Movies - General Discussion

[Lions West Coast]

Any thoughts on Million Dollar Baby? Does it deserve ranking as one of the best films of the year?

[Markzilla]

Hey, aren't three of those best picture nominations, Rom? I'm going to have to run a poll here for the main categories....

[romster]

Yes they are Zilla. I'm trying to get in as many nominees in any category before Oscar night as I can. Although Oscar night is the day after I move so I may not have cable. Not to mention my home PC may be on the verge of death but that's another matter.

Any thoughts on Million Dollar Baby? Does it deserve ranking as one of the best films of the year?

Keeping in mind how easily entertained I am, I have to say I liked Million Dollar Baby a lot. From a critical aspect though, I found some flaws throughout the movie. Besides Swank's performance, I didn't find any of the others all that spectacular and definitely not worthy of Oscar nods. While Clint and especially Morgan Freeman are great actors, their parts didn't call for too tough an acting job. Swank was terrific and deserved her nod. Interestingly I saw her speeches at the Golden Globes and SAG awards and in both she said Clint gave the best performance of his career and I have to disagree. I also didn't think Clint and Freeman had much chemistry together but that may have been a result of the nature of Clint's character.

While the story was interesting, I thought it was overdone in parts. Without going into too much detail, Swank's mother (and whole family) in the movie was overdone to the point of being caricatures and maybe that was Clint's intent. I thought a more subtle version of the family would have been more powerful. Also, in one of the fights Clint wanted you to know how sinister Swank's opponent was and overused music to hammer the point home. The scene would have worked well with no music at all.

Despite the critical flaws I found in it, I did like the story. I just thought it could have been done more subtly and less dramatic.

As far as a best picture nod.....hhmmmm....good question. I don't think it comes close to holding up against The Aviator. I haven't seen Ray or Finding Neverland. I could go either way on Sideways. For me, the strength of Sideways was the script. And in that respect I think Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind should have received a nod if Sideways did. Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey were both far better than any of the performances in Sideways.

My money is on The Aviator for Best Picture.

[romster]

To clarify something...

Clint Eastwood's part *was* a bit challenging but Clint played Clint like he always does. Freeman's part wasn't all that challenging in my opinion but he did a good job with it (as ususal).

[Markzilla]

EXCELLENT post, Rom! I'm a going to have to check it out and I can understand what you're saying about Freeman and Clint. I'm tellin ya, I really find the fact that Clint gets nominated for acting suspect. Meh!

[romster]

Of course there's a whole other aspect of the movie I can't get into because it would be too much of a spoiler but it was interesting and thought provoking.

The heart of the movie is about one woman's determination, focus, and strength against very tough odds and for that alone I really dug the movie.

[Markzilla]

I've heard there's a twist but for once I don't want a spoiler on what it may be, Rom. 8-) I'll try to take in all the Best Pic noms in the next couple o weeks. Iff'n I can ever get a day off, yeesh.

[Lions West Coast]

February 11
Entertaining & Dating

"Subtitled movies may be great to take an intelligent date to see, but they're a drag at a party. Never show a film that requires the inebriated to read meaningful dialog. Instead, opt for a quality film featuring things that explode."

[jaadam4]

Saw Hitch yesterday. Not to bad. Worth the price of admission.

[iversonballhogg]

Hey guys, I was wondering if somebody could give offer me some advice on what I should do as I got a speeding ticket driving 77 MPH in 50 MPH zone, I already sent plead not guilty via mail by sending the ticket back. What should I do ? I'm willing to pay any fine but don't want to lose any points (in ny state it says 6 points for driving 27 MPH over zone). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[SeattleLionsFan]

Well, were you driving 77 in a 50 MPH zone?? If so, my advice is to nut up and be a man. You did the crime, now it's time to do the time.

If not, why were you ticketed for going so fast? Judges will often knock down the points if you show up humble...

[jaadam4]

I got a 91 in a 55 in Denver last month. I ended up getting away with a $100 fine and 4 points after i went to court and pleaded with the DA..

Sidenote I had to pimp my GF for the night but it was worth it.

[froot loops]

I rented Underworld, it was pretty good even with some severe flaws. Note to any filmakers who are making dark fantasy films. They can be dark, brooding pictures but it is nice to add some scenes with sunlight. Watching a film for two hours struggling to see every scene because the overriding color in every scene is purple takes away from the movie.

I liked it better than the other Kate Beckinsale vampire vehicle(Van Helsing), but it just reminds me of how much I missed having new Buffy or Angel episodes.

[Markzilla]

I thought both Underworld and Van Helsing were alright. I don't have very high expectations for this kind of flick and Kate Beckinsdale is a BABE.

[froot loops]

The one thing about Underworld is their plot was about the most confusing I've ever seen for a popcorn flick.