this last night:
http://thecia.com.au/reviews/k/images/king-of-kong-a-fistful-of-quarters-poster-0.jpg
I loved it. A great non-depressing documentary in a time when it seems like 90% of the documentaries getting any attention are on the Iraq war or something politically based. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you love old arcade games.

[theburiedlife]

Really? I thought it was terrible.

Well, ok maybe I'm being too harsh but it think the movie drones on about how miserable of lives those two contestants have (the judges also). The movie isn't sure whether or not it wants to be critical of the efforts by people who still play D.K. (who try and gain some sort of false justification to how they have wasted their lives) or if it actually embraces it.

The only thing I felt after the movie was the need to do something productive after watching the epic failure of the saga that is competitive arcade gaming.

[PotVsKtl]

Really? I thought it was terrible.

Well, ok maybe I'm being too harsh but it think the movie drones on about how miserable of lives those two contestants have (the judges also). The movie isn't sure whether or not it wants to be critical of the efforts by people who still play D.K. (who try and gain some sort of false justification to how they have wasted their lives) or if it actually embraces it.

The only thing I felt after the movie was the need to do something productive after watching the epic failure of the saga that is competitive arcade gaming.

I think you're letting your own opinions color your commentary. I didn't get any condescension towards the characters out of the doc, at least as it relates to the overall subject of gaming. They were certainly nerds, but that's their own doing.

[wmgaretjax]

Yeah, on the contrary I actually thought the doc was quite tender.

[noisemachine]

The movie isn't sure whether or not it wants to be critical of the efforts by people who still play D.K. (who try and gain some sort of false justification to how they have wasted their lives) or if it actually embraces it.



I don't think it does either, and that wasn't really the point anyways. I think it does a great job of presenting the subject matter and following the rivalry of the two main characters. It builds suspense at the right moments and presents fairly the two main parties. Its left up to the viewer to make judgments about the players' lifestyles, etc.

[PotVsKtl]

EBM854BTGL0

[xXThirdManXx]

Pineapple Express will be epic, the script was fucking hilarious.

[whynotsmile99]

I watched King of Kong yesterday as well and loved it. Thought it was really well done. If you have the dvd, you must watched the extended Mr. Awesome interview on the special features.

That guys insane. I love him. He talks about posting his phone number and address in Playgirl magazine and all these gay guys that called him up, including a big hollywood actor he will name when his comic book comes out

edit: what do you know, thanks youtube!

x3gW_91bjkg

[theburiedlife]

I think you're letting your own opinions color your commentary.

No you're right. I'm a nerd and it was still hard to watch, i couldn't help myself.

[theburiedlife]

I guess I'm just prone to documentaries actually having a slant on their subject matter that when one comes out that seems void of it I substitute my own.

BTW, the hot sauce guy beat Wiebe again. I checked Twin Galaxies.

[schoolofruckus]

It looks like Where the Wild Things Are has really been delayed until October of 2009. Everyone try to remain calm.

[theburiedlife]

I heard they might shoot a PG/13? movie, because it is too dark for children. I'm flustered how Hollywood is convinced that converting dark material into family fun films is a good idea.

[Jerm05]

This poster deserves a nice, hearty fail.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/MartinBlank9mm/Part%203/indy4-26feb-shia-poster.jpg

shia looks like corey feldman

[downingthief]

rQgQblgKw8U

the best part is when the BeeGees pick up the coffin and start singing "Carry That Weight".

Damn. I remember seeing this in the theaters.

[noisemachine]

I watched King of Kong yesterday as well and loved it. Thought it was really well done. If you have the dvd, you must watched the extended Mr. Awesome interview on the special features.

That guys insane. I love him. He talks about posting his phone number and address in Playgirl magazine and all these gay guys that called him up, including a big hollywood actor he will name when his comic book comes out

edit: what do you know, thanks youtube!

x3gW_91bjkg

Yeah, that is hilarious. There are a lot of great extended interviews, extra scenes and special features on the disc. Theres one that shows Steve, the director and a few others from the film doing Q&A sessions at various film festivals which was fun. On the "The Saga Continues" feature it says someone is working on a film script that follows the story. I would be interested to see if that is still in the works.

[ivankay]

The new Sexman review on Jumper. Kid is some kind of movie criticism genius:

TsUSKsXkEKw

[Mr.Nipples]

It looks like Where the Wild Things Are has really been delayed until October of 2009. Everyone try to remain calm.

*sigh*...well, at least i have video days to tide me over till then...

[keriann]

It looks like Where the Wild Things Are has really been delayed until October of 2009. Everyone try to remain calm.

Do we need to put Pot on suicide watch?

Or maybe this is a good thing.

[kingsblend420]

X Files 2:

DUDtUzDxx1E

[noisemachine]

X Files 2:

How did I not know about this? Awesome, although after looking at the imdb page it looks like its not going to follow the alien conspiracy (mythology) storyline like the first one did, but will more like an extended standalone episode.

[ghettojournalist]

Yeah, that is hilarious. There are a lot of great extended interviews, extra scenes and special features on the disc. Theres one that shows Steve, the director and a few others from the film doing Q&A sessions at various film festivals which was fun. On the "The Saga Continues" feature it says someone is working on a film script that follows the story. I would be interested to see if that is still in the works.

yeah, i bought the dvd based on all the great press. i was not disappointed. for a single disc, there is quite a lot of stuff on it. my two favorite points are:

the documentarians fess up to wanting to point out an injustice concerning Wiebe, but they held back.

some other gamers that were filmed when they were finding their narrative thread.

needless to say, i love this doc and recommend it for everybody.

[wmgaretjax]

I was so excited for x-files 2, then I found out it wasn't alien focused. I could care less now.

[Down Rodeo]

My roommate made me watch Serenity tonight, which I thought was pretty lame. He tried to argue that it was better than any of the Star Wars prequels, which I disagreed with. However, I'm a die-hard Star Wars fan, so maybe my judgment is clouded. Anyone want to weigh in on this issue?

[Mr.Nipples]

http://cardboardmonocle.com/blog/fxsuits/goomba.jpg

[fikus222]

I was so excited for x-files 2, then I found out it wasn't alien focused. I could care less now.

Maybe it can be an extended sequel to the "Home" episode

[fikus222]

My roommate made me watch Serenity tonight, which I thought was pretty lame. He tried to argue that it was better than any of the Star Wars prequels, which I disagreed with. However, I'm a die-hard Star Wars fan, so maybe my judgment is clouded. Anyone want to weigh in on this issue?

I used to work at a deli near Skywalker Ranch and I would tease their employees about the quality of the prequels as they were working on and releasing them and you might (or might not) be surprised about how many of them were less than pleased about the quality of the story lines that they were forced to work with.

The real question is, did Lucas drop the ball with the prequels? Their story line doesn't really even fit with the last 3 movies, mitachlorians my ass and forcing Natalie Portman to be whiny and subservient, disgraceful.

[Down Rodeo]

I used to work at a deli near Skywalker Ranch and I would tease their employees about the quality of the prequels as they were working on and releasing them and you might (or might not) be surprised about how many of them were less than pleased about the quality of the story lines that they were forced to work with.

The real question is, did Lucas drop the ball with the prequels? Their story line doesn't really even fit with the last 3 movies, mitachlorians my ass and forcing Natalie Portman to be whiny and subservient, disgraceful.

No, I could see that being the case. The drop in quality from the original 3 movies is drastic, but I still found them to be very enjoyable. Maybe my bias enabled me to get more entertainment out of the movies than I otherwise would.

But, the important question is, were they worse than Serenity? I would say not.

[fikus222]

I'm sure they are better than Serenity...with regards to the prequels themselves there are bits and pieces in there that I really enjoy, but I still feel slighted nonetheless.

[PotVsKtl]

If you found anything enjoyable in those three shitsacks it is most certainly due to personal bias. They are terrible fucking movies. Serenity is easily better and I wasn't particularly impressed by it.

[Mr.Nipples]

The first 3 films are deplorable. I will never watch them again...

[downingthief]

I liked Serenity, actually. I mean it wasn't the greatest, but I still enjoyed it.

Episodes I-III of star wars are better viewed on mute.

[thestripe]

The first 3 films are deplorable. I will never watch them again...

They were made to sell fucking toys.

[triceratops oatmeal]

Serenity is most definately better than the three Star Wars prequels. Main reasons being that there are characters you can connect with, it's not overwhelmed by CGI & has a decent storyline. It wasn't amazing by any stretch, but it was more along the lines of what Star Wars I - III should have be like.

[TomAz]

Damn. I remember seeing this in the theaters.

you're not that old.

[downingthief]

you're not that old.

Unfortunately, I am. Remember it well.

[TomAz]

dude you were like 7 years old when that movie came out

[downingthief]

dude you were like 7 years old when that movie came out

Sounds about right, but I have a ridiculous memory. I can even remember where I saw it.

[fikus222]

Episodes I-III of star wars are better viewed on mute.

You got that right.

[kingsblend420]

I was so excited for x-files 2, then I found out it wasn't alien focused. I could care less now.

The episodes that focus on government conspiracies were my favorite. Hopefully they have some of that.

[whynotsmile99]

http://cardboardmonocle.com/blog/fxsuits/goomba.jpg

Thank you for posting this. We need more Super Mario Brothers live action movie discussions in the world.

4 minutes in was one of my favorite movie scenes as a kid: The goomba elevator dance.
oPbe4qpw0V0&feature=related

those goombas look so much better than any dumb CGI character created recently.

Such a great movie.

"You know what I love about mud? It's clean and dirty at the same time"

http://www.gamesetwatch.com/mariomovie9.jpg

[thelastgreatman]

Serenity is a solid flick, it is also however an unfortunately condensed version of what would have been one of the best TV shows ever. Firefly fucking ruled.

Just finished watched No Country for the second time. It is the best Coens flick. It is also probably Tommy Lee Jones's best performance.

[downingthief]

Serenity is a solid flick, it is also however an unfortunately condensed version of what would have been one of the best TV shows ever. Firefly fucking ruled.

Just finished watched No Country for the second time. It is the best Coens flick. It is also probably Tommy Lee Jones's best performance.

Agree on Firefly. Was pissed when it was canceled. WTF was it doing on Fridays?? That's the kiss of death in TV land.

Need to see No Country again. I might agree with you on it being the best Coens movie with that second viewing as well.

[humanoid]

The Star Wars prequels are only viewable with extremely large amounts of drugs to make the overwhelming CGIfest viewable

No Country.....Tommy Lee Jones best performance? really? I thought any countrified actor alive could have handled that role.....I loved the movie overall, but was not impressed by him....

[gratytrainridesagain]

What ever happened to the Super Mario Bros sequel

[PotVsKtl]

The Super Mario Brothers movie happened.

[thelastgreatman]

No Country.....Tommy Lee Jones best performance? really? I thought any countrified actor alive could have handled that role.....I loved the movie overall, but was not impressed by him....

Watch it again, paying closer attention to just how uncomfortable he is with everything that's happening. It's an unusual take on the typical country shtick. How often do you see someone playing an unnerved, frightened sheriff?

[HowToDisappear]

I thought Tommy Lee Jones' performance was stellar (as were everyone else's for that matter). But come to think of it, Chris Cooper might have been a good candidate for that role, too.

[thelastgreatman]

It's hard to go wrong with Mr. Cooper. Or Mr. Jones for that reason.


I'd suck 'em both.

[PotVsKtl]

Tommy Lee Jones is one of those trained actor doucheprints that equates moving his eyes about spasmodically with emoting. Morgan Freeman is the worst offender of this insipid technique.

[thelastgreatman]

You're becoming a jerkoff of the highest order. Tommy Lee Jones practically made Under Siege a good movie, for fuck's sake--show some respect.

[PotVsKtl]

Go find a scene with Tommy Lee Jones and Morgan Freeman emoting at each other. There must be at least 50, and they all look like documentary footage of simultaneous tonic-clonic seizures.

[thelastgreatman]

I can't even think of a movie they've been in together. I'm not necessarily going to argue the Morgan Freeman point with you because he's never thrilled me, but I'm hard pressed to think of any cases where Tommy didn't get my balls lit. Batman Forever being excluded for obvious reasons.

[Blinken]

I need to see No Country again as well, i liked it but at first was taken aback by the ending.

I think Serenity's problem was if you didn't see Firefly then you didn't have as much atachment to the characters. I thought Serenity was very good Sci-Fi but i saw the show. For example when the Sheperd gets killed if you didn't see the show that death meant nothing, because he wasn't as established in the movie.

[PotVsKtl]

I might be confusing Tommy Lee Jones with Samuel L. Jackson.

[thelastgreatman]

Serenity was hard to pull off. Whedon had created a really full universe for Firefly, cramming it into one flick was far from an easy feat. Still a solid movie, but you can see how many shortcuts he had to take, especially in the beginning, in order to get the plot going.

[thelastgreatman]

I might be confusing Tommy Lee Jones with Samuel L. Jackson.

This might be the funniest thing you've ever said.

[thelastgreatman]

But I submit No Country and The Three Burials Of Whateverthefuck Estrades as evidence that nobody plays Texan better than Tommy.

[Blinken]

I still have yet to see 3 burials, i always forget it when i go to rent a movie.

[thelastgreatman]

Gotta see it, damn solid flick.

[Blinken]

Has Whedon been working on anything lately i can't remember? He is much better at TV I think because he can create such vaste universes that are harder to get across in film.

[thelastgreatman]

He has a new TV show, unfortunately starring Elisa Dushku, with an interesting plot that is partly a ripoff of something he's done previously but I forget how. I'm eagerly anticipating.

[Blinken]

hmmmm sounds interesting i will have to look it up.

[ghettojournalist]

the show is called "Dollhouse" and "it's about a girl who has had her personality completely wiped clean so that she can be imprinted with lots of different personalities for particular assignments...she gradually begins to become self-aware in her wiped-clean state and begins to wonder why she's here and who she is and suspect she may be in some danger."-Joss Whedon from Wizard 197

[triceratops oatmeal]

<a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=29294971">Iron Man Exclusive Trailer</a><br><embed src="http://lads.myspace.com/videos/vplayer.swf" flashvars="m=29294971&v=2&type=video" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="430" height="346"></embed><br><a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.addToProfileConfirm&videoid=29294971&title=Iron Man Exclusive Trailer">Add to My Profile</a> | <a href="http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.home">More Videos</a>

wow! I'm psyched!

[breakjaw]

No Country.....Tommy Lee Jones best performance? really?
No.The Executioners Song.Where he plays Gary Gilmore.Plus Rosanna Arquette brief nude scene in video.rent it.

[thelastgreatman]

No.The Executioners Song.Where he plays Gary Gilmore.Plus Rosanna Arquette brief nude scene in video.rent it.

Never heard of it. Who's Gary Gilmore? Rosanna nude scene... ::shrug::

[breakjaw]

Gary Gilmore was an infamous guy in Utah who killed a couple of people in execution style fashion.He bacame infamous when he requested to be shot instead of electrocuted,which was still possible in Utah at that time.Norman Mailer wrote a moving and powerful novel about it,which won the Pulitzer,and which I highly recommend.Also,one of the first British punk songs was this:
S3ggFF3pCno
The movie was a TV movie,but included extra scenes for the video,including Rosanna nude,which is why I rented it initially.It truly is an inspired performance by Tommy Lee Jones,especially if you have read the book.He is amazing sometimes.

[PotVsKtl]

Rosanna Arquette is best known for getting her kit off.

[TomAz]

Who's Gary Gilmore?

ugh

[thelastgreatman]

ugh

Fucking EXCUUUUUUUUUUUUUSE me for being 24.

[thelastgreatman]

Rosanna Arquette is best known for getting her kit off.

+ 200 for Welsh slang.

[thelastgreatman]

SPEAKING of Norman Mailer though...

I must have posted this when he died, but it's worth reposting. This is footage of a fight between Norman Mailer and a very deceptively young Rip Torn (who's sadly now frail and scary and not at all Larry Sanders Show Rip Torn anymore) on the set of the 1970 film Maidstone. Here's the description from the clip:

Mailer played a character named Norman T. Kingsley, a filmmaker who is contemplating a run for president. His half brother in the film is played by Rip Torn. Allegedly, Torn took his part too seriously and attacked Mailer with a small hammer, and Mailer retaliated by nearly biting off Torn's ear. This clip shows the actual fight.

5XU4jpnJWFY

[alias]

the guy on top should be dropping elbows.

[HowToDisappear]

The day of Gary Gilmore's execution, my 9th grade journalism class had a scheduled field trip to the local newspaper. Just moments after the execution, the tour guide ushered us into the AP wire room, where about 10-12 machines were spitting out photo after photo of the gruesome event (all unprintable, of course). When the guide realized what was happening, he shooed us all out as quickly as possible, but not before we'd all gotten an eyeful. The pictures were horrifying and fascinating, and had a profound effect on me. I kept trying to wrap my brain around how someone comes into this world, goes so horribly wrong, takes the lives of others, and ends his life in front of a firing squad.

What he did was heinous, but his case is one of the reasons why I have never been in favor of the death penalty.

[noisemachine]

What should I watch today...
I have 6 discs from the end of my Blockbuster online account and the beginning of my netflix one. I have:

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 6: Disc 1
Michael Clayton
M
Extras: Series Finale
Once

I am feeling indecisive so I need some recommendations.

[breakjaw]

Michael Clayton
I am feeling indecisive so I need some recommendations.
That's a good one for a Satuday afternoon.
For tomorrow,if hungover,I would recommend The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
Watch Once with someone,if possible...

[thelastgreatman]

The day of Gary Gilmore's execution, my 9th grade journalism class had a scheduled field trip to the local newspaper. Just moments after the execution, the tour guide ushered us into the AP wire room, where about 10-12 machines were spitting out photo after photo of the gruesome event (all unprintable, of course). When the guide realized what was happening, he shooed us all out as quickly as possible, but not before we'd all gotten an eyeful. The pictures were horrifying and fascinating, and had a profound effect on me. I kept trying to wrap my brain around how someone comes into this world, goes so horribly wrong, takes the lives of others, and ends his life in front of a firing squad.

What he did was heinous, but his case is one of the reasons why I have never been in favor of the death penalty.

Death by firing squad was that gruesome to you? Huh.

[noisemachine]

Cool, I was starting to lean toward that one, so Michael Clayton it is.

[Down Rodeo]

What should I watch today...
I have 6 discs from the end of my Blockbuster online account and the beginning of my netflix one. I have:

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 6: Disc 1
Michael Clayton
M
Extras: Series Finale
Once

I am feeling indecisive so I need some recommendations.

M is brilliant; you're going to enjoy it.

[breakjaw]

Cool, I was starting to lean toward that one, so Michael Clayton it is.
I've seen this twice now.I enjoyed it very much.What did you think of it?

[miscorrections]

Tonight I am watching Basquiat. I am very much looking forward to it.

[thelastgreatman]

You'll love it.

[noisemachine]

M is brilliant; you're going to enjoy it.
Yeah, I've been wanting to see this for a while but I've always put it off for some reason to watch newer releases. But I am very excited about watching it.

I've seen this twice now.I enjoyed it very much.What did you think of it?
I loved it. It's a really brilliant character movie and I loved how the different aspects of Clayton's life unfolded throughout the movie. A great script too. I would say it should have won best original screenplay, but I can't make any judgments because I still haven't seen Juno.

[miscorrections]

Basquiat was atrocious. I want my 2 hours back.

[thelastgreatman]

Kill yourself.

[miscorrections]

It fucking sucked and was heavy-handed and ridiculous.

[thelastgreatman]

You're heavy and ridiculous too, but there's no acting anywhere as good as Basquiat in your ass.

[rage patton]

What the fuck is Basquiat?

[Astrid]

Basquiat was atrocious. I want my 2 hours back.

um. bowies portrayal of warhol could take over the world.

[thelastgreatman]

And Jeffrey Wright is fucking amazing. This is just silly. Goddamn you, Corinna, why must you suck at taste so horribly?

[thelastgreatman]

Why did Hannah delete her contribution?


Seriously, that's one of the worst pieces of film criticism in this whole thread. Gross.

[Hannahrain]

Why did Hannah delete her contribution?

I wanted to re-word it and didn't want it to be misconstrued while I was taking my sweet time with the editing.

It fucking sucked and was heavy-handed and ridiculous.

Corinna, first of all, colossal fail. Second of all, if he wasn't a real guy, I could understand it feeling heavy-handed and even contrived. But the story was there long before the movie was. It's a sad, heavy story about a ridiculous guy, so they made a sad, heavy movie about a ridiculous guy.

um. bowies portrayal of warhol could take over the world.

Bowie is my least favorite Warhol. He's too much of a caricature already to see him as someone else who is already a caricature. See: Jared Harris, I Shot Andy Warhol. Please and thank you.

[thelastgreatman]

As my roommate once said, "Andy Warhol was just another faggot in a wig. Quote me on that." And now I have.

[Hannahrain]

I'm going to quit now, because A) The following argument isn't going to be pretty, and B) because you're baiting me and I'd like to get a little more sleep before I go to work. I have strong feelings about Warhol. I acknowledge that he was a douchebag and wore a bad wig, but If I don't stop myself I'll argue with you about him for days.

Plus, I know us. You're not going to change your mind, and I'm sure as hell not going to change mine. It shouldn't need to take us an hour of acidic conversation to realize that.

[thelastgreatman]

That works. I don't argue about painting well anyway, don't know shit about it. "Pop art" has always seemed like a big fucking scam to me though. But then again I love Dali, so most art people would call me a putz. I'm comfortable with it.


And no, not those ultra-surreal Dalis that are all the rage in college dorms. His other shit. Fuck all y'alls.

[wmgaretjax]

That works. I don't argue about painting well anyway, don't know shit about it. "Pop art" has always seemed like a big fucking scam to me though. But then again I love Dali, so most art people would call me a putz. I'm comfortable with it.


And no, not those ultra-surreal Dalis that are all the rage in college dorms. His other shit. Fuck all y'alls.

Have you seen Un Chien Andalou Randy? That's some good Dali...

[thelastgreatman]

I find it hard to believe. Strictly visual artists should stay away from film. Although, is Chien just moving picture art? There's nothing particularly story-related going on, correct? I'm basing this little understanding on an article I read about Dali's time in Hollywood about a year ago.

Dali is the only artist whose depictions of Christ I like. I used to have a poster of Christ of St. John of the Cross in my room for the longest time, which is strange considering I'm not remotely Christian. And I don't know how anyone can claim Figure At A Window isn't one of the most strangely captivating paintings ever.

[wmgaretjax]

I find it hard to believe. Strictly visual artists should stay away from film.

Dude... You were just raving about the film Basquiat. Do you know anything about Schnabel?

[thelastgreatman]

I like Basquiat the movie, I don't like his art, actually, or most 20th century art period. No, what about him?

[thelastgreatman]

This discussion got me off on another Dali kick. God I fucking love this guy. Here's the poster I had for several years. Don't know why it strikes me so, but it does. Almost makes me like that jewbag Christ kid. http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/d/d3/300px-Christ_of_Saint_John_of_the_Cross.jpg

[thelastgreatman]

And some more.
http://www.usc.edu/schools/annenberg/asc/projects/comm544/library/images/768bg.jpg
http://www.msgr.ca/msgr-4/Dali_DRAWING_OF_ST_JOHN_OF_THE_CROSS_1950_lg.jpg
http://www.lapdonline.org/assets/jpeg/dali_salvador_christ.jpg
http://home.clara.net/heureka/books/dali-hypercubecross2.jpg

I want to go to church now.

[miscorrections]

Corinna, first of all, colossal fail. Second of all, if he wasn't a real guy, I could understand it feeling heavy-handed and even contrived. But the story was there long before the movie was. It's a sad, heavy story about a ridiculous guy, so they made a sad, heavy movie about a ridiculous guy.

I get that. I get it's a real story, blah blah blah. And you know what? I bet his life was only about twelve million times more interesting than the movie. There was nothing compelling in there, and the only character I was even interested in out of the whole thing was Duck Man. Duck Man, for god's sake.

[Mr.Nipples]

qOyi6RDyMPw

[wmgaretjax]

I like Basquiat the movie, I don't like his art, actually, or most 20th century art period. No, what about him?

Schnabel was a painter first. Some say it's why his movies are so good, the compositional sense he gained form painting. I think it's very evident in Before Night Falls and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, less in Basquiat (which is a mixed bag for me).

[miscorrections]

His paintings suck too.

[schoolofruckus]

Schnabel was a painter first. Some say it's why his movies are so good, the compositional sense he gained form painting. I think it's very evident in Before Night Falls and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, less in Basquiat (which is a mixed bag for me).

This is also an explanation as to why Vincent Gallo's work is so visually striking.

[wmgaretjax]

This is also an explanation as to why Vincent Gallo's work is so visually striking.

Also, Gallo's work as a musician/electronic composer definitely comes across in his work. The pacing is incredible.

[thelastgreatman]

... I'm gonna shut up, that's what I'm gonna do. =)

[Astrid]

qOyi6RDyMPw
that's so fucking bizarre, I just had a dream I was in this movie...but moments ago.

for those of you who don't know, its a collaboration between dali and disney called destino. hasn't been released unfortunately. it's truly brilliant.

un chien andalou:
parte una:
51CBW6os3rk
parte due:
vFryAwwAhIE&feature

[noisemachine]

Not sure if anyone has seen this but I thought it was pretty funny. The new "leaked" Diablo Cody screenplay:
http://www.somethingawful.com/d/news/diablo-cody-screenplay.php

[fiyahhh!]

I saw "D-Tour: a Tenacious Documentary" last night at the Cinequest film festival. Kyle Gass surprised everyone by showing up for the screening and doing a Q&A after. The film is basically a behind-the-scenes look at their "Pick of Destiny Tour".

[schoolofruckus]

Not sure if anyone has seen this but I thought it was pretty funny. The new "leaked" Diablo Cody screenplay:
http://www.somethingawful.com/d/news/diablo-cody-screenplay.php

NMH posted it a couple weeks ago. But it's still fucking hilarious.

[Down Rodeo]

I saw "D-Tour: a Tenacious Documentary" last night at the Cinequest film festival. Kyle Gass surprised everyone by showing up for the screening and doing a Q&A after. The film is basically a behind-the-scenes look at their "Pick of Destiny Tour".

You lucky bastard. Did KG bring his rocket sauce?

[chairmenmeow47]

i watched "roman holiday" for the first time last night. it was alright, filmed well for the time. kind of depressing that she chooses to stay a princess and "server her country" though :(

[algunz]

I guess we all have our rebellious phase.

I too wished that she had made a different choice. It made me feel trapped in a predetermined destiny.

[whynotsmile99]

Roman Holiday is great. Gergory Peck was the man and Audrey never looked as cute. Cept for Breakfast at Tiffanys of course.

I watched 4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days yesterday, came home and put on Funny Games and went to sleep. I always just pick the best movies to watch before bed.

4 Months was exceptionally well made. The blonde actress should have been given an oscar non. It was agonizing to watch, but that was the point. Im glad her boyfriend wore that awful acid wash jean jacket to remind me that this was the 80s. I loved the very last scene with the "dinner meal". The reaction was priceless. Interesting how many things were set up with no pay off, such as the knife. Great movie.

Funny Games was disturbing as all fuck. It did what it did it extremly well. Everything felt extremly real. I hated the remote scene though. I know that was important to the overall message of violence in film, but it was stupid and took me right out of the movie.

I have no idea why they made a shot for shot remake of this. It doesn't seem needed at all. I'm curious to see the remake no doubt, especially with Roth and Watts, but who could expect American audiences to rush out and see this? Interesting as well how the two psychos in the remake (michael Pitt and the other guy) look so much alike this time around

[rage patton]

I saw "D-Tour: a Tenacious Documentary" last night at the Cinequest film festival. Kyle Gass surprised everyone by showing up for the screening and doing a Q&A after. The film is basically a behind-the-scenes look at their "Pick of Destiny Tour".

I had no idea they were making a documentay about that tour. I went to one of the shows and it was awesome. Incredibly good showman ship, and the band sounded great to top it off. I will have to watch this sometime.

[HowToDisappear]

i watched "roman holiday" for the first time last night. it was alright, filmed well for the time. kind of depressing that she chooses to stay a princess and "server her country" though :(

I love this movie! Seriously, how can you not? Audrey Hepburn is adorable.

As for serving her country, I prefer my royalty to behave that way. Otherwise, you get someone like Princess Stephanie, who was always running around partying and trying to be a crappy model/actress/singer or somesuch nonsense. I think they're obligated to serve the people that give them such wealth and priviledge. They sure as hell didn't work for it.

[chairmenmeow47]

I love this movie! Seriously, how can you not? Audrey Hepburn is adorable.

As for serving her country, I prefer my royalty to behave that way. Otherwise, you get someone like Princess Stephanie, who was always running around partying and trying to be a crappy model/actress/singer or somesuch nonsense. I think they're obligated to serve the people that give them such wealth and priviledge. They sure as hell didn't work for it.

i liked it, i just don't know that it's something i'd watch over and over again. it was entertaining and cute.

that's a good point about the whole serving the people thing. i just felt bad for her i guess. i would hate to not be in control of my own life.

[algunz]

But, the fact that she chose to go back and serve her country shows that she has taken control of her life. It is now on her terms.

[wmgaretjax]

Her terms how?

[Young blood]

r-u8oyZAgeY

COCK PUNCHER!

[whynotsmile99]

r-u8oyZAgeY

COCK PUNCHER!

that was great! i can't wait for this

[algunz]

Her terms how?

Well, her terms in the sense that she has made the choice. She will always be a part of the machine, but at least she had the opportunity to decide otherwise.

[wmgaretjax]

That's silly.

[algunz]

Why?

[noisemachine]

Funny Games was disturbing as all fuck. It did what it did it extremly well. Everything felt extremly real. I hated the remote scene though. I know that was important to the overall message of violence in film, but it was stupid and took me right out of the movie.

I have no idea why they made a shot for shot remake of this. It doesn't seem needed at all. I'm curious to see the remake no doubt, especially with Roth and Watts, but who could expect American audiences to rush out and see this? Interesting as well how the two psychos in the remake (michael Pitt and the other guy) look so much alike this time around

I don't get the need for a remake either. It was bad enough that Michael Haneke felt the need to make a film for the sole purpose of wagging his finger in the audience's face once. Now he wants to say "shame on you for watching this" to Americans. Maybe Haneke needs to get his own message. He asks audiences "why do you need to continually watch such violence?" Well, I say "why do you continually need to create it?"

[wmgaretjax]

I don't get the need for a remake either. It was bad enough that Michael Haneke felt the need to make a film for the sole purpose of wagging his finger in the audience's face once. Now he wants to say "shame on you for watching this" to Americans. Maybe Haneke needs to get his own message. He asks audiences "why do you need to continually watch such violence?" Well, I say "why do you continually need to create it?"

Unfortunately, what you "say" hinges upon not understanding that there is a clear distinction between senseless ("such") violence, and purposeful, meaningful (not "such") violence.

[breakjaw]

Strictly visual artists should stay away from film.
If David Lynch had taken this advice,there would be no Lost Highway
and then Robert Blake wouldn't have done anything over the last 30 years besides murdering that woman...

[thelastgreatman]

If David Lynch had taken this advice,there would be no Lost Highway
and then Robert Blake wouldn't have done anything over the last 30 years besides murdering that woman...

I would so gladly have any trace of Lynch removed from the world if I could. Robert Blake can murder women over my breakfast on a daily basis if it would make him take that advice, breakjaw.

[Ardentbiscuit]

r-u8oyZAgeY

COCK PUNCHER!

I went to a screener of the onion movie quite a while ago. I wonder what happened it to, it just disappeared after the screener. It was hilarious though.

I wish these were real movies..

http://www.theonion.com/content/infograph/universal_options_hasbro

[Down Rodeo]

Speaking of Lynch, I just watched Inland Empire tonight. I don't even know what to say, but it was fucking insane. I need it to sink in for a few days before I can comment on it.

[whynotsmile99]

Speaking of Lynch, I just watched Inland Empire tonight. I don't even know what to say, but it was fucking insane. I need it to sink in for a few days before I can comment on it.

I was really digging it for the first half, but once they started going down the rabbit hole more and more I kept getting annoyed with it. I've let it sink in for a month and I still have no idea what the fuck was going on.

[canexplain]

we watched the assination of jesse james last night .... i enjoyed that a bunch .... x****

[ruetheday]

Last night I watched love me if you dare.

it was amazing.

[schoolofruckus]

we watched the assination of jesse james last night .... i enjoyed that a bunch .... x****

Good shit.

HEY EVERYONE WHO HASN'T SEEN THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORDYET

You will notice how everyone who watches this movie comes on here and says it was really good. It's not just the snobs and art fags - people of various cinematic persuasions are all being brought to their knees by this masterpiece of a film. Please give it a shot.

[whynotsmile99]

Good shit.

HEY EVERYONE WHO HASN'T SEEN THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORDYET

You will notice how everyone who watches this movie comes on here and says it was really good. It's not just the snobs and art fags - people of various cinematic persuasions are all being brought to their knees by this masterpiece of a film. Please give it a shot.

gotta agree. I loved it. Long, relativly slow paced but fascinating, very well shot, acted, directed. Brad Pitt's best performance (ok maybe his stoner in True Romance takes the cake) and it wasn't a tad boring. One of the best movies in 2007 IMO

[ruetheday]

Love me if you dare.

[PotVsKtl]

Good shit.

HEY EVERYONE WHO HASN'T SEEN THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORDYET

You will notice how everyone who watches this movie comes on here and says it was really good. It's not just the snobs and art fags - people of various cinematic persuasions are all being brought to their knees by this masterpiece of a film. Please give it a shot.

Let's not get carried away. I accurately reported this movies' faults.

[PotVsKtl]

Best movie of 2007. I love it when Ellen Page says quirky stuff. Let's hug Ellen.

[schoolofruckus]

I heard Hotshot is a closet homosexual.

[PotVsKtl]

I heard Ellen Page was a closet homosexual. Team Closet.

[noisemachine]

Good shit.

HEY EVERYONE WHO HASN'T SEEN THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORDYET

You will notice how everyone who watches this movie comes on here and says it was really good. It's not just the snobs and art fags - people of various cinematic persuasions are all being brought to their knees by this masterpiece of a film. Please give it a shot.

I actually watched that last night as well. I really enjoyed it. The acting was great, beautiful cinematography, etc. My only complaint was that it had some pacing problems in the middle, but the last hour is superb. A great film overall.

[amyzzz]

That movie is always checked out at Blockbuster. They only have like 10 copies or something.

[Mr.Nipples]

Michael Bay is trying to remake rosemarys baby...thats all I really have to say...

[ivankay]

Michael Bay is trying to remake rosemarys baby...thats all I really have to say...

That is so wrong. Rosemary's Baby is so funny. One thing about Bay films is a total lack of humor. But i suppose he is producing it and it will be made on a tight budget, get "horrified", and have a big opening weekend. If it does get made, hopefully it will bring people to check out the original.

[Jacques Johnson]

Ivankay my sweet leetle one, you are so Zut!

[whynotsmile99]

hahahah jacques johnson. Love it

[PotVsKtl]

Rosemary's Baby is funny?

[amyzzz]

Rosemary's Baby scared me. Especially that ancient breastpump they used. *shudder*

[ivankay]

Rosemary's Baby is funny?

yes. i didn't realize how funny until i saw it at one of the Hollywood Forever cemetary screenings. That happens to me on occasion. i see a movie on the tv a couple of times, then when the opportunity comes about to see it with a few hundred people, what was a little funny becomes really funny. i'm not saying the creepy parts are humorous, but some of the interactions and lines brought about much laughter in the group setting (not in that it's corny funny way, but genuinely funny.)

Another movie i really didn't think was very funny until i saw it in a packed theater was "A Streetcar Named Desire". Lot of good lines in that and Brando can be hilarious at times.

[ivankay]

Ivankay my sweet leetle one, you are so Zut!

Merci Jacques.

[whynotsmile99]

That movie is always checked out at Blockbuster. They only have like 10 copies or something.

it's time you get netflix my dear

[amyzzz]

it's time you get netflix my dear
I keep putting it off. I also keep putting off joining Costco. I hate commitments.

[Hannahrain]

Just saw Teeth. It was absolutely preposterous. Some of the music placement was reminiscent of Blue Velvet. That is all.

Edit. Oh and the girl who starred in it looked like the woman from all the John Waters movies. The one that adjusted her boobs in the mirror in Pecker and was Wanda's mom in Crybaby.

[wmgaretjax]

Just saw Teeth. It was absolutely preposterous.

Good or bad preposterous?

[Hannahrain]

It was a movie about a girl with teeth in her vag, Jared. Don't be naive. It was fucking phenomenally preposterous.














(It IS Jared, right?)

[Mr.Nipples]

I wrote a script back in the eigth grade called The Crotch that was very similiar to Teeth...

[wmgaretjax]

It is Jared. And I know what it's about... But... You know... These things can be terrible in a fantastic kind of way. But I take it from your response that was not the case.

[Hannahrain]

You're taking it wrong. I am on Team Vagina Dentata. Movies I mean. Or whatever.

[Hannahrain]

Oh, only I got there a little early, and accidentally got smooshed into a throng of people there for "LunaFest: Blahdy blah movies blah women". I hate that crap. Although I briefly considered pretending to be an enlightened female of today to get one of their gift bags.

[Down Rodeo]

Jared, have you had a chance to figure out what Inland Empire is about yet?

[wmgaretjax]

Jared, have you had a chance to figure out what Inland Empire is about yet?

It's about a woman. I don't think she is very happy. I think she has bad dreams.

[Down Rodeo]

Don't forget the rabbit people, either. They were crucial to the plot.

[schoolofruckus]

It's about a woman. I don't think she is very happy. I think she has bad dreams.

And she's in trouble. Don't forget that part, it's important.

[Young blood]

gxZrEOhhvkY

[mob roulette]

Wesley's like my fucking hero. Excited to see that.

[whynotsmile99]

wow another doc on him? Awesome. I'm watching his early one right now actually. Wesley is a hero of mine too.

Thew trailer for the Anna Nicole movie has emergd

http://defamer.com/364316/anna-nicole-eclipses-indy-4-as-2008s-most-anticipated-release?autoplay=true

[KungFuJoe]

i'm at work, watching some trailers right now. Gonna share this one with you, because this movie looks like it's gonna fucking own. I know there aren't many martial arts buffs here like myself, but what the heck. Here's proof that Sammo Hung still kicks ass & that Wu Jing is finally living up to the hype he created for himself over 10 years ago. I only hope Ken Lo gets put to good use in this one as well.

sn9VRtWoQyw

[whynotsmile99]

i'm at work, watching some trailers right now. Gonna share this one with you, because this movie looks like it's gonna fucking own. I know there aren't many martial arts buffs here like myself, but what the heck. Here's proof that Sammo Hung still kicks ass & that Wu Jing is finally living up to the hype he created for himself over 10 years ago. I only hope Ken Lo gets put to good use in this one as well.

sn9VRtWoQyw

that looks badass. I hope that gets released statewide

[PotVsKtl]

I don't see Sammo Hung kicking any ass in that trailer. I see a fat old dude swinging a pole in a quick medium shot. The choreography looks generally good though.

[Mr.Nipples]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35862

[KungFuJoe]

I don't see Sammo Hung kicking any ass in that trailer. I see a fat old dude swinging a pole in a quick medium shot. The choreography looks generally good though.

you're right. i was referring to the choreography, which i am assuming was handled by Sammo. i could be wrong though. haven't looked into it. either way, i'm sure he'll still do some decent amount of fighting for an old fat dude. he was good in SPL & the cheesey twins pic "Twins Mission". whatever the case, he's still bad ass & it amazes me that he has had more longevity than Yuen Biao.

[ghettojournalist]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35862

i don't know. it's hard to go wrong with the Rorschach design, so i dig it.
i like the Silk Spectre design because it reminds me of Marvel's Wasp.
but the others, i'm not so sold on. The Comedian's hair looks silly, Ozymandias' costume reminds me of "Batman & Robin" and Nite Owl's costume looks over-designed. it's a year from the film, so maybe they'll sit better with time.

[PotVsKtl]

He was pretty impressive in SPL. That last 20 minutes is the only good part of that movie.

I made it 27 minutes and 32 seconds into Southland Tales. For all you big Richard Kelly fans out there, that's the fucking disastrous Rock / Stifler buddy cop cute meet. What in the hell is wrong with this movie? Why am I watching a television screen further divided into 4 television screens for 3 minutes? Why are there midgets in see through clothes? Jesus fucking christ. Don't try to tell me I need to see the whole thing, not a single person involved with that movie had a fucking clue what they were doing.

[thelastgreatman]

Oh dude, you have to go back and watch the rest. It is unequivocally the single worst movie ever made. And it's all intentional.

[breakjaw]

Forgive me if this was discussed way back,but Paris,Je Taime is worth renting,if only for the Coen Bros. piece w/Buscemi,the highly stylized vampire thing with Elijah Wood,the hilarious mime story,and the moving end piece by Alexander Payne.There were several ones I could have done without,like the stupid Wes Craven thing w/Oscar Wilde and the Ben Gazzara/Gena Rowlands one (I think you have to be uber-French to like that one,raised on espresso bottles and cigarette-pacifiers,watching nothing but Cassevetes until you are 12) but for the most part it was very entertaining.

[rage patton]

I liked Paris, Je Taime. The Steve Buscemi one was great. And everyone I talked to HATED the Elijah Wood piece, and I thought it was great. There were also some "meh" ones. The only part of it I really didn't like, was that old man at the asian hair salon. That was fuckin stupid.

[theburiedlife]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35862

A part of me secretly wished Bruce Campbell would have played the comedian.

[breakjaw]

The only part of it I really didn't like, was that old man at the asian hair salon. That was fuckin stupid.
Yes!!
That reminded me of the old commercials for "Chill A Cella" (you might be a little too young to remember them) where everyone was hailing this guy "Aldo".You are right though it was one of the weaker ones.The vampire one was really cool IMO.It was directed by Vincenzo Natali,and I bet we hear more from him.

[KungFuJoe]

I liked Paris, Je Taime. The Steve Buscemi one was great. And everyone I talked to HATED the Elijah Wood piece, and I thought it was great. There were also some "meh" ones. The only part of it I really didn't like, was that old man at the asian hair salon. That was fuckin stupid.

I enjoyed that one strictly because it was directed by arguably the greatest cinematographer working today. Christopher Doyle. I haven't seen it since the theater, but I thought it was good goofy fun and, of course, it looked beautiful.


also, i don't hear much from people about Tykwer's segment with Natalie Portman. that one was the inspiation for the film and certainly one of the stronger entries.

[breakjaw]

Yeah,that was good also.Very poetic.Although she is starting to get on my nerves a little bit.

[schoolofruckus]

He was pretty impressive in SPL. That last 20 minutes is the only good part of that movie.

I made it 27 minutes and 32 seconds into Southland Tales. For all you big Richard Kelly fans out there, that's the fucking disastrous Rock / Stifler buddy cop cute meet. What in the hell is wrong with this movie? Why am I watching a television screen further divided into 4 television screens for 3 minutes? Why are there midgets in see through clothes? Jesus fucking christ. Don't try to tell me I need to see the whole thing, not a single person involved with that movie had a fucking clue what they were doing.

Au contrare - you actually lasted longer than you probably should have. If you're not enjoying that one pretty much right away, there's no reason to keep watching. Although I will restate that I feel like the plot (if not the reasons why anyone would want to watch, or make, the movie) would become more clear right about the time the movie ends.

Maybe they'll make a director's cut where Juno pops up and makes quirky comments every 15 seconds so that you can come back and finish it.

[PotVsKtl]

Maybe they'll make a remake with a competent director, writer, producer, editor, DP, actors and production designers so it won't be a fucking abyssmal piece of shit.

[wmgaretjax]

I enjoyed that film, it has it's issues with the schmaltzy bits, but jesus that first scene is so good.

[PotVsKtl]

I need to see Shortbus. I've probably watched Hedwig 20 times.

[mob roulette]

Please no. (http://gawker.com/364845/hbo-preserves-new-jersey-for-possible-sopranos-movie)

[noisemachine]

I remember David Chase saying that if they did make a Sopranos movie it would definitely be a prequel.

[suprefan]

Well here is a nice update. Photos of some of the characters for The Watchmen movie set to come out. Dr Manhattan is missing since he might be all CGI.



http://rss.warnerbros.com/watchmen/ComedianFull.jpg
http://rss.warnerbros.com/watchmen/NIteOwlFull.jpg
http://rss.warnerbros.com/watchmen/OzymandiasFull.jpg
http://rss.warnerbros.com/watchmen/RorschachFull.jpg
http://rss.warnerbros.com/watchmen/SilkSpectreFull.jpg

http://rss.warnerbros.com/watchmen/

[wmgaretjax]

looks terrible.

[schoolofruckus]

If conceptual art is anything to go by, it definitely looks like 300.

If the screenplay and storytelling sensibilities are a huge improvement, then rock on. But I don't trust Zak Snyder further than I throw him, or the humongous Aston-Martin the studio gave him after 300 became a mega-hit.

[whynotsmile99]

I need to see Shortbus. I've probably watched Hedwig 20 times.

i loved Shortbus so much. I think I put it as #1 or #2 on my best of list the year it came out. Hope you are not watching it with your parents. Wonderful movie though. Hedwig is fantastic too. I wonder what John Cameron Mitchell is working on now.

[luckyface]

Tropic Thunder controversy (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=528496&in_page_id=1773)

This could get ugly.

[wmgaretjax]

oh jesus, that is fantastic.

[canexplain]

Tropic Thunder controversy (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=528496&in_page_id=1773)

This could get ugly.

thats bs, what about the flick white chicks, and i have seen other people play off color, black to white, or white to black .... i went as OJ for halloween to my work, and they didnt send me home, but was not too pleased with it either ... maybe it was the butcher knife and the fake blood :) x*****

[schoolofruckus]

Not to mention, he's not playing a black man. He's playing a white actor who dons blackface.

I love the shit out of that movie sight unseen. If it's anywhere near as funny as Zoolander, I'm going to be in heaven.

[ghettojournalist]

i've seen that picture before and i didn't notice who was in it besides Ben Stiller. Robert Downey looks awesome. i'm interested to see how it's done in the film. also, Jack Black going back to his "Mars Attacks!" look is great.

[whynotsmile99]

yea, this whole things looks great. This was the movie that Owen Wilson dropped out of when he tried to kill himself, by the way. Matthew McConaghey or however you spell his name replaced him. Jack Black looks awesome in this

[Hawkings]

http://www.rotten.com/library/bio/entertainers/actors/ted-danson/danson-blackface-1.jpg , didn't work out so well for him.


i was wondering about any reaction to Jack Black in Be Kind Rewind, now Robert Downey Jr.

[schoolofruckus]

yea, this whole things looks great. This was the movie that Owen Wilson dropped out of when he tried to kill himself, by the way. Matthew McConaghey or however you spell his name replaced him. Jack Black looks awesome in this

Okay, nevermind. This movie's going to suck shit through a straw.

[KungFuJoe]

Okay, nevermind. This movie's going to suck shit through a straw.


you can't be serious.

sure it sucks that matthew mcconaughey was the one to replace Owen, but it can't spell entire doom for the film. Ben Stiller is by far my favorite comedic actor and he has not let me down yet (with films he has directed anyways)

on a side note, fucking Drilbit Taylor filmed a scene on my old block when I lived in Santa Monica. I want to see it just for that reason, but won't be going to the theater for it. sue me.

also, saw "City of Men" this week. I've yet to see the mini series, but was still able to enjoy the film. However, it's not nearly as good as City of God. it's decent.

[PotVsKtl]

Ben Stiller is by far my favorite comedic actor

Delete.

[noisemachine]

I'm about to watch Into the Wild. Any good?

[KungFuJoe]

Delete.

I'm sorry the man doesn't make you laugh.

[rage patton]

Tropic Thunder controversy (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=528496&in_page_id=1773)

This could get ugly.

Holy shit... when I first saw that pic I thought it was Don Cheadle.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x224/joshmusic88/BlackDowneyJr.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x224/joshmusic88/Cheadle.jpg

[ivankay]

2001 is playing at the Egyptian in Hollywood this weekend:

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY IN 70MM – LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

Join us for this special limited weekend-long engagement of maestro Stanley Kubrick’s mind-expanding 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, a senses-melting excursion into the far reaches of the universe and the unfathomable mysteries of time and space, in glorious 70mm.

Friday, March 7 – Sunday, March 9

70mm!

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, 1968, Warner Bros. Classics, 139 min. "I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that," murmurs supercomputer HAL 9000 as it attempts to eliminate bothersome human astronaut Keir Dullea in master filmmaker Stanley Kubrick’s mind-blowing meditation on the inherent dangers (and wonders) of technology, the limitless vistas of space, and the future of the human race itself. Based on a 1948 short story "The Sentinel" by Arthur C. Clarke, "2001" was reconceived by Kubrick himself, working with author Clarke to create the ultimate Journey Into the Unknown. But if you think you’ve seen "2001," think again – until a few years ago, the film was available only in a 35 mm version that reduced Kubrick’s legendary visuals (and the spectacular 6-track stereo sound) to a pale shadow of their true glory. Before his death, Kubrick oversaw a painstaking, frame-by-frame restoration of the film in 70mm, resulting in a version that looks and sounds as good as (if not better than) the original 1968 release! With Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester.

Friday, March 7 – 7:30 PM

Sat., March 8 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 9 –7:30 PM



If you have not seen this on a big screen and yhis is convenient for you, go.

[whynotsmile99]

2001 is playing at the Egyptian in Hollywood this weekend:

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY IN 70MM – LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

Join us for this special limited weekend-long engagement of maestro Stanley Kubrick’s mind-expanding 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, a senses-melting excursion into the far reaches of the universe and the unfathomable mysteries of time and space, in glorious 70mm.

Friday, March 7 – Sunday, March 9

70mm!

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, 1968, Warner Bros. Classics, 139 min. "I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that," murmurs supercomputer HAL 9000 as it attempts to eliminate bothersome human astronaut Keir Dullea in master filmmaker Stanley Kubrick’s mind-blowing meditation on the inherent dangers (and wonders) of technology, the limitless vistas of space, and the future of the human race itself. Based on a 1948 short story "The Sentinel" by Arthur C. Clarke, "2001" was reconceived by Kubrick himself, working with author Clarke to create the ultimate Journey Into the Unknown. But if you think you’ve seen "2001," think again – until a few years ago, the film was available only in a 35 mm version that reduced Kubrick’s legendary visuals (and the spectacular 6-track stereo sound) to a pale shadow of their true glory. Before his death, Kubrick oversaw a painstaking, frame-by-frame restoration of the film in 70mm, resulting in a version that looks and sounds as good as (if not better than) the original 1968 release! With Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester.

Friday, March 7 – 7:30 PM

Sat., March 8 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 9 –7:30 PM



If you have not seen this on a big screen and yhis is convenient for you, go.

Im going to try my hardest to see it this weekend. Ive only see it once on a shitty TV. IT was never a favorite of mine, but I owe it to watch it like this. What do you think the chances are of this selling out?

[ivankay]

Im going to try my hardest to see it this weekend. Ive only see it once on a shitty TV. IT was never a favorite of mine, but I owe it to watch it like this. What do you think the chances are of this selling out?

4 scre