Your thoughts on Reindeer Games and Supervova
07-31-00, 05:00 AM
#2
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I saw Reindeer Games on a plane trip back from Europe. Funny thing is, when I was in Paris I saw posters of this movie all over the place. While I had some interest in seeing it (Who doesn't like Charlize Theron? 
), I found it to be nothing special. I'd maybe watch it again, but it wasn't great or anything. Say 5 or 6 out of 10.
Haven't seen Supernova
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I can't believe I ate the whole thing
), I found it to be nothing special. I'd maybe watch it again, but it wasn't great or anything. Say 5 or 6 out of 10. Haven't seen Supernova
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I can't believe I ate the whole thing
07-31-00, 03:22 PM
#3
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Reindeer Games wasn't very good. Actually it was pretty bad.
I haven't seen Supernova but it got pretty bad reviews. It had lots of production problems and the director even asked that his name not be attached to the film.
I haven't seen Supernova but it got pretty bad reviews. It had lots of production problems and the director even asked that his name not be attached to the film.
07-31-00, 04:12 PM
#4
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Another "Alan Smithee" special? 
I saw the Supernova trailer twice in the theater, and let me tell you, it was all over the map. The trailer suggested the film was equal parts sci-fi, teen comedy, suspense thriller, and supernatural horror. The trailer was just a sloppy mess, and apparently all of America thought so as well, because it came and left the theaters faster than Leonard Part 6.
- David Stein
------------------
"You face... The Tick!"
"No, I face a zebra. You face The Tick!"
I saw the Supernova trailer twice in the theater, and let me tell you, it was all over the map. The trailer suggested the film was equal parts sci-fi, teen comedy, suspense thriller, and supernatural horror. The trailer was just a sloppy mess, and apparently all of America thought so as well, because it came and left the theaters faster than Leonard Part 6.
- David Stein
------------------
"You face... The Tick!"
"No, I face a zebra. You face The Tick!"
07-31-00, 07:17 PM
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It all depends on who you feel like seeing naked. Charlize Theron or James Spader?
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And Now For Something Completely Similar
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And Now For Something Completely Similar
07-31-00, 09:59 PM
#6
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If you do a serch in the "At The Movies" forum, you should find at least 2 different threads about "Reindeer Games". (I'd post links, but I don't know how.) I believe one thread was mostly people saying how bad it was. Then another thread was started in response, saying that it was a good movie. In the end, I think the "bads" outnumbered the "goods". (In one of those threads, you will find my opinion about the film and a brief summary of director John Frankenheimer's work.)
In brief, I saw this movie only because I'm a fan of John Frankenheimer....and, in the end, that's about the only reason to see it. The script by Ehren "If I add a bunch of twists, including a very big one at the ending, no one will notice how truly awful this story is" Kreuger is alughable, at best. Gary Sinise (who took the role because he wanted to work with Frankenheimer again) is totally wasted. The rest of the actors are so bland that they barely register. Through it all, Frankenheimer is able to keep things moving at a brisk pace (but not so brisk that you don't question the plot holes and incredibly stupid actions of every character) and throws in a few decent action scenes. He brings this movie up a notch....from awful to just plain bad.
jim
In brief, I saw this movie only because I'm a fan of John Frankenheimer....and, in the end, that's about the only reason to see it. The script by Ehren "If I add a bunch of twists, including a very big one at the ending, no one will notice how truly awful this story is" Kreuger is alughable, at best. Gary Sinise (who took the role because he wanted to work with Frankenheimer again) is totally wasted. The rest of the actors are so bland that they barely register. Through it all, Frankenheimer is able to keep things moving at a brisk pace (but not so brisk that you don't question the plot holes and incredibly stupid actions of every character) and throws in a few decent action scenes. He brings this movie up a notch....from awful to just plain bad.
jim
08-01-00, 01:34 AM
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by brilon:
I see these 2 titles are coming up and I need your opinion on them.Any input would be helpful.Thank you<HR>
The first thing, please do not listen to people on this board about "Reindeer Games"! I pretty much loved the movie, but don't even listen to me. You should go to www.dvdreview.com and read their review on the movie and DVD, and form your own opinion based on that. But I guess I'll toss in a bit of my own 2 cents: The movie was really great- complete with many twists and turns, Affleck was really good in the role, and the DVD is looking to be a great one with commentary, a featurette and many more things.
[This message has been edited by IIG (edited July 31, 2000).]
08-02-00, 07:07 AM
#9
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I often buy movies that I haven't even seen. I will NOT buy Supernova. Though I haven't seen it, I must say it must be terrible. Walter Hill going under an alias isn't a good sign.
As for Reindeer Games, if "The Long Kiss Goodnight" was your bag (as it was mine) you will like this movie. Reindeer Games has the same uneven tone that Long Kiss carried. I thought Reindeer Games is a really good flik. Nothing to be taken seriously; definatly a fun movie to see. I have it on order and hope that DVD treats it well.
Extremly fun scenes like "The Boom Boom Safe" (or something like that) is what really makes the movie cool.
------------------
This Weeks Quote:
Sworn in by a fool and vouched for by a scoundrel. I'm a lawyer at last. --Rudy Baylor
So, this is what's inside that damn suitcase
As for Reindeer Games, if "The Long Kiss Goodnight" was your bag (as it was mine) you will like this movie. Reindeer Games has the same uneven tone that Long Kiss carried. I thought Reindeer Games is a really good flik. Nothing to be taken seriously; definatly a fun movie to see. I have it on order and hope that DVD treats it well.
Extremly fun scenes like "The Boom Boom Safe" (or something like that) is what really makes the movie cool.
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This Weeks Quote:
Sworn in by a fool and vouched for by a scoundrel. I'm a lawyer at last. --Rudy Baylor
So, this is what's inside that damn suitcase
08-03-00, 05:55 PM
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08-03-00, 11:25 PM
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It was the "Pow Wow Safe", troystiffler. And let me predict now, that this movie will become a hit on DVD after people see how cool it is. It will have a second life like the original Austin Powers or Ronin. There is a lot of "mediocre" talk here, but just wait until this disc hits the masses. It has enough twists and turns to bring in some big bucks...
08-04-00, 03:57 AM
#14
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quote:<HR>You should go to www.dvdreview.com and read their review on the movie and DVD, and form your own opinion based on that.<HR>
No. You should form your own opinion based on watching the movie yourself, not by reading a review.
08-04-00, 04:42 AM
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Groucho, that is what I meant. All I meant was read their review, and see if this movie sounds like something that this person might want to see. Not to trust the review. I didn't even think about renting it, because I don't do that, so it never crossed my mind. I value my opinion more than DVD Review's any way!
08-04-00, 05:28 AM
#16
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quote:<HR>Originally posted by IIG:
It was the "Pow Wow Safe", troystiffler. <HR>
Yea, that's it. Great scene. After I posted, a friend and I got in a conversation trying to remember what they called that.
I hope the movie becomes big after it's video release. It deserves some recognition for how cool it is.
------------------
This Weeks Quote:
I've decided what to do with my life. I wanna be a cleaner. --Matilda
So, this is what's inside that damn suitcase
08-04-00, 08:53 AM
#17
DVD Talk Legend
Guess I'm the only person who has seen Supernova - it was a bad sci-fi movie with ample potential. There were some cool parts, but overall it was less than amazing. Alot of cheesey chiche things but nothing untolerable. If you like cheesey sci-fi, then get it on the cheap.
Reindeer Games wasn't anything that hasn't been done before - seasoned action fans won't find anything new or exciting. It didn't have quite the suspense it was reaching for... the acting was stiff and the situation was silly. It was like Con Air meets Die Hard meets Last Seduction on the cheap. Theron isn't that great in this... I don't know what it is that makes someone like or purchase a crappy movie just because some chick is in it when there are better movies out with the same chick in which she shows more skin. I can't remember if she shows her boobies or not in this. If you liked Fair Game, then you're pushing it here... Reindeer Games isn't as exciting, but it is on par.
Reindeer Games wasn't anything that hasn't been done before - seasoned action fans won't find anything new or exciting. It didn't have quite the suspense it was reaching for... the acting was stiff and the situation was silly. It was like Con Air meets Die Hard meets Last Seduction on the cheap. Theron isn't that great in this... I don't know what it is that makes someone like or purchase a crappy movie just because some chick is in it when there are better movies out with the same chick in which she shows more skin. I can't remember if she shows her boobies or not in this. If you liked Fair Game, then you're pushing it here... Reindeer Games isn't as exciting, but it is on par.
08-06-00, 01:42 AM
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In my sci-fi horror skewed opinion, SUPERNOVA was at least interesting enough on the big screen to keep me there for the entire confusing experience. It's a re-edited, mish mash of deep space cliches shot in a schizophrenic style. Like slowing down to witness a nasty car crash, you just can't quite pull yourself away.
As for "Reindeer Games." Here's what I thought at the time of release, if interested.
THE HO-HO-HORROR
“Reindeer Games” opens with a dead Santa sprawled face down in the snow, blood spreading across the once brilliant expanse of Christmas white. Some sort of horrible sleighing accident, perhaps? Some spoiled brat’s revenge for a crappy present? Or a contract killing by the Toys R Us conglomerate? Nope. Turns out, Santa got whacked trying to take down an Indian casino on Christmas Eve. Turns out, that ain’t even the real Santa. Get used to the disappointment, because “Reindeer Games” is like your last present from Grandma - an elaborate and unnecessarily complex package with an ugly green sweater inside.
The plot prides itself on the multitude of twists and turns, most of which a) you could’ve seen coming even if you’d spent the whole movie in a bathroom stall or b) are as far-fetched and ridiculously unexplainable as Ashley Judd’s film career. Get this...Ben Affleck is an ex-con (a casting decision both ridiculous and far-fetched, so they slap a couple of fake tatoos on him for good measure) named Rudy who takes on the identity of his dead cell-mate, Nick, upon his release. Nick had a prison pen pal, Ashley (Charlize Theron), and makes Rudy swear to meet her on the outside. Rudy’s good intentions end up costing him when Ashley’s brother, Gabriel (Gary Sinise), arrives with some buddies and a sloppy scheme to rob the local casino. Turns out Nick was an ex-casino employee, and Gabriel planned on using him to get to the money. This forces Rudy to BS for his life. Either come clean about his true identity and die, or go along for the ride.
“Reindeer Games” is confused. Not confuse-ing...just confused. Every element of the film is at odds with itself. Writer Ehren Kruger (“Scream 3”) wants intricate sinister story threads but delivers glib detachment. Director John Frankenheimer (“Ronin”, “French Connection 2”) wants emotional character interaction and thrilling suspense...which cancel each other out. Then there’s Affleck - struggling to act like he could survive a convict-minute behind bars, and delivering lines with a whiny comedic edge. None of them fail completely on their own, but put it all together and it’s one big tag-team disaster.
The script stumbles onto a fun concept, but always seems to take the least successful route. Affleck dressed in a cartoon cowboy disguise to stake out the casino should be funny, but it’s not. Gary Sinise should be threatening with his scraggly hair and wild eyes, but he’s not. All the running and shooting and yelling and shooting should be exciting, but...well, you see where I’m going. This should be Frankenheimer’s thing - revving up the tension and propelling it to a fiery conclusion - but “Ronin” must have used up all the retro-energy he had left. He gives “Reindeer Games” nothing but a shiny gloss and forced insightful conversations between characters with no insights.
You know you’re in trouble when the highlight of your film is Dennis Farina as the casino manager. He moves through the film like a 3-D man in a 2-D world. Charlize Theron is sexy and convincing as the mysterious femme fatale, but she’s a screenwriter’s plaything. Loyalties change on a whim and the oh-so clever plot twists become nonsense upon even a casual inspection. The film is at the mercy of its wavering sense of identity: retro-noir thriller or self-reflexive indie knock-off. “Reindeer Games” takes the quantitative approach and loads up on a little bit of everything - quirky characters, endless ammunition, and plenty of dead Santas. Oh, the ho-ho-horror.
Grade: C-
As for "Reindeer Games." Here's what I thought at the time of release, if interested.
THE HO-HO-HORROR
“Reindeer Games” opens with a dead Santa sprawled face down in the snow, blood spreading across the once brilliant expanse of Christmas white. Some sort of horrible sleighing accident, perhaps? Some spoiled brat’s revenge for a crappy present? Or a contract killing by the Toys R Us conglomerate? Nope. Turns out, Santa got whacked trying to take down an Indian casino on Christmas Eve. Turns out, that ain’t even the real Santa. Get used to the disappointment, because “Reindeer Games” is like your last present from Grandma - an elaborate and unnecessarily complex package with an ugly green sweater inside.
The plot prides itself on the multitude of twists and turns, most of which a) you could’ve seen coming even if you’d spent the whole movie in a bathroom stall or b) are as far-fetched and ridiculously unexplainable as Ashley Judd’s film career. Get this...Ben Affleck is an ex-con (a casting decision both ridiculous and far-fetched, so they slap a couple of fake tatoos on him for good measure) named Rudy who takes on the identity of his dead cell-mate, Nick, upon his release. Nick had a prison pen pal, Ashley (Charlize Theron), and makes Rudy swear to meet her on the outside. Rudy’s good intentions end up costing him when Ashley’s brother, Gabriel (Gary Sinise), arrives with some buddies and a sloppy scheme to rob the local casino. Turns out Nick was an ex-casino employee, and Gabriel planned on using him to get to the money. This forces Rudy to BS for his life. Either come clean about his true identity and die, or go along for the ride.
“Reindeer Games” is confused. Not confuse-ing...just confused. Every element of the film is at odds with itself. Writer Ehren Kruger (“Scream 3”) wants intricate sinister story threads but delivers glib detachment. Director John Frankenheimer (“Ronin”, “French Connection 2”) wants emotional character interaction and thrilling suspense...which cancel each other out. Then there’s Affleck - struggling to act like he could survive a convict-minute behind bars, and delivering lines with a whiny comedic edge. None of them fail completely on their own, but put it all together and it’s one big tag-team disaster.
The script stumbles onto a fun concept, but always seems to take the least successful route. Affleck dressed in a cartoon cowboy disguise to stake out the casino should be funny, but it’s not. Gary Sinise should be threatening with his scraggly hair and wild eyes, but he’s not. All the running and shooting and yelling and shooting should be exciting, but...well, you see where I’m going. This should be Frankenheimer’s thing - revving up the tension and propelling it to a fiery conclusion - but “Ronin” must have used up all the retro-energy he had left. He gives “Reindeer Games” nothing but a shiny gloss and forced insightful conversations between characters with no insights.
You know you’re in trouble when the highlight of your film is Dennis Farina as the casino manager. He moves through the film like a 3-D man in a 2-D world. Charlize Theron is sexy and convincing as the mysterious femme fatale, but she’s a screenwriter’s plaything. Loyalties change on a whim and the oh-so clever plot twists become nonsense upon even a casual inspection. The film is at the mercy of its wavering sense of identity: retro-noir thriller or self-reflexive indie knock-off. “Reindeer Games” takes the quantitative approach and loads up on a little bit of everything - quirky characters, endless ammunition, and plenty of dead Santas. Oh, the ho-ho-horror.
Grade: C-
08-06-00, 01:45 AM
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In my sci-fi horror skewed opinion, SUPERNOVA was at least interesting enough on the big screen to keep me there for the entire confusing experience. It's a re-edited, mish mash of deep space cliches shot in a schizophrenic style. Like slowing down to witness a nasty car crash, you just can't quite pull yourself away.
As for "Reindeer Games." Here's what I thought at the time of release, if interested.
THE HO-HO-HORROR
“Reindeer Games” opens with a dead Santa sprawled face down in the snow, blood spreading across the once brilliant expanse of Christmas white. Some sort of horrible sleighing accident, perhaps? Some spoiled brat’s revenge for a crappy present? Or a contract killing by the Toys R Us conglomerate? Nope. Turns out, Santa got whacked trying to take down an Indian casino on Christmas Eve. Turns out, that ain’t even the real Santa. Get used to the disappointment, because “Reindeer Games” is like your last present from Grandma - an elaborate and unnecessarily complex package with an ugly green sweater inside.
The plot prides itself on the multitude of twists and turns, most of which a) you could’ve seen coming even if you’d spent the whole movie in a bathroom stall or b) are as far-fetched and ridiculously unexplainable as Ashley Judd’s film career. Get this...Ben Affleck is an ex-con (a casting decision both ridiculous and far-fetched, so they slap a couple of fake tatoos on him for good measure) named Rudy who takes on the identity of his dead cell-mate, Nick, upon his release. Nick had a prison pen pal, Ashley (Charlize Theron), and makes Rudy swear to meet her on the outside. Rudy’s good intentions end up costing him when Ashley’s brother, Gabriel (Gary Sinise), arrives with some buddies and a sloppy scheme to rob the local casino. Turns out Nick was an ex-casino employee, and Gabriel planned on using him to get to the money. This forces Rudy to BS for his life. Either come clean about his true identity and die, or go along for the ride.
“Reindeer Games” is confused. Not confuse-ing...just confused. Every element of the film is at odds with itself. Writer Ehren Kruger (“Scream 3”) wants intricate sinister story threads but delivers glib detachment. Director John Frankenheimer (“Ronin”, “French Connection 2”) wants emotional character interaction and thrilling suspense...which cancel each other out. Then there’s Affleck - struggling to act like he could survive a convict-minute behind bars, and delivering lines with a whiny comedic edge. None of them fail completely on their own, but put it all together and it’s one big tag-team disaster.
The script stumbles onto a fun concept, but always seems to take the least successful route. Affleck dressed in a cartoon cowboy disguise to stake out the casino should be funny, but it’s not. Gary Sinise should be threatening with his scraggly hair and wild eyes, but he’s not. All the running and shooting and yelling and shooting should be exciting, but...well, you see where I’m going. This should be Frankenheimer’s thing - revving up the tension and propelling it to a fiery conclusion - but “Ronin” must have used up all the retro-energy he had left. He gives “Reindeer Games” nothing but a shiny gloss and forced insightful conversations between characters with no insights.
You know you’re in trouble when the highlight of your film is Dennis Farina as the casino manager. He moves through the film like a 3-D man in a 2-D world. Charlize Theron is sexy and convincing as the mysterious femme fatale, but she’s a screenwriter’s plaything. Loyalties change on a whim and the oh-so clever plot twists become nonsense upon even a casual inspection. The film is at the mercy of its wavering sense of identity: retro-noir thriller or self-reflexive indie knock-off. “Reindeer Games” takes the quantitative approach and loads up on a little bit of everything - quirky characters, endless ammunition, and plenty of dead Santas. Oh, the ho-ho-horror.
Grade: C-
As for "Reindeer Games." Here's what I thought at the time of release, if interested.
THE HO-HO-HORROR
“Reindeer Games” opens with a dead Santa sprawled face down in the snow, blood spreading across the once brilliant expanse of Christmas white. Some sort of horrible sleighing accident, perhaps? Some spoiled brat’s revenge for a crappy present? Or a contract killing by the Toys R Us conglomerate? Nope. Turns out, Santa got whacked trying to take down an Indian casino on Christmas Eve. Turns out, that ain’t even the real Santa. Get used to the disappointment, because “Reindeer Games” is like your last present from Grandma - an elaborate and unnecessarily complex package with an ugly green sweater inside.
The plot prides itself on the multitude of twists and turns, most of which a) you could’ve seen coming even if you’d spent the whole movie in a bathroom stall or b) are as far-fetched and ridiculously unexplainable as Ashley Judd’s film career. Get this...Ben Affleck is an ex-con (a casting decision both ridiculous and far-fetched, so they slap a couple of fake tatoos on him for good measure) named Rudy who takes on the identity of his dead cell-mate, Nick, upon his release. Nick had a prison pen pal, Ashley (Charlize Theron), and makes Rudy swear to meet her on the outside. Rudy’s good intentions end up costing him when Ashley’s brother, Gabriel (Gary Sinise), arrives with some buddies and a sloppy scheme to rob the local casino. Turns out Nick was an ex-casino employee, and Gabriel planned on using him to get to the money. This forces Rudy to BS for his life. Either come clean about his true identity and die, or go along for the ride.
“Reindeer Games” is confused. Not confuse-ing...just confused. Every element of the film is at odds with itself. Writer Ehren Kruger (“Scream 3”) wants intricate sinister story threads but delivers glib detachment. Director John Frankenheimer (“Ronin”, “French Connection 2”) wants emotional character interaction and thrilling suspense...which cancel each other out. Then there’s Affleck - struggling to act like he could survive a convict-minute behind bars, and delivering lines with a whiny comedic edge. None of them fail completely on their own, but put it all together and it’s one big tag-team disaster.
The script stumbles onto a fun concept, but always seems to take the least successful route. Affleck dressed in a cartoon cowboy disguise to stake out the casino should be funny, but it’s not. Gary Sinise should be threatening with his scraggly hair and wild eyes, but he’s not. All the running and shooting and yelling and shooting should be exciting, but...well, you see where I’m going. This should be Frankenheimer’s thing - revving up the tension and propelling it to a fiery conclusion - but “Ronin” must have used up all the retro-energy he had left. He gives “Reindeer Games” nothing but a shiny gloss and forced insightful conversations between characters with no insights.
You know you’re in trouble when the highlight of your film is Dennis Farina as the casino manager. He moves through the film like a 3-D man in a 2-D world. Charlize Theron is sexy and convincing as the mysterious femme fatale, but she’s a screenwriter’s plaything. Loyalties change on a whim and the oh-so clever plot twists become nonsense upon even a casual inspection. The film is at the mercy of its wavering sense of identity: retro-noir thriller or self-reflexive indie knock-off. “Reindeer Games” takes the quantitative approach and loads up on a little bit of everything - quirky characters, endless ammunition, and plenty of dead Santas. Oh, the ho-ho-horror.
Grade: C-
