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2020/12/07 21:49:03
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
To think, this was one of the first Marvel movies to do well in the theatre. That opening scene is still epic, and totally gets you into the movie.
Snipes performance is.... weird because Blade is not a likable and has some strange mannerisms. Just enough for you to realize that this guy is:
1. Not fully human
2. Messed from years of trauma
Stephen Dorf and his gang of Vamp villains is also really engaging.
The Vamps as portrayed in the film are clearly biological and not Undead. After all, their are full-blood vampires who are "born" as Vampires. In addition, they are not immortal, but just live a long time compared to Humans. In a way, they are more like Fantasy elves than undead, soulless monsters.
In a way, Blade is another twist or play on the "what it real" tropes that were popular in the time period this movie was made.
The Christmas Wife This was a made for TV movie in 1988 starring Jason Robards. The transfer looks like it came directly from a VHS tape, complete with tracking static at some points.
The movie is about a man who lost his wife that year. He decides to spend time at their family cabin instead of visiting his son's family. However, to avoid loneliness he hires an older woman to spend Christmas with him.
This is the type of movie that could not be made today. It is almost more like a play as there are very few sets, no special effects, and it is completely dialogue and character driven. The main drive of the story is about the motivations of the characters. I found this incredibly re-freshing!
The movie has some excellent lines about what it is like to by an older person in America. I do not think these truths have changed since the late 80's. It was a mix of sad, re-affirming, and melancholy. Robards kills in a film that he could have just phoned it in, but he doesn't.
I strongly recommend this film to anyone with older folks still in their family to watch before you connect with them for the Holidays. You may have some new insight.
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2020/12/10 13:16:01
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
Automatically Appended Next Post: Last night I zapped through tv channels and was met with a film which surprised me.
Dreamcatcher (2003)
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. Missed the beginning, so I was twice as confused as you'd be with this film anyway. It's about four childhood friends (Thomas Jane, Jason Lee [whom i ALWAYS mistake for Ryan Reynolds if he doesn't wear a beard], Timothy Olyphant, the guy from Life and Homeland with the small mouth) who get caught up in an alien invasion in [snowy forest area]. Morgan Freeman leads a tip top secret army unit who have been fending off alien attacks for decades, Tom Sizemore is his right-hand man.
Now that is a very interesting film. A very, very interesting film, constantly meandering between horror, sci-fi and Steven King film. Along with a very, very strong parodistic bent. And that makes the film charming. Also of course: The cast is pretty impressive, and they seem to have fun doing this film too.
The downside though is that this film is a huge mess. It works with future visions (all of the friends got magic powers in their childhood from a mentally challenged friend of theirs, because this is a Stephen King story), flashbacks to scenes before, childhood scenes, what's currently going on with other characters, and so on. I was not able to follow what's happening, but it certainly wasn't boring, because there was always stuff happening and somehow it kept me guessing what would happen next.
There's some hilarious stuff in there, some vaguely scary stuff, lots of splattery stuff and much confusing stuff. And in the end Tom Sizemore downs a helicopter gunship with a colt he got from John Wayne via Morgan Freeman.
I'm pretty sure this is a 'cult classic' with some people, because it's a pretty unique and entertaining thing, even though it's very long (2 hours I think) and confusing as heck. But it's got a killer cast, all of whom seeming to be really into it and having a good time. Especially so the guy from Life/Homeland, who's got some really fun scenes.
Take it or Leave it. Can't give it any other verdict.
Stephen King adaptations always vary massively in quality and I would definitely put this film down there with one of the worst.
It's years since I've seen it but I remember Morgan Freeman being horrendously miscast as the film antagonist.
As is normally the way, the book is pretty excellent. I would recommend it if the film hasn't totally spoilt your appetite! (You will never read a fuller description, with better use of language, of someone visiting the toilet.. )
A Holiday movie with a pretty good cast from 2004. It has Penelope Cruz, Paul Walker, Alan Arkin, Susan Sarandon, and Robin Williams all directed by..... Chazz Palmeteiri (sp)! Well....
As an ensemble piece it holds together pretty well. Everybody pretty much does their thing and provide solid performances and Penelope Cruz has a great screen presence. Chazz even has a small cameo!
It was a solid Holiday movie, and mostly avoided the over-the-top cheese you get in most Holiday movies.
It is weird to think that two members of the main cast have since died!
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2020/12/10 18:09:00
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
Saw this in theaters and it really rubbed me the wrong way. At the time, it seemed like transparent China-pandering.
Watched it on blu ray the other night and was impressed by its workmanlike competence despite falling far short of the fascinating vision of del Toro.
I enjoyed that it seemed to be aware of what kind of film it was. It didn’t aim nearly as high, but it hit its target, in my eyes.
It’s the kind of movie where the somewhat villainous CEO has to redeem herself ...by strapping into a giant scrapbot and parajumping into the fray to save the day. One is either onboard with that or not.
I am decidedly not. That is a thread that, to the extent you pull on it, unravels the entire movie.
About that utterly awful baby scrap mech: that piece of gak is the mascot for everything that is wrong with PR:U and is the manifestation of the betrayal of del Toro’s vision for the franchise.
It’s a movie where overlooking flaws ends up being more important than emphasizing the bright spots. And the better one is able to make that a single process, the better one will enjoy it.
Man, I have watched a lot of Christmas movies this year, and I do not expect that to slow down anytime soon. I have watched some real bad movies too, but this one is just insipid and insulting.
It is the basic Hallmark Holiday movie trope where a big city business woman goes to a small town for work and ends up finding the true meaning of Christmas! Just a terrible insulting premise and delivery to all involved. The actors do their best and they are not to blame at all, this is all the producers and writers fault. The worst themes and cliches of Christmas movies are on display here and it makes me mad!
On the plus side:
- Somehow, this movie has Morgan Fairchild AND Chevy Chase in it!
- As a corporate goon, I could relate to how the small towners reacted to the business consultant rolling into town. I have experienced it myself! The front line folks are happy you are there to help. The Higher-ups are mad as hell and resent you. However, in real-life most folks are professional enough to keep it toned down and not obvious.
- A coupe of jokes at Wisconsin's expense
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/12/11 15:41:32
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2020/12/11 21:54:28
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
It's a Russian superhero film. A carbon copy of Marvel films, lacking the IP and these actors. It's actually rather enlightening as to how these films work if you take these two factors out. It's less enjoyable to watch, but more about telling the viewer "LOOK. THIS IS WHAT YOU PAY DISNEY MONEY FOR. Better yourself.".
Well, that's a bit harsh. One of the superheroes is a dude who turns into a bear, and I'm fairly certain that this dude's a cult figure in some internet subculture. I really enjoyed how bland the baddie is, but at least the exposition was very efficient.
It's a bad, bland Russian superheroes/sci-fi film. Even got into cinemas in Germany as far as I read, but I don't know how well it did. If you're interested in exactly the same take on superhero films as everybody else takes, Watch it. If not, Pass.
I also watched most of The Firm. A perfectly serviceable film, well-made, well acted. Surprisingly long. But perfectly OK.
Last night I watched There's something about Mary. It's just such good fun, it's upbeat, it very, very, very rarely drags, it works. If you can say that about a comedy you know it's good.
This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2020/12/15 10:47:51
As I said, I have been watching a lot of Holiday movies lately..... I really just went to TUBI and then to the the Holiday movie section and just started watching with almost no filter (I skipped knock-off CGI animated films though. I have some standards!).
I do not recommend this approach. There is a lot of really bad, mixed in with better than expected, and meh.
Anyway, here is today's serving.....
Cup of Cheer This was a nice palate cleanser that came at the right time. It is basically a Police Squad/Airplane/Austin Powers comedy about Christmas movies like Christmas in Vermont.
First strike against it, it is an Indie Canadian film! Red flag! However, there are a lot of comedy swings, with a fair share of misses, a few base hits, and a couple laugh out loud home runs.
Some of my favorite one liners:
Karen: Are these Gluten-free?
Mary: No, they are $5 dollars.
And then this gem:
Mary: I always like to think what my dead parents would do in a situation like this?
Keith: Probably die?
If that is not the style of humor you like, then avoid. However, after watching the cliche ridden, Hallmark Fall of Fame, Gakfest that was Christmas in Vermont this one hit the spot!
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2020/12/14 21:19:53
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
A really weird movie, almost looks like a kids movie, but it's not.
Some sort of post apocalypse movie with rag puppets and a monster. Hard to follow plot. Very dark and creepy.
Back when I was in highschool and that movie came out my friends and I came to the conclusion that the original draft of that script had all of the characters dying and the evil machine somehow absorbing their souls and becoming "good" and rebuilding the world as pennance for its crimes. However our theory is that the studio had other ideas and wanted a traditional happy ending. Hence the confusing plot and odd ending/wrap up.
2020/12/15 10:47:06
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
A TV series with lots of endearing awkwardness and healthy dose of snark. Watch it for Catherine O’Hara’s hats if for nothing else.
I've just started watching this off of a recommendation and am really enjoying it. Really good script, characters are amusing and it's in short 20 minute episodes so great if you just want something to watch quickly.
A conceptual if not narrative sequel to Black Water, Abyss takes the same largely formulaic monster movie paradigm as its predecessor, with a large Saltwater Croc as the villain, and doesn't really do anything new with it.
Black Water, while not offering much to recommend itself in the first instance, could at least be praised for experimenting with the idea that crocs don't need a huge amount of water depth to hunt in, and should you find yourself in muddy water, you'll potentially find yourself in real trouble.
Abyss does nothing apart from move the whole idea into a cave (so now it's dark and murky) and present one of the best collections of clichés for you to fill out your horror movie bingo card in some time.
Also, even on what was presumably a low budget, how does it manage to make the CGI elements worse than you'd get in 90s TV shows? There's one sequence where I swear the Croc misses about 15 frames and just jumps across the screen. It's a real shame as there's either some other CG sequences or practical effects that take real advantage of the lighting and murk to look really effective, only to be let down by a few rank amateur almost unfinished looking shots.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Oh, I will give the script a few extra bonus points for making the Croc none of either omnipotent, omniscient or omnipresent. When the protagonists are physically scattered around the cave, the Croc is very definitely not.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/12/16 23:47:40
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
Surprisingly good, (maybe not such a surprise since it's the same team as Batman TAS, Superman TAS and Justice League Unlimited), stylish and fun. Some of the tech is a bit outdated but hey it's 20 years old. Recommend.
2020/12/22 20:36:28
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
Browsed over it on Netflix before, but always thought better of it and passed. Last night I caught it on TV. German dubbed version, whatever.
The setting is a wedding, it's used mainly as a backdrop to the stuff that's going on. The characters are a rag-tag bunch of 'misfits' who weren't deemed suitable for being sat at any of the other tables. I'm sure most of you were at weddings before, it's usual wedding stuff. You seat people together who fit some sort of category or circle. Only if you are a complete psychopath you'll "mix it up" by making everybody uncomfortable and flee the table asap as you seat complete strangers who have nothing to do with each other at one table.
Anyway, Table 19 is the table of people they didn't know where to put really, either because they're figures of the past who play no part in the wedding couple's lives any more or are invited out of obligation, and so on. Early on the table is referred to as "the table for the people of whom they secretly wish they'd not show up at all". It's a very clever setup, because it allows for cool character stuff. Basically the Breakfast Club for grown-ups, but in such a situation which isn't unlike detention. And Breakfast Club is one of the greatest films in the world, so that wouldn't be bad at all, right?
Well, it's a bit of a broader, basically romantic comedy. But it goes about things in a very clever way. At several points I groaned at the screen in anticipation of annoying things happening, but very, very, very rarely they did. In one later scene especially I was fully willing to give up on the film if a specific thing happened. And it didn't! This bloody film is clever about things. Especially characters. Some are flatter than others (the kid and Steven Merchant), but what the heck, they're just a kid and pretty much a broken person.
In the middle it dips a bit deep into "US indie comedy" territory with some tropes (the effin' music!) [a few weeks ago someone very fittingly claimed that 99% of US indie films were basically regular Hollywood films which skipped washing their hair for a day], but overall there are some really interesting stories in this one and surprisingly nuanced characters. And it had me audibly laugh at least twice and tear up in the end. What else do you want, right?
Watch It. It's good. And so is Anna Kendrick. The whole cast is actually. It's starring Lisa Kudrow, who probably got the most interesting and complex story of the characters.
edit: Oh, and merry christmas!
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2020/12/24 15:28:08
Watched all 3 Starship Troopers films ($10 box set on Amazon). The perfect set to paint Cadians by.
The first is just a classic and everyone should see it. I'm amazed there are people who did not get that it was a satire of American media and culture. Just amazed.
The second film is... a passable science fiction horror film as a squad try to survive as a new kind of bug infiltrates their ranks. It is definitely improved by the twist at the end. "Shed no tears for me, my glory lives forever!"
The third has a bit of a return to the humor and satire and is fairly watchable. The long-awaited debut of the Marauder power armor suits is a bit of a bust, just some unremarkable CGI, but the return of the news items more than makes up for it as the military government demonizes the peace movement and religious resurgence for threatening the war effort.
So just about the perfect painting movies, either taken on the surface level as good old bug shooting movies or as parodies of war films.
Play us out Sky Marshal Anoke!
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2020/12/28 12:56:56
2020/12/28 20:19:44
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
I watched Wonder Woman 1984. Apparently, people hate this one? I can't quite figure out why. Yeah, it was goofy but I felt like everything had a good internal logic that let me ignore the goofy bits as "just the way that this world works" and I think the villain was leagues better than most Marvel villains.
It's worth watching if you have HBO MAX.
2020/12/28 21:49:34
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
balmong7 wrote: I watched Wonder Woman 1984. Apparently, people hate this one? I can't quite figure out why. Yeah, it was goofy but I felt like everything had a good internal logic that let me ignore the goofy bits as "just the way that this world works" and I think the villain was leagues better than most Marvel villains.
It's worth watching if you have HBO MAX.
Like the first one it's too long, hopefully a reverse cut with 45mins chopped out is coming, also Cheeta was some decent lighting away from Cats level nightmare fuel, but I'm not the target audience as superfilms peaked at Logan / Ragnorok
Also
The Old Guard
Normally keen on Charlize does a thing movies but this was two hours of plodding tedium with video game shooty bits we've seen in every Wick wannabe
"AND YET YOU ACT AS IF THERE IS SOME IDEAL ORDER IN THE WORLD, AS IF THERE IS SOME...SOME RIGHTNESS IN THE UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT MAY BE JUDGED."
)
