What movies are you watching?

[Wahoo]

I just watched Year One, and the wife and I nearly turned it off. Glad we didn't waste our dough in the theater for that.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Watched a chilling movie the other night, "Johnny Got His Gun." The story was written by Dalton Trumbo, back in the thirties and the movie was released in 1971. It stars a very young Timothy Bottoms as a young, starry-eyed patriot who joins the Army and quickly gets wounded. Horribly. Loses both arms, both legs and his face. Unable to communicate at first, his doctors don't believe he is aware of anything because of brain injuries, but he is still aware of what has happened to him. I read the book years ago and while terrified by the situation, was spellbound. The movie did the book justice. It was very hard to watch, but was really extraordinary. It really sticks with you....

[Hobbes]

Watched a chilling movie the other night, "Johnny Got His Gun." The story was written by Dalton Trumbo, back in the thirties and the movie was released in 1971. It stars a very young Timothy Bottoms as a young, starry-eyed patriot who joins the Army and quickly gets wounded. Horribly. Loses both arms, both legs and his face. Unable to communicate at first, his doctors don't believe he is aware of anything because of brain injuries, but he is still aware of what has happened to him. I read the book years ago and while terrified by the situation, was spellbound. The movie did the book justice. It was very hard to watch, but was really extraordinary. It really sticks with you....
The song "One" by Metallica (and its video) was based on that movie.

[wordslayer©]

The song "One" by Metallica (and its video) was based on that movie.

There is never a pop culture comment that you don't know. Whether it be a movie, comic, or song reference, you are a machine.

[The Rap]

Johnny Got His Gun is one of the earliest and greatest anti-war novels ever written. Written by Dalton Trumbo who was blacklisted during the McCarthy years of craziness bordering on fascism. The whole point of the novel is that the country is willing to send a boy off to fight a war that many believed had no real purpose but when he came back physically destroyed to the point of hopelessness the country refused to just let him go and die, which is what he wanted. This is due to the pseudo-Puritanism that is part of the American psyche.

[Chris_Moderato]

The song "One" by Metallica (and its video) was based on that movie.

It says, "S...O...S...Help!"

[Chris_Moderato]

There is never a pop culture comment that you don't know. Whether it be a movie, comic, or song reference, you are a machine.

That's because Hobbes watches Futurama, which is only really worth watching if you have a vast and useless knowledge of the trivial.

[FrankEC]

Just got back from watching Avatar, 2D version. It was a little long and the story was predictable, but the visuals were nothing short of amazing. At times, I completely forgot that I was essentially watching a computer animated film.

[The Rap]

Just watched The Mutant Chronicles with Thopmas Jane and Ron Perlman. What a mish mosh. Avoid it if you can on DVD.

[bravos4evr]

Saw Avatar in 3d yesterday.... It is ,IMO, the finest technical achievement in the histiry of cinema. The story is actually good as well! I think ( though there are flaws in the film) it's still amazing visually and emotionally. I give it a big thumbs up!
Oh and btw, the 3d is not gimmicky at all, it's done in a manner that immerses you in the environment, it doesn't just have a bunch of stuff flying towards the screen and such. Go see it, take yer kids older than 6! It could be their star wars

[FrankEC]

Saw Avatar in 3d yesterday.... It is ,IMO, the finest technical achievement in the histiry of cinema. The story is actually good as well! I think ( though there are flaws in the film) it's still amazing visually and emotionally. I give it a big thumbs up!
Oh and btw, the 3d is not gimmicky at all, it's done in a manner that immerses you in the environment, it doesn't just have a bunch of stuff flying towards the screen and such. Go see it, take yer kids older than 6! It could be their star wars

Yeah, I really really wish I lived closer to an IMAX theater. I would have loved to watch it in 3D.

I thought the part of the story that was "Corporations and the military are evil and only care about money and blowing things up" was entirely predictable and tired to some extent. The parts with Jake interacting with the Na'vi, the love story, and the training scenes were fabulous.

My 12 year old son immediately called it the greatest movie he's ever seen.

[bravos4evr]

Yeah, I really really wish I lived closer to an IMAX theater. I would have loved to watch it in 3D.

I thought the part of the story that was "Corporations and the military are evil and only care about money and blowing things up" was entirely predictable and tired to some extent. The parts with Jake interacting with the Na'vi, the love story, and the training scenes were fabulous.

My 12 year old son immediately called it the greatest movie he's ever seen.

I didn't see it in Imax, the local theater had it in 3d so i didn't have to drive 40 miles to see it at the only nearby Imax. ( but now after seeing on a normal sized screen I kinda want to go to Imax next and see it again!)

[Hobbes]

Yeah, I really really wish I lived closer to an IMAX theater. I would have loved to watch it in 3D.
I saw it today in IMAX 3D. It was truly a stunning technological achievement. From seeing the trailer on TV I thought I'd be bothered by the CGI characters, but that wasn't the case at all in the theater. Once you get into the film it is entirely believable

I thought the part of the story that was "Corporations and the military are evil and only care about money and blowing things up" was entirely predictable and tired to some extent. The parts with Jake interacting with the Na'vi, the love story, and the training scenes were fabulous.
Agreed entirely. I thought the movie was fantastic, even considering the military cliches, and much better than I expected going in. And even though it's long, it never felt like it was dragging.

I can't speak for the other versions, but the IMAX version was simply amazing. This is definitely a movie you want to see in the theater.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I scored several seasons of Family Guy and a copy of Inglourious Basterds for Christmas. Watching several FGs tonight and will be re-watching the Basterds soon. It's a riot! One of Brad Pitt's more entertaining efforts in years!

[The Rap]

Yea I saw Bastards on the weekend when I was in LA for my daughter's wedding. Pitt was incredible and the film was excellent. Funny as hell.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Talked to a friend and it looks like we'll be watching The Hangover on New Year's Eve. Sounds pretty funny. Who knows where the night will lead but it's always fun to crank it up with some good laughs!

[Agent-X-]

I saw it today in IMAX 3D. It was truly a stunning technological achievement. From seeing the trailer on TV I thought I'd be bothered by the CGI characters, but that wasn't the case at all in the theater. Once you get into the film it is entirely believable


Agreed entirely. I thought the movie was fantastic, even considering the military cliches, and much better than I expected going in. And even though it's long, it never felt like it was dragging.

I can't speak for the other versions, but the IMAX version was simply amazing. This is definitely a movie you want to see in the theater.

Just seeing it in 3D is probably good enough. I don't know if I would have liked the movie nearly as much without the 3D immersion effects. Since it was my first real 3D experience, I could be partial to the movie because I hadn't see anything quite like this before.

Really glad I saw it in 3D. I imagine IMAX will be just that much more immersive. Planning to see it again... in IMAX, though.

Highly recommend people to just go see it... and see it in 3D. Still can't get over how well 3D works in this movie.

[BigWorm]

Went with the fam to see Sherlock Holmes today. All I can say is Guy Ritchie is back baby! No Madonna= Good Movies. Robert Downey Jr. plays a perfect Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law is surprisingly good. Law constantly steals scenes from the star, Downey Jr. I highly suggest seeing this movie.

[CanadaBravesFan]

Going to see Sherlock on Saturday, can't wait! Watched the Trailor Park Boys movie tonight (the first one). I know a few of those guys from when I lived back east. Weird feeling seeing a friend in a movie.

[FrankEC]

Went with the fam to see Sherlock Holmes today. All I can say is Guy Ritchie is back baby! No Madonna= Good Movies. Robert Downey Jr. plays a perfect Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law is surprisingly good. Law constantly steals scenes from the star, Downey Jr. I highly suggest seeing this movie.

Took the wife to see it last night and could not agree more. Really, really fun movie. Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic and the interactions with him and Jude Law are priceless. I also highly recommend this film.

[Hobbes]

Took the wife to see it last night and could not agree more. Really, really fun movie. Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic and the interactions with him and Jude Law are priceless. I also highly recommend this film.
I really enjoyed it as well. It's not terribly faithful to the original character of Sherlock Holmes, but it is a fun reinvention of the character. And I agree that the chemistry between Downey and Law is great.

[Dreamscape]

Avatar in 3d was as good as advertised.

Drag Me to Hell was a fun campy horror.

This is the extent of my movie reviews.

[The Rap]

There are just a few actors that I make apoint of seeing everything they do. Robert Downey is one of them and it is due to his incredible performance as Charley Chaplin in "Chaplin."

[jlcct]

I watched Public Enemies and Inglourious Basterds last night.
I thought Inglourious Basterds was just stupid. The plot was boring and I didn't care about any of the characters. I kind of got the impression they didn't want you to like any of the characters which couldn't possibly be true right? I would watch it again for $20.
Public Enemies was alright but again with the characters. I thought Bale's character had little to attach to and he is likable so I would have liked to see a little more character depth with him. Also the plot could have used a little more depth as well. Some of it was just underdone.

[Lauren T.]

Avatar in 3d was as good as advertised.
Agreed, though I thought it was a bit long.

[Dreamscape]

Agreed, though I thought it was a bit long.
Yeah, and I saw a late showing and the strain on your eyes eventually gets to you. That long with those glasses on at least got to me.

[JanShan12]

Took my niece and nephew on New Year's day to see Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. LOL I refuse to type a review on it. :)

[Wahoo]

I really enjoyed it as well. It's not terribly faithful to the original character of Sherlock Holmes, but it is a fun reinvention of the character. And I agree that the chemistry between Downey and Law is great.

Agreed.

[The Rap]

I am trying to decide whether to go out and see three films; Avatar, Invictus and Sherlock Holmes, or if I should just be patient until they come to the DVD world. Each would cost me a total of 30 dollars considering transportation, the film, and concessions. And it is a struggle for me outside when it is windy and bitterly cold.

[wordslayer©]

I am trying to decide whether to go out and see three films; Avatar, Invictus and Sherlock Holmes, or if I should just be patient until they come to the DVD world. Each would cost me a total of 30 dollars considering transportation, the film, and concessions. And it is a struggle for me outside when it is windy and bitterly cold.

30 dollars EACH???? That's almost as high as those braves M and M's you were upset about. But Hollywood is above reproach, I think?

[The Rap]

Please. What Hollywood? Try Manhattan my friend. I may see one of them anyway because I have to see someone and one of the best theaters in the city is right next door.

[The Rap]

Watched an awesome film last night. It was called "God on Trial." It is a film where they put together many anecdotal stories of things that actually happened in various concentration camps where Jewish prisoners were facing death and held mock trials with God as the defendant. Basically all sides to the issue were discussed and done with class and respect both for the actors opposing each other as well as for the mass audience so they shouldn't be offended. I recommend it to all no matter what you believe or how much or if you don't believe in anything as well.

[Hobbes]

I am trying to decide whether to go out and see three films; Avatar, Invictus and Sherlock Holmes, or if I should just be patient until they come to the DVD world. Each would cost me a total of 30 dollars considering transportation, the film, and concessions. And it is a struggle for me outside when it is windy and bitterly cold.
Sherlock Holmes could wait until DVD, as could Invictus I am sure.

But you should really try to see Avatar in the theater, preferably in 3D. Being in NYC you could see it in IMAX 3D which is amazing.

[Lauren T.]

I am trying to decide whether to go out and see three films; Avatar, Invictus and Sherlock Holmes, or if I should just be patient until they come to the DVD world. Each would cost me a total of 30 dollars considering transportation, the film, and concessions. And it is a struggle for me outside when it is windy and bitterly cold.

Sherlock Holmes could wait until DVD, as could Invictus I am sure.

But you should really try to see Avatar in the theater, preferably in 3D. Being in NYC you could see it in IMAX 3D which is amazing.
Agreed on Avatar. The plot isn't strong enough to wait till DVD, in my opinion, but the 3D experience was awesome. It would definitely be worth the money and braving the cold, Rap.

[FrankEC]

I am trying to decide whether to go out and see three films; Avatar, Invictus and Sherlock Holmes, or if I should just be patient until they come to the DVD world. Each would cost me a total of 30 dollars considering transportation, the film, and concessions. And it is a struggle for me outside when it is windy and bitterly cold.

Totally agree with Hobbes and Lauren. If you get the chance, see Avatar in the theater. Avatar is all about the visual and it is something that simply can't translate to DVD with the same affect as the big screen.

[The Rap]

Yea I already made the decision to see it in IMAX in the theater I mentioned.

[Dreamscape]

Finally watched Paranormal Activity. Slow start, but if you let it build, it's actually a pretty freaky movie, or at least my girlfriend and I thought so. It's pretty amazing what you can do with such a small crew to get a fright out of someone. I rather enjoyed it.

[bravos4evr]

Man.... I watched that Monday night Dream and I was really disappointed. However, IF, they hadn't put the scariest parts in the trailer, it might have been a much more enjoyable movie. Now, there were creepy moments, but overall, I felt like I had seen the best parts already...

btw, saw The Goods, Monday as well.... It's friggin funnier than Stepbrothers! Is it a good movie? Hell no, is it funny? Yess, yes it is.

[Dreamscape]

I really didn't watch any trailers for it that I remember. I remember the ones that focused on the audience watching the movie, but not the ones that used the movie footage. Out of the three endings, I do think the one that made the final cut was the best one.

[The Rap]

Watched Watchmen last night. 2nd time I have seen it and found it more boring than the 1st time which is saying something.

[Chris_Moderato]

I quite enjoyed Watchmen, but I imagine that is because I wasn't expecting much from it.

[Dreamscape]

I quite enjoyed Watchmen, but I imagine that is because I wasn't expecting much from it.
Likewise. I heard from many that it wasn't going to be that good. When I watched it, I found it rather entertaining. And after reading the book, it's great how they were able to bring the comic to life with little changes.

[Hobbes]

Watched Watchmen last night. 2nd time I have seen it and found it more boring than the 1st time which is saying something.
So you didn't enjoy it the first time, and decided to go back for a second helping? :confused:

[wordslayer©]

So you didn't enjoy it the first time, and decided to go back for a second helping? :confused:

explains why we are braves fans

[The Rap]

I am always willing to give a film a 2nd chance and probably a 3rd as well.

[Dreamscape]

Just watched Carriers with Chris Pine (Star Trek) and Piper Perabo. It's an post-apocalyptic film of four young people headed to a beach in hopes of escaping a pandamic. The virus is highly contagious and there is no cure. It's almost depressing watching this group make tough decision after tough decision.

[The Rap]

Watched a foreign film last night which was an English one so no reading requred. It was called The Last Line in the Sand and I didn't recognize a single actor in the film. It was really terrific and I recommend it to all.

[bravos4evr]

Went a little documentary crazy last nite. Watched Night Quite Hollywood, about the Australian exploitation films of the 70's and 80's ( it was great fun and gave me a good list of some very crazy looking movies to search out!) then I watched It Might Get Loud, which was Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White discussing the electric guitar( it was a lot of fun, sometimes a little unfocused but still great). Finally, I watched Who Killed Nancy? , about the murder of Nancy Spungen by allegedly her BF Sid Vicious, I had always assumed that he did it, but there is a good bit of evidence to show that he may have been passed out the entire time and some heroin dealer may have killed her.

All good stuff, I recommend them all!

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Watching Gamer as type...

[bravos4evr]

Watched Daybreakers. Interesting angle on the vampire mythos and it's not corny and romanticized like say Twilight.... Great performances but the ending is pretty meh.
I would say rent it, but don't see it in the theater

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I've tried Watchmen a coupla times myself, and haven't made it much past Jackie Earle Haley's short time in the pen. I'll probably try it once more when I can watch it from start to finish, and see if I actually can!

[The Rap]

Watched "All The Pretty Horses" which was fantastic and "Europa Europa" which was different and terrific as well.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I started watching some wild flick awhile ago when I saw a horse in a wedding gown riding on the back of another horse! All too quickly I realized it was actually Julia Roberts in "The Runaway Bride." As soon as I saw Richard Gere, I was gone....I think this was made post-gerbil-ectomy, wasn't it?
I flipped over just in time to catch "Training Day" again. This was a helluva movie! (I think they could've done better than Ethan Hawke, but he was somewhat convincing as a gullible chump.)

[Andy G.]

I like Training Day too, but I've always thought that Hawk did a really good job in that movie. He's a good actor.

[bravos4evr]

Yeah you said gerbilectomy..... errything you have posted previously means nothing...................

[luvdembravos]

I watched The Hurt Locker last night. It was a very good and realistic movie/documentary depicting what our military has experienced in Iraq. The movie had me on edge from start to finish as I was thinking the soldiers were going to get blown up at any time. But that feeling was from the comfort of my living room...it's hard to imagine that so many had to actually live like that every day for a whole year...and then repeat the experience with multiple tours.

Good flick ... and many thanks to Rap and Dreamscape for the recommendation.

[The Rap]

Fred, your gerbil remrk abut Gere was a bit offensive and I just want you to know it is based on an untrue story which was viciously put out to smear Richard.

[Dreamscape]

I watched The Hurt Locker last night. It was a very good and realistic movie/documentary depicting what our military has experienced in Iraq. The movie had me on edge from start to finish as I was thinking the soldiers were going to get blown up at any time. But that feeling was from the comfort of my living room...it's hard to imagine that so many had to actually live like that every day for a whole year...and then repeat the experience with multiple tours.

Good flick ... and many thanks to Rap and Dreamscape for the recommendation.
I'm going to be so disappointed if films like Avatar get Best Picture nominations when Hurt Locker was so awesome.

[Chris_Moderato]

I watched The Hurt Locker last night. It was a very good and realistic movie/documentary depicting what our military has experienced in Iraq. The movie had me on edge from start to finish as I was thinking the soldiers were going to get blown up at any time. But that feeling was from the comfort of my living room...it's hard to imagine that so many had to actually live like that every day for a whole year...and then repeat the experience with multiple tours.

Good flick ... and many thanks to Rap and Dreamscape for the recommendation.

Did you watch any of Generation Kill?

[luvdembravos]

Did you watch any of Generation Kill?

No...we didn't get HBO and Showtime until last Fall.

[Chris_Moderato]

No...we didn't get HBO and Showtime until last Fall.

I watched it a couple of months ago "On Demand". I really enjoyed it. If you get a chance, check it out.

...I need to watch Hurt Locker, though.

[The Rap]

Generation Kill was terrific and covered the soldier's life in a more broad manner. Hurt Locker was much more focused and more nerve racking to watch. I don't agree about Avatar and Hurt Locker becausae as great as the latter is the former is also a film that may have a permanent imprint on the genre on the whole.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

1. Gerbil-ectomy has been used here before.
2. Michael, pal, please learn to laugh with us instead of wanting everything to be based in hate. I figured everyone would get the joke. (The only thing I thought Gere was any good in was An Officer and a Gentleman, and I thought David Keith stole most of their shared scenes.)
3. I saw Generation Kill and found it unfocused, boring and simply a vehicle to keep actors from previous HBO programs working. It may be an accurate representation of what goes on over there but I hope they took lots of liberties with the characterizations. Instead of leaving me wanting more, I just wanted it to end. It went nowhere. It ranks right down there with John From Cincinnati.

[bravos4evr]

Holy cow it has?!!! That's even funnier!

[Lauren T.]

I'm currently watching a Lifetime movie. I know, shoot me now. But it's about the relatively small high school that had a spike of teen pregnancies in 08 -- something like 17 or 18 girls were pregnant at the same time. It's actually pretty good so far -- higher quality than the Lifetime movies of old.

[JanShan12]

I watched Transformers 2 last night and loved it. Typically I hate movies like that, but the action was great!

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I'm currently watching a Lifetime movie. I know, shoot me now. But it's about the relatively small high school that had a spike of teen pregnancies in 08 -- something like 17 or 18 girls were pregnant at the same time. It's actually pretty good so far -- higher quality than the Lifetime movies of old.


Giggity-giggity :D

[Chris_Moderato]

3. I saw Generation Kill and found it unfocused, boring and simply a vehicle to keep actors from previous HBO programs working. It may be an accurate representation of what goes on over there but I hope they took lots of liberties with the characterizations. Instead of leaving me wanting more, I just wanted it to end. It went nowhere. It ranks right down there with John From Cincinnati.

I disagree. I found the characters compelling, sympathetic, and believable, and the situations/actions intense. I couldn't wait to move from episode to episode. I watched five in one day, actually. An excellent and layered interpretation.

I do agree about John from Cincy, though. Yawn...

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I think all the Alpha male posing and macho stuff put me off it, Chris. It seemed that if an event came up and they saw some action, it was over PDQ and usually without any resolution. I had a very hard time trying to follow the characters because I didn't see that much that differentiated one from the other. Deadwood started out like that but the storylines were much more detailed and the characters were really developed quickly. It was one of my favorite HBO shows. To each his own, eh?

[The Rap]

Generation Kill was good but nothing compared to Band of Brothers. Fred I think it is well known around these parts that you and I are close friends. So this proved the point I made elsewhere abouyt the internet. How was I supposed to know what you said about Gere was humor? What you said is one of the most vicious lies spread about Richard historically so when someone brings it up it isn't a joke in any way.

Also, the onlky movie Gere made that was good was "Officer and a ?" Have you ever watched The Jackal with Sidney Poitier, or the film he made with a young Ed Norton about the murder of a Catholic priest? Or Pretty Woman or Chicago, or Red Dawn? There are more and I am not saying he is up there with the very top but he is fine actor with a good resume.

[Dreamscape]

The problem really doesn't seem to be the internet, Rap. Everyone else sees the attempt at a joke. I mean, granted, it wasn't really funny, but the effort was obviously there. Also, it is not a vicious lie. It's too ridiculous to be vicious. I mean, come on, going to the hospital to get a gerbil removed as part of some sexual practice that really, makes not one iota of sense? I mean, there is messed up and then there is straight up ridiculous.

[The Rap]

But if it never happened and was just an attempt to portray Gere as gay what would you call that? It's not a big deal anyway so let's not argue about it.

[wordslayer©]

But if it never happened and was just an attempt to portray Gere as gay what would you call that? It's not a big deal anyway so let's not argue about it.

I've gotta tell ya this. When it comes to the injustices and the wrongs in society, you are the first person to stand up and call people out on these things, and I admire that about you.

Back when I was a child, around 1966 or so, I wrote something that I am going to share with you. As a big fan of President Kennedy, I wrote something about him and sent it to him. Kennedy never responded and I guess my words were lost, but here is what I wrote, because the words I wrote so many years ago remind me of you today:

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance"

[Chris_Moderato]

I've gotta tell ya this. When it comes to the injustices and the wrongs in society, you are the first person to stand up and call people out on these things, and I admire that about you.

Back when I was a child, around 1966 or so, I wrote something that I am going to share with you. As a big fan of President Kennedy, I wrote something about him and sent it to him. Kennedy never responded and I guess my words were lost, but here is what I wrote, because the words I wrote so many years ago remind me of you today:

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance"




Now that's f***ing comedy, baby!

[The Rap]

My dear friend, are you as insane as the way you portray yourself? lol

[Lauren T.]

That question could be asked of a lot of people here. :D

[bravos4evr]

Insanity: defined as anyone who either disagrees with Rap or confuses him

[The Rap]

Been watching a lot of foreign films lately. I recommend anyone to rent The State Within a BBC produced mini-series that was very good. I also watched Twilight last night and wonder if it is age or intelligence that made me think why was I watching.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I did see The Jackal. It was a great effort from Bruce Willis. They should've run Liam Neeson in the role Gere took. Watching Willis blow up Jack Black was great! I actually own a copy of this an may put it on tonight. I remember Red Dawn, but I don't recall Gere in it. I thought it had Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell and several other young stars in it fighting off a red invasion in the nations breadbasket.
I watched an interesting bit of fantasy today called The Dust Factory. I was unfamiliar with it but it was a good family-type film.

[Hobbes]

I remember Red Dawn, but I don't recall Gere in it.
That's because he wasn't in it.

[Chris_Moderato]

That's because he wasn't in it.

D'oh! (http://www.ilovewavs.com/Effects/Music/Sound%20Effect%20-%20Loser.wav)

[Dreamscape]

That's because he wasn't in it.
But C. Thomas Howell was.

WOLVERINES!

[The Rap]

Patrick Swayze was the group leader or the older boy in that film.

[Dreamscape]

And Charlie Sheen was his brother...and Jennifer Grey and Lea Thompson were sisters. Oh, and Lane Smith was the mayor.

...I'm probably too young to love that movie so much.

[bravos4evr]

I did see The Jackal. It was a great effort from Bruce Willis. They should've run Liam Neeson in the role Gere took. Watching Willis blow up Jack Black was great! I actually own a copy of this an may put it on tonight. I remember Red Dawn, but I don't recall Gere in it. I thought it had Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell and several other young stars in it fighting off a red invasion in the nations breadbasket.
I watched an interesting bit of fantasy today called The Dust Factory. I was unfamiliar with it but it was a good family-type film.


Now don't take this is an attack on you Freddy, but that version of the Jackal was an abomination!!! The original film was just a million times better. really well done INTERPOL based police procedural.. Great film back when they still knew now to make them!

[bravos4evr]

And Charlie Sheen was his brother...and Jennifer Grey and Lea Thompson were sisters. Oh, and Lane Smith was the mayor.

...I'm probably too young to love that movie so much.

and the great Harry Dean Stanton played Swayze and Howells dad!

[Hobbes]

And Charlie Sheen was his brother...and Jennifer Grey and Lea Thompson were sisters. Oh, and Lane Smith was the mayor.

...I'm probably too young to love that movie so much.
It was a good thing that movie came out when I was in high school, as I was too young to care about the enormous plot holes in that movie.

And I had a big crush on Lea Thompson back then.

[Dreamscape]

I watched it again yesterday. Strangely, I had seen it at least a half-dozen times, but never the first five minutes. The acting truly is horrible x horrible. Yes, it's horrible squared.

But dammit, Powers Boothe makes it all okay.

[jlcct]

Terminator 2: Judgement Day for the ten millionth time.

[The Rap]

Unreal. The original Jackal was definitely an all-time great. But the remake was one of the few that showed that someitmes it is good when a great one is redone with just enough differences to stand alone.

[Chris_Moderato]

Unreal. The original Jackal was definitely an all-time great. But the remake was one of the few that showed that someitmes it is good when a great one is redone with just enough differences to stand alone.

What's unreal?

[bmitm76]

Has anybody seen Boondock Saints II? Is it worth renting. I loved the first one.

I just finished Flags of our Fathers. Good Movie. The directing could have been better as Eastwood seemed to move quickly with this one. Iwo Jima will forever be a compelling part of history.

[bravos4evr]

Unreal. The original Jackal was definitely an all-time great. But the remake was one of the few that showed that someitmes it is good when a great one is redone with just enough differences to stand alone.

Welll the only ones standing alone here are you and Freddy, cuz me and 95% of the critics agree that the Jackal remake was an abortion of cinema!

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Sorry we are able to enjoy somethings you don't, Roger Ebert. An abortion of cinema? How pretentious is that? The Jackal I was discussing was an action flick. It isn't supposed to be cinema. It's just supposed to entertain. It was a good story and had some good action. Good enough. To me, it's not a lot different than a flick like Red Dawn. They weren't supposed to be high art, just entertainment.
Is the "original" you speak of The Day of the Jackal? If so, I agree it was excellent.

[Dreamscape]

Well, "don't take this personal" clearly kept it from being taken as personal.

Watched Gamer.

Could have spent my whole life without watching Gamer. So, the future is people playing real people in multiplayer roleplaying. How super.

[Andy G.]

How do you abort cinema?

I haven't a movie that I hadn't already seen in a while. I watched Sunshine Cleaning for the second time and Smart People for the third time, though.

[The Rap]

For all of us who loved "The Hurt Locker" please read this by a verteran of the War in Iraq;

"Military personnel everywhere should be celebrating: the war flick The Hurt Locker has been nominated for nine Oscar's. American's were so curious about the war and the soldiers who fight in it they bought 10 dollar movie tickets. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences thinks it's worthy; finally soldiers of the Iraq war have been embraced. Problem is, it's Hollywood's version of the Iraq war and of the soldiers who fight it. And their version is inaccurate.

The year is 2004, the Baghdad streets are clean, almost too clean, and dust lingers in the air, soldiers appear...in the wrong uniform. Soldiers deployed to Iraq in 2004, the year The Hurt Locker was suppose to take place, were not wearing the Army Combat Uniform. I should know I was there. We still wore the Desert Camouflage Uniform. How hard would it have been to get this correct? Apparently so hard that no one working on the movie could be bothered to consult anyone with knowledge on military dress, or visit the local surplus store. Congratulations, what seemed like a would-be decent military movie to those who had actually served was now automatically ruined within the first few minutes. And for future reference, military personnel do not roll their sleeves up in a combat zone.

No, the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team would not roll out into the middle of Iraq practically by themselves. The Hurt Locker made it seem like the EOD team were taking on the streets of Baghdad; just them against a world of improvised explosive devices. However, this is when I realized the script writers were lazy. This movie is a full-throttle adrenaline rush that is comprised of ditching common sense and the realities of war. The writers did not attempt to formulate a story based on the actual job of an EOD soldier. Instead, they created a war junky, sniper, commando guy who relied on no one (and no radios?) and stressed out everyone around him, including those watching the movie.

Sergeant First Class William James, played by Jeremy Renner, befriends a young Iraqi boy, Beckham, who sold him poorly pirated movies. I will admit Hollywood got two things right: Iraqis typically sold horribly pirated movies but soldiers usually still continued to buy them. And with this friendship, The Hurt Locker, tapped into the more human side of war; the unique bond between some soldiers and Iraqis. However, this relationship set the stage for one of the best "this is total crap" scenes in the movie.

James forces a merchant, for whom Beckham works at Camp Victory, to drive him to Beckham's house (James believes Beckham has been killed and gutted to fit an unexploded bomb inside of his body). James makes his way to Beckham's house and demands to know what exactly happened to Beckham. Well, he never finds out because he is kicked out. James ride has left him and he has no other chose but to run back to Camp Victory. Throwing up the hood of the sweatshirt, he runs through the streets of Baghdad. While I watched that scene I automatically thought, there isn't a soldier in the world who would leave their base and run through Baghdad unless they were trying to commit suicide. I laughed out loud in the theater, like, could anyone actually believe this. When James finally reaches Camp Victory, a sympathetic soldier on guard duty lets him on base. So, let me get this straight. We have an American soldier running through Iraq in a hooded sweatshirt, trying to find out what happened to a kid who sold bootleg movies, and a sweet soldier who just let's James waltz on base? Bravo Hollywood; that was pure magical bull****.

When James returns from Iraq and attempts to adjust to normal civilian life, The Hurt Locker, got it right: home isn't so sweet and readjusting is tough. James struggled to raise his children with his wife. Hell, he had trouble deciding what cereal to buy at the grocery store. James realized there was only "one thing" that he loved and that was military life. So, he went back to Iraq. This happens more then some would believe.

Aside from incorrect uniforms and how they were worn, what patches an EOD soldier would have on their uniform, who would accompany EOD on a mission, proper weapons, and showing NCOs (Noncommissioned Officers) drinking alcohol in a war zone, this movie resonated with many. My civilian friends "loved it", called it "awesome", and even told me I have "large balls" for going over there (to which I responded with, "uhh thanks.")

The Hurt Locker, is in many ways inaccurate. And the inaccuracies have alienated most service members from enjoying this movie. However, it is better then a lot of the recent war movies that have been released. Do I even have to mention Stop-Loss? Awful. James played a Hollywood soldier that was fearless, reckless, and is now the face of the 21st century G.I. Joe. And who doesn't love G.I. Joe, right?

[luvdembravos]

If a soldier isn't bitching about something, he/she isn't a real soldier :)

[The Rap]

Yea but the uniform thing could have been so easily fixed right? And the rolled up sleeves even I noticed because I never sawthat before anywhere. Still a great pic and fantastic performances. I watched Blackhawk Down today for the upteenth time and it is awesome but depressing as yoiu have to watch our boys go through such a hell.[B]

[Chris_Moderato]

yoiu have to watch our boys go through such a hell.

No you don't. Turn it off. :)

Additionally, there are many war/military films that are horribly inaccurate but regularly receive a great deal of critical acclaim- Platoon and Apocalypse Now come to mind.

In the end, these are movies. They're films. They're not the real thing, even if they get every tiny detail correct. The film is just the medium. Would we criticize a stage play that portrays warfare as "unrealistic" because the props are actually made of cardboard? (Only if it was performed by our neighbors' children and we somehow got wrangled into attending the performance because I couldn't think of a good reason not to go. But, I digress.)

This ain't history, man. This is (supposedly) art, or at least creativity.

[Dreamscape]

The Hurt Locker was awesome.

Bought Zombieland yesterday and absolutely loved it. Anybody who enjoyed Shaun of the Dead will likely find the move great fun.

[The Rap]

Right. And you're going to teach me about film and what it entails.

[Chris_Moderato]

Right. And you're going to teach me about film and what it entails.

I was going to engage you in a conversation about film. I guess that's beyond the realm of possibility, though.

[bravos4evr]

Right. And you're going to teach me about film and what it entails.


I will if you are willing to sit there and listen! Film History Major for 2 years at the same college as Janusz Kaminski attended(Spielbergs DP for most of his last 12 movies or so). I've rated 5200 movies on netflix and that doesn't even count prolly 1000 more that I havn't gotten too yet.

[Lauren T.]

I have Sunshine Cleaning from Netflix to watch this weekend -- I hope I like it as much as I liked Little Miss Sunshine.

Speaking of LMS, the first time I watched it I couldn't stop laughing at the broken horn. I don't know why it struck me so funny, but it was excellent comic relief!

[The Rap]

I will if you are willing to sit there and listen! Film History Major for 2 years at the same college as Janusz Kaminski attended(Spielbergs DP for most of his last 12 movies or so). I've rated 5200 movies on netflix and that doesn't even count prolly 1000 more that I havn't gotten too yet.

Ok I like what you said and know. I have my masters degree in theater, taught it and related subjects in college for over three years, and began my career as an actor but dropped it because of a personal choice and decision. In fact, it was years later, in 1985, when I stood on a corner for 45 minutes talking with Robert Deniro at which time he asked me why I quit. I rememebr saying "You might think I am crazy but ........" He smiled at me and said earnestly "I don't think you're crazy at all." Meeting him and that talk was one of the gretest thrills of my lifetime.

[Dreamscape]

I have Sunshine Cleaning from Netflix to watch this weekend -- I hope I like it as much as I liked Little Miss Sunshine.

Speaking of LMS, the first time I watched it I couldn't stop laughing at the broken horn. I don't know why it struck me so funny, but it was excellent comic relief!
Sunshine Cleaning wasn't half-bad. The premise of entering people's lives at their worst moments (losing loved ones) and trying to clean up after that dead body and all that technical aspects with it is pretty interesting. Plus, I'm in love with Emily Blunt so that helped.

[The Rap]

The Flip Side as another veteran responds to the one who wrtoe about The Hurt Locker;

"This may be a reach but, I suspect that Ms. Kate Hoit has not discussed the film with the majority of military personnel. So it would be reasonable to say that "the inaccuracies have alienated most service members from enjoying this movie" is as big an inaccuracy as any in the movie.

I really enjoyed 'The Hurt Locker'. Contrary to Ms. Hoit's expectations, it is not a training film or documentary and I do not think it was proclaimed to be. I was an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Tech and Officer for 18 years, continue to work and talk with EOD Techs on a daily basis (all services), have been to Afghanistan and Kuwait within the past six months, have watched the 'The Hurt Locker' with hundreds of EOD Techs in Central Florida, Washington DC , Alexandria, VA and other cities. I can tell you that the vast majority of the EOD community, that I have had contact with, has enjoyed it. Many have been interviewed and expressed that opinion in publications such as USA Today, the Politico, The Daily Beast, as well as in radio and television interviews. Do they all like it? No. However, I would say most do.

Rather than dwell on sleeves (which are frequently rolled up) or whether the uniform color is right, credit should be given for bringing the incredible challenges and stresses of IED warfare to the forefront. The filmmakers have chosen to examine extraordinary American warriors, who on a daily basis, without regard for political, religious or racial differences, willingly walk towards a violent death or life shattering injury in an effort to save another. Few other experiences in life provide a testimony to one's love for another and the passion of a profession. The film brings this extraordinary group of men and women to our attention. I am personally thankful for that.

'The Hurt Locker' takes place over a year, compressed to two hours. Every moment of it is intense. Jeremy Renner's character and personality is a composite of a dozen or so EOD techs that I know. Were we as reckless as James? Hell no. I probably would have punched him out as well. The "beyond the wire" insurgent hunt and hoodie run, may not be entirely realistic, but no one can honestly say they weren't entertained and glued to their seats during these sequences. I am sure, under Ms. Hoit's level of scrutiny, no war film including Patton, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, Top Gun, or Apocalypse Now would be enjoyable or worthy of an award. I feel she misses the point. I watched, enjoyed, ate my popcorn, and was thoroughly entertained by all of these films.

'The Hurt Locker' has done more to raise the awareness of the EOD profession than any single work to date, for which I am grateful. I appreciate Kathryn Bigelow's, Mark Boal's, and the entire team's effort and apparently so do Oscar voters. Good luck guys!!"

[Chris_Moderato]

The Flip Side as another veteran responds to the one who wrtoe about The Hurt Locker;

"This may be a reach but, I suspect that Ms. Kate Hoit has not discussed the film with the majority of military personnel. So it would be reasonable to say that "the inaccuracies have alienated most service members from enjoying this movie" is as big an inaccuracy as any in the movie.

I really enjoyed 'The Hurt Locker'. Contrary to Ms. Hoit's expectations, it is not a training film or documentary and I do not think it was proclaimed to be. I was an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Tech and Officer for 18 years, continue to work and talk with EOD Techs on a daily basis (all services), have been to Afghanistan and Kuwait within the past six months, have watched the 'The Hurt Locker' with hundreds of EOD Techs in Central Florida, Washington DC , Alexandria, VA and other cities. I can tell you that the vast majority of the EOD community, that I have had contact with, has enjoyed it. Many have been interviewed and expressed that opinion in publications such as USA Today, the Politico, The Daily Beast, as well as in radio and television interviews. Do they all like it? No. However, I would say most do.

Rather than dwell on sleeves (which are frequently rolled up) or whether the uniform color is right, credit should be given for bringing the incredible challenges and stresses of IED warfare to the forefront. The filmmakers have chosen to examine extraordinary American warriors, who on a daily basis, without regard for political, religious or racial differences, willingly walk towards a violent death or life shattering injury in an effort to save another. Few other experiences in life provide a testimony to one's love for another and the passion of a profession. The film brings this extraordinary group of men and women to our attention. I am personally thankful for that.

'The Hurt Locker' takes place over a year, compressed to two hours. Every moment of it is intense. Jeremy Renner's character and personality is a composite of a dozen or so EOD techs that I know. Were we as reckless as James? Hell no. I probably would have punched him out as well. The "beyond the wire" insurgent hunt and hoodie run, may not be entirely realistic, but no one can honestly say they weren't entertained and glued to their seats during these sequences. I am sure, under Ms. Hoit's level of scrutiny, no war film including Patton, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, Top Gun, or Apocalypse Now would be enjoyable or worthy of an award. I feel she misses the point. I watched, enjoyed, ate my popcorn, and was thoroughly entertained by all of these films.

'The Hurt Locker' has done more to raise the awareness of the EOD profession than any single work to date, for which I am grateful. I appreciate Kathryn Bigelow's, Mark Boal's, and the entire team's effort and apparently so do Oscar voters. Good luck guys!!"

Yes! Bam! Platoon and Apocalypse Now! Game, Set, Match...Moderato.

[Chris_Moderato]

Normally I don't advertise here, but a friend of mine is set to release his feature film debut next month online and through mail order. I figured I'd mention it here. It's a pretty good little thriller, if you're interested.

www.inthepinesfilm.com

It'll be available March 16 I believe.

[Hobbes]

a friend of mine is set to release his feature film debut next month online and through mail order. I figured I'd mention it here. It's a pretty good little thriller, if you're interested.
Are you starring in this one? ;)

[Chris_Moderato]

Are you starring in this one? ;)

Ha ha. No, not this time. I am credited as a collaborating writer, but I mostly just offered script revisions.

Jeez, I'd forgotten all about posting that one silly little film Mark. Thanks.

[The Rap]

Saw a pair of really terrific films in the past two days; Cold Souls, the Coen Bothers movie from last year starring Paul Giamatti as Paul Giamatti in a great performance in a dark comedy and also The Boys Are Back, a heartfelt film starring Clive Owen about a father becoming close to his sons. I recommend both.

[Lauren T.]

Home sick from work yesterday - watched Sunshine Cleaning and Food, Inc. I wouldn't purchase either, but I didn't feel like they were a waste of time. Nothing in Food, Inc. was surprising or shocking, and it didn't feel as combative as other similar documentaries.

[Dreamscape]

Recently RedBox'd it up...The Invention of Lying was actually pretty good. Takes awhile to get into, but I liked it. I wouldn't buy it, but I would watch it again if it's on TV.

Funny People, on the other hand, was buyable. Compared to other Apatow films, it definitely hold its own, especially considering it was more dramatical than his past films.

[Lauren T.]

Finally saw The Hangover yesterday -- awesome!

[FrankEC]

Took my 12 year old to watch Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Surprisingly, I kind of enjoyed it. It was a fun kid's flick. My son on the hand was pretty disappointed. He's read all of the books and apparently, it strays pretty far from them.

[jlcct]

Recently RedBox'd it up...The Invention of Lying was actually pretty good. Takes awhile to get into, but I liked it. I wouldn't buy it, but I would watch it again if it's on TV.

Funny People, on the other hand, was buyable. Compared to other Apatow films, it definitely hold its own, especially considering it was more dramatical than his past films.

Yeah I caught Funny People about a month ago and I thought it was excellent. I keep hearing people giving poor reviews about it but I don't understand why. It wasn't your typical Sandler flick which is probably where people were caught off guard. I'll say it was very good and is certainly worth buying.

[The Rap]

Just watched a crime thriller called The Ministers. Really well done and a great performance by John Leguizamo who plays twin brothers. Also watched New York I Love You which I really loved.

[Dreamscape]

Yeah I caught Funny People about a month ago and I thought it was excellent. I keep hearing people giving poor reviews about it but I don't understand why. It wasn't your typical Sandler flick which is probably where people were caught off guard. I'll say it was very good and is certainly worth buying.
One of my coworkers said it was false advertising. I don't pay too much attention to the trailers, but he said if you watched the trailers, you thought it was going to be some hilarious laugh fest, not a movie that takes a somber route five minutes in.

[The Rap]

Just watched a film I have watched countless times at various junctures of my life beginning when I was just 7 years old. The film is "The Blackboard Jungle" starring Glenn Ford and a young Sidney Poitier and Vic Morrow. It is a film about juvenile delinquency in New York City and is truly worth watching.

[Andy G.]

I watched Whip It the other day with Ellen Page. It was entertaining. Not all that great, but I laughed and I liked the characters.

[Chris_Moderato]

I watched Whip It the other day with Ellen Page. It was entertaining. Not all that great, but I laughed and I liked the characters.

Agreed. I watched it the other day too. I'd heard it was good, but it really wasn't that impressive. I liked the first twenty or thirty minutes, with all the roller derby stuff, and some of the characters did make me laugh. Unfortunately, the movie was chock full of 'movie cliches', which was a drag.

I wanted to like Whip It, just like I wanted to really like Juno and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, but it just fell flat.

[Hillbilly]

I never go to the movie theater, but I saw Shutter Island Friday night and I was not disappointed. I didn't think it was "The Departed" great, but it was better than just good if that makes any sense at all. LDC has become one of the best in the business. I used to cringe at the sound of his name, but since the two above-named films and Blood Diamond, I have become a big fan.

[Dreamscape]

He was also really good in The Beach. I'm hoping to see Shutter Island very soon.

[The Rap]

I'm excited about seeing Shutter Island as well. The book was terrific as are most works by Dennis Lehane. Then you take great material and give it to Scorcese and DeCaprio to work on. Nice.

[bravos4evr]

Yeah I'm goin to see it tomorrow. Scorsese never has let me down!

[bravos4evr]

Oh a different note, I saw Super Size Me for the first time last night and I noticed something somewhat misleading in the entire premise . Morgan Spurlock was a vegan which makes his results and symptoms not accurate in regards to a normal omnivore type of human being.

What I mean is, I'm not so sure that his spikes in cholesterol and stomach probs weren't as much a result of going from a vegan diet to eating Micky D's rather than just eating it 3 times a day(which BTW can't be good for you). I would never eat it 3 times a day(I don't eat Mickey D's at all anymore, but thats cuz I think it's kinda gross). But I see hitting the fast food counter erry once in a while as not being the end of the world.

BTW, I have lost 42 lb's and am down to 220!!!!! woooooo!!!!

[Lauren T.]

Oh a different note, I saw Super Size Me for the first time last night and I noticed something somewhat misleading in the entire premise . Morgan Spurlock was a vegan which makes his results and symptoms not accurate in regards to a normal omnivore type of human being.

What I mean is, I'm not so sure that his spikes in cholesterol and stomach probs weren't as much a result of going from a vegan diet to eating Micky D's rather than just eating it 3 times a day(which BTW can't be good for you). I would never eat it 3 times a day(I don't eat Mickey D's at all anymore, but thats cuz I think it's kinda gross). But I see hitting the fast food counter erry once in a while as not being the end of the world.

BTW, I have lost 42 lb's and am down to 220!!!!! woooooo!!!!
Congrats on your weight loss! I thought Morgan's girlfriend (now wife) was the vegan, but he wasn't?

[wordslayer©]

Oh a different note, I saw Super Size Me for the first time last night and I noticed something somewhat misleading in the entire premise . Morgan Spurlock was a vegan which makes his results and symptoms not accurate in regards to a normal omnivore type of human being.

What I mean is, I'm not so sure that his spikes in cholesterol and stomach probs weren't as much a result of going from a vegan diet to eating Micky D's rather than just eating it 3 times a day(which BTW can't be good for you). I would never eat it 3 times a day(I don't eat Mickey D's at all anymore, but thats cuz I think it's kinda gross). But I see hitting the fast food counter erry once in a while as not being the end of the world.

BTW, I have lost 42 lb's and am down to 220!!!!! woooooo!!!!

Nice catch!

You just hit on a pet peeve of mine. I cannot stand "media hit" pieces played off as science. Where were the control groups? Where did they have ANY science in the article to make valid comparisons?

What troubles me most about things like this is the inability, or just the mass refusal of the population, to just gobble this stuff down as fact and truth.

I'm not a nutrition expert, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that mcdonald fries aren't good for you. But I don't see anything in the menu that is *that* much worse than the processed $hit you get in the grocery, or even the "better" foods at Appleby's/TGIF's and restaurants like that.

There was nothing scientific about the "documentary." It was a horrible hatchet piece on McDonald's, but the worst thing about it was the fact that it was lazy journalism portrayed as fact, and as usual, we the people site it as the truth and bask in our stupidity.

[ScooterBrave]

Oh a different note, I saw Super Size Me for the first time last night and I noticed something somewhat misleading in the entire premise . Morgan Spurlock was a vegan which makes his results and symptoms not accurate in regards to a normal omnivore type of human being.

What I mean is, I'm not so sure that his spikes in cholesterol and stomach probs weren't as much a result of going from a vegan diet to eating Micky D's rather than just eating it 3 times a day(which BTW can't be good for you). I would never eat it 3 times a day(I don't eat Mickey D's at all anymore, but thats cuz I think it's kinda gross). But I see hitting the fast food counter erry once in a while as not being the end of the world.

BTW, I have lost 42 lb's and am down to 220!!!!! woooooo!!!!

Cool! I'm trying to keep up with you. I have lost 45 pounds and I'm down to 225. Lost two whole pants sizes!

[bravos4evr]

Cool! I'm trying to keep up with you. I have lost 45 pounds and I'm down to 225. Lost two whole pants sizes!

I'm wearing the same size right now I wore in High School but they are getting too big. The weird thing is I hurt my knee so I havn't been to the gym in 2 months yet I'm still dropping pounds ...... hopefully I don't have cancer!!lol

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Just saw Amelia...better then I expected, but still not my cup of tea...

Gonna watch Law Abiding Citizen a 2nd time some time this week...

Watched Saw 6 a week or 2 ago...Bought time to end the game, I've watched the 1st 6 so I'll watch the the remainder, but 7 should be the last...

Took the Wife to see Dear John...Had a few parts that were good, but the ending wasn't the way to go imo...

[Andy G.]

Agreed. I watched it the other day too. I'd heard it was good, but it really wasn't that impressive. I liked the first twenty or thirty minutes, with all the roller derby stuff, and some of the characters did make me laugh. Unfortunately, the movie was chock full of 'movie cliches', which was a drag.

I wanted to like Whip It, just like I wanted to really like Juno and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, but it just fell flat.
I almost want to say I hated Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, but I think my biggest problem was the actress that played Norah. I've seen her in a million other things, and she didn't really bother me before. After that movie, though, I can't stand her. She was so effing terrible that I get a little mad just thinking about it. It wasn't a good movie, but I'm a fan of Micheal Cera and have been since Arrested Development. I'm waiting for Youth in Revolt to come out on DVD so I can check it out. I have no idea if it's any good. I haven't even heard or read a single review on it.

I like Juno. I own the DVD. All the hip lingo(which everyone seems to focus on) didn't bother me, nor was it a reason I liked the movie. I do really enjoy it though. I've watched it four or five times.

[bravos4evr]

GO SEE SHUTTER ISLAND!!!! Thats all I can say about it!

[Dreamscape]

I almost want to say I hated Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, but I think my biggest problem was the actress that played Norah. I've seen her in a million other things, and she didn't really bother me before. After that movie, though, I can't stand her. She was so effing terrible that I get a little mad just thinking about it.
Her name is Kat Dennings...and I am in love with her...and I am the only one here who actually liked that movie. I thought it was dorky, funny, and sweet. I also found it a bit more mature than the usual high school movies that have been coming out recently.

[jlcct]

I have a store down the street which sells boot leg movies. They sell them 3 for $10 which isn't bad because the quality is always good. I have bought probably thirty movies from them so far and only one copy was poor and they let me exchange it for another one. It's pretty cool because I get to see movies which are still in the theater. I know it's not the most ethical thing to be supporting an illegal activity but I feel like the cinemas are supporting it since they charge a weeks pay for a family of four. If I end up watching one that is real good I'll go buy it anyways just because I'm a sound enthusiast. I guess if I were a little more committed I could be doing a whole lot more reviewing here.
Anyway, here is a small list of the movies I've watched in the last couple of weeks.

Edge of Darkness ~ Awesome movie. I have always liked Mel Gibson the actor. I think you could justify paying to see this in the theater. It was fun putting together the pieces of the plot which is something that is somewhat hard to say about most movies. I thought the ending was good but not what I expected.

Ninja Assassin ~ Dumb. I had some hope for this one since it's a rare breed and it appealed to the kid in me. Oh well. I kind of expected it would suck so I wasn't to disappointed.

9 ~ I can't give a fair evaluation to this movie since I was interrupted while trying to watch it and I had to keep starting over. I couldn't really get involved after forcing myself to start over again and again. I'll just say that I thought the plot was creative and that's as far as I'll go.

Avatar ~ I know everyone here loved it but I didn't see it at the theater and I honestly thought it was pretty boring. On the surface the plot was very cool but I thought they could have created some sort of anticipation or unexpected twists. Obviously it was visually stunning but that's probably number 10 on my list of important pieces to a movie. So aside from the CGI I wasn't impressed. (there goes my credibility huh)

Gamer ~ meh. They never got me to care about the characters so they didn't stand a chance of winning me over on this one.

2012 ~ If ever there was an unbelievable movie.... Not my cup to tea. Again, I couldn't have cared less about the characters and it was a lame attempt at riding the end of the world hype coat tails. (I suck at punctuation.. sorry)

The Boondock Saints II ~ I didn't expect much so I was happy with it. Not great, not horrible.

I picked up The Book of Eli and Legion recently but I haven't had the time to check them out yet. Maybe today.

[The Rap]

Watched "Our Fathers" last night and it just gets me p'd off because it is the story of the Catholic priests sexually abusing the young kids. Unreal. Watched "Up" this morning and liked it which surprised me a bit.

[The Rap]

I want to know how this weight thing fits into this thread?

[jlcct]

I want to know how this weight thing fits into this thread?
Relax

[Hobbes]

I want to know how this weight thing fits into this thread?
Heavy people tend to have health problems. Health problems cause some folks to die. Sometimes those folks are famous.

It's all perfectly logical.

[The Rap]

Jeez! I am calm. This is a thread reserved to pay homage and last respects to people who have passed away. It is quite a stretch using your logic Hobbes.

[bravos4evr]

UP was IMO, one of the 5 best movies of last year. Pixar never disappoints!!

and it had my favorite line in some time! " SQUIRREL!!!"

[bravos4evr]

I want to know how this weight thing fits into this thread?


Hey my bad, when I posted bout super size me I think I thought I was in the movie thread. mods can move it there if they wish, my mistake!


Discussion has been relocated. ~ Hobbes

[The Rap]

I figured that was the case Nick.

[Andy G.]

I just watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and I think it's nearly perfect. Awesome movie. I don't know why it took me this long to watch it. I never had clue what it was about. People always said it was confusing, which should have made me want to watch it. Plus I love Jim Carrey. I don't know why I'm just now watching it, but I loved it. I didn't think it was all that confusing to be honest, but that might have been due to everything I heard about it. I knew something off the wall was coming, so I was prepared for it.

[Chris_Moderato]

I just watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and I think it's nearly perfect. Awesome movie. I don't know why it took me this long to watch it. I never had clue what it was about. People always said it was confusing, which should have made me want to watch it. Plus I love Jim Carrey. I don't know why I'm just now watching it, but I loved it. I didn't think it was all that confusing to be honest, but that might have been due to everything I heard about it. I knew something off the wall was coming, so I was prepared for it.

I agree, Andy. That really is a very good movie.

On a side note, that episode inspired (both in name and in theme) probably the best episode of The Simpsons, Eternal Moonshine on the Simpsons Mind (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_Moonshine_of_the_Simpson_Mind), since 1999. It's still not as quality as the golden age episodes of The Simpsons, but it really is an excellent episode.

[The Rap]

I watched the first part to the Red Riding Trilogy about a serial killling based on true facts. Awesome as my cable offers it at the same time it is in the theaters.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I watched the lightweight, but funny Miss March, today and actually laughed out loud at a few of the bits. It's been a while since I saw a flick that actually made me laugh out loud, but this one had enough ridiculous parts that I liked it. I didn't recognize anyone in it, besides Hef, but I'll watch it again.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

the 2 main guys were from the whitest kids you know

[The Rap]

Saw the entire "Red Riding Trilogy" and it was gritty and awesome. Then I watched "The Informant" with Matt Damon and his performance was what made it worthwhile. The a foreign film called "Soundless" about a serial killer which was very good and finally "The Time Traveler's Wife" which was good although a bit syrupy.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I've rolled past their show on IFC a few times without checking it out. I may have to give it a look. Thanks, Hardcore!

[The Rap]

I just watched "It Might Get Loud" where great guitarists came together to spend some time. Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White. It was incredible watching them share and strut their stuff. Jimmy in particular brought me back decades to the Zeppelin days when they were creating some of the greatest music ever heard.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Watched Zombieland, Saturday night and was elated I didn't pay to! After all the build-up, I was looking for something funny, like some of the Bruce Campbell flicks. I should've known it would blow! I can count on Woody Harrelson to be the downfall of any flick. He was tolerable but the movie sucked.

[Dreamscape]

I have to disagree. Zombieland was hilarious, but then, I do enjoy a good movie that doesn't take itself too seriously.

I mean, just the rules had me hooked.

[Chris_Moderato]

Zombieland was better than I thought it would be, but then again, I thought it would be sh*t. I'm not a big fan of Jesse Eisenberg, the poor man's Michael Cera. I saw Adventureland, thinking it might be a fun flick and, with the exception of Martin Starr, it was a big letdown.

[Dreamscape]

Zombieland was better than I thought it would be, but then again, I thought it would be sh*t. I'm not a big fan of Jesse Eisenberg, the poor man's Michael Cera. I saw Adventureland, thinking it might be a fun flick and, with the exception of Martin Starr, it was a big letdown.
It wasn't a fun flick, but I liked Adventureland, too. But it definitely wasn't the movie the trailers made it seem.

[The Rap]

Zombieland IMO was just an OK film and I have no idea why you hate Woody so much Fred.

[ScooterBrave]

Zombieland IMO was just an OK film and I have no idea why you hate Woody so much Fred.

Lemme try to help Freddie out.

...because he's a one-dimensional actor
....because he's a marginal talent at best
....because everytime he opens his mouth in public he seems to be full of himself

Those may not be Freddie's but they are good for a start.

[Hobbes]

Lemme try to help Freddie out.

...because he's a one-dimensional actor
....because he's a marginal talent at best
....because everytime he opens his mouth in public he seems to be full of himself

Those may not be Freddie's but they are good for a start.
Yeah, something about him just bugs me. He was good as Woody on Cheers, but I can't recall another role in which I enjoyed him.

[bravos4evr]

Woody is not a one dimensional actor. Watch The Messenger or People Vs Larry Flint or Natural Born Killers. He does subtle things to change his character.

He is in fact a really talented actor.

In public he's usually stoned!

[Dreamscape]

Yeah, something about him just bugs me. He was good as Woody on Cheers, but I can't recall another role in which I enjoyed him.
Not much love for White Man Can't Jump or Kingpin, I see.

[Hobbes]

Not much love for White Man Can't Jump or Kingpin, I see.
I hated White Men Can't Jump, and while Kingpin was okay, I didn't care much for Woody.

[Dreamscape]

I hated White Men Can't Jump, and while Kingpin was okay, I didn't care much for Woody.
I was a fan of both. I guess, I don't have much against Harrelson. Maybe not the most gifted actor, but he seems to make the most with what he has. And I did rather like him Zombieland and I was quite concerned he would be a drag on the film. Hardly as he improved the film.

Well, him and Bill Murray. Hilarious cameo.

[Chris_Moderato]

I was a fan of both. I guess, I don't have much against Harrelson. Maybe not the most gifted actor, but he seems to make the most with what he has. And I did rather like him Zombieland and I was quite concerned he would be a drag on the film. Hardly as he improved the film.

Well, him and Bill Murray. Hilarious cameo.

Bill Murray's cameo really was pretty good. You can kind of tell what's going to happen, but it's still pretty funny.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

If not totally one dimensional, let's just say there isn't much range there. Harrelson seems like another guy they rammed into a load of flicks really quick to try and capitalize on his success playing Woody on Cheers. I didn't like that either! As Nick said, if seen in public he's usually stoned. That doesn't endear him to me and when he speaks out on something he comes across as little more than the dullards he plays onscreen. Is it life imitating art, or vice versa?
(BTW, Scooter, I agree with everything in your post!)

[Andy G.]

I've watched like three episodes of Cheers in my entire life. I don't know squat about Woody Harrelson the person, or the celebrity for that matter. I've never watched a movie because he was in it, and I doubt I've seen a fourth of the movies he's been in.

That said, I like him. I liked him in King Pin and There Will Be Blood. I know I've liked him in a couple other movies, but I can't remember them off the top of my head.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Caught a good bit of the flick, "Snatch," last night and I'm still laughing at the understated and the over-the-top humor in it. This is the type of humor I can appreciate! Anyone else find this funny?

[The Rap]

Snatch is a classic. You guys should check out The Walker and watch Woody act in that.

[bravos4evr]

Watched Where the Wild Things Are..... It was a lot different than I thought it would be.... and i'm finding myself having a hard time describing it.... It's really very effective at getting the feelings across of a kid who is kinda lost in his own world..... But I'm not sure I want to watch it again anytime soon because it was very troubling to me.... I recommend it tho!

[The Rap]

I am privliged to be friendly with a best selling author, James Lee Burke, who recommended Cold Mountain as a truly great film depicting most accurately why the South is the way it is. I saw the film in 2003 when it came out and thought it was ok. But watching it again over the weekend had me appreciate it in a different and more fulfilling way. It is a masterpiece. The acting By Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zelwegger (who won the Oscar for her performance), Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Giovanni Ribisi, Donald Sutherland, Ray Winstone, Brendan Gleeson, Kathy Baker and others, including Jack White of the White Stripes was beyond belief. I recommend this to all.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Just how is the South, Michael? Do you have any films that might help depict why the North is the way it is? Perhaps, Gangs of New York is a good one. I have seen this flick and it didn't make that much of an impression on me. I wish I had known about this Burke chap's opinion earlier. Maybe I could've learned why we in the South are the way we are.....

[jlcct]

Just how is the South, Michael? Do you have any films that might help depict why the North is the way it is? Perhaps, Gangs of New York is a good one. I have seen this flick and it didn't make that much of an impression on me. I wish I had known about this Burke chap's opinion earlier. Maybe I could've learned why we in the South are the way we are.....
When Rap said "why the south is the way it is" I think he just meant that people are way to sensitive and analytical :thumbsdown:
If you are looking for a film depicting the way we northerners are you should check out Superman. The midwest ...maybe Silence of the Lambs.

[The Rap]

Sweet Jesus are you guys that dense? Burke was talking about the positive aspects of Southern life and how even some of the negatives, like slavery, could better be understood. Fred, just rent the film and watch it and then tell us all what you think. The cast itself should be enough of a lure.

Burke wrote;

"The American South in general and Louisiana in particular are a gift from God to the artist. The South is not a culture but a stage play. Our accents are derived from the British as well as our manners. Our tastes are Jacksonian; our aspirations are failed Jeffersonian. Every southerner who is not spiritually dead sees himself as a player inside Gone With The Wind. Kurt Vonnegut once said, 'We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.'

The antebellum South portrayed in most fiction and film probably never exited. But what did exist is fascinating in its own right. Take a look at the film adaptation of Cold Mountain. The film fared badly at the box office, but artistically it is a masterpiece. One day we'll see that film in a different light, and I think we'll discover we were much better as a people then we were willing to admit."

The Rap adds; I think you guys all thought I was trying to slam the South because of the misconception you have since I am in NYC. Nothing could be further from the truth.

[The Rap]

No matter what you think of Michael Jackson I recommend you watch "This Is It" and see why he is considered an all time great and a legend. Such talent. Such a waste!

[Chris_Moderato]

Sweet Jesus are you guys that dense? Burke was talking about the positive aspects of Southern life and how even some of the negatives, like slavery, could better be understood. Fred, just rent the film and watch it and then tell us all what you think. The cast itself should be enough of a lure.

Burke wrote;

"The American South in general and Louisiana in particular are a gift from God to the artist. The South is not a culture but a stage play. Our accents are derived from the British as well as our manners. Our tastes are Jacksonian; our aspirations are failed Jeffersonian. Every southerner who is not spiritually dead sees himself as a player inside Gone With The Wind. Kurt Vonnegut once said, 'We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.'

The antebellum South portrayed in most fiction and film probably never exited. But what did exist is fascinating in its own right. Take a look at the film adaptation of Cold Mountain. The film fared badly at the box office, but artistically it is a masterpiece. One day we'll see that film in a different light, and I think we'll discover we were much better as a people then we were willing to admit."

The Rap adds; I think you guys all thought I was trying to slam the South because of the misconception you have since I am in NYC. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Honestly Rap, in this case, I agree with you that the reactions to your comment were ill-informed and presumptive- not sure I'd call those guys "dense", but your point is still valid.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I beg to differ, Chris. The way Michael presented his statement left it wide open to interpretation, which is why I asked him for an explanation. I also stated that I have seen Cold Mountain, although after reading my post, it wasn't clearly stated. It left room for misinterpretation. I did not do that intentionally, it was just poorly worded. I've also seen Gangs of New York and thought it was pretty great. Honestly, after the Civil War talk, who knows what to think?
As for jlcct's offering, I'll overlook it as it's obvious he's out of his element.
Superman? Interesting choice....it does suggest someone living in a dream world....

[The Rap]

I do know that Burke has written about 20 bestselling novels of which a few were made into films (Heaven's Prisoners, In The Electric Mist) and is a true son of the South. I found what he wrote to be very deep and something to consider regarding the way the South is perceived both from the outside and by its own inhabitants. I hve to admit I also have wondered for the longest time what would have happened in the future if the South was allowed to secede. I know there would have been problems though simply because of slavery.

[The Rap]

Honestly Rap, in this case, I agree with you that the reactions to your comment were ill-informed and presumptive- not sure I'd call those guys "dense", but your point is still valid.

I didn't call them dense. Read it again. I asked if they were knowing they weren't.

[Chris_Moderato]

I asked if they were knowing they weren't.

Wow.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Since I was born, reared and have lived in the South all of my life to this point, I must be a true son of the South, too, whatever that means. In my opinion, every man is unique and his opinion is his own. I don't believe anyone can capture the essence of the South without stating that we have people of all walks and all faiths. We have a great diversity of peoples and have several different viewpoints on politics, religion, government, history and most any other thing open to discussion. In a nutshell, we're about the same "generically" as anywhere else. The biggest difference may be in nuance. Many parts of the South favor a much slower lifestyle. People take the time to speak to each other and even speak to strangers out of courtesy. Perhaps this part of our culture is a direct descendant of our "genteel" heritage. Manners, showing respect and common courtesy, although disappearing these days, are still in vogue down here. Maybe it's just the heat.....

[bravos4evr]

and don't forget the meth!!!!!

[Dreamscape]

and don't forget the meth!!!!!
It's how we do.

/barely southern
//Virginia still sorta counts, right?
///Not Northern Virginia, obviously.

[The Rap]

Fred, according to Burke, the manners are derived from the English which makes sense. In no way was he or I even inferring a monolithic reality to the South with all the differences throughout the region.

[Chris_Moderato]

//Virginia still sorta counts, right?

Only when it is to our advantage.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

and don't forget the meth!!!!!


Huh? I think I'm beginning to understand those old employment problems a bit better, Nick....
;) :D

[bravos4evr]

dude not a day goes by that there isn't a meth lab bust in the paper.... It's getting ridiculous.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

I know whatcha mean. Awhile back, I saw an episode of Man vs. Wild, in which Bear Grylls tested his survival skills in the frozen, wintry woodlands of North Alabama. My fear? Here's this hellacious adventurer, outdoorsman survivalist extraordinaire and he's gonna be taken down by some meth lab trash in Alabama! Dude could survive the desert in Africa, the Florida everglades and the frozen wastelands of Siberia, but he's no match for a toothless, pock-marked skin-and-bones meth hittin' loser from Aladambama!

[Dreamscape]

Saw Brothers last night, the movie about the soldier who goes way to war only to end up missing and presumed dead while his brother becomes more of a father and husband to the mourning wife/kids. I thought all three of the main characters did wonderfully. Great efforts from Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Not sure about the rewatchability as I only rented it, but I rather liked it.

[The Rap]

Interesting because I just received notice that Netflix had sent Brothers to me.

I love David Strathairn and think he is a great actor but I stopped watching The Sensation of Sight because I was bored to death.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Went back in time last night for a classic, oh my brothers.....A Clockwork Orange. Made in 1971, this one is still a piece of work. Malcolm McDowell is great as Alex, the central character and "your humble narrator." I've seen this several times but it still draws me in.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

got it dvr'd gotta set down and watch it one of these days...

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

http://forgottenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/saliva.jpg

[The Rap]

Watched Brothers yesterday and think it was awesome and the acting was great. The storyline was excellent and totally different than what I thought it would be. I think Dream and I would recommend it to all.

[The Rap]

Watched an interesting film called "Moon" starring Sam Rockwell about an astronaut sent to live on the moon for three years.

[jlcct]

Watched an interesting film called "Moon" starring Sam Rockwell about an astronaut sent to live on the moon for three years.

Interesting premise.

[The Rap]

Yea but the film has a central twist to it that will blow you away.

[Andy G.]

Yea but the film has a central twist to it that will blow you away.
Does something happen that forces him to live on the moon for longer than three years?

[bravos4evr]

Moon is a really really good movie. One of the biggest shams of the oscars this year was that he didn't get nominated for Best Actor, cuz he knocked it out da park

[The Rap]

I think Rockwell may be the most underated actor out there. Watch Stone Angels with him and Kate Beckinsdale and it will blow you away.

[The Rap]

Does something happen that forces him to live on the moon for longer than three years?

[B]Andy, I can't answer that here because it is the key to the whole movie. I watched a movie late last night called "Pandorum" with Dennis Quaid. A weird space/horror film that kept my interest all the way through./B]

[FrankEC]

I think Rockwell may be the most underated actor out there. Watch Stone Angels with him and Kate Beckinsdale and it will blow you away.

I've been a huge Sam Rockwell fan since Galaxy Quest. I agree Michael, I think he may be one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Saw The Jacket last night and thought it was pretty dmned good. This wasn't the Jackie Chan flick but one with Adrien Brody and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Both gave strong performances and the story was quite intriguing.

[Lauren T.]

One of the few movies I have on VHS stars Jennifer Jason Leigh as an anorexic teenager - it's called The Best Little Girl In The World and also has Helen Hunt and Ally Sheedy in tiny roles. I like anorexia movies. :D

[The Rap]

I also liked The Jacket a lot when I saw it. Just saw another film and was hugely disappointed; Bad Lieutenant, Port of Call New Orleans, starring Nicholas Cage, Eva Mendes:p and Val Kilmer. The strory line was eh and the acting was surprisingly poor (especially Cage's).

[Dreamscape]

Nicholas Cage has gotten steadily worse, or at least the movies he has taken on haven't allowed him the opportunity to be at his best. I can't remember the last time he did a movie where I was happier to see him not in the scene than in it.

[jlcct]

I hear a lot of people praise Nicholas Cage but I never did understand why. I don't see what a lot of other people see in him. My 2 cents.

[bravos4evr]

I heard a lot of talk promoting Port of Call as one of the best movies of the year. It was directed by one of the all time greats Werner Herzog...... maybe it was a little too Herzogish for your tastes ?

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Wait a second....is this somehow connected to the Harvey Keitel flick, Bad Lieutenant? Keitel was great in that but it was pretty tough to watch. Pretty disturbing material, it wasn't for everyone!

[The Rap]

Could be because the Cage film is a remake of an older one. Cage has always been an enigma to me. Some brilliant roles and some truly dismal ones all mixed together with no rhyme or reason./ What is dangerous now is his humongous financialmtroubles which usually is a reason for actors to take anything offered as long as the paycheck is good.

[The Rap]

I heard a lot of talk promoting Port of Call as one of the best movies of the year. It was directed by one of the all time greats Werner Herzog...... maybe it was a little too Herzogish for your tastes ?

Nick, I know who Herzog is and agree to his legendary status but I try to ignore who the director is while watching a film...if possible. Also I never say a film is good because the director is. Even a great one can have a bad day, so to speak.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

As much as Hollywood has tried to push Cage on us in so many varied roles, I haven't really appreciated a lot of his "stretches." He is a good actor in material that suits him. While he isn't as limited in range as some guys, his acting is so obvious in some movies that it's distracting. As for him beginning to take any role just for a paycheck, I'm not sure we'll notice it as moviegoers. He's taken roles in some miserable flicks that really made me wonder why he was doing it. Then I thought, "Well, he does get so-many-millions per flick, so why not?"
His remake of The Wicker Man was weak, although not all of his making. The Weatherman? This was something better suited to any of the SNL I-wanna-be a movie-star dorks. The worst is probably the flick he made where he was a wierdo with a flaming skull riding a motorcycle. The acting in that steamin' pile o' dung was so wretched it made me watch the movie just to see how bad it would get!

[bravos4evr]

Wait a second....is this somehow connected to the Harvey Keitel flick, Bad Lieutenant? Keitel was great in that but it was pretty tough to watch. Pretty disturbing material, it wasn't for everyone!

The producers owned the rights to the name and would only give Herzog the money to make it if they were able to stick the Bad Lieutenant part at the beginning of the title. It has no other connection to the original Keitel film directed by Abel Ferrera.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

IFC ran Bad Lieutenant this morning around 3:00. I watched it again. Harvey Keitel is pretty awesome in the role as one of the sleaziest guys I've seen as a lead character. He's pretty gut-wrenching. As I watched it I even "felt" the pressure Keitel's twisted sicko brought on himself. Keitel was pretty remarkable in it, even if the subject matter is enough to induce a rush of panic or a burst of slash in your mouth.

[Dreamscape]

I rather liked Kick Ass.

This is all.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Avatar was quite good...

[Dreamscape]

Anyone struggling with just how good Avatar is? I liked it, but I don't find it all that amazing. It's a pretty forgettable flick in my mind, yet I have friends who swear it's the most breathtaking film of our time. I just can't see it.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

I enjoyed it, and it's a film I'd re watch...but that said It's no Dark Knight...

[Lauren T.]

Avatar was visually stunning in 3D in a theatre. I didn't see it twice, and I don't think the plot was strong enough for me to purchase it on DVD. It was intentionally manipulative, and I saw it for what it was -- an entertaining few hours but not something I'd enjoy over and over in the future.

I should qualify that by saying the three latest releases in my movie collection are The Prestige, Ocean's Thirteen, and the Sex and the City movie. I don't buy movies often, because I prefer television and watch TV far more often. :)

[The Rap]

I just watched "Where the Wild Things Are." It was pretty good but I found myself bored too often.

[bravos4evr]

Anyone struggling with just how good Avatar is? I liked it, but I don't find it all that amazing. It's a pretty forgettable flick in my mind, yet I have friends who swear it's the most breathtaking film of our time. I just can't see it.

It may be the most technologically important film since Star Wars and/or Citizen Kane..... However..... The plot IS Dances with Wolves with thunder smurfs..... Yet I think that the movie IS an important artistic statement because of how far it pushed the envelope ..... Now the resulting 3d mayhem may be unfortunate.... this movie used it the finest way possible(not to mention how badass those dang set pieces were).

IMO, it was similar to Titanic in that it was breathtakingly visually yet was a tad lacking in the story(tho the characters were appealing...too bad sam worthington is a stick figure)

[Andy G.]

I saw The Informant last week. I thought it was hilarious. Really entertaining. Matt Damon played his character very well, in my opinion.

[Chris_Moderato]

I saw The Informant last week. I thought it was hilarious. Really entertaining. Matt Damon played his character very well, in my opinion.

There is a very good This American Life (http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/168/The-Fix-Is-In) episode that deals with that situation too, Andy. It's worth a listen, if you have some time.

[The Rap]

I watched The Informant thinking it was going to be a story about a fool recruited by the FBI to do a job. The twist made the film so much more interesting and helped my belief that one of the best actors around is Matt Damon.

[The Rap]

I watched "The Lovely Bones" last night. It starred Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, and Stanley Tucci and the young girl who starred in it as she made her debut. It was directed by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame. I have to tell you all it is one of the greatest visual experiences I have ever seen and one of the best films as well.

[Chris_Moderato]

I just watched "Where the Wild Things Are." It was pretty good but I found myself bored too often.

That one is geared more toward us Gen X types who read the book as children, so your boredom makes sense.

[The Rap]

My daughter and son-in-law told me the exact same thing. Thx.

[Chris_Moderato]

Watched "Food, Inc" yesterday. A very interesting and somewhat disturbing, if not entirely surprising, analysis of industrial agriculture.

I recommend it to anyone and everyone.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Went and saw IM2 yesterday afternoon....Good Movie, not as good as the 1st which was expected...The main down part for me was that they went a little to far with the whole Tony Stark celeberty theme...Whiplash was awsome, I wish there had been another scene or 2 similar to the Race Scene...

[The Rap]

Watched "Disgrace" (truly brilliant performance by John Malkovich), "The Infidel" (A very funny movie with serious undertones) and a 3rd one whose name escapes me but it was damn good.

[The Rap]

Watched Avatar finally last night. Liked it a lot and visually it is amazing so I can imagine how it must looked on the big screen. I don't think its a classic or one of the best ever but the visual stuff is right up there. I will probably give it a 2nd viewing today.

[The Rap]

"The Imaginarium of Dr. Panesses" or better known as the final performance of Heath Ledger. I really liked the film but then again I usually like anything made by Terry Gilliam, formerly of Monty Python fame. Heath was great and his role was taken over about midpoint in the film by three of his friends; Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. They looked similar to him but Gilliam did the smart thing buy having other actors make a remark here and there to the character aboiut "how much he seemed to have changed." Johnny Depp was probably the closest of Heath's friends and has even named a section of his ranch after him. Heath is a great loss as he could have grown and grown and given the world much pleasure.

[jlcct]

He grew and grew and gave much pleasure

[Dreamscape]

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father...is one of the most powerful pieces of film I have ever watched. A childhood friend of a man who is killed in cold blood sets out to film a documentary about his friend and the child he never met before he was murdered.

It truly is an amazing film...

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Finally checked out Sherlock Holmes. It's an unusual twist on the old version of the master sleuth. Downey and Law were excellent. Do I see another "franchise" for Downey? One where growing older won't hurt for awhile?

(Chris - looks like jlcct beat you to the punch!)

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

"The Imaginarium of Dr. Panesses" or better known as the final performance of Heath Ledger. I really liked the film but then again I usually like anything made by Terry Gilliam, formerly of Monty Python fame. Heath was great and his role was taken over about midpoint in the film by three of his friends; Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. They looked similar to him but Gilliam did the smart thing buy having other actors make a remark here and there to the character aboiut "how much he seemed to have changed." Johnny Depp was probably the closest of Heath's friends and has even named a section of his ranch after him. Heath is a great loss as he could have grown and grown and given the world much pleasure.

The movie was different, but It was def worth watching...I'd have liked to it better if Heath had been able to finish the entire movie, but it was still a somewhat interesting concept with the different actors pitching in...

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Watched Robin Hood yesterday...good movie, I'd suggest checking it out...i'm looking foward to them making a 2nd one if they go that route...

[The Rap]

Watched "Under The Sea" which probably was breathtaking on IMAX screens but just beautiful on my TV.

[jlcct]

Watched Robin Hood yesterday...good movie, I'd suggest checking it out...i'm looking foward to them making a 2nd one if they go that route...

I don't like that Russell Crowe err Russel Crow err eat crow or what ever is who they cast for Robin Hood. I'll always portray him as a tall slender type after the early 90's version with Kevin Costner err Kelvim Cobbler err Katie Holmes or what ever his name is. Oh well.

[The Rap]

I am amazed that I watched a film called "Tenderness" starring Russell Crowe which came out within the past year and I never heard about it before. Turned out to be interesting and pretty good.

[FrankEC]

Watched "The Road" last night. It's the movie based on the Cormac McCarthy novel. My wife had read the book, I haven't...yet. Not really a cheerful movie. In fact there is really not a single thing to feel good about in the entire story. It was beautifully done, though, with great performances by Viggo Mortensen and Robert Duvall for the short time he's in the movie. I would still highly recommend it.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Saw The A-Team last night...perfect man's movie, but even the wife enjoyed it...Plenty of action!

[jlcct]

I heard it was a lot of fun and that Liam Neeson was pretty good. I like Neeson ever since seeing him in Batman and Taken. I grew up watching The A-Team, Knight Rider, Air Wolf and McGuyver with The A-Team being my favorite so I'll definitely check it out.

[Andy G.]

I watched The Apartment last night with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, directed by Billy Wilder. It was very good.

[Andy G.]

Inception is brilliant. Go see that movie.

[Freddy_Ballgame]

Watched the great flick "Freaks" again tonight on TCM. If you've never seen it, it's worth a look. Released in 1932, this Tod Browning masterpiece has the most unusual cast of any movie I've ever seen. It's captivating just watching the "stars" and the story is quite good as well.

[alaskabravesfan]

I'd rather be watching last nights game on MLB.com, but I am currently sitting on the couch with my six year old daughter watching Curious George. She loves it, but it's not very true to the book.

(For example, in the book The Man With the Yellow Hat catches George and brings him to the city. In the movie, George follows the man back...)

The music is pretty good, and (at least for six year olds) the movie has enough appeal to watch over and over and over... <LOL>