JeffTheAlpaca

I would avoid the Beguiled remake. it was boring.

Goonies85

Love Streams - Just another excellent Cassavetes movie (that I probably should've watched a long time ago, when I originally got it from Amazon). Probably my second favorite after The Killing of a Chinese Bookie. Basically, it's about two messed up people. Cassavetes doesn't bother to explain much of anything or spell things out for the viewer; you only learn stuff gradually, and that actually makes the movie very compelling, and makes the lengthy runtime actually go by pretty fast. Cassavetes does such great character work, as he really starts off as a incredibly unlikeable narcissist. And it's really hard to tell what his relationship is to everyone (especially all of the women in his life). And Gena Rowlands? Wow. I much, much prefer her in this to (the slightly overrated, in my estimation) A Woman Under the Influence. She's just terrific playing a psychologically troubled person who is seemingly trying to get better but just can't help overcome her issues. And Seymour Cassel has kind of a quieter role, but he really shines. Like, his ability to emote through total silence is extremely impressive. Whenever the camera pans to him he doesn't have to say anything and the viewer totally gets what he's thinking. And the way he plays off of Rowlands is terrific. You can tell that their on-camera rapport is genuine, as they've basically been acting together for almost 30 years by the time this movie was made. And the ending is very touching, and it's almost like Cassavetes was saying goodbye to everyone on camera (I think this was his last movie). Really glad I watched this one, and it would've fit right in with that Criterion Cassavetes boxset that was released a long time ago, but I assume they couldn't get the rights to this. I must say, I did find it curious at the beginning when the Cannon Films logo hit the screen. Doesn't really seem like the type of movie they would be involved with, so it'll be interesting if they explain that away in the commentary. Anyway, if you loved the other Cassavetes films and are on the fence about this one, don't be. It's phenomenal.

Goonies85

Point taken. Maybe if it's ever on TV I'll tune in, but I rewatched the trailer a couple hours ago and it really didn't do anything for me.

Goonies85

While I'm not a fan of this film at all, if you enjoyed it you should really listen to the commentary on the Blu-Ray. It's very informative and entertaining and it really explains the issues they had in shaping this film. It's also interesting cause they recorded it shortly after it opened, and they are very candid about how it performed (or didn't really perform) at the box office. Usually filmmakers just aren't as open as the two guys on this track are, so it's really interesting. Like I said, I don't even like the film, but I really, really liked the commentary track...

Goonies85

The Fifth Element - I remember first seeing this the weekend it came out at the drive-in movie theatre (I can't remember what it was paired with). I think I kinda enjoyed it when I was young, but I know as I got older an rewatched it a couple times I was less and less impressed. Visually? Sure, it's pretty good, obviously with that Moebius/Heavy Metal-inspiration, which was pretty neat. And it gives all sorts of nods to Star Wars, Blade Runner, Alien, etc., but it really starts to feel too derivative fairly quickly. Also thought Luke Perry (RIP), even though he's not in it very long, gave a pretty bad performance (given the script really didn't give him much to work with). I also found Chris Tucker incredibly annoying (even though I believe a bunch of that was intentional, I just don't think he was supposed to be this annoying). Must say, though, Bruce Willis hung in there and was still good, as was Ian Holm (RIP). And Milla Jovovich was good, I must say. I still say her best ever performance remains the one she gave in Dazed and Confused, even though that was a pretty small part. Too bad she continues to basically just waste her talent on her husband's movies (mostly the Resident Evil series of movies). I think she could've been a really great actress but oh well. All in all, didn't care for the storyline, felt the movie was too much of a mish-mash of parts ripped off from other, better movies, and just felt the structure of the movie wasn't very good. And I'm pretty sure Gary Oldman only did this as a very to Besson, because of the part he was given in Leon: The Professional; I don't think there's any other way Oldman would've agree to such a stupidly written part with such an awful costume. Poor movie.

TheMovieman

Force of Nature (2020) — Passable suspense-thriller ruined by an unsatisfying, and predictable, ending, not to mention all the smiles in the final scene given what transpired before. Even so, some of the fights were okay and it's a basic story but for the most part I was entertained.

I think this is Gibson's first foray into DTV territory and at least shows some charm (disclaimer here for separating art from artist cliche) playing grisly ex-cop. Will be interesting to see if he shows the same commitment in his next DTV flick. Also, I suspect this role was originally offered to Bruce Willis but seeing he would have to get wet, passed...

Oh, as for Kate Bosworth, she's working her way through playing the daughter of washed-up actors. First was Life on the Line with John Travolta, then Heist with Robert De Niro and now with Gibson.

**¾/*****

Edit: Correction, Bosworth played Travolta's niece in Life on the Line.

Goonies85

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace - Now I've watched a lot of sh***y movies in my time, but this one is right up there on the all-time list. I know it was kind of a passion project for Christopher Reeve, but the whole concept was just poorly thought out, and the movie really suffered because of it. The whole idea of Superman getting rid of all nuclear weapons is a noble quest, sure, but it really isn't that dramatic, and just comes off as preachy. Like, why not just make a movie where Superman gets rid of all fossil fuels and things that cause global warming? That doesn't make a great movie. And I know most of the cast was just there as a favour to Reeve, so I understand their presence, but boy did they get shafted. Margot Kidder especially. I generally love her as an actress, but she's awful in this (mainly due to the script). Just the lines she has to read; they're terrible. Hackman actually delivers and does his best, but it's such a dumb, dumb role and doesn't hold a candle to the first two movies in the series. And there's so many ridiculous plot things...


I thought part of me might like it cause maybe it would be so bad it's good, but it's just bad. It's definitely not a guilty pleasure. It just sucks. Although I do want to listen to the commentary down the road, to find out exactly what the hell was going on behind the scenes during the whole debacle.

Watching Downhill Racer for the second time (last watched it the year the Blu-Ray came out, so its been awhile)...

Goonies85

Downhill Racer - A solid although not very compelling movie. I enjoy this moreso for the direction, camerawork, and acting between Redford and Hackman. Redford's kind of a blank in this one, which is intentional, whereas Hackman is the more emotional character. Neither of them do their best work, but that's mostly cause the script doesn't really provide them with any showy moments. Redford's conflict is pretty much all internal, and Hackman's character seems to be trying to find a psychological angle into Redford's character in order to make him a better skier. The direction on the other hand is superb. I'd probably get dizzy watching some of those skiing scenes in a theatre. When they mount the camera and it's first-person, it's just harrowing. The ending is pretty cliche, as is the romance that Redford's character experiences. This movie is like a 6/10. Better than average, for sure, but not by any means a classic. Probably also helped that Redford is a skiing fanatic and was probably really pushing for this movie to happen (I think at one point Polanski was also trying to get involved in the picture, as he's also a die-hard skier and thought getting to film a "ski movie" would almost be like a vacation)...

On to the next one...

JeffTheAlpaca

Not a big fan of movies set in the desert but I got through it.

That was a messed up ending

Goonies85

The Player - Another long time favorite. The only issue I find is that when I'm debating which of this or Short Cuts is the best Altman movie of the '90s, I usually pick whichever one I watched last. I just recently rewatched Short Cuts and immediately felt that that was definitely the best Altman '90s movie. Then I pop this one in and I second-guess myself and now I feel this one is. Anyway, they're both great movies. The opening for The Player is obviously superior, given the intricate set-up required for that extremely long and winding take, which brilliantly introduced most of the main cast. And the score at the beginning of the picture is just sublime (it also plays midway through the closing credits). And sure, it's fun spotting all the cameos, but that's more of an added bonus, as the storyline itself is pretty strong and very, very interesting. Love the way it tackles numerous Hollywood cliches. Should also add that I'd previously checked out the bonus features and they are all worthwhile. The commentary is really good, the Cannes press conference is great, and the deleted scenes and outtakes are fun to watch. A great Altman movie; one amongst many.

TheMovieman

Shooter (2007) — All around solid action-thriller with Mark Wahlberg in his element. Luis Guzman served as a fun sidekick and Kate Mara is a stunner. Shame this didn't do better at the box office, would've liked to have a sequel instead of that USA Network TV show... ***¾/*****

JANK

Dark Star (1974)

TheMovieman

Doomsday (2008) — Basically a mash-up of 28 Days Later, Mad Max, generic medieval film and Michael Bay rolled into one (not to mention The Warriors and Escape from New York). A bit all over the place but I generally enjoyed the insanity of it all and liked Rhona Mitra as the lead, too bad her career really didn't take off, though I suppose opportunities for action roles for women was limited. ***½/*****

Goonies85

While I was a bit disappointed in this (mainly cause I thought it was a big step down after Marshall's excellent The Descent) but I loved the use of the song by Frankie Goes Hollywood (or whatever that band is called) that was used in a key sequence in the movie...That kicked ass...

Goonies85

Ghostbusters II - Still love this sequel and don't get the hate it sometimes gets. If the original is like a 5/5 movie, then I'd say this is at least a 4/5, or even a 4.5/5...The music is great. The storyline is pretty strong. And I do appreciate how the horror elements were emphasized a little bit more in this sequel. I originally saw it when I was quite young (we're talking like Kindergarten or Grade One) and parts of it scared the hell outta me. Vigo was terrifying. Peter MacNicol's character was freaky (especially in ghost form in the scene outside Dana's apartment). And the underground sequences with the slime and the train. As a kid, those scared the hell out of me. And as such, they've proven to be incredibly memorable. A really, really great movie, in my mind.

JeffTheAlpaca

A Rashida Jones produced doc on Netflix

I am shocked that most girls that enter porn don't have long careers

Facial abuse something I never heard of before but some sick fucks like and you get paid more for that shit.

JeffTheAlpaca

This sucked

If Forrest Whittacker was not in it I would have passed

TheMovieman

That was a great sequence, reminded me of Mad Max: Fury Road.

And the song is "Two Tribes".

asianxcore

Frances Ha (2012)

As a Director, Noam Baumbach has always been hit-or-miss with me.

This film I absolutely love and that is mostly due to Greta Gerwig's performance, which is both energetic and relatable.

asianxcore

Boyka: Undisputed (2016)

As expected, the plot is linear but that isn't the reason why I love this series so much.

Fight choreography is fantastic yet again as is Scott Adkins role as Boyka.

Cellar Door

LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition) - it's been a few years since I last revisited this, still love it. Such great attention to detail--not just in the visuals, but in the little character moments, too.

JANK

Knowing the twist even made it no less enjoyable.

Goonies85

Mission: Impossible - I still enjoy this De Palma movie, albeit with certain reservations. The opening is superb, and extremely well directed. And the opening credit sequence with the iconic music is great. And Cruise (who is sometimes hit-or-miss for me) is really great in the role. He owns it. Henry Czerny is also a standout; really like the scene with him and Cruise in the restaurant. And while the movie has action sequences, it's much more cerebral compared to the later movies in the series. And I like how De Palma kind of spaces out the set pieces, building each of them up. Like when Cruise gives that speech about breaking into CIA Headquarters. That was very well written and really built up the suspense before that bravura scene unfolded (one of the '90s best scenes, in my mind). Also loved Jean Reno and Ving Rhames in their respective roles (especially Reno). Vanessa Redgrave made a nice little appearance, too. My one major issue has to do with the ending...


Anyway, as long as you're not looking for the most realistic of movies, and you can appreciate De Palma's methods (which I generally do), then it's certainly enjoyable. Do I like it more than the rest of the series? Probably, if only because the series kind of morphed into pure action movies and I don't really think that's what the series is necessarily about. I still actually really enjoy the fourth, fifth, and sixth movies (haven't seen the third), but I just don't really view them as "Mission: Impossible" movies. I view them as good action movies. That said, I HATE the second one. John Woo really dropped the ball on that one. It was awful, and if I had a nickel for every time Woo used slow-motion and Cruise whipped his head around and his stupid long hair slowly swayed in the wind...And the doves? Don't get me started.

I'd say Mission: Impossible is mid-tier De Palma. Oh, yeah, and the N64 Mission: Impossible game sucked. FYI.

TheMovieman

Jaws 2 (1978) — Adequate but still entertaining sequel has some okay practical effects with the shark though still really silly given what happened in the last one nobody in charge would listen to Brody. Nothing overly special and doubt I'd revisit this anytime soon, but an okay sequel. ***¼/*****

asianxcore

Taste of Cherry (1997)

Absolutely love this film and the work of Abbas Kiarostami.

I've appreciated this film during each subsequent viewing, as I've gotten to view more of Kiarostami's work as well as other Iranian Directors.

I remember first seeing this film back in college, via the campus library, which only had the Non-Anamorphic DVD release Criterion had put out in 1999.