Movies - General Discussion

[romster]

I saw Slumdog Millionaire and thought it was really good. Unfortunately I had high expectations due to the rave reviews and Oscar win so I was a little let down. It wasn't as good as my expectations. Too bad I didn't see it before the awards season.

[jaadam4]

I'm trying to keep my expectation down on it right now on Slum. Living outside the US and civilization in general it makes it easy.

[Markzilla]

I loved Slumdog, Rom! Posted something on it in another thread... don't remember which one. Damb.

I'm with you on Synecdoche, New York. I was looking forward to it because I'm a big Charlie Kaufman fan. However, I'll have to amend that to Charlie Kaufman (writer) as opposed to Charlie Kaufman (director). While the performances were excellent, the entire flick felt disconnected, almost as though Kaufman couldn't make up his mind what he wanted to do with it. There were some bizarre, one off moments such as the purchase of the burning house that felt very "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," where Carrey and Winslow and a burning car drops to the ground out of nowhere. There were ideas within Synecdoche that I liked, but they quickly fizzled out or weren't really developed. The entire film seemed to lack cohesion in respect to tone for me, I just didn't really enjoy it and at 3 hours, I didn't even finish it. If anything, it felt self-indulgent. I know Ebert thinks it was a work of genius and perhaps it was, but for me it was just a turgid mess for which I couldn't work up much interest.

[spdrcr557]

I loved Slumdog, Rom! Posted something on it in another thread... don't remember which one. Damb.

I'm with you on Synecdoche, New York. I was looking forward to it because I'm a big Charlie Kaufman fan. However, I'll have to amend that to Charlie Kaufman (writer) as opposed to Charlie Kaufman (director). While the performances were excellent, the entire flick felt disconnected, almost as though Kaufman couldn't make up his mind what he wanted to do with it. There were some bizarre, one off moments such as the purchase of the burning house that felt very "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," where Carrey and Winslow and a burning car drops to the ground out of nowhere. There were ideas within Synecdoche that I liked, but they quickly fizzled out or weren't really developed. The entire film seemed to lack cohesion in respect to tone for me, I just didn't really enjoy it and at 3 hours, I didn't even finish it. If anything, it felt self-indulgent. I know Ebert thinks it was a work of genius and perhaps it was, but for me it was just a turgid mess for which I couldn't work up much interest.

Holy Shit, i about had a heart attack when I saw you were the last person to post on a bunch of movies threads. How the hell have you been? I tell you the movie section on this forum has been pretty slow since you have left. I can't tell you how much I/we have missed playing your Screencap tournaments, again glad to see you back.

[Markzilla]

To quote Ahnold. I'll be back!

I may try to run the screencaps game again, although I've got a lot on the go lately. I WILL be in more often though, promise.

[SeattleLionsFan]

Glad to hear it markzilla.

Roms gonna flip

[romster]

It is good to see him.

[Markzilla]

Hmmmm... I could put my bare bum on the scanner and link to the image. Would that do it for anyone? Nyuck nyuck nyuck!

K, that was just silly...

It's good to see everyone here as well, ya know!

[jaadam4]

Those screencap games were fun. I think i won them all. I rule.

Glad to see you zilla.

[Markzilla]

When I have more time, I'll try to run the screenshot game again. I'm just kinda buried right now. Bummer!

[YT]

Glad to see you back Zilla!

The wife recorded SICKO and we watched it the other night. Let me say that I'm not a Michael Moore fan but this movie does make some excellent points regarding the health care in America vs the rest of the civilized world.

I highly recommend it but please watch it with an open mind.

[Markzilla]

Good ta see ya, YT!

Moore flicks can be problematic, he's definitely got a penchant for creative editing. I wouldn't call them documentaries, but in respect to this particular topic, he does provide a service in focusing attention on the need to overhaul the medical system in the U.S.

[Markzilla]

I watched The Wrestler last night and was suitably impressed. It very much has a cinema verite feel to it, as though the camera is a voyeur. Lots of shots of Mickey shot from behind as though following him around. Impressive performances all around and given that it's a Darren Aronofsky flick, it's relatively bleak but intellectually stimulating.

[romster]

Movies I've seen recently:

Doubt - it was very good as Markzilla previously indicated. Philly Seymour Hoffman is such an excellent actor. Streep was of course good but I was distracted by her inconsistency with a NY accent. Very unstreeplike.

Frozen River - an independent flick for which the lead actress, Melissa Leo, received an Oscar nomination. I liked this movie. It was interesting and seemed real.

Australia - i watched this because jaadam liked it so much. It was definitely better than I expected but I wouldn't rate it above 3 out of 5 stars.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - i loved it. Very interesting, held my attention the whole (lengthy) time.

The Secret Life of Bees - the movie did a good job staying true to the book although i pictured August as much older than Queen Latifah. As I watched Lily's father, I thought it looked like Paul Bettany but couldn't be sure until I looked it up (although his height gave him away). He's such a good and underrated actor.

[jaadam4]

Movies I've seen recently:

Doubt - it was very good as Markzilla previously indicated. Philly Seymour Hoffman is such an excellent actor. Streep was of course good but I was distracted by her inconsistency with a NY accent. Very unstreeplike.

Australia - i watched this because jaadam liked it so much. It was definitely better than I expected but I wouldn't rate it above 3 out of 5 stars.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - i loved it. Very interesting, held my attention the whole (lengthy) time.

Doubt

HAHAHAHA.. I noticed that too and it was driving me crazy.

Australia

Very well

Benjamin Button

I loved it too. It was such a great story and shot almost perfect.