Last movie watched

[Death Mage]

Hellraiser 1-8

Yea, a couple months late, but I already owned 1 and 2, and found a pack with 3-8 on sale cheap. So cheap that I knew the movies couldn't possibly be any good, but I'm a sucker for bad movies. Now, I'm not going to comment on most of these, because, for the most part, these movies are exactly what you'd expect them to be. The first one tells its story decently enough. The second one goes a bit nuts with it. The third is just a poorly done horror movie. The fourth brings us into SPAAAAAAAAAACE (never a good sign).

But then comes Hellraiser: Inferno. The fifth movie, first Direct-to-Video release (already one strike against it). The thing is, this movie was actually good. Not even "in comparison", but a movie that I actually found myself invested in the story for. By far the best movie of the bunch, and a surprise to find one of this quality in this pack. This movie is played out more like a psychological thriller, as we watch one character's descent into his own personal Hell as his world collapses around him. Sure, it's a low budget film, but it tells the story very well, and made me really want to see where it went. And I was not disappointed. I think they portrayed quite well how this was his personal incarnation of Hell, how he was being mentally tortured, and WHY he deserved to be there.

The next movie was another attempt as a psychological thriller, which didn't work as well. The seventh movie was, really, just a confusing mess. Which leaves us with Hellraiser: Hellworld. (Though, oddly, on the DVD set, the last two movies have their order switched, so Hellworld comes before the seventh movie.) This movie has an actor in it that I've liked in other works (Aliens and Millennium), who plays his role quite well. The story itself is set as more of a horror story, In this movie, the characters know the "rules" about how Hellraiser works, and point out that they are being broken for this movie. And they are. But there ends up being a reason for it. Now, ultimately this movie is still just your basic horror/slasher film, nothing spectacular about it, but it does do a good job about subverting it's own mythos a bit. It really is only that entertaining to watch if you know the other Hellraiser films and how they work. Sure, the plot's got a few holes on it you could drive a truck through, but it was a valiant attempt at being something a bit more than "just another Hellraiser movie".

All in all, I'd say it was money well spent. As I said, I love bad movies now and then. And honestly, the surprise of Inferno on there was worth it alone. I will have to watch it again later to see if it still holds up, or if I was just in "the right mood" the first time I saw it.

Certainly better than the Final Destination four-pack I bought at the same time.
_________________
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[Scurra]

Hugo and The Artist

These two films form as perfect a pair as I can imagine, and I am so glad that I saw them on consecutive evenings. They are both true love-letters to the history of cinema, made with all the joy and attention to detail that marks out films that are made by aficionados and not just hacks doing a job.

Hugo will perhaps get the most attention, simply because it has been made by Martin Scorsese. And yes, it is in 3D. But we'll come back to that. The premise of the film is simple - trad. "orphan" meets strange old man who helps him achieve his goal, and in return learns from the kid. The central point of this film is that the old man turns out to be George Méliès, pioneer of early movie visual effects, and it is that on which the film turns. Scorsese chooses to use the most modern visual effects techniques but for once he does it to make the ideas of the story come to life, rather than as a surprise or a shock. As we learn about the early history of cinema, it feels completely apposite to be using the latest 3d gimmicks (indeed, I half-wonder if Scorsese was making a bit of a meta-joke here, given that part of the story is about how Méliès was forgotten because his contributions were seen as gimmicks.)

The Artist (dir. Michael Hazanivicius) meanwhile goes the other way in search of authenticity - this is a film about the black-and-white silent movie era, so it has been made as a black-and-white silent melodrama. This sounds like an extraordinary decision, especially nowadays, but the gamble pays off spectacularly well. From the opening credits to the finale everything is subordinate to the narrative and the homage to a bygone era, even including the revival of one or two jokes that only work in that context. And yet there are also some beautiful nods to modern techniques - a genuinely disturbing dream sequence and some nicely understated SFX shots that I am not sure could have been done back in the day, even with Méliès genius... The key to its success is the brilliance of the two central actors (both French, although surrounded by a supporting cast of Americans.) Jean Dujardin in particular manages to convince you that he is Chaplin, Fairbanks and Valentino rolled into one. And that's to say nothing of the dog.

What these two films do is to remind us that we are not as advanced as we kid ourselves. That we think we live in such a fast-moving age that even something with barely a century of impact has nothing to teach us. But of course what we learn from both films is that all that really matters is that the story is real. That the people are real. That the emotional engagement is real. It doesn't matter if you are seeing something in B&W or in 3D, if there is nothing to grab you then it's all just smoke and mirrors.
_________________
_{still Quiz Olympiad champion. Must get a life.
New definitions: COFFEE - someone who is coughed upon}

[Xavier2011]

Last week I watched crazy stupid love and it was really funny movie that I have seen recently. Steve Carell’s acting was the highlight of the movie and comedy scenes.

[Malaya]

Hi............
Last movie which i watch, That is "Home alone".
Its my favorite movie.

[Scurra]

Here's a stab at my top five from 2011 in no particular order (I think it's approximately chronological.)

The King's Speech
Senna
Super-8
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
The Artist

But on another day, this might have been my list.

Black Swan
Source Code
Harry Potter and the yada yada yada
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
We Need To Talk About Kevin (but only if I am feeling masochistic.)

Not a spectacular year but I didn't see nearly as much as sometimes so I missed a lot of things (e.g. I haven't seen Sherlock Holmes 2 and I'm not sure if I will now, even though I want to.)

On the whole I'd say The Artist is the one film I would tell everyone to see just for its sheer joy and sense of fun quite apart from its deep love of genre.
_________________
_{still Quiz Olympiad champion. Must get a life.
New definitions: COFFEE - someone who is coughed upon}

[3iff]

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

A rare chance to get to the cinema and this was the best choice of a poor selection. I hadn't seen the previous film so had no knowledge of what to expect. Unfortunately, there seemed little reason to call this Sherlock Holmes as he spent so much of his time with fisticuffs and shooting things. A better description would have been Indiana Jones meets Jason Bourne.

Lots of slomo-action scenes, some strange what-if scenes preceeding the eventual action and some fairly tedious Holmes/Watson conversation. Add Stephen Fry in a nude scene (nothing unpleasant was seen, fortunately) and lots of running and chasing for no discernable reason and there you have it. You also get two Holmes death scenes which (surprisingly) are not.

I did smile when I saw the book "The Dynamics of an Asteroid" but only because I recalled that from an Isaac Asimov story.

Ok for 2 hours of undemanding entertainment but not a candidate for my top 100 films.

[Scurra]

[Scurra]

Rocky The Iron Lady

This film has aroused a certain amount of controversy. Not because of the approach of the film or even because of the subject, but because of the timing. Which is that Margaret Thatcher is not only still alive, but she isn't really in a position to be able to do anything for the very reason that the story has at least some emotional power to it - the decline into senility of someone who genuinely bestrode the world.. (Someone said that you could imagine the furore in the US if a British actor had played Reagan during his late years whilst Reagan was still alive.)

It is a deeply average film that is redeemed entirely by the wonderful performances of absolutely everyone, including the blink-and-you'll-miss-them cameos of many important political figures. Meryl Streep will doubtless show up on the award shortlists for what is more than an impersonation; it convinces totally. But Olivia Coleman as Carol and Jim Broadbent as Dennis also provide great support.

My title is, sadly, not original to me. But once I heard someone point out that the film followed the classic trajectory path (it even includes a "training montage") it was hard not to see it that way. And in many ways that makes the film make more sense. It's clearly not a biopic in the traditional meaning, and it's not making any real political points (which has been seen as a weakness here in the UK although I think it helps a lot.) Instead, it's an archetypal underdog taking on the system story except with the extraordinary aspect that it's largely a true story.

As someone who was deeply affected by Thatcher and her legacy it's hard for me to be objective about someone who I still think did immense harm to my country. I am not blind to the fact that - like most politicians - she didn't sit down and think "how can I wreck things?" but it's difficult for me not to see her that way. This film does try hard to remind you that she was just a flawed person, like everyone else. In that it probably succeeds.
_________________
_{still Quiz Olympiad champion. Must get a life.
New definitions: COFFEE - someone who is coughed upon}

[Jedo the Jedi]

I agree with Scurra about the Sherlock films. They actually do a fairly good job of sticking with his characterization. Some of the most accurate stuff comes from the first film before he gets the case.
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Paragon Tally: 18 mafia, 3 SKs (1 twice), 1 cultist, numerous chat scum...and counting.

[3iff]

You're probably right about Holmes, I've never read the books. However, the 'fistfights' in the recent film were more akin to martial arts than what I would regard as a fistfight...but that's probably nitpicking.

[Undercover Monk]

3iff you arent missing much as the first holmes film is very similar to the second. not bad, as you say, just not great. In fact I felt in complete agreement with almost everything you said. The film is redeemed by its 2 stars who get every bit of fun out of the characters as possible

If I had to rank the movies I saw this year:
#5: Captain America
#4: X-Men first class
#3: Fast Five
#2: The Muppets
#1: Crazy Stupid Love

I dont get out to the theaters much anymore so most of the stuff I see are the big summer blockbusters which were for the most part set up movies for various sequels.

Next year looks great with both the Dark Knight Rises and Avengers, however Crazy Stupid Love and the Muppets were both wonderful surprises much like Tangled and How to train your dragon a few years ago. Its always fun going into a movie expecting nothing only to be blown away.
_________________
The Classic Blunders:
1. never get involved in a land war in Asia
2.Never go in against a Sicilian when DEATH is on the line
3. Never release Peyton Manning

[Antrax]

UM did you see only five movies this year?
_________________
After years of disappointment with get rich quick schemes, I know I'm gonna get rich with this scheme. And quick!

[Courk]

I've only seen 3 in theaters:

J. edgar
Pirates 4
Lion king

[MatthewV]

There is a 4th Pirates movie? sigh

[Deception]

Law Abiding Citizen

If you haven't seen it, please do. It has some violent parts (some brutal deaths) but it doesn't show anything that graphic at all. (I'd watch it with my girlfiend and my sister and my mother)

Easily in my top 5 all time, amazing writing, great character development, fantastic plot.

[Jedo the Jedi]

I thought the ending was terribly disappointing.
_________________
Paragon Tally: 18 mafia, 3 SKs (1 twice), 1 cultist, numerous chat scum...and counting.

[dethwing]

Fired up

Are you fired up!
We're fired up!
How do you spell that?
F! U!
...not really...

[Deception]

[Jedo the Jedi]

The "man of justice" didn't try the criminal in court. I understand what the movie was trying to say, but the ending just left a stale taste in my mouth. I feel the same way about Lost in Translation. I loved the movie until the last 15 minutes.
_________________
Paragon Tally: 18 mafia, 3 SKs (1 twice), 1 cultist, numerous chat scum...and counting.

[Deception]

[Undercover Monk]

Beauty and the Beast 3D

once again a joy to watch a childhood classic on the big screen again. The 3-D was at times amazing the titular song was the best. Other times it was distracting but still worth every penny to gear Be Our Guest and Gaston again. Plus there was an amazing trailer for the Lorax which up to this point I wasnt going to see. The tangled short before the feature cracked me up so all and all a great trip to the cinema.
_________________
The Classic Blunders:
1. never get involved in a land war in Asia
2.Never go in against a Sicilian when DEATH is on the line
3. Never release Peyton Manning

[RubberDuck]

Pans Labyrinth. What I thought was a joyus fantasy film, turned out to be well... spoiler

[Ctorj]

[Undercover Monk]

Water for Elephants

My mom got it for Christmas and basically forced the whole family to watch. Its your usual old guy tells young guy about his true love after she died story except it features a circus. Which stopped it being a horrible movie cause lets face it its always interesting seeing the darkside of the entertainment business. The romance was dull and lifeless and I have a hard time respecting a movie where the heroe trys to steal another mans wife. It was alright and for a chick flic I did sit through it but I probably wont watch it again other than the commentary track.....I love commentary tracks
5/10
_________________
The Classic Blunders:
1. never get involved in a land war in Asia
2.Never go in against a Sicilian when DEATH is on the line
3. Never release Peyton Manning

[JDTAY]

Cabin in the Woods

Go see it. Now. Don't think. Just go see it. And thank me when you come back.

If you need incentives, some minor spoilers of what you will see:

Fornicus, Lord of Bondage and Pain

A dude getting impaled by a unicorn.

The Japanese failing to kill a bunch of 9 year old girls. ("How hard can it be to kill a bunch of 9 year old girls?")
_________________
Prohibit nothing. Disclose everything.

[Undercover Monk]

wow this thread hasnt been touched in awhile since that elephant movie I have seen only 1 movie in theaters. and that was The Hunger Games. and it was pretty...Meh. I saw it cause my friends wanted to and i wasnt dissapointed or blown away either...Popcorn was good though and It gave the very tough decision to watch either Jhonny Depp being a vampire or Abe Lincoln killing vampire...I will probably just go see the avengers instead.
_________________
The Classic Blunders:
1. never get involved in a land war in Asia
2.Never go in against a Sicilian when DEATH is on the line
3. Never release Peyton Manning

[3iff]

I also watched that a few weeks back. I couldn't make the effort to make comments at the time...

Considering that a lot of people were 'killed', the film was excessively bloodless (due to the 12A rating I suppose). It also had two extremely silly plot situations where people do stupid things to make the story work. I won't mention them as they're spoilers.

There's supposed to be a sequel or two...I won't be bothering.

[Death Mage]

What about Abe Lincoln killing Johnny Depp?

Yea, I've seen a few movies lately. Like the Muppets, more on the second watch than the first (though the last half was great both times). Hop had the opposite problem, good opening, extremely weak ending. Couldn't get into Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (gonna have to try again), Kung-Fu Panda 2 was good, Cars 2 was meh, as was Hangover 2. And Ocean's 11 (1960) was better than Ocean's Eleven (2001).
_________________
* These senseless ramblings brought to you by Insanity™. If you just can't figure the dang thing out, it must be Insanity™.
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[Scurra]

Marley

This year has been a bit unmemorable so far - I quite enjoyed The Hunger Games, and I laughed throughout The Cabin in the Woods, but they both felt like they were retreading old ground (Battle Royale and Scream respectively) even though they obviously had their own strengths.

I will bet that Marley will end up in my Top 5 at the end of the year though. Not because it's especially ground-breaking in itself, but because - even though it had to be "authorised" by his estate - it isn't simply a hagiography of one of the most significant musical figures of the second half of the 20th century. Instead - like Senna last year - it shows how all the contradictory parts of his personality were necessary contributors to his music, and even the members of his family are surprisingly honest about him.

And it doesn't hurt that the soundtrack is fantastic. I'm not an especially big fan of reggae but the infectious rhythms are irresistible and the occasionally very direct political and social commentaries in the lyrics are as strong today as they ever were.
_________________
_{still Quiz Olympiad champion. Must get a life.
New definitions: COFFEE - someone who is coughed upon}

[Pablo]

Extremely Close & Incredibly Loud

Mixed reviews, but I thought it was BRILLIANT!
_________________
All religions are the same - Guilt....just with different holidays.

[Jedo the Jedi]

[Sniklac16]

21 Jump Street I was honestly a little hesitant to see this movie since Jonah Hill hasn't really been in anything funny since superbad, and Channing Tatum is, well, a tool. After seeing this movie though, I must admit it was one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. I was literally laughing the entire movie and even went back and saw it again.
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What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

[Courk*]

Avengers was fantastic. It far exceeded my expectations

[Death Mage]

The Avengers. Actually lived up to the four years worth of hype. Some really great humor, action, a good comic-book style plot, all in all a great movie. My only gripe with it would be that it almost played out like a giant trailer. One-liners everywhere, lots of action scenes, especially the whole ending. Mind you, for a comic book movie, that really works. But I couldn't help but think that it just felt like the entire script was written as trailer-bait.

And yet, the trailer for The Dark Knight Rises makes me want to watch that even more than The Avengers.

Oh, and MIB3.
_________________
* These senseless ramblings brought to you by Insanity™. If you just can't figure the dang thing out, it must be Insanity™.
[YOUR AD HERE!]

[Undercover Monk]

Yep saw the Avengers Friday Night. Yep it was awesome. But it will still have to pass the re-watchability test for it to take its rightful place as one of my top 10 movies ever. I dont see it passing A few good Men but it could easily take the #2 spot. first time through the greatest comic book movie ever. The final 30 minutes were worth the price of admission alone. I dont know how they pulled it off cause there was no way it was supposed to live up to my hyped up expectations but it did. I may go see it a second time in theaters.
_________________
The Classic Blunders:
1. never get involved in a land war in Asia
2.Never go in against a Sicilian when DEATH is on the line
3. Never release Peyton Manning

[Scurra]

Marvel Avengers Assemble

(Yes, this is the formal title of this film in the UK, presumably because of trademark issues over the 60s tv show, although it's not clear.)

Well now. This was a curious film and I am still entirely unsure what to say. Whilst the two-and-a-half hours were undeniably entertaining (even if the 3d added exactly nothing), it stirred nothing more than that in me. And I'm speaking as a minor comic geek. In fact, it hurts me to say this, but this was really only Transformers all over again - a popcorn spectacle with no depth or plot to speak of - although I will grant you that at least this one had some actual characters.

But it's hard to pin down exactly why I found it so flat There wasn't a bad performance to be seen (Ruffalo just shaded it but mostly because we'd seen all the other key actors before) and the CGI was more than competent.

In the end though, I think I want some sort of actual plot from my movies. I wonder if that's why I enjoyed John Carter a lot more than many others - because it tried to stay true to what was a complex political story with neat allegorical overtones, whereas Avengers had basically zero plot that merely consisted of X vs Y for the first half, and then Us vs Them for the second half.

The other thing that bugged me for a while and I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was until another reviewer pointed it out, was how oddly directed many of the combat sequences were. But it makes more sense to look at them as though they have been filmed for television. There were very few moments when it felt like a cinema experience, although Whedon is a good enough director that you don't feel short-changed by this. But you'll actually appreciate it when you see it on your small home cinema screen (and I don't care how big your screen is, it's not a cinema screen!) And you'll appreciate it more when you watch it on an aeroplane...

So - a perfectly fine film that achieves the almost impossible of surviving the hype. But the best superhero movie ever? I'm not even sure it lives up to either Thor or Iron Man. You can take me outside for the stoning now.
_________________
_{still Quiz Olympiad champion. Must get a life.
New definitions: COFFEE - someone who is coughed upon}

[Death Mage]

[Undercover Monk]

I will stone neither of you even though I disagree with both of you. I actually prefer Batman Begins to The Dark Knight (though I love both) but sometimes the dark brooding atmosphere of those movies gets old and you just want crazy special effects and snappy zingers. And yes the plot was a bit flat but all the character moments made up for it. Thats the beauty of this series all the stars will now go do their own sequels to further develope plot and characters and then we will all meet up again for Avengers 2.

HULK SMASH
_________________
The Classic Blunders:
1. never get involved in a land war in Asia
2.Never go in against a Sicilian when DEATH is on the line
3. Never release Peyton Manning

[Hitchhiker]

Gotta say, my vote's with Undercover Monk.

"I have an army!"
"We have a Hulk."

[Death Mage]

Hey, don't get me wrong. The Avengers was a phenomenal turn off brain entertainment fest. It had plenty of action, humor, etc. to make a movie that is just FUN to watch.

But The Dark Knight is a better movie. I would easily put it on a list of masterpieces. It just had more depth to it.

I will, of course, be gladly picking up Avengers on blu-ray, and continuing to watch the series, especially now that the introductions are out of the way. Well, if any sequels happen before THE END OF THE WORLD!
_________________
* These senseless ramblings brought to you by Insanity™. If you just can't figure the dang thing out, it must be Insanity™.
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