A Roman Polanski film - starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Kattral.... Ewan McGregor is hired by Pierce Brosnan’s (Who is the ex-British Prime Minister) team, to finish his memoirs...the last chap having died... in rather suspicious circumstances. We soon discover that the ex-prime minister is connected to illegal torture of Iraqi prisoners, and is being threatened to stand trial for War Crimes.... and when Ewan's character delves a little deeper, he soon discovers the PM's connections to the CIA.
Although slow moving, the performances were excellent - and the dark, rainy background added to the uncomfortable situation that Ewan found himself in. Basically, right in the middle.... with no real safe place to turn.
4 out of 5 stars
She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
The Tourist. My, oh my, it's apparent these filmmakers REALLY liked the Bond movies made from about 1977 to 1987. The locations are Paris, London, and Venice (including a museum where there's a fight); there are sequences on a train and in a casino; a rooftop chase and a chase involving boats in the canals of Venice; a stringy, bassy score that seems to be James Newton Howard channeling John Barry; and, in case you miss the point, the villain is played by Octopussy's Steven Berkoff (who's really very good here) and Tim Dalton shows up as an M-like character. There's some fun in picking out these elements; too bad Johnny Depp's character is totally off-kilter (have some FUN, dude!) and the results are just cheesy.
A chunk of Terminator 2. However, while the initial bike - lorry chaise is great (that's how it should be done, EON) I at last came upon a big plot flaw... you'll have seen the film, but I'll put it as a spoiler cos you may not want to know of it.
The new terminator can shape shift into anyone he likes, right? So why is it he appears always as his first incarnation, the uniformed cop! That sort of wises up Arnie, the kid et al whenever he's on the scene, like going yoo-hoo! I'm here! Shouldn't he just shapeshift into someone else, sneak up and then BAM! Still, a shorter movie then
A Roman Polanski film - starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Kattral.... Ewan McGregor is hired by Pierce Brosnan’s (Who is the ex-British Prime Minister) team, to finish his memoirs...the last chap having died... in rather suspicious circumstances. We soon discover that the ex-prime minister is connected to illegal torture of Iraqi prisoners, and is being threatened to stand trial for War Crimes.... and when Ewan's character delves a little deeper, he soon discovers the PM's connections to the CIA.
Although slow moving, the performances were excellent - and the dark, rainy background added to the uncomfortable situation that Ewan found himself in. Basically, right in the middle.... with no real safe place to turn.
4 out of 5 stars
I found that a good watch as well. I thought the island location was eerie to say the least and the plot was pretty well worked. Without giving much away, I thought the wife's connection and identity all along was awsome - didn't see that coming, and nor the way McGreggor's and Brosnan's charactors end up. Loved the Tony Blair vein the primeminister has running through with call for war crimes etc.
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
Pollyanna, had to watch it last night with my two Daughters ( I got in touch with my Feminine side) usual Old Disney stuff but Karl Malden did a great job as a Zealot of a Preacher, all fire and Brimstone. a sunday afternoon film.
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
In preparation for seeing the final Harry Potter installment this weekend I watched all seven films this week. The wife and I had a ritual going - bath the kids, get them to bed, have some dinner then settle down and watch a film. I'm not really a fan and hadn't seen more than a couple of them, but got into it for my wife who really likes the series and has read all the books. I'm bloody hooked now though! What starts out as kids stuff (and I must say the first two really are) really got going and with The Prisoner Of Azkaban had really changed direction. Parts of Order of The Pheonix and The Deathly Hallows are damn right scary and if they had sex or swore, then it would be cert 18. I've sat through tamer horror flicks many times.
It's clear to me that JK Rowling has plagerised much of the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, but she has also layered in a fantastic story of her own. The films are so well shot and the sets and effects are amazing. (I even found myself seeing a young Bond and M relationship between Potter and Dumbledoor, but that's probably just me). I started off sceptical, but cannot wait until the final film.
It's sort of weird though, because the films seem to have created a journey for a certain audience who have grown with them. Put it this way, in a few years my daughter (now four) will probably watch the Philosiphor's Stone one rainy afternoon on tv, and she'll want to see the next one - but I'm going to have to tell her that she can't see all of them until she's about thirteen, because there is no way that the last couple of films should be seen by kids of 10, 11 or 12.
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
In preparation for seeing the final Harry Potter installment this weekend I watched all seven films this week. The wife and I had a ritual going - bath the kids, get them to bed, have some dinner then settle down and watch a film. I'm not really a fan and hadn't seen more than a couple of them, but got into it for my wife who really likes the series and has read all the books. I'm bloody hooked now though! What starts out as kids stuff (and I must say the first two really are) really got going and with The Prisoner Of Azkaban had really changed direction. Parts of Order of The Pheonix and The Deathly Hallows are damn right scary and if they had sex or swore, then it would be cert 18. I've sat through tamer horror flicks many times.
It's clear to me that JK Rowling has plagerised much of the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, but she has also layered in a fantastic story of her own. The films are so well shot and the sets and effects are amazing. (I even found myself seeing a young Bond and M relationship between Potter and Dumbledoor, but that's probably just me). I started off sceptical, but cannot wait until the final film.
It's sort of weird though, because the films seem to have created a journey for a certain audience who have grown with them. Put it this way, in a few years my daughter (now four) will probably watch the Philosiphor's Stone one rainy afternoon on tv, and she'll want to see the next one - but I'm going to have to tell her that she can't see all of them until she's about thirteen, because there is no way that the last couple of films should be seen by kids of 10, 11 or 12.
Thx TSA...I'm in same mode as you were, seen a couple, not hooked, but in awe of their power over youngsters and in admiration of the JK -R journey ( coffee shops and all)
I might just follow your lead if only to win brandy points or in exchange for a bond fest!
Forced to pull another all-nighter. This time, The Tree of Life by Terrence Malick.
It's kinda like Transformers 3 - lots of shots of outer space, though fewer flying robots. Actually it might have been better in 3D.
It's about a couple with three sons, it weaves in between present day with Sean Penn and flashback with him as a son and with Brad Pitt as his dad with a buzz cut and really small ears.
There are shots of what seems to be God in outer space, a sort of whirly circular light which did seem to me to resemble pussy, but maybe that's just the way I think.
The main problem with the film for me is that we know one of the kids dies aged 19, so we are looking at kids being born and it's a bit Charlie Bit My Finger but with an tragic ending. A lot of the time Mallick is just trying to be a horror director, giving you a creeping sense of unease about what might happen next. It's none too enjoyable but all very mystical to watch. It has a Christian evangalist message, slightly went over my head at times.
Another prob, more minor, is that you do get the sense Malick makes it up in the edit so you have a big actress like Fiona Shaw as a consoling mum with only a few lines, you think, hmmm, bet there's fair bit on the cutting room floor.
Final problem is no big f*** off machine marching thru the scenery of course. (Inevitably there is a Tree of Life vs Transformers thread on its website).
Oh, trailers. Some Jason Bourne type movie about a teenager who realises he's a missing kid from a milk carton. Soon he's on the run with the FBI on his tail.
Some 40 Year Old Virgin rip off with Steve Carroll again. Often some obligatory girl pulls her top off to get people in to cinemas...
And Batman 3 or whatever it is. Only a teaser in the old style however. Just a glimpse of things. No Catwoman, the back of Bane for a nanosecond, Gary Oldman narrating the dilemma from his sick bed.
As you lie aslumber, what is this creeping up the stairs but Mr Tickle's arm, ready to do some mischief with your lady wife while she stirs beside you...
He knows when she is sleeping
He knows when you're awake...
"This is where we leave you Mr Bond."
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,769Chief of Staff
As you lie aslumber, what is this creeping up the stairs but Mr Tickle's arm, ready to do some mischief with your lady wife while she stirs beside you...
He knows when she is sleeping
He knows when you're awake...
You have two now, Nap
I feel the Freak Show will be on to you soon to watch you pull that all-nighter )
Billy Wilder's The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.
Been hearing about this for years. As the beginning credits rolled, show-casing the iconic private effects of the famous detective, I thought I was in for a real treat. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
I was expecting a traditional mystery thriller, not a dry comedy with an over exuberant Jack Lemmon type Watson and a Holmes wearing more makeup then my Aunt. Didn't care for the humour in this film at all. Apart from Christopher Lee's Mycroft who was great as always.
In fact, after the little people showed up I turned it off. Sorry, maybe next time.
Robert Stephens reminded me of Kenneth Williams. Speaking of, why wasn't there a Carry On, Holmes ever made?
I agree. It looks good, but it has that London vibe as seen through Americans. I don't mind that with stuff like Mary Poppins, but I do here. For the first half hour I half expected the leads to burst into song. Holmes was like Hans Gruber off Allo Allo, or the banker in CR who doesn't bring chocolates. In bad taste as there are hints that Watson is outraged that Holmes might be gay or hasn't done the deed with a woman, oh it's just awful really. You can believe this Holmes would do drugs, not that he'd do any sleuthing.
Rex Harrison was in the frame to be Holmes originally, apparently. That might have helped.
I took Oliver to see this - with a friend of his.... haven't watched the first one (although it's kicking around somewhere...) but I have to say, this was a really good movie, with a great lesson - probably goes over most kids heads, but it created a great discussion with the 2 six year olds.... inner peace and how you need it to reach your true desires.
Might just get round to watching the first one now....
She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
Gangs of New York. Oh God! what was the point this film? What's worse, I really can't stop thinking about it! Great acting from Day-Lewis, but that's a given. Di Caprio was good, as was pretty much everybody else. But i really didn't get the point of it all. A great insight into the lives of the common man in America's 1840's, with the civil war backdrop and an infant nation getting to grips with multi-cultural society and man's quest to evolve and civilize a cess-pool of a city. But it was an hour too long and a story I didn't need to know. 8-)
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
Not Only But Always, a biopic about Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, with Rhys Ifans (never looking tidier and better-groomed) as the former, Aidan McArdle as the latter. I'd heard the Cook-Moore collaboration described as a bad marriage--even this movie makes the comparison--and the film was pretty well like watching one. The focus is all on jealousy, bitterness, and alcoholism; little to nothing is on what made them a meaningful--or even memorable--comedy duo. Rent a video of the originals. . .
Vox clamantis in deserto
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,769Chief of Staff
How was the 3D ? The reviews I read said the film was good but the 3D was poor....
It's a post-conversion so the 3D will never be as good as something that was shot natively in 3D.
I'd give the 3D a 7 out of 10; even though its a post-conversion the film was clearly shot with 3D in mind and the filmmakers managed the placement of foreground and background objects well enough so that there was a nice sense of depth most of the time. At my screening the brightness was very strong as well and I never had trouble making things out. In terms of stuff popping out of the screen, there is very little of that but the few attempts do work well, including a great shot of Cap's shield bouncing off a tank and flying straight at you (that one actually made me flinch in my seat).
Of the 3D movies I've seen this summer (Thor, Priest, Green Lantern, Transformers 3 and Captain America) I'd say Transformers had the best 3D (obvious since it was shot natively) with Captain America coming in a respectable second.
Of course, your mileage may vary since how an individual screen is set up will greatly impact the quality of the 3D.
I'd like to say I took in Cowboys and Aliens, but the Hardygirl would rather stick Tabasco-laced forks in her eyes than see it, so Crazy, Stupid, Love it was. On the whole, funny and likeable, despite being a tad too long and having those obligatory "heartwarming" moments you tend to find in films such as this. Take your gal--or guy--or whatever--you'll likely be happy!
The Lovely Bones.
I really didn't want to watch this film, but it was my wife's turn choosing... God i got a lump in my throat! It's about a 14 yearold girl who is mudered by a sick peodo/phsyco loner in her own street, and her reluctance/inability to move from the in-between life to heaven. Trapped in a world almost of imagination and the present, she observes her family coming to terms with her disappearance, and her killer's lust to kill her own sister next. Great acting from Mark Warlbherg and Racheal Wieze, as well as the girl playing the lead, Saoirse Ronan and fantastic comic acting from Susan Sarandon as the alcholic mother-in-law. In fact, brilliant acting from the entire cast. The killer is just perfectly played. At first glance this would appear a chick-flick, but Warlbherg is fantastic as the angry, broken father and his hunt for her killer is brilliant. The young actress who plays the sister is great, and there's a part so suspensful I was almost bouncing in my chair willing her on!
I'm a dad to a four-year-old girl, so my emotions were all over the place throughout, but it was a brilliant ride - and I've been spoiling my girl ever since!
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
Comments
A Roman Polanski film - starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Kattral.... Ewan McGregor is hired by Pierce Brosnan’s (Who is the ex-British Prime Minister) team, to finish his memoirs...the last chap having died... in rather suspicious circumstances. We soon discover that the ex-prime minister is connected to illegal torture of Iraqi prisoners, and is being threatened to stand trial for War Crimes.... and when Ewan's character delves a little deeper, he soon discovers the PM's connections to the CIA.
Although slow moving, the performances were excellent - and the dark, rainy background added to the uncomfortable situation that Ewan found himself in. Basically, right in the middle.... with no real safe place to turn.
4 out of 5 stars
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Jimmy dean ....
Classic.....
Nuffield said..
Roger Moore 1927-2017
I found that a good watch as well. I thought the island location was eerie to say the least and the plot was pretty well worked. Without giving much away, I thought the wife's connection and identity all along was awsome - didn't see that coming, and nor the way McGreggor's and Brosnan's charactors end up. Loved the Tony Blair vein the primeminister has running through with call for war crimes etc.
http://apbateman.com
Roger Moore 1927-2017
http://apbateman.com
It's clear to me that JK Rowling has plagerised much of the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, but she has also layered in a fantastic story of her own. The films are so well shot and the sets and effects are amazing. (I even found myself seeing a young Bond and M relationship between Potter and Dumbledoor, but that's probably just me). I started off sceptical, but cannot wait until the final film.
It's sort of weird though, because the films seem to have created a journey for a certain audience who have grown with them. Put it this way, in a few years my daughter (now four) will probably watch the Philosiphor's Stone one rainy afternoon on tv, and she'll want to see the next one - but I'm going to have to tell her that she can't see all of them until she's about thirteen, because there is no way that the last couple of films should be seen by kids of 10, 11 or 12.
http://apbateman.com
Thx TSA...I'm in same mode as you were, seen a couple, not hooked, but in awe of their power over youngsters and in admiration of the JK -R journey ( coffee shops and all)
I might just follow your lead if only to win brandy points or in exchange for a bond fest!
Cheers
http://www.schnittberichte.com/schnittbericht.php?ID=856016
-{
Nico
https://www.instagram.com/wearitlikebond/
It's kinda like Transformers 3 - lots of shots of outer space, though fewer flying robots.
It's about a couple with three sons, it weaves in between present day with Sean Penn and flashback with him as a son and with Brad Pitt as his dad with a buzz cut and really small ears.
There are shots of what seems to be God in outer space, a sort of whirly circular light which did seem to me to resemble pussy, but maybe that's just the way I think.
The main problem with the film for me is that we know one of the kids dies aged 19, so we are looking at kids being born and it's a bit Charlie Bit My Finger but with an tragic ending. A lot of the time Mallick is just trying to be a horror director, giving you a creeping sense of unease about what might happen next. It's none too enjoyable but all very mystical to watch. It has a Christian evangalist message, slightly went over my head at times.
Another prob, more minor, is that you do get the sense Malick makes it up in the edit so you have a big actress like Fiona Shaw as a consoling mum with only a few lines, you think, hmmm, bet there's fair bit on the cutting room floor.
Final problem is no big f*** off machine marching thru the scenery of course. (Inevitably there is a Tree of Life vs Transformers thread on its website).
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Some 40 Year Old Virgin rip off with Steve Carroll again. Often some obligatory girl pulls her top off to get people in to cinemas...
And Batman 3 or whatever it is. Only a teaser in the old style however. Just a glimpse of things. No Catwoman, the back of Bane for a nanosecond, Gary Oldman narrating the dilemma from his sick bed.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
As you lie aslumber, what is this creeping up the stairs but Mr Tickle's arm, ready to do some mischief with your lady wife while she stirs beside you...
He knows when she is sleeping
He knows when you're awake...
Roger Moore 1927-2017
You have two now, Nap
I feel the Freak Show will be on to you soon to watch you pull that all-nighter
Been hearing about this for years. As the beginning credits rolled, show-casing the iconic private effects of the famous detective, I thought I was in for a real treat. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
I was expecting a traditional mystery thriller, not a dry comedy with an over exuberant Jack Lemmon type Watson and a Holmes wearing more makeup then my Aunt. Didn't care for the humour in this film at all. Apart from Christopher Lee's Mycroft who was great as always.
In fact, after the little people showed up I turned it off. Sorry, maybe next time.
Robert Stephens reminded me of Kenneth Williams. Speaking of, why wasn't there a Carry On, Holmes ever made?
Rex Harrison was in the frame to be Holmes originally, apparently. That might have helped.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
I took Oliver to see this - with a friend of his.... haven't watched the first one (although it's kicking around somewhere...) but I have to say, this was a really good movie, with a great lesson - probably goes over most kids heads, but it created a great discussion with the 2 six year olds.... inner peace and how you need it to reach your true desires.
Might just get round to watching the first one now....
http://apbateman.com
WOW
Not bad , and I love the Stan lee cameos - very micheal wilson - but overall a bit too predictable...
7/10
How was the 3D ? The reviews I read said the film was good but the 3D was poor....
As an aside...some of this was filmed just up the road from me in Manchester...they would even let you watch the filming if you behaved yourself !
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Yeah...but it made it easier for the crew to get guns
It's a post-conversion so the 3D will never be as good as something that was shot natively in 3D.
I'd give the 3D a 7 out of 10; even though its a post-conversion the film was clearly shot with 3D in mind and the filmmakers managed the placement of foreground and background objects well enough so that there was a nice sense of depth most of the time. At my screening the brightness was very strong as well and I never had trouble making things out. In terms of stuff popping out of the screen, there is very little of that but the few attempts do work well, including a great shot of Cap's shield bouncing off a tank and flying straight at you (that one actually made me flinch in my seat).
Of the 3D movies I've seen this summer (Thor, Priest, Green Lantern, Transformers 3 and Captain America) I'd say Transformers had the best 3D (obvious since it was shot natively) with Captain America coming in a respectable second.
Of course, your mileage may vary since how an individual screen is set up will greatly impact the quality of the 3D.
I really didn't want to watch this film, but it was my wife's turn choosing... God i got a lump in my throat! It's about a 14 yearold girl who is mudered by a sick peodo/phsyco loner in her own street, and her reluctance/inability to move from the in-between life to heaven. Trapped in a world almost of imagination and the present, she observes her family coming to terms with her disappearance, and her killer's lust to kill her own sister next. Great acting from Mark Warlbherg and Racheal Wieze, as well as the girl playing the lead, Saoirse Ronan and fantastic comic acting from Susan Sarandon as the alcholic mother-in-law. In fact, brilliant acting from the entire cast. The killer is just perfectly played. At first glance this would appear a chick-flick, but Warlbherg is fantastic as the angry, broken father and his hunt for her killer is brilliant. The young actress who plays the sister is great, and there's a part so suspensful I was almost bouncing in my chair willing her on!
I'm a dad to a four-year-old girl, so my emotions were all over the place throughout, but it was a brilliant ride - and I've been spoiling my girl ever since!
http://apbateman.com