Rabid Dogs - A lost film from director Mario Bava that was unearthed a decade ago. One of the financiers died in debt and the courts confiscated his assets back in '75, including the first draft of this. My inadequate words-cannot-describe how excellent this Euro crime thriller is. (It's the best of all time)
Of all time, my friends. All time!
Virtually the entire story takes place in a moving vehicle, three criminals on the lam car jack a poor couple. The pacing is intense, the characters are awesomely fleshed out, the dialogue and acting are superb, and there's a delicious twist ending. It's a movie that makes you envy another's first time viewing it.
I remember a similiar picture with John Hurt, Tim Roth, and Terence Stamp, but this completely tops it. (and precedes it)
John Drake, Tony, get your mitts on a copy pronto. (just make sure you watch this first and not the re-edited version, entitled Kidnapped)
Rabid Dogs
I remember a similiar picture with John Hurt, Tim Roth, and Terence Stamp, but this completely tops it. (and precedes it)
John Drake, Tony, get your mitts on a copy pronto. (just make sure you watch this first and not the re-edited version, entitled Kidnapped)
{[] Alex. The film with Stamp, Hurt and Roth, (I make them sound like a team of dodgy lawyers ) is The Hit which I have seen and liked. Especially the sequence when the villians Stamp has given evidence against start singing "We'll meet again/ don't know where/ don't know when/But I know we'll meet again/Some Sunny Day." ) But if Rabid Dogs trumps this then I have to sse it.
Rabid Dogs
I remember a similiar picture with John Hurt, Tim Roth, and Terence Stamp, but this completely tops it. (and precedes it)
John Drake, Tony, get your mitts on a copy pronto. (just make sure you watch this first and not the re-edited version, entitled Kidnapped)
{[] Alex. The film with Stamp, Hurt and Roth, (I make them sound like a team of dodgy lawyers ) is The Hit which I have seen and liked. Especially the sequence when the villians Stamp has given evidence against start singing "We'll meet again/ don't know where/ don't know when/But I know we'll meet again/Some Sunny Day." ) But if Rabid Dogs trumps this then I have to sse it.
My favorite scene from The Hit, (thanks for reminding me the title), is that moment when Terence Stamp's destined time arrives. (you know to what I'm referring to)
He was ready to go throughout, but they caught him off guard and it wasn't the right time. (felt from the soul) One of the most profound and absolutely true moments captured on film ever)
But then I'm a little bit biased, because to me, Stamp is GOD.
I knew nothing of the cartoon show, and only a bit about the toys, having bought a couple for the boys...but it was surprisingly enjoyable fare. Michael Bay has finally found 'his' subject matter The effects are great, but they get to be a bit 'much' as the piece progresses. Not high art, but very funny in places, and good action.
I liked this movie. Zoned it at Walmart. ( they were promoting home theaters)
Felt a little like Al & Peg, , The leading actress was HOT. Loved the auto mechanic scene.
Like, my hairdresser, quite cute, was going on about how I should see Hostel...
NP, were you not a bit worried that there was a woman with a pair of scissors standing behind you telling you how much she liked the film Hostel? )
Ha! Ha! Good point! Actually there was a bit of sexual tension between her and me I thought. Always imagined that if I talked about fancying a girl at work she'd get the electric razor out and I'd walk away with a reverse mohican! )
From the get go the action starts and it never stops. There is quite a good story, it's not just a shoot em up. Clive Owen is great and Monica Belucci gives gives a good performance. Paul Giamatti is a great villian, a very villanous look. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was, which is always nice. Well worth the watch.
I knew nothing of the cartoon show, and only a bit about the toys, having bought a couple for the boys...but it was surprisingly enjoyable fare. Michael Bay has finally found 'his' subject matter The effects are great, but they get to be a bit 'much' as the piece progresses. Not high art, but very funny in places, and good action.
I liked this movie. Zoned it at Walmart. ( they were promoting home theaters)
Felt a little like Al & Peg, , The leading actress was HOT. Loved the auto mechanic scene.
Did you take some snacks off the shelf and eat them while you were watching. )
The leading actress is Megan Fox and you join Tony and I in mentioning the fact that she was hot.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I knew nothing of the cartoon show, and only a bit about the toys, having bought a couple for the boys...but it was surprisingly enjoyable fare. Michael Bay has finally found 'his' subject matter The effects are great, but they get to be a bit 'much' as the piece progresses. Not high art, but very funny in places, and good action.
I liked this movie. Zoned it at Walmart. ( they were promoting home theaters)
Felt a little like Al & Peg, , The leading actress was HOT. Loved the auto mechanic scene.
Did you take some snacks off the shelf and eat them while you were watching. )
The leading actress is Megan Fox and you join Tony and I in mentioning the fact that she was hot.
I join you in that as well. She struck me as a young Jennifer Connolly-type :x :x :x
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Live Free or Die Hard - An excellent action movie that is helped by a clever script and great performances from the entire cast. Action movies are always helped by a smart and well played villian and Timothy Olyphant as Thomas Gabriel (bad guy) delivers an excellent performance. Justin Long as Bruce Willis's computer hacker side kick is very good too. Very enjoyable I highly recommend.
Note - I rented this movie from a Red Box, which is a new rental business that has popped up in the Chicago area. The machines are literally red vending devices that are set up outside grocery stores and Wal Marts. The rental cost one dollar and all you do is swipe your debit or credit card and select your movie. They charge you one dollar and you have to return the movie the next night. All the new releases are in the machine and I have been able to get every movie I wanted. Can't beat the price, not sure how they make money, but I appreciate it. Curious if anyone else has these vending machines in there area.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Note - I rented this movie from a Red Box, which is a new rental business that has popped up in the Chicago area. The machines are literally red vending devices that are set up outside grocery stores and Wal Marts. The rental cost one dollar and all you do is swipe your debit or credit card and select your movie. They charge you one dollar and you have to return the movie the next night. All the new releases are in the machine and I have been able to get every movie I wanted. Can't beat the price, not sure how they make money, but I appreciate it. Curious if anyone else has these vending machines in there area.
Yeah, we've got them downstate...In Springfield we have them in 'Shop & Save' grocery stores. I've rented a few from them---the price is right, that's for sure.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Note - I rented this movie from a Red Box, which is a new rental business that has popped up in the Chicago area. The machines are literally red vending devices that are set up outside grocery stores and Wal Marts. The rental cost one dollar and all you do is swipe your debit or credit card and select your movie. They charge you one dollar and you have to return the movie the next night. All the new releases are in the machine and I have been able to get every movie I wanted. Can't beat the price, not sure how they make money, but I appreciate it. Curious if anyone else has these vending machines in there area.
Do you put the film back into the machine? ?:) And what happens if you return the film late?
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Do you put the film back into the machine? ?:) And what happens if you return the film late?
Then the machine comes looking for you.
):))
Actually, when returning the movie, you just select "returning movie" place the DVD in the slot and it drops it back in the machine. I haven't been late, but I assume since they have your debit/credit card they charge you an appropriate outrageous sum.
I've heard of the red boxes but haven't actually seen one (or maybe I'm just not paying attention). I've also heard that they're putting the boxes into McDonald's all over the country. How soon before Mickey D's goes into the funeral business so you can spend your entire life there?
I've heard of the red boxes but haven't actually seen one (or maybe I'm just not paying attention). I've also heard that they're putting the boxes into McDonald's all over the country. How soon before Mickey D's goes into the funeral business so you can spend your entire life there?
"One can imagine, or I can in my more morbid moments, the mortuary and McDonalds combined; the highlight of the tour, of course, would be a viewing of the McCorpse." Stephen King, Danse Macabre, 1981.
Got off to a bad start. Natalie Portman has a snotty English accent like Dame Judi, thankfully she loses it fairly quick. Then V appears in cliched Batman style, emerging from the shadows to save our Nat from being mugged and raped while being out after curfew.
At this point, V who wears a cape and a mask, starts to engage in this quite appalling verbose banter, like some flamboyant actor. Keeps referring to 'your powers of observation' like he's stuck on Moonraker dialogue.
V's voice is also a bit softly spoken, it's like it's not the character talking at times but dubbed on - maybe it is as the actor changed during filming.
V's mask looks a bit like Timothy Dalton and his delivery isn't too different either. (See line and cheerfully crosses over it...) Perhaps Lady Rose could get hold of the Dalton mask and get Lord Rose to wear it to spice up her evening... )
V's task is to bring down the corrupt, autocratic dictatorship govt and rarely seems unable to get to the powers that be, though it's quite compelling to watch it happen. It's ironic to see John Hurt as the Big Brother figure as he was in the film version of Orwell's 1984, as Winston Smith. Stephen Rea is the dogged but hapless police detective seemingly alone in bringing him in, with the woebegone experssion of Steve McClaren watching England throw it away.
Film gets better as it goes on, some thought provoking comments about our liberties given up etc. All a bit Nineteen Eighty-Four. This is the sort of film that's fine for watching on DVD but you might feel cheated at the cinema. Oh, Stephen Fry has a good cameo in it.
Actually, when returning the movie, you just select "returning movie" place the DVD in the slot and it drops it back in the machine. I haven't been late, but I assume since they have your debit/credit card they charge you an appropriate outrageous sum.
Okay, that makes sense. However, one more clarification; I thought you said that when borrowing the film in the first place, you swiped your card? ?:)
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
"One can imagine, or I can in my more morbid moments, the mortuary and McDonalds combined; the highight of the tour, of course, would be a viewing of the McCorpse." Stephen King, Danse Macabre, 1981.
) He really is brilliant. You know, considering some of the food McDonalds serves (especially in the US), one could argue that this McDonalds combining with a mortuary probably makes alot of sense.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
You know, considering some of the food McDonalds serves (especially in the US), one could argue that this McDonalds combining with a mortuary probably makes alot of sense.
I haven't been in a McD's in years, although there was a time when we seemed to be there at least once a week. The kids have grown out of it now, and Bride Of Barbel and one daughter are veggies. I suppose the food's still much the same! )
I agree with a reviewer who states; this is one of the few British films that showcases the history and beautiful countryside to their full extent, such as the best American westerns had done over here.
Excellent film from Michael Reeves, a gifted director who died way too young and only gave us 3 pictures to wonder what could have been - and one of Vincent Price's best performances, proving that he was a great actor and not limited to certain roles.
Tee HeeCBT Headquarters: Chicago, ILPosts: 917MI6 Agent
edited November 2007
No Country For Old Men
A Texas man named LLewelyn (named after our beloved gadget master perhaps ) stumbles upon the scene of a drug deal gone bad, leaving countless bodies, a cache of heroin, and 2 million dollars in its wake. Llewelyn takes the money and leaves, only to be hunted for it by a psychopathic killer throughout the rest of the film.
While this film is gruesomely violent, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Javier Bardem gives an absolutely chilling performance as the villain Anton Chigurh. Tommy Lee Jones gives an excellent performance as well. There is even a nice little cameo by Woody Harrelson.
The film's ending had the theater audience in an uproar and made for some interesting conversation with my buddy on the way home.
This film has been getting nothing but rave reviews from critics and moviegoers alike. I give it my stamp of approval as well.
"My acting range? Left eyebrow raised, right eyebrow raised..."
-Roger Moore
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Actually, when returning the movie, you just select "returning movie" place the DVD in the slot and it drops it back in the machine. I haven't been late, but I assume since they have your debit/credit card they charge you an appropriate outrageous sum.
Okay, that makes sense. However, one more clarification; I thought you said that when borrowing the film in the first place, you swiped your card? ?:)
Yeah; you swipe your debit/credit card when you select the movie. What happens if you don't return it is this: Red Box will charge you $1 per day, for something like 29 days. After that, they stop charging you---and you've basically bought the DVD for $30 (!) If you return it within 24 hours, it's actually quite a good value.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited November 2007
"The Omega Man"
As part of the ongoing cultural erudition of Loeffelholz Jr and Loeffelholz III, I've been introducing them to the films of my own youth from time to time, and this was one of those times B-)
It all started yesterday afternoon when we saw a trailer for the upcoming "I Am Legend" with Will Smith (which looks quite promising, BTW) on TV. I talked to them a bit about the great Richard Matheson (The Incredible Shrinking Man, Somewhere In Time, et al.) and then added---as an afterthought---that I had a version of I Am Legend in our film library. Well, the boys wanted to see it, and I'm always up for a bit of Chuck Heston Sci-Fi, so...
I still like this movie, after all this time, and despite a score which has become embarrassingly dated. Anthony ('Milton Krest' in LTK) Zerbe has a creepy supporting role, and Heston still looks pretty fit with his shirt off, just a couple of years after Planet of the Apes. The rather obvious final shot of Neville as a Christ figure remains one of the less subtle moments in '70s Cinema---an era already somewhat short on subtlety ---but a good time was had by all.
My boys are curious to see how Will Smith's 'Robert Neville' will fare in the latest remake...
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Spectreisland and I are longtime fans of The Omega Man as well (heck, we love most of the sci-fi films from that era). The ending is, as you say, a bit weak and the movie bears only a passing resemblance the the novel but it's still an entertaining two hours. Anthony Zerbe is great as Mathias. B-)
Another great Charleton Heston sci-fi film is Soylent Green. Again, it bears little resemblance to the novel on which it is based (Make Room, Make Room) but still has some great action and some really powerful and moving scenes (the final scenes with Roth and Thorne still choke me up). And of course, Heston hams up the final line for all it's worth.
Near wordless drama in that covers the final performance in a run-down cinema, as it shows an old martial arts movie. The auditorium is near empty except for a handful of customers. They include a young geek, an amorous couple and rather touchingly one of the actors who actually appeared in the martial arts film that is being shown. Nothing much happens. The film focuses on the audience as they watch the screen. A kiosk girl with a limp tries to find the projectionist to give him some food, but he's gone AWOL. Somebody tries to cadge a light for a cigarette. That's about it really, and yet it's riveting, but admittedly not for everyone.
Young and Dangerous stylish drama from the mid-90's about a group of teenagers starting out in a triad gang. It's an early movie from Andrew Lau who would go on to make the Infernal Affairs trilogy. There's around four or five sequels to this, and I must try and see the rest of them if the quality remains as high as the original.
Comments
Of all time, my friends. All time!
Virtually the entire story takes place in a moving vehicle, three criminals on the lam car jack a poor couple. The pacing is intense, the characters are awesomely fleshed out, the dialogue and acting are superb, and there's a delicious twist ending. It's a movie that makes you envy another's first time viewing it.
I remember a similiar picture with John Hurt, Tim Roth, and Terence Stamp, but this completely tops it. (and precedes it)
John Drake, Tony, get your mitts on a copy pronto. (just make sure you watch this first and not the re-edited version, entitled Kidnapped)
{[] Alex. The film with Stamp, Hurt and Roth, (I make them sound like a team of dodgy lawyers
He was ready to go throughout, but they caught him off guard and it wasn't the right time. (felt from the soul) One of the most profound and absolutely true moments captured on film ever)
But then I'm a little bit biased, because to me, Stamp is GOD.
Not God, Zod!
I'll have to look for these on Amazon.
Felt a little like Al & Peg,
As a fan of Vince Vaughn and all things Christmas, this movie was right up my alley. Very cute, totally gets you in the holiday mood.
Ha! Ha! Good point! Actually there was a bit of sexual tension between her and me I thought. Always imagined that if I talked about fancying a girl at work she'd get the electric razor out and I'd walk away with a reverse mohican!
Roger Moore 1927-2017
From the get go the action starts and it never stops. There is quite a good story, it's not just a shoot em up. Clive Owen is great and Monica Belucci gives gives a good performance. Paul Giamatti is a great villian, a very villanous look. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was, which is always nice. Well worth the watch.
****
Did you take some snacks off the shelf and eat them while you were watching.
The leading actress is Megan Fox and you join Tony and I in mentioning the fact that she was hot.
I join you in that as well. She struck me as a young Jennifer Connolly-type :x :x :x
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Thanks Alex. Who asked him anyway?
Yes! It was hysterical.
Note - I rented this movie from a Red Box, which is a new rental business that has popped up in the Chicago area. The machines are literally red vending devices that are set up outside grocery stores and Wal Marts. The rental cost one dollar and all you do is swipe your debit or credit card and select your movie. They charge you one dollar and you have to return the movie the next night. All the new releases are in the machine and I have been able to get every movie I wanted. Can't beat the price, not sure how they make money, but I appreciate it. Curious if anyone else has these vending machines in there area.
Yeah, we've got them downstate...In Springfield we have them in 'Shop & Save' grocery stores. I've rented a few from them---the price is right, that's for sure.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Then the machine comes looking for you.
Actually, when returning the movie, you just select "returning movie" place the DVD in the slot and it drops it back in the machine. I haven't been late, but I assume since they have your debit/credit card they charge you an appropriate outrageous sum.
"One can imagine, or I can in my more morbid moments, the mortuary and McDonalds combined; the highlight of the tour, of course, would be a viewing of the McCorpse." Stephen King, Danse Macabre, 1981.
Got off to a bad start.
At this point, V who wears a cape and a mask, starts to engage in this quite appalling verbose banter, like some flamboyant actor. Keeps referring to 'your powers of observation' like he's stuck on Moonraker dialogue.
V's voice is also a bit softly spoken, it's like it's not the character talking at times but dubbed on - maybe it is as the actor changed during filming.
V's mask looks a bit like Timothy Dalton and his delivery isn't too different either. (See line and cheerfully crosses over it...) Perhaps Lady Rose could get hold of the Dalton mask and get Lord Rose to wear it to spice up her evening...
V's task is to bring down the corrupt, autocratic dictatorship govt and rarely seems unable to get to the powers that be, though it's quite compelling to watch it happen. It's ironic to see John Hurt as the Big Brother figure as he was in the film version of Orwell's 1984, as Winston Smith. Stephen Rea is the dogged but hapless police detective seemingly alone in bringing him in, with the woebegone experssion of Steve McClaren watching England throw it away.
Film gets better as it goes on, some thought provoking comments about our liberties given up etc. All a bit Nineteen Eighty-Four. This is the sort of film that's fine for watching on DVD but you might feel cheated at the cinema. Oh, Stephen Fry has a good cameo in it.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Okay, that makes sense. However, one more clarification; I thought you said that when borrowing the film in the first place, you swiped your card? ?:)
I haven't been in a McD's in years, although there was a time when we seemed to be there at least once a week. The kids have grown out of it now, and Bride Of Barbel and one daughter are veggies. I suppose the food's still much the same!
I agree with a reviewer who states; this is one of the few British films that showcases the history and beautiful countryside to their full extent, such as the best American westerns had done over here.
Excellent film from Michael Reeves, a gifted director who died way too young and only gave us 3 pictures to wonder what could have been - and one of Vincent Price's best performances, proving that he was a great actor and not limited to certain roles.
A Texas man named LLewelyn (named after our beloved gadget master perhaps
While this film is gruesomely violent, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Javier Bardem gives an absolutely chilling performance as the villain Anton Chigurh. Tommy Lee Jones gives an excellent performance as well. There is even a nice little cameo by Woody Harrelson.
The film's ending had the theater audience in an uproar and made for some interesting conversation with my buddy on the way home.
This film has been getting nothing but rave reviews from critics and moviegoers alike. I give it my stamp of approval as well.
-Roger Moore
Yeah; you swipe your debit/credit card when you select the movie. What happens if you don't return it is this: Red Box will charge you $1 per day, for something like 29 days. After that, they stop charging you---and you've basically bought the DVD for $30 (!)
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
As part of the ongoing cultural erudition of Loeffelholz Jr and Loeffelholz III, I've been introducing them to the films of my own youth from time to time, and this was one of those times B-)
It all started yesterday afternoon when we saw a trailer for the upcoming "I Am Legend" with Will Smith (which looks quite promising, BTW) on TV. I talked to them a bit about the great Richard Matheson (The Incredible Shrinking Man, Somewhere In Time, et al.) and then added---as an afterthought---that I had a version of I Am Legend in our film library. Well, the boys wanted to see it, and I'm always up for a bit of Chuck Heston Sci-Fi, so...
I still like this movie, after all this time, and despite a score which has become embarrassingly dated. Anthony ('Milton Krest' in LTK) Zerbe has a creepy supporting role, and Heston still looks pretty fit with his shirt off, just a couple of years after Planet of the Apes. The rather obvious final shot of Neville as a Christ figure remains one of the less subtle moments in '70s Cinema---an era already somewhat short on subtlety
My boys are curious to see how Will Smith's 'Robert Neville' will fare in the latest remake...
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Another great Charleton Heston sci-fi film is Soylent Green. Again, it bears little resemblance to the novel on which it is based (Make Room, Make Room) but still has some great action and some really powerful and moving scenes (the final scenes with Roth and Thorne still choke me up). And of course, Heston hams up the final line for all it's worth.
Goodbye Dragon Inn
Near wordless drama in that covers the final performance in a run-down cinema, as it shows an old martial arts movie. The auditorium is near empty except for a handful of customers. They include a young geek, an amorous couple and rather touchingly one of the actors who actually appeared in the martial arts film that is being shown. Nothing much happens. The film focuses on the audience as they watch the screen. A kiosk girl with a limp tries to find the projectionist to give him some food, but he's gone AWOL. Somebody tries to cadge a light for a cigarette. That's about it really, and yet it's riveting, but admittedly not for everyone.
Young and Dangerous stylish drama from the mid-90's about a group of teenagers starting out in a triad gang. It's an early movie from Andrew Lau who would go on to make the Infernal Affairs trilogy. There's around four or five sequels to this, and I must try and see the rest of them if the quality remains as high as the original.