"Master and Commander"..should have stayed on the far side of the world!!!
#1
Inane Thread Master, 2018 TOTY
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Are any of us really anywhere?
Posts: 49,295
Received 888 Likes
on
751 Posts
"Master and Commander"..should have stayed on the far side of the world!!!
What is all the hype with this movie? (possible spoilers)
I just saw it and it was simply not a good movie. The pacing was way off and slow. The acting was just ok and was relegated to discerning looks and bewildered guiles by Crowe. The Dr., Bettany probaby had a more significant role but his character was not nearly fleshed out as it should have been so you could hardly feel for him when he couldn't get to collect and discover on the Galapagos.
As for the "intense battle sequences" I thought they were merly so so and way too short and the last being very anti-climatic after they had discovered the weakness. The young soldiers played a more active role in commanding than Aubrey and thus I felt more, especially when the other one perished. The scenes never engaged as they should have and I thought were better done on "Pirates of the Carribbean".
I really wanted to like this movie and was going to buy it after reading the discussions. I rented it so thankfully and am really disappointed. Did I miss something? I mean I like to think I know movies and pretty much read this. It was a simple story of cat and mouse, but the viewer is never enthralled by the chase and once they do catch up...pfft!
Anyway, if I missed something, someone please bring it to my attention, but all in all what a big disappoint.
I just saw it and it was simply not a good movie. The pacing was way off and slow. The acting was just ok and was relegated to discerning looks and bewildered guiles by Crowe. The Dr., Bettany probaby had a more significant role but his character was not nearly fleshed out as it should have been so you could hardly feel for him when he couldn't get to collect and discover on the Galapagos.
As for the "intense battle sequences" I thought they were merly so so and way too short and the last being very anti-climatic after they had discovered the weakness. The young soldiers played a more active role in commanding than Aubrey and thus I felt more, especially when the other one perished. The scenes never engaged as they should have and I thought were better done on "Pirates of the Carribbean".
I really wanted to like this movie and was going to buy it after reading the discussions. I rented it so thankfully and am really disappointed. Did I miss something? I mean I like to think I know movies and pretty much read this. It was a simple story of cat and mouse, but the viewer is never enthralled by the chase and once they do catch up...pfft!
Anyway, if I missed something, someone please bring it to my attention, but all in all what a big disappoint.
#3
Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Auburn, AL
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Amen! I couldn't agree more. I don't know why critics and the Academy found this film so great. I usually agree with them and I like Russell Crowe and historical movies. Me and my friend left the theater and were both shocked at how bored we were. I almost fell asleep.
#4
Banned
Re: "Master and Commander"..should have stayed on the far side of the world!!!
Originally posted by scott1598
I just saw it and it was simply not a good movie.
I just saw it and it was simply not a good movie.
It's a Peter Weir movie. You seem to have been expecting a slightly more historical Pirates of the Caribbean.
#6
Inane Thread Master, 2018 TOTY
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Are any of us really anywhere?
Posts: 49,295
Received 888 Likes
on
751 Posts
Originally posted by Inverse
Well, it's not for all tastes. Do you like serious historical and/or military movies in general? (And no, Pirates of the Carribean does not count.)
Well, it's not for all tastes. Do you like serious historical and/or military movies in general? (And no, Pirates of the Carribean does not count.)
This movie just did not work on many cylinders. I very much like Russel Crowe as an actor too, I think he is one of the best around and was thoroughly captivated by "The Insider" which i felt was his best..but this was just sub-par and weak. Peter Weir as well I have liked, especially "The Truman Show" so I was expecting much much more.
I think the hype has created a tinted eye for this movie. But just my opinion.
Last edited by OldBoy; 04-20-04 at 05:13 PM.
#7
DVD Talk Legend
The marketing department deliberatley scammed everybody into thinking this was Gladiator on water and used the many positive critical blurbs to enforce the idea before it got released.
After it was out, many people felt the same way you did because what they got was not what they were lead to expect. If one were to look at it knowing it was going to be high dialogue and story with low action, they might have been warmer to it. Problem is, most of the modern audience doesn't have the patience to wait for action nowadays.
After it was out, many people felt the same way you did because what they got was not what they were lead to expect. If one were to look at it knowing it was going to be high dialogue and story with low action, they might have been warmer to it. Problem is, most of the modern audience doesn't have the patience to wait for action nowadays.
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: You have moved into a dark place. It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
Posts: 4,533
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by scott1598
Yes, very much actually! I am a History teacher and relic in them. "Glory", "All Quite on the Western Front", most realistic war movies, "Hidalgo" was even better, etc...
This movie just did not work on many cylinders.
Yes, very much actually! I am a History teacher and relic in them. "Glory", "All Quite on the Western Front", most realistic war movies, "Hidalgo" was even better, etc...
This movie just did not work on many cylinders.
The word isn't relic, it's "relish" and the phrase is "did not fire on all cylinders" (although your mixed metaphor is fairly amusing and works, too).
I bought this as a blind buy and found it to be much better than I thought it would be. Great pacing and story. I'm glad it wasn't just a big dumb action movie (although the battle scenes were thrilling, in my estimation).
#10
Inane Thread Master, 2018 TOTY
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Are any of us really anywhere?
Posts: 49,295
Received 888 Likes
on
751 Posts
i leave my brain in school and therefore i do not check my grammar or spelling because i don't care. i get my point across and that is what matters..."didn't work on many cylinders" was exactly the phrase i was going for. but thanks for noticing.
#11
DVD Talk Legend
Originally posted by scott1598
i leave my brain in school and therefore i do not check my grammar or spelling because i don't care.
i leave my brain in school and therefore i do not check my grammar or spelling because i don't care.
I never understand the point of these "I didn't like this movie, tell me why I should" threads. You didn't like "Master and Commander." Fine. No movie, no matter how good it is, is going to be liked by everyone.
#12
Inane Thread Master, 2018 TOTY
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Are any of us really anywhere?
Posts: 49,295
Received 888 Likes
on
751 Posts
Originally posted by Mr. Salty
I never understand the point of these "I didn't like this movie, tell me why I should" threads. You didn't like "Master and Commander." Fine. No movie, no matter how good it is, is going to be liked by everyone.
I never understand the point of these "I didn't like this movie, tell me why I should" threads. You didn't like "Master and Commander." Fine. No movie, no matter how good it is, is going to be liked by everyone.
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Philly, PA
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why do people have to resort to pointing out grammar/spelling mistakes to try and make themselves seem smarter than someone else who's opinion they don't like? It's a message board, not a term paper.
On that note, I liked Master & Commander and just bought the extra expensive 2 disc set. But, I know it's not for everyone and if someone didn't like it, great.
On that note, I liked Master & Commander and just bought the extra expensive 2 disc set. But, I know it's not for everyone and if someone didn't like it, great.
#16
DVD Talk Legend
Originally posted by scott1598
I never understand the point of these posts that get frustrated at these threads that simply post an opinion and ask for others opinions. If it bothers you..STAY OUT!
I never understand the point of these posts that get frustrated at these threads that simply post an opinion and ask for others opinions. If it bothers you..STAY OUT!
#17
Inane Thread Master, 2018 TOTY
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Are any of us really anywhere?
Posts: 49,295
Received 888 Likes
on
751 Posts
Originally posted by Dr. DVD
Dang dude, I would hate to take one of your essay tests as I know there would be no way of it being graded objectively. Would you even consider using Master and Commander as a way to kill some class time towards the end of the year? Some teachers say if it puts the students to sleep, the it's worth it!
Dang dude, I would hate to take one of your essay tests as I know there would be no way of it being graded objectively. Would you even consider using Master and Commander as a way to kill some class time towards the end of the year? Some teachers say if it puts the students to sleep, the it's worth it!
#18
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: "Sitting on a beach, earning 20%"
Posts: 6,154
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
The fact that a history teacher doesn't like this film says more about the state of public education than it does about the state of popular entertainment.
This film is very well done and creates a fully immersive historical environment, acurate in nearly every detail of production design and costume. It's depiction of the daily routines of a fighting ship in the 19th century is fun and interesting. You guys who don't care for the cat and mouse between the ships are mostly right. The cat and mouse pursuit isn't what this film is about. It's about the the regimentation and routine of shipboard life, it's about the conflict between the captain and his doctor, and it's about a conflict between the promise of progresive scientific thought in the face of empire building and conquest.
It also has some of the singularly finnest cinematography I've ever seen.
This film is very well done and creates a fully immersive historical environment, acurate in nearly every detail of production design and costume. It's depiction of the daily routines of a fighting ship in the 19th century is fun and interesting. You guys who don't care for the cat and mouse between the ships are mostly right. The cat and mouse pursuit isn't what this film is about. It's about the the regimentation and routine of shipboard life, it's about the conflict between the captain and his doctor, and it's about a conflict between the promise of progresive scientific thought in the face of empire building and conquest.
It also has some of the singularly finnest cinematography I've ever seen.
#20
DVD Talk Legend
Originally posted by scott1598
You obviously know nothing about teaching!
You obviously know nothing about teaching!
FYI: my High School World Civ teacher let me show Raiders of the Lost Ark on the last two days of school after we were through with our final. We had our class during the lunch period, so it couldn't be tampered with in anyway. We did our final the first day and had two to kill. Go figure.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: FBA
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You know, I mostly lurk, although lately I have been doing a lot of posting in sports. Thats why my post level is low, but I have been here a while.
With that out of the way. I blind purchased M and C tonight, the 2 disc pack. And before I opened it, I am here to check it out.
This is the single worst review thread I ever had the pleasure of reading on this forum. The guy is or is not a teacher, whatever. He didn't like the movie. He gave his reasons, and I appreciate them. I also appreciate the rebuttals from people with some sense.
Why are we insulting someone who is earning an honest living doing something I wouldn't be caught dead doing over a movie?
With that out of the way. I blind purchased M and C tonight, the 2 disc pack. And before I opened it, I am here to check it out.
This is the single worst review thread I ever had the pleasure of reading on this forum. The guy is or is not a teacher, whatever. He didn't like the movie. He gave his reasons, and I appreciate them. I also appreciate the rebuttals from people with some sense.
Why are we insulting someone who is earning an honest living doing something I wouldn't be caught dead doing over a movie?
#23
Inane Thread Master, 2018 TOTY
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Are any of us really anywhere?
Posts: 49,295
Received 888 Likes
on
751 Posts
pants and dvd you are so warped! no where in any of my posts did i remark on the historical accuracy or level of detail of this movie..to make such a gross mis-statement like "the state of public education" is so poorly conceived that you should be ashamed to even make such an accusation. it is people like you that degrades our society simply becuase of the narrow mindedness you possess.
i was simply commenting that i did not like this movie..i stated instances of character development, lack of action, anti-climax, and other..please quote me as to where i said anything regarding this movie being adapted to be historically inaccurate or quote me where i said that i didn't like this movie because i felt this movie was historically inaccurate...you can't because i didn't.
i was simply a movie viewer, commenting on a movie..not a history teacher commenting on a historical period or event! check yourself my friend because you have just been made to (if i may be historically in-accurate again) walk the plank!!!
closing due to the stupidity of Dr. DVD and Pants!...well i don't know how to do that, but maybe a mod will do it!
i was simply commenting that i did not like this movie..i stated instances of character development, lack of action, anti-climax, and other..please quote me as to where i said anything regarding this movie being adapted to be historically inaccurate or quote me where i said that i didn't like this movie because i felt this movie was historically inaccurate...you can't because i didn't.
i was simply a movie viewer, commenting on a movie..not a history teacher commenting on a historical period or event! check yourself my friend because you have just been made to (if i may be historically in-accurate again) walk the plank!!!
closing due to the stupidity of Dr. DVD and Pants!...well i don't know how to do that, but maybe a mod will do it!
Last edited by OldBoy; 04-20-04 at 07:30 PM.
#24
DVD Talk Legend
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Land of the Lobstrosities
Posts: 10,300
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
I agree with scott1598 on both counts. First the movie wasn't very good. Second, I agree it was historically accurate, but I don't care if I wasn't entertained.
Personally, I think that's the high brow version of "but it had awsome special effects", and we all know that alone doesn't make a good movie. Well, maybe not all of us know that.
Personally, I think that's the high brow version of "but it had awsome special effects", and we all know that alone doesn't make a good movie. Well, maybe not all of us know that.
#25
Banned by request
Well, it seems like it's hard to tell you why you should like it, when the reasons most of us like it you didn't like. You didn't like the dialogue? I loved the dialogue. You didn't like the action, but I thought the battle sequences were well done and probably historically accurate.
The film isn't really about the cat and mouse. The film is about this crew, their trial by fire, how they become a family through their shared experiences, and still remain a naval unit.
It's a movie about people, in history. It's not about action. Action is the backdrop. It's the premise. It's the lever that lets us see how these people interact.
But you didn't like it. How are we meant to convince you otherwise? This is obviously a subjective issue.
One thing I thought was funny, you found The Insider to be a good movie, I found it to be dull and repetitive. I felt it was a lot of Crowe going, "Should I do this? Should I do this? I guess I'll do it. Okay, I did it, did I make the right choice? Gosh, I don't know if it was the right choice, gee..." over and over.
The film isn't really about the cat and mouse. The film is about this crew, their trial by fire, how they become a family through their shared experiences, and still remain a naval unit.
It's a movie about people, in history. It's not about action. Action is the backdrop. It's the premise. It's the lever that lets us see how these people interact.
But you didn't like it. How are we meant to convince you otherwise? This is obviously a subjective issue.
One thing I thought was funny, you found The Insider to be a good movie, I found it to be dull and repetitive. I felt it was a lot of Crowe going, "Should I do this? Should I do this? I guess I'll do it. Okay, I did it, did I make the right choice? Gosh, I don't know if it was the right choice, gee..." over and over.