Beau Peep Notice Board

Beau Peep Notice Board => Outpourings => Topic started by: Roger Kettle on February 28, 2009, 07:53:56 PM

Title: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Roger Kettle on February 28, 2009, 07:53:56 PM: I thought it might be a nice idea to have a Movie Review Section here. Anyone who pops along to the cinema to see a film could pass on their thoughts to the rest of us. In these difficult financial times, we have to be careful not to waste our hard-earned cash on a complete and utter turkey. Okay, I'll start.
On my last visit to a cinema (honestly), I saw the newly-released "Crocodile Dundee". It was okay.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: The Peepmaster on February 28, 2009, 07:57:49 PM: I saw Calamity Jane once. Some bird in a cowboy outfit wouldn't stop singing.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Roger Kettle on February 28, 2009, 08:18:09 PM: Peeps, why is it that all roads for you lead back to Doris Day?
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: The Peepmaster on February 28, 2009, 08:56:15 PM: Quote from: Roger Kettle on February 28, 2009, 08:18:09 PM
Peeps, why is it that all roads for you lead back to Doris Day?

No - I was thinking what a great idea it was to have brief synopsises of movies, and I've seen loads (nearly 10) in my time. I then thought about eliminating the early dross first of all - the dead wood stage, as it were, and that then got me thinking...
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on February 28, 2009, 11:29:23 PM: A lot of people don't know that you can get DVDs in by inter-library loan - ordering them from your home computer - and you can keep them for 1 to 3 weeks. I just borrowed McBeth in a couple of versions for my son who is studying it in school.

This week week we have out: RamboII; Rambo III (Rambo I is on the way); Oceans 13; For Your Consideration; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (load of crap); Volver; Disney's Cars and The Departed.

You can't go wrong with a deal like that even if you bought a big bag of peanuts, it would still be a pretty reasonably priced evening.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Tom on March 01, 2009, 10:39:19 AM: If ever you see 'Sphere' - steer clear! I couldn't even have a good sleep during it...!
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: The Peepmaster on March 01, 2009, 11:04:09 AM: Several years ago now, but I watched "Titanic" with a couple of young Chinese birds I knew at the time. I hope I'm not going to spoil things for anybody, but basically, the boat sinks, and that's that!
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Tom on March 01, 2009, 11:39:31 AM: One film I did have a good sleep through, was 'Lord of the Rings'.

Nothing to do with the film, the cinema was very warm, and I was ~~a bit fluey fluie~~ full of flu and I just drifted off.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Max on March 01, 2009, 11:49:30 AM: Don't waste your time on Citizen Kane, the sledge did it. ;D
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Malc on March 01, 2009, 12:18:43 PM: I don't go to see movies on the off-chance. I generally know when they're going to be bad, often by the title, the premise or the trailer.

The trailer is the best possible advert you can put out for your film, so if it consists of a couple of lame jokes and a car chase, you know that everything else in that movie is going to be b*llocks.

I went to see King Kong just because of the special effects, but the film was dreadful. Only people who have achieved spectacular dumbarse levels can make a fight between Kong and two Tyrannosaurus Rex seem boring. They were swinging on jungle vines down a ravine like trapeze artists, for god's sake, trying to chomp Kong.

Jack Black outran a stampeding herd of Brachiosaurs, whilst carrying his 1930s era tripod camera. Over a distance of what seemed a couple of miles!

It was all tosh. But the SFX were great.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on March 01, 2009, 03:54:37 PM: We watched The Departed last night - how "cheesy" was the ending (you will know just what I mean if you saw the last minute of the show) The director must think we are stupid - I guess I was to sit though two hours of low life violence - but at least I didn't pay to see it. ;D If Leo hadn't been in it I wouldn't have watched more than 10 mins.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Bren on March 02, 2009, 04:44:09 AM: I liked King Kong, but half way thought I suddenly realised it was only half way throught and I thought OMG, I'm ready to go home now! I was hangin by the end.

I liked Sphere.

I got seasick in Lord of the Rings. I arrived late and the only seats were about 10 feet from the screen. The cameras panned around a lot and after abut 15 minutes I found I had to close my eyes when they did that so I didn't feel sick. By the end of the film I felt really ill.

I've never seen a Doris Day film at the cinema. I probably never will.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Zesty White on March 02, 2009, 10:09:55 AM: I was really disappointed with The Departed. I made the mistake of expecting a fraction of the hype to be justified. Oh and I'm not a prude, but there is only so much unnecessary bad language that a viewer can take. Every second word.

I watched Mr Brooks last night and I was quite impressed. I never used to like Kevin Costner but I thought he was very good in this and in Open Range. I wonder if he's just getting to an age where he seems believable in the parts he's playing.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Malc on March 02, 2009, 12:08:03 PM: I don't like bad language in films, or nudity or kissing. I should have been a Wee Free minister or an Imam.

In my personal life I like nudity, kissing and swearing, I swear a lot in the right company (never in front of ladies or kids) I do like naked women as a concept, and I especially like kissing girls, but seeing the stars on the screen in mouth to mouth combat...? Yeuch. It just seems so contrived.

I also have a thing about smoking in movies. I'm not on an anti smoking crusade here - all my family, mother, brothers and sisters smoke like chimneys, and I love them all. My dad was the only non-smoker, and he died of cancer (of the colon).

No, on the screen I hate seeing actors light up, because I strongly suspect that (secret) tobacco money is funding the movie.

Getting movies financed is the hardest thing in filmmaking, and even Spielberg has had to go overseas with his begging bowl to get finance from Europe and China. One of the great stars of the modern age got his start in Spaghetti westerns, there was no-one in the US who could finance the films that would have Eastwood as the star.

So I reckon Hollywood approaches cigarette makers like Philip Morris on a regular basis to secretly fund much of the crap that is coming out these days. The trade-off is that stars are obliged to smoke in the movies, and it's all Tinseltown's best kept secret (apart from the fact Cruise, Pitt, Jolie and De Caprio are gay). It's what made smoking popular in the first place, and the tobacco industry wants that back.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Tarquin Thunderthighs lll on March 02, 2009, 12:36:13 PM: I don't like the silver screen smoking either, but only because it's one of the few things that still makes me want to light up (people in the street lighting up have the reverse effect). Oddly enough, scenes of a sexual nature do not have the same effect.

Ingrid Pitt is gay? I'm speechless!
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Roger Kettle on March 02, 2009, 12:55:31 PM: That last line dates you, Tarks!
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Mince on March 02, 2009, 04:49:13 PM: I stopped reviewing films after a recent one I enjoyed scored 4% on RottenTomatoes.

I watched "9 pounds" with Will Smith and thought it scrappy and macabre.

I watched "Day the Earth Stood Still" and thought it rubbish.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Bren on March 02, 2009, 08:33:22 PM: KLAATU BARADA NICTO

Brilliant film! I guess it was the remake wasn't good. I haven't seen it. Why do people remake superb classics?

The remake of the Flight of the Phoenix was OK.

I saw Gort in Seattle.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Tom on March 02, 2009, 08:52:16 PM: Quote from: Petal on March 02, 2009, 08:33:22 PM
KLAATU BARADA NICTO
I had to look that up - I thought you were referring to Countdown the movie.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Roger Kettle on March 02, 2009, 09:08:36 PM: Petal, you ask a good question about why companies remake classics and I guess the answer is money. King Kong was wondrous in its 1930's form and pointless in the two subsequent versions. Alfie was another film which only worked in its original setting in the sixties. It's said that the modern technology available to film-makers today can enhance earlier productions and I don't believe a word of it. The quality and spirit of a film are what matters---not the ability to make a dinosaur, or whatever, more "realistic". I use quotes there because I'm not convinced this is the case.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Mince on March 02, 2009, 10:51:23 PM: Quote from: Roger Kettle on March 02, 2009, 09:08:36 PM
The quality and spirit of a film are what matters---not the ability to make a dinosaur, or whatever, more "realistic".

I disagree. Special effects from older films don't hold up to those of today, except in our fond memories. And today's special effects make those of yesterday seem laughable and naff. The problem with remakes that involve special effects is that the special effects are improved but the quality and spirit are lost, either because the special effects get in the way or because the film-makers are rubbish. Doctor Who is an example of a "remake" that not only has quality effects but also quality story and entertainment; the originals don't compare. Having said that, I can't think of many more remakes that are good.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: The Peepmaster on March 02, 2009, 11:09:36 PM: Quote from: Mince on March 02, 2009, 10:51:23 PM
Quote from: Roger Kettle on March 02, 2009, 09:08:36 PM
The quality and spirit of a film are what matters---not the ability to make a dinosaur, or whatever, more "realistic".

I disagree. Special effects from older films don't hold up to those of today, except in our fond memories. And today's special effects make those of yesterday seem laughable and naff. The problem with remakes that involve special effects is that the special effects are improved but the quality and spirit are lost, either because the special effects get in the way or because the film-makers are rubbish. Doctor Who is an example of a "remake" that not only has quality effects but also quality story and entertainment; the originals don't compare. Having said that, I can't think of many more remakes that are good.

Eloquently put, Mince, and I tend to agree with much that you say. Good post.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Mince on March 03, 2009, 05:39:05 AM: Quote from: The Peepmaster on March 02, 2009, 11:09:36 PM
Eloquently put, Mince, and I tend to agree with much that you say. Good post.

Okay, now I'm suspicious. Why are you being nice to me?
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on March 03, 2009, 06:36:05 AM: I'd have to agree - Nige was civil to Mince on two posts - kinda creeped me out.

"For your Consideration" - lasted about 5 minutes before we knew it was a load of twaddle and switched it off.

Funnily enough, "Volver" (Penelope Cruiz) was the best out of the library bunch this week - however I heard that Disney's Cars was good.

I didn't understand "Eternal Sunshine" - I got the premise - but couldn't understand how two people tottering on the pinicle of middle age had such a juvenile relationship. Erasing people from the memory is a stupid idea - burrying them by the river in a deep freezer - much better plot.

We should put our heads together and write a movie! If there is an Oscar to be won though, I want to be the one holding it during the acceptance speech.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Malc on March 03, 2009, 08:03:48 AM: The reason Hollywood does remakes? Ah, sit yourself down and let me tell you a tale..
adjusts cardigan and lights pipe

The hardest thing to get across to the finance people, and I believe we might have touched on this previously, is an original concept.
Try going into a pitch session with "this is a movie about a guy who is born very old, and as he goes through life, he gets younger until he dies as a baby."

I can guarantee you, blank stares and sideline glances will occur. At least until you say "Brad Pitt is attached", then of course its inherent genius as a concept will be revealed to the assembled throng as though luminated by lightning.
"Brad Pitt is attached" is a phrase which carries a lot of weight and which unlocks a lot of doors.
I wouldn't be at all surprised to find there is a deal of smoking in "Benjamin Button"

re-lights pipe and draws on it, warming to his theme.

If you have neither tobacco money, nor huge stars in your back pocket, then a famous classic or marvellously successful new book (Lord of The Rings or Gone With The Wind) might do, or last of all, - a Remake! These have the disadvantage of a hefty fee for rights-acquisition (LOTR did have a famous smoking scene, by the way involving Gandalf) but they do carry a massive advantage as regards selling the movie is concerned - a Brand. In other words, the public instantly recognizes the title and thinks warmly of it , something promo people prize very highly.

This works well even in the pop field, Elvis Costello chose his name as a joke but also with a recognised brand association in mind. People don't know why Jethro Tull "stuck" as a name, but most kids of certain generation had a smidgeon of recognition from their history lessons - it wasn't just a cool sounding name.

That'll be enough for now, puts out small fire in cardigan pocket I've prepared this in a freesheet for you to pick up on the way out. It has a free cigarette attached.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on March 03, 2009, 02:48:49 PM: Well I shall be looking out for the smoking going on in the movies from now on. You have probably spoiled movies for me forever.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Zesty White on March 03, 2009, 04:55:10 PM: Quote from: Malc on March 03, 2009, 08:03:48 AM
The reason Hollywood does remakes? Ah, sit yourself down and let me tell you a tale..
adjusts cardigan and lights pipe

Yes, it doesnt matter how obvious it is that money is the only language Hollywood understands, it doesnt make it any less depressing.
It's what makes an outstanding film like 'Black Book' realtively unheard of because cinemas will show it once a night for a week, whereas, 'Dude, You Totally Barfed on the Prom Queen 2,' will get a 6 week run on two screens because the film companies know that the adolescent 'gross-out' audience will pull in more money.
People are being deprived of seeing excellent film making on the big screen!!!

Anyway, back to the reviewing. I caught a bit of Monty Python's The Meaning of Life last night. I wasn't impressed. Mr Creosote aside, there wasnt a laugh in it. You'd never believe it had come from the same minds as Monty Python's good stuff.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Bren on March 04, 2009, 12:10:05 PM: Malc, do you make the Orange Movie adverts?

If so I'm a big fan! :D

(I tried to insert a link to a video clip here but it inserted the clip itself - is that allowed?)

Here it is without the WWW: youtube.com/watch?v=FsBDUe4UPd0&NR=1
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Mince on March 08, 2009, 09:05:06 AM: The new Star Trek film looks rather good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0xaCB2nLS0
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Jack on March 08, 2009, 10:09:17 AM: Even I recognise that anyone besides Shatner as Captain Kirk is a bad idea. And I don't even like Star Trek.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Mince on March 08, 2009, 10:22:19 AM: Quote from: Jack on March 08, 2009, 10:09:17 AM
Even I recognise that anyone besides Shatner as Captain Kirk is a bad idea. And I don't even like Star Trek.

Are you joking?
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Tarquin Thunderthighs lll on March 08, 2009, 11:03:40 AM: I think Jack got out the wrong side this morning. It's got me hooked, and I never really got beyond the original series. The glimpses of Spock and Kirk certainly look like they've done a great job in finding lookalikes - let's...er...hope the acting is as good as...um...Shatner and Nimoy's.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Malc on March 08, 2009, 12:39:01 PM: I'm more concerned that they haven't done enough to differentiate themselves from the Star Wars movies. I would say that the action sequences look similar, (because the two use the same movie CGI software) and there was no indication at all of the dialogue, other than to suggest it's no better than Lucas's garbage.

They even have the father-son thing going, just like Star Wars.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Tarquin Thunderthighs lll on March 08, 2009, 01:20:48 PM: I know I hinted at the importance of acting ability, but I would be more than happy to find young Kirk is as hammy as The Shat used to be. This is Chekov's Enterprise, not Chekhov's Three Sisters we're talking about. It's a sci-fi romp - I doubt if they're aiming for anything more than a special effects Oscar, and I'm up for cheesy dialogue and collapsing planets set to rousing music and 'happy ever after - until the next one that's in the pipeline' endings. Bring it on!

Never liked Star Wars though.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Mince on March 08, 2009, 01:22:46 PM: I love the music in it. I can't stop playing it.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: The Peepmaster on March 08, 2009, 01:23:56 PM: Quote from: Mince on March 08, 2009, 01:22:46 PM
I love the music in it. I can't stop playing it.

is it by Pinky & Perky?

Maybe The Hoff would make a good Kirk...
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Mince on March 08, 2009, 01:35:16 PM: I love the bit from 1:15 to 1:18. It's so cool how he takes the seat.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on March 08, 2009, 02:57:19 PM: I am one of the few people in the world that had NEVER seen the Die Hard movies (I didn't even know they were Christmas movies). My husband was given a set at Christmas and I finally broke down and watched them in the evenings this week - more out of fascination at the hairstyles and lack of cell phones than anything - good grief - the first one is 21 years old - how time flies.
Out of all of them, Live Free or Die Trying was the most recent.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Zesty White on March 09, 2009, 02:43:49 PM: The most recent? Is your review of it so bad that this is nicest thing you have to say about it? :)

I was forced to watch 'She's the Man' last night by my girlfriend. Apparently it's an updated version of Twelfth Night centred around a girl who moves to another school, pretending to be her twin brother so she can play in the school football team. I'm surpised I didnt get to Shakespeare overtones more quickly.
I always find American films about football interesting. Everyone can dribble like Pele, players rarely pass, very few tackles made and an emphasis on the theatrical - like the somersault throw-in etc.
What struck me even more than the paucity of Vinnie Jones' acting talent was that the winning goal was offside...
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Diane CBPFC on March 09, 2009, 08:09:33 PM: I had a wonderful weekend of movies. I got The Other Boleyn Girl from the library, then I dug out my copies of Elizabeth and Elizabeth the Golden Age as I had now watched them in a while. Now there are some good shows. You couldn't make them in your own back garden.
Title: Re: Movie Reviews.
Post by: Malc on March 11, 2009, 05:59:00 AM: There's a third in the trilogy -"Elizabeth, He's Really Not That Into You".